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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town

Kids (and adults) from nursery schools through to unis just went through 2 years of upheavel, as did the teachers and schools and unis. I can't help feeling that we missed a golden opportunity to improve what we teach our kids, how and where, and make it more relevant to their futures than our pasts. So we churn out resilient, capable, adaptable and motivated kids who are equipped to be the best they can be.

If you had a magic wand what would you teach kids now that they aren't getting at schools / homes?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

How long have you got ??

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I should read to the bottom !!

Let’s not forget the education system is one that needs major improvement - I’ll also wager that most children, luckily, get a good deal at home too.

It’s the ones who slip through the cracks - the ones who need nurturing, love and attention … that’s more important than knowing how to multiply to start with

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By *irDomin8Man
over a year ago

Southend-On-Sea

They are taught facts figures and methods. They mostly lack one tool the ability to think. This us because thinking isn't a measurable for school ratings. Which are more important than education.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town

Thanks... Its something I feel passionate about. The fact we have kids who have so little resilience. Emotional and mental health and well being, health and diet and exercise, first aid, managing interactions with technology and social media, how to make better decisions, how to try new stuff without fear of failure, working from home, how to be motivated and self teach....

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town

We are building a mental health catastrophe and if we keep doing things the same way we will keep having the same outcomes. So perhaps we need to do something different? Educate kids how to identify, avoid and manage as and when situations arise.

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By *ryandseeMan
over a year ago

Yorkshire

[Removed by poster at 04/08/22 08:41:13]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

This is something I feel strongly passionate about and believe we need to strip the academics back, children's brains are not developed enough for academic focused learning

Teach them skills they will need in preparation for formal learning;

Physical skills, muscle strength in the fingers and wrists, mark making

Open ended resources, forest schools. If they can learn it away from a desk, ditch the desk.

Confidence, resilience and to spark a passion for learning

Play is undervalued, children need play, it's innate, driven biologically, let's harness it not hinder it, facilitate and support it

I would like to see a curriculum for under 7's based around Maslows hierarchy....Those are the skills and goals we should be working towards.

And bridge the transition between early years and School. In the early years we do all of the above, using different approaches to draw out the best of the individual child, we recognise that learning is an individual process and we centre practice around that by using a mix, Reggio and Curiosity approach is a big thing with my teaching style and I look to the theories of Vygotsky because his work is just as relevant now as it ever was. More knowledge of theorists and their approaches being interwoven into practice and incorporate that into Maslow's hierarchy to bring a sustainable and flexible curriculum centred around the unique/Individual child.

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By *ryandseeMan
over a year ago

Yorkshire

Unfortunately teachers and schools have been left with very little time to do much schooling these days. They are expected to deal with all the other issues that should be dealt elsewhere including home. I am sure this thread will yet again attract people who will start going on about teachers and schools failing kids and long holidays etc. but really some should look a little closer at home, society in general and the lack of support from other services. I would never want to be a teacher these days and have a huge admiration for all those who take that task who work in quite frankly in a very demanding and hugely challenging job.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town


"Unfortunately teachers and schools have been left with very little time to do much schooling these days. They are expected to deal with all the other issues that should be dealt elsewhere including home. I am sure this thread will yet again attract people who will start going on about teachers and schools failing kids and long holidays eyc. but really some should look a little closer at home, society in general and the lack of sort from other services. I would never want to be a teacher these days and have a huge admiration for all those who take that task who work in quite frankly in a very demanding and hugely challenging job. "

Yes and as valid as that is, it's not the purpose of this thread which was if we had a magic wand, what would we teach now that is missing from the curriculum that has been largely the same for about 40 years.

I think we miss the bits which start the entire process...

Creating a passion for learning and then showing how to learn to learn.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"We are building a mental health catastrophe and if we keep doing things the same way we will keep having the same outcomes. So perhaps we need to do something different? Educate kids how to identify, avoid and manage as and when situations arise. "

We are already there. Lockdown has affected these children massively and I have so many children in my care with separation anxiety and speech delay, i've stripped it back to basics, keyperson and nurturing relationships with a triangulated approach to care is crucial, parents have been affected too so half the time I am having to unravel their anxieties, and you have too because it has a trickle effect....I have found that by supporting the parents you are 50% there in 'breaking' the child. Teachers in mainstream don't have the time, hell neither do I really but I have too for everyone's sake.

