I have frequently addressed topics under the heading of Flat World on my other blog. The phrase comes, I assume, from the writing of Thomas Friedman, and within the analysis there is a concern that the U.S. educational system and the effort level of students needs to improve to maintain a competitive advantage in contrast to emerging economic powers. Friedman\’s analysis is more nuanced and involves many interrelated issues, but one of the messages that seems to be seized upon by so many is the challenge to our educational system. I would not interpret what Friedman has to say as about blame – in fact many of the economic concerns he raises are a product of the differential speed of success (e.g., engineers in India may work for far less than the engineers in the U.S. – this is a function of where different countries are in general standard of living, but in the short term, it does indicate we may have to become more successful to maintain the economic advantage we presently enjoy).
I value this YouTube video from edwardseducational because it challenges some of the popularized concerns that many (perhaps me) raise to argue for change. As I have suggested in other posts, it is important to consider multiple perspectives and not focus exclusively on those with a similar message. Some of the arguments in this video remind me of a book published in 1995 by prominent educational researchers David Berliner and Bruce Biddle. Their book (The Manufactured Crisis) systematically addressed many claims demeaning the U.S. educational system and offered data refuting each claim. The international inferiority of the U.S. K-12 system was among the claims addressed. It can be difficult to sort out genuine concerns when there are incentives to point fingers or promote causes that can be economically self-serving.
The demands of the 21st century are often couched in dire economic predictions and somehow educational institutions are to save us. What is it that is to be developed – STEM, problem-solving, critical thinking, etc. How about a concern for equity and ethical behavior? The present economic down turn seems more related to greed, fraud, and lack of interpersonal responsibility than to a lack of scientific knowledge or entrepreneurial spirit.
