South Korea is an example of rapid economic growth and excellent results in education. In 1960, Korea had one of the lowest Gross Economic Products in the world, and until the early 1980s, its standings ranked very similarly to those of Latin American countries. However, following a sustained annual growth of 6 percent, South Korea today is not only one of the world’s most … [Lee más...] about Learning from South Korea
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Pills for curing school dropout?: Part II
As I wrote in my previous post, the pill to prevent the “pain of others,” i.e. dropping out of school, is volunteerism provided through youth social services, and especially by the relatively privileged young people whose education and future are guaranteed. This idea is not new, and the region already offers many very interesting examples. Among them are “Mentores Solidarios” … [Lee más...] about Pills for curing school dropout?: Part II
Study music to improve test scores
High stakes tests have had a tremendous impact in curriculum and pedagogy. Often, when greater emphasis is placed on national exams, which are used as a gauge of school quality, teachers are tempted to teach to the test. Also, schools tend to decrease time dedicated to courses such as art, music and foreign languages, which are not included in these tests. More time is … [Lee más...] about Study music to improve test scores
Strong Bodies, Stronger Minds
I read something recently that I found amazing. There is something that schools can do to increase education results by 20% and raise future employment by 40%. In addition, it boosts important social and emotional skills, as well as health prospects. No, it isn’t more computers, or high stakes testing, or even universal high quality early childhood development (a crusade of … [Lee más...] about Strong Bodies, Stronger Minds
Children who learn on their own
In 2006, a university professor in India named Professor Sugata Mitra decided to try an experiment. On a wall of his office, which overlooked a slum, he installed a computer that was connected to the Internet. He left it there so that children could use it as they wished. In subsequent years he repeated this experiment in some 20 communities in the country, and after refining … [Lee más...] about Children who learn on their own