History In Schools

elreydelostrolls says on May 12, 2007, 09:41:

They seem to study a lot of Colombian history as well as that of South America. They know nothing about the rest of the world.

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juancegomez says on May 12, 2007, 12:16:

Well, in my limited (non-expert) experience... History is taught in most schools. The specific content may vary, but basic, as in very basic, European and U.S. history is usually taught all across the board.

Curiously, I'd say that South American history actually tends to be overlooked, all things considered. Colombian history per se makes up most of that, IMHO.

The thing is, most students really don't care that much and find History to be boring, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the teachers haven't tried to do their job (the mileage may vary though).

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 12, 2007, 15:16:

Cockney Colombian says on May 12, 2007, 16:28:

I really enjoy History, and I sometimes think of going back to university and doing a History degree, but I can understand why so many people find it boring, without the right teacher or stimulus it becomes a dry list of names and dates, rattling off Tudor Monarchs without really actually getting a feeling of what Elizabethen England was really like.

I bought the topic up because I was talking to my nine year old cousin in Colombia and asking her of her studies in the way grown ups to wanted to know what she knew of Simon Bolivar and she said "I think he was the guy who discovered America".

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poco says on May 12, 2007, 20:24:

School is a problem During the first year or so I thought the public schools were pretty good.

Reporting system was computerized, lots of comments about behavior (good and bad) neatly shown on a computer printout with a grade. I even went to the school when they passed out the reports.

Impressive, where I live it is a requirement for the parent to attend with their son/daughter as the teacher passes out the report cards and talks to the parent.

Then I read a post by U.C. Seems his wife had ONLY MET ONE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE that had attended public schools.

This didn't seem correct, maybe his wife was older, maybe things had changed ? Two young people I knew had graduated and it seemed likely many more had done the same thing. BAD THINKING.

U.C. was correct. I asked a public school teacher what percentage of students graduate from Public High School and continue to an University?

While she was pondering, I suggested 10% ???

She said No,, it is not that high. 5% no,, Then she said: "this is a problem in Colombia",, She wasn't sure it was as much as 3%.

A big problem with subjects like Geography and History is that almost NO ONE has a book for ANY public school subject. Math,, OK,, not much problem copying the lessons from the black board.

One bright side is there are quite a few trade schools. Learning a trade might be preferable to a degreed career for many young people but,, there aren't many jobs and what is available pays low. Too many educated with a University degree or trade skill and not enough jobs.

Being a plumber in Colombia is like,,,,, well,, let’s say they have a ways to go.

Colombian Chickens are crowing about the new President of the U.S. who will assure that From each according to their ability to each according to their need.

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