The Good and Bad of Education in the US

Recent international reports (PISA) have reflected the United States’ mediocre rank in education. Currently, United States’ students score about average (among industrialized nations) in Reading and Science and below average in Math. When considering what is often considered a failing or inadequate pubic school system, it is important to consider what – in our opinion – makes education effective. We will return to this question throughout the semester. Here is the list that was generated in class on February 2nd.

Effective Teaching Ineffective Teaching
constant practicing
hands on learning
showing, not telling
rewarding good work
individualized attention
constant feedback
consistent with rules
keep students motivated
acknowledgment of effort/performance
comfortable learning environement
different methods of teaching
explaining expectations
sense of responsibility among students
understanding diversity of students (SES, learning style)
open door policy for parents
parental involvement
caring about students
lack of communication
instilling fear
straying from topics
lack of interest
being unprepared
sarcasm
too much emphasis on final exam
poor class management
students not knowing basics
predetermined expectations
lack of professionalism
insulting students
not connecting with students
not emphasizing core concepts
isolation of “bad” students
favoritism
lack of accountability (for teachers and students and parents)

About Kim Rybacki

Kim Rybacki received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the CUNY GC in September 2010. She has been an adjunct at Baruch since January 2006, teaching EDU 1101, 3001, and 3002. In addition to teaching at Baruch, Kim is also the assistant project director at the Stanton/Heiskell Research Center where she helps t oversee Project Stretch, an educational initiative that assists middle and high school teachers with the integration of technology into project-based pedagogy.
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