Limitations caused by syllabi and educational systems defeat original purpose

[brightsky]

I've been thinking, as a lead on to the great "James Lu" debate, the "rules" implemented in educational systems and confined syllabi often defeat the real purpose of learning. This concerns educational systems in general, not just the VCE. For instance, time restrictions for certain projects, word limits on essays and a rigid structural school curriculum, at times, mean that students cannot go beyond what they are "expected" to do. We have no freedom to search extensively, but rather, do the work for the sake of handing it in to the teacher and not face the consequences of incompetion or "no submissions" (what's more, there is no actual time to search for such things during the school period, giving the busyness of the current schedule school's instill and coerce us into living by.

Of course, all thing's have two sides. What are your thoughts?

[*ryan777*]

i agree, the current system restricts extra knowledge and effort when it should be rewarded
ie, if a student can write an essay beyond the VCAA word limit (while still maintaining quility) then why penalise them?
i also think that the content learnt at the VCE level should be broader and less specific, ie its too easy to concentrate on only 1 type of subject, this sort of specialisation should be left untill university

[appianway]

You need some structure. You need to make sure that students know what to learn and that there's consistency between different parties.

But I definitely think the system's too formulaic. In the maths and sciences, there should be questions that everyone can answer, but also a few that only the very, very top have a chance at.

[TrueTears]

i also think that the content learnt at the VCE level should be broader and less specific, ie its too easy to concentrate on only 1 type of subject, this sort of specialisation should be left untill university

I actually think the converse, VCE is too broad and not specific enough. But it really depends on what subject, for Maths, VCE is way too broad, it does not focus on the fundamentals at all.

[*ryan777*]

You need some structure. You need to make sure that students know what to learn and that there's consistency between different parties.

But I definitely think the system's too formulaic. In the maths and sciences, there should be questions that everyone can answer, but also a few that only the very, very top have a chance at.

yes, i agree that the difficulty or questions needs to be looked at, i know there needs to be a healthy spread of results but it doesnt seem right that a large amount of students cant do most questions on an exam (despite a year of dedication)
im also heavily against the use of "key words" in humanties/LOTE subjects, as long as the same mesage is conveyed in a clear manner the same amount of marks should be rewarded

[*ryan777*]

i also think that the content learnt at the VCE level should be broader and less specific, ie its too easy to concentrate on only 1 type of subject, this sort of specialisation should be left untill university

I actually think the converse, VCE is too broad and not specific enough. But it really depends on what subject, for Maths, VCE is way too broad, it does not focus on the fundamentals at all.

ok, now that i think about it, maths in particular is broad enough

[appianway]

You need some structure. You need to make sure that students know what to learn and that there's consistency between different parties.

But I definitely think the system's too formulaic. In the maths and sciences, there should be questions that everyone can answer, but also a few that only the very, very top have a chance at.

yes, i agree that the difficulty or questions needs to be looked at, i know there needs to be a healthy spread of results but it doesnt seem right that a large amount of students cant do most questions on an exam (despite a year of dedication)
im also heavily against the use of "key words" in humanties/LOTE subjects, as long as the same mesage is conveyed in a clear manner the same amount of marks should be rewarded

This.

[IntoTheNewWorld]

The keyword system and structured nature of the responses in LOTEs is a bit dodgy.




although I did abuse it thoroughly heh.