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By *ryandseeMan
over a year ago

Yorkshire

You are definitely right about the passion to learn which should nurtured from a very early stage and could also be further developed in schools. My point was that unfortunately a lot of talent that great teachers have is not always utilised that way as the constantly pulled away to deal with issues that should be dealt elsewhere leaving them little time to do what they are good at and will benefit kids most. I do though as I said agree that nurturing learning early is important as is widening the so called curriculum as can sometimes be very limiting for lots of kids.

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By *idnight RamblerMan
over a year ago

Pershore

It goes deeper than what is taught in the classroom. You cannot teach kids who don't want to be educated, nor even in school for that matter. It's understanding the importance and value of education that's crucial.

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By *eeliciouschaosWoman
over a year ago

Wherever

Brilliant post, thank you OP. As a former teacher but also a mother, I feel very passionate about this topic. Some great responses on here, too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It goes deeper than what is taught in the classroom. You cannot teach kids who don't want to be educated, nor even in school for that matter. It's understanding the importance and value of education that's crucial. "

Then we need to ask why they don't want to be taught. Our education model is a one size fits all....boring and offers no value really to anyone, teacher or child

The government just wants to educate children with a view to them growing up, getting good jobs to pay tax and pay back into the system.

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By *ryandseeMan
over a year ago

Yorkshire


"It goes deeper than what is taught in the classroom. You cannot teach kids who don't want to be educated, nor even in school for that matter. It's understanding the importance and value of education that's crucial. "

You are absolutely right but so many socio-economic factors affect the home life that many kids don't get that sadly right from the start when they should.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town


"It goes deeper than what is taught in the classroom. You cannot teach kids who don't want to be educated, nor even in school for that matter. It's understanding the importance and value of education that's crucial.

Then we need to ask why they don't want to be taught. Our education model is a one size fits all....boring and offers no value really to anyone, teacher or child

The government just wants to educate children with a view to them growing up, getting good jobs to pay tax and pay back into the system. "

100% which is why we have to start from creating a passion to learn. And a passion to educate. And educate doesn't mean gcses it means equip for a life of health and enjoyment and success and yes having jobs which pay taxes which make the money go round. One size fits all clearly is failing many folks who grow up not valuing nor having the ability or desire to learn and develop and grow

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By *idnight RamblerMan
over a year ago

Pershore


"It goes deeper than what is taught in the classroom. You cannot teach kids who don't want to be educated, nor even in school for that matter. It's understanding the importance and value of education that's crucial.

Then we need to ask why they don't want to be taught. Our education model is a one size fits all....boring and offers no value really to anyone, teacher or child

The government just wants to educate children with a view to them growing up, getting good jobs to pay tax and pay back into the system. "

Any teacher will tell you this has all been tried through 'learning must be fun' campaigns. It failed because schools were turning out kids who were illiterate and innumerate.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It goes deeper than what is taught in the classroom. You cannot teach kids who don't want to be educated, nor even in school for that matter. It's understanding the importance and value of education that's crucial.

Then we need to ask why they don't want to be taught. Our education model is a one size fits all....boring and offers no value really to anyone, teacher or child

The government just wants to educate children with a view to them growing up, getting good jobs to pay tax and pay back into the system.

Any teacher will tell you this has all been tried through 'learning must be fun' campaigns. It failed because schools were turning out kids who were illiterate and innumerate. "

Under the current model. That is why I say the whole system needs overhauling

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By *iscreetfuncpl12Couple
over a year ago

Somerset


"This is something I feel strongly passionate about and believe we need to strip the academics back, children's brains are not developed enough for academic focused learning

Teach them skills they will need in preparation for formal learning;

Physical skills, muscle strength in the fingers and wrists, mark making

Open ended resources, forest schools. If they can learn it away from a desk, ditch the desk.

Confidence, resilience and to spark a passion for learning

Play is undervalued, children need play, it's innate, driven biologically, let's harness it not hinder it, facilitate and support it

I would like to see a curriculum for under 7's based around Maslows hierarchy....Those are the skills and goals we should be working towards.

And bridge the transition between early years and School. In the early years we do all of the above, using different approaches to draw out the best of the individual child, we recognise that learning is an individual process and we centre practice around that by using a mix, Reggio and Curiosity approach is a big thing with my teaching style and I look to the theories of Vygotsky because his work is just as relevant now as it ever was. More knowledge of theorists and their approaches being interwoven into practice and incorporate that into Maslow's hierarchy to bring a sustainable and flexible curriculum centred around the unique/Individual child.

