Class of 76 ‘cleverer’ than kids of today
The intellect of even the brainiest 14-year-olds has deteriorated dramatically over the decades despite an increase in the number of pupils achieving top grades in exams.
Their cognitive abilities are level with those of 12-year-olds in 1976, the study found.
Researchers at King’s College London compared the mental agility of 800 bright 13 and 14-year-olds with similar tests carried out some three decades ago.
The tests – designed to assess grasp of abstract scientific concepts such as volume, density, quantity and weight – found far fewer youngsters hit top scores than in 1976.
In one test, average achievement remained roughly the same as in 1976.
But only just over one in ten pupils were able to demonstrate a “higher level of thinking” compared to one in four in 1976.
#9 bobbo “Yep, tell your kids about outsourcing and choose a career that cannot be outsourced. I know an Anglo office cleaner. He’s well off. Can’t outsource cleaning services, plumbing,”
I had to read this twice. My wife and I were talking about the exact same thing. We even talked about a plumber not being able to be outsourced and thus a good future career choice.
Interesting topic. Too bad you couldn’t start your own topic on DU.
James, Paddy-O laid down. He usually brings a better game. I like that about him.
You’re just boring and predictable. “Someone finally responded to me so I own you. I will accept your worship now.” Mustard, Paddy, pedro, bobbo are all way more fun and interesting.
#22 Come on QB, it’s early and you slipped up. I do it on occasion too. Especially, B.C. (before coffee).
#23 Ha. No way. I’m always perfect.
I owe you a Kona.
Uncle Dave said, in part:
“Combine this with the decline in the numbers of students going into science and engineering, the decline in teaching critical thinking, the general anti-intellectual path we’re on, the rise in voodoo science like creationism and powerful anti-science adherents and the future ain’t bright…”
Frankly, some days all you have to do is read (some of) the comments on this blog to see these trends in action.
Some observations:
When I went to parochial and public school from 1956 to 1967, there was a military and space race going on, and learning math, science, history, and reading were emphasized. We took the Iowa tests every so often, but we were not “taught for the test,” as the results of the test helped teachers with individual students needs. Our teaching was geared toward getting us into community colleges or universities so we could win the Cold War.
Now, similar tests are taken as a standard for school funding, which is not the original intent of such tests.
So kids are now taught so they’ll do well on these tests, but if a subject isn’t covered on the test it isn’t emphasized any more.
Unintended consequence: the kids that pass these tests don’t know anything but the stuff on the tests, and problem solving skills are down the tubes.
“No Child left Behind” is leaving children behind.
well, half the people in the united states (aka conservatives) think that scientists are stupid and politically motivated even though they are professional educators and researchers, and think their leaders like george w. bush and sarah palin are wise and not politically motivated, even though they are professional politicians, so there’s your problem right there.
I am class or 87 and with Uncle Dave.
#27 grog said, “even though they are professional educators”
Oh, like the guys educating kids since ’76.
Gotcha.
paddy, paddy, paddy
love how you side-step the fact that bush can’t speak in complete sentences, and that sarah palin is a moron.
the survey is about high school kids, not college students.
thank you, try again.
#30 grog said, “the survey is about high school kids, not college students.”
Correct. College is where K-12 teachers are trained to be teachers. You really don’t grasp cause and effect well, do you? “LIKE the guys educating kids…”
#31 touche, paddy, touche.
still, you’re avoiding the fact that george bush and sarah palin are dullards, and that the gop seems to worship joe six pack and refer to anyone with an education as “elite”
which is symptomatic of the problem in this nation–being smart is just never going to be considered “cool”
#32 grog, Could be. However, no matter how cool it’s made, the public school system can’t deliver.
Look no further than the Teachers Union at the state level.
Also, get rid of the US Dept of Ed. The nations schools have been going downhill since that Dept. was created.
#22 – Here’s why your point of view doesn’t matter: I’ve yet to lose an argument here, regardless of if I take the argument seriously.
Further, no one’s antics add to the hit count more than mine. It’s been clearly stated that’s what matters around here.
You lose.
Waaaait a minute! James Hill — you are really JCD????? That would explain much.
Well, at least, according to the article a few up the threads, these kids today are getting a great education in why to use lube with your condoms!
Any other questions as to what’s going on here?
I really wish these all powerful teacher’s unions were around when I was teaching high school because the only thing the teacher’s union I was in managed to do was take money out of my paycheck.