Ignore the headline.
"Scientific literacy has little to do with memorising information and a lot to do with a rational approach to problems. There is no compelling reason to believe that knowledge of the structure of the solar system correlates with a true understanding of science. We learn that earth orbits the sun in the same way we learn that Jesus’ mother was a virgin or that we should never wear white before Memorial Day. We accept it because someone we trust told us that it’s true. "
"It’s not possible for everyone—or anyone—to be sufficiently well trained in science to analyse data from multiple fields and come up with sound, independent interpretations.... As a starting point, we could teach our children that the theories and technologies that have been tested the most times, by the largest number of independent observers, over the greatest number of years, are the most likely to be reliable. If someone is going to choose areas of science to reject, evolution and vaccines are terrible choices."
http://qz.com/588126/theres-a-good-reason-americans-are-horrible-at-science/
Another article where the headline has nothing to do with the content of the article.
ReplyDeletePresumably it meant to emphasise the over-use of rote learning specifically in American schools, but forgot.
ReplyDeleteRhys Taylor; perhaps; I was looking forward to a comparison to different educational systems.
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