"

Whilst I agree mostly with what you say, I would have education driven by much less reliance on academic research, particularly Vygotsky. What most do is get famous for stating the obvious and attaching a nice diagram to their musing. If you asked even the stupidest person on the street if we should pitch learning challenge too high, too low or just at the right level they would come to the same conclusion as our Russian friend but without a zone of proximal development. I love Reggio, though it is private education. If UK schools could copy one thing from them it should be to have bare walls in restful colours. Not the identikit explosion of primary colours, words, symbols and working walls deemed critical to children’s education we have.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"This is something I feel strongly passionate about and believe we need to strip the academics back, children's brains are not developed enough for academic focused learning

Teach them skills they will need in preparation for formal learning;

Physical skills, muscle strength in the fingers and wrists, mark making

Open ended resources, forest schools. If they can learn it away from a desk, ditch the desk.

Confidence, resilience and to spark a passion for learning

Play is undervalued, children need play, it's innate, driven biologically, let's harness it not hinder it, facilitate and support it

I would like to see a curriculum for under 7's based around Maslows hierarchy....Those are the skills and goals we should be working towards.

And bridge the transition between early years and School. In the early years we do all of the above, using different approaches to draw out the best of the individual child, we recognise that learning is an individual process and we centre practice around that by using a mix, Reggio and Curiosity approach is a big thing with my teaching style and I look to the theories of Vygotsky because his work is just as relevant now as it ever was. More knowledge of theorists and their approaches being interwoven into practice and incorporate that into Maslow's hierarchy to bring a sustainable and flexible curriculum centred around the unique/Individual child.

Whilst I agree mostly with what you say, I would have education driven by much less reliance on academic research, particularly Vygotsky. What most do is get famous for stating the obvious and attaching a nice diagram to their musing. If you asked even the stupidest person on the street if we should pitch learning challenge too high, too low or just at the right level they would come to the same conclusion as our Russian friend but without a zone of proximal development. I love Reggio, though it is private education. If UK schools could copy one thing from them it should be to have bare walls in restful colours. Not the identikit explosion of primary colours, words, symbols and working walls deemed critical to children’s education we have."

Interesting, I don't agree and anyone can incorporate Reggio into their practice, it's not inclusive to private education.

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By *2000ManMan
over a year ago

Worthing

How to run a home such as food shop, finances, keeping it tidy, cleaning methods, washing, basic car maintenance, gardening etc.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Social and financial skills.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town


"How to run a home such as food shop, finances, keeping it tidy, cleaning methods, washing, basic car maintenance, gardening etc."

Didnt we used have something called home economics which covered some of that in the bad old days?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Definitely more emphasis on health. Physical activities. Understanding their bodies. Nutrition.

The messages about what we consider to be healthy have been a mess for a long time and the evidence is all about us. We need to shift to a more preventative approach to healthcare and schools are a sensible place to begin.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’m dreading this, I have a daughter about to start school and I fear for her future as she goes through the ‘system’.

I have every respect for the people that work in it, and the efforts they put in. BUT, I have no trust or faith in the education system. I feel it reduces kids and learning to a bunch of tick boxes on inspectorates forms. Creating a conveyor belt of drones coming off an assembly line.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town

Thanks everyone I find the response interesting so far. Clearly some much better informed about what we currently do. But... I return to, the missed opportunity, while education was to all intents and purposes paused for a long time, the missed opportunity to provide better and more appropriate education. How we provide it, what we provide, and when. It feels like we continue to tinker with the memory tests which are the gcses but missing what a fair chunk of our kids and adults need for happiness and success in their future lives.

As an example, my gf son. Not academically gifted and after years of teachers shouting and pushing him, (he learns differently) he just got frustrated at his "failure". He now has little interest in academia, the system beat it out of him. Give him an axe and point him at some trees and he will have a shelter, pagoda, hammock and bbq built in a day. My point is different kids have different needs and different successes. All are valid.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Teach them how to...

Write a CV and how to fill in an application form

Apply for loan or mortgage

Simple budgeting skills

Simple banking skills

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West

I don't know what all the answers are, but I can tell you that a British education is still valued highly in many parts of the world. We educate and support international students specifically and they are here because it's considered prestigious. The vast majority work damned hard and don't waste time. Many students come from countries where acquiring a good education is really hard and/or expensive and so the students really value what they are learning and doing.

It's very interesting and rewarding to see.

I saw news of a young man I'd taught back in 2017/18 who has graduated. He was from a refugee family but he's worked his socks off and he's going straight into a good job (the sort in the NHS where we have shortages). I'm dead proud of him and many others

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land

As someone who works in the sector. My biggest thing would be to teach the joy of learning and the ability to solve problems.

My experience is that kids leave with their A levels and are I'll equipped for university life and style of learning. They expect to be spoonfed every answer, instead of independent research of their own. I deal with students who are stressed with the leap from being taught how to get good grades not how to actually think. And in all honesty universities have become a business, and we're becoming more and more school like with each passing year. It's all about grades and bums on seats.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"My point is different kids have different needs and different successes. All are valid. "

Doubt you'll find a teacher that disagrees.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town


"Definitely more emphasis on health. Physical activities. Understanding their bodies. Nutrition.

The messages about what we consider to be healthy have been a mess for a long time and the evidence is all about us. We need to shift to a more preventative approach to healthcare and schools are a sensible place to begin.

"

Absolutely. We are generally a lazy, unhealthy, sedentary nation. A bit of knowledge of the food chain would be good too.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

Critical thinking, creativity, and civics.

There's no reason why these can't be woven into other lessons.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"As someone who works in the sector. My biggest thing would be to teach the joy of learning and the ability to solve problems.

My experience is that kids leave with their A levels and are I'll equipped for university life and style of learning. They expect to be spoonfed every answer, instead of independent research of their own. I deal with students who are stressed with the leap from being taught how to get good grades not how to actually think. And in all honesty universities have become a business, and we're becoming more and more school like with each passing year. It's all about grades and bums on seats.

"

Preach, sister!

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land


"I don't know what all the answers are, but I can tell you that a British education is still valued highly in many parts of the world. We educate and support international students specifically and they are here because it's considered prestigious. The vast majority work damned hard and don't waste time. Many students come from countries where acquiring a good education is really hard and/or expensive and so the students really value what they are learning and doing.

It's very interesting and rewarding to see.

I saw news of a young man I'd taught back in 2017/18 who has graduated. He was from a refugee family but he's worked his socks off and he's going straight into a good job (the sort in the NHS where we have shortages). I'm dead proud of him and many others "

I'm not saying that these students aren't excellent or that they don't prize our education system. But many universities actively seek international students due to the higher fees they pay. They pay over £15k Vs £9 per year, hence the increase in campuses and partnerships internationally in the last decade or so.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I don't know what all the answers are, but I can tell you that a British education is still valued highly in many parts of the world. We educate and support international students specifically and they are here because it's considered prestigious. The vast majority work damned hard and don't waste time. Many students come from countries where acquiring a good education is really hard and/or expensive and so the students really value what they are learning and doing.

It's very interesting and rewarding to see.

I saw news of a young man I'd taught back in 2017/18 who has graduated. He was from a refugee family but he's worked his socks off and he's going straight into a good job (the sort in the NHS where we have shortages). I'm dead proud of him and many others

I'm not saying that these students aren't excellent or that they don't prize our education system. But many universities actively seek international students due to the higher fees they pay. They pay over £15k Vs £9 per year, hence the increase in campuses and partnerships internationally in the last decade or so. "

I know. I'm complicit in it

It's a lot more than £15k too. Ours have to get pretty high grades to progress to where they want to go (A*A*A is typical).

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
over a year ago

Tin town


"I don't know what all the answers are, but I can tell you that a British education is still valued highly in many parts of the world. We educate and support international students specifically and they are here because it's considered prestigious. The vast majority work damned hard and don't waste time. Many students come from countries where acquiring a good education is really hard and/or expensive and so the students really value what they are learning and doing.

It's very interesting and rewarding to see.

I saw news of a young man I'd taught back in 2017/18 who has graduated. He was from a refugee family but he's worked his socks off and he's going straight into a good job (the sort in the NHS where we have shortages). I'm dead proud of him and many others

I'm not saying that these students aren't excellent or that they don't prize our education system. But many universities actively seek international students due to the higher fees they pay. They pay over £15k Vs £9 per year, hence the increase in campuses and partnerships internationally in the last decade or so. "

Have to say I'm perplexed by what some of our unis are actually doing for their exorbitant fees. Between covid close downs and lecturers industrial actions and lack of pastoral care and assistance many students have just been colossally and unfairly ripped off. It's shameful. I wonder how our offering compare with other countries in Europe and the US?

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I don't know what all the answers are, but I can tell you that a British education is still valued highly in many parts of the world. We educate and support international students specifically and they are here because it's considered prestigious. The vast majority work damned hard and don't waste time. Many students come from countries where acquiring a good education is really hard and/or expensive and so the students really value what they are learning and doing.

It's very interesting and rewarding to see.

I saw news of a young man I'd taught back in 2017/18 who has graduated. He was from a refugee family but he's worked his socks off and he's going straight into a good job (the sort in the NHS where we have shortages). I'm dead proud of him and many others

I'm not saying that these students aren't excellent or that they don't prize our education system. But many universities actively seek international students due to the higher fees they pay. They pay over £15k Vs £9 per year, hence the increase in campuses and partnerships internationally in the last decade or so.

Have to say I'm perplexed by what some of our unis are actually doing for their exorbitant fees. Between covid close downs and lecturers industrial actions and lack of pastoral care and assistance many students have just been colossally and unfairly ripped off. It's shameful. I wonder how our offering compare with other countries in Europe and the US? "

International students come to the UK in preference to the USA and Australia. There is MAJOR competition between the countries.

It's unfair to suggest that the COVID pandemic "close downs" should have reduced fees. University physical buildings had to close, by law. Lecturers had to completely reinvent the wheel, especially practical STEM subjects. It was very costly and time consuming to try and flip delivery to online only, available in every country in the world.

I have to say the organisation I work for did an excellent job and student feedback is testament to that.

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By *partharmonyCouple
over a year ago

Ruislip

Personal finance management

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Assessment of information sources and their biases

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land


"I don't know what all the answers are, but I can tell you that a British education is still valued highly in many parts of the world. We educate and support international students specifically and they are here because it's considered prestigious. The vast majority work damned hard and don't waste time. Many students come from countries where acquiring a good education is really hard and/or expensive and so the students really value what they are learning and doing.

It's very interesting and rewarding to see.

I saw news of a young man I'd taught back in 2017/18 who has graduated. He was from a refugee family but he's worked his socks off and he's going straight into a good job (the sort in the NHS where we have shortages). I'm dead proud of him and many others

I'm not saying that these students aren't excellent or that they don't prize our education system. But many universities actively seek international students due to the higher fees they pay. They pay over £15k Vs £9 per year, hence the increase in campuses and partnerships internationally in the last decade or so.

Have to say I'm perplexed by what some of our unis are actually doing for their exorbitant fees. Between covid close downs and lecturers industrial actions and lack of pastoral care and assistance many students have just been colossally and unfairly ripped off. It's shameful. I wonder how our offering compare with other countries in Europe and the US? "

I've been working face to face with students for the last two years despite Covid. What many don't realise is that many lecturers are not teacher's. We have to have our own research portfolio, apply for research funding and the like, we also have post-grad students we deal with also. We then have to deal with admin and budgets etc. We have to teach, and do lecture preparation, marking etc etc. On top of that we have personal tutees, who come to us when they need help. Though it is up to them to contact us not the other way around. I spent most of yesterday afternoon dealing with a student on an issue I'm ill equipped to deal with but I did my best and sent her on to the relevant places. Universities have student services which all students are informed about they generally don't seek help. Because in general, they've not been taught by parents how to look after themselves and expect others to tell them what they should do.

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By *ryandseeMan
over a year ago

Yorkshire


"I don't know what all the answers are, but I can tell you that a British education is still valued highly in many parts of the world. We educate and support international students specifically and they are here because it's considered prestigious. The vast majority work damned hard and don't waste time. Many students come from countries where acquiring a good education is really hard and/or expensive and so the students really value what they are learning and doing.

It's very interesting and rewarding to see.

I saw news of a young man I'd taught back in 2017/18 who has graduated. He was from a refugee family but he's worked his socks off and he's going straight into a good job (the sort in the NHS where we have shortages). I'm dead proud of him and many others

I'm not saying that these students aren't excellent or that they don't prize our education system. But many universities actively seek international students due to the higher fees they pay. They pay over £15k Vs £9 per year, hence the increase in campuses and partnerships internationally in the last decade or so.

Have to say I'm perplexed by what some of our unis are actually doing for their exorbitant fees. Between covid close downs and lecturers industrial actions and lack of pastoral care and assistance many students have just been colossally and unfairly ripped off. It's shameful. I wonder how our offering compare with other countries in Europe and the US? "

There are quote a lot of countries that don't charge university fees. However it's not always easy to get in or to a place or exact discipline you want. There are also scarcely any grants which means students take quite a while sometimes to complete their degree and often may live with family who supports them. I still think that our fees are high in this country but also appreciate the comments others made about how these institutions had to adapt recently. It's not an easy one to get right and please everyone.

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By *akingMemoriesMan
over a year ago

Toronto

I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today."

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

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By *ryandseeMan
over a year ago

Yorkshire


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc. "

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

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By *akingMemoriesMan
over a year ago

Toronto


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc. "

I teach a subject in the so called social ‘sciences’, so the nature and job ‘value’ of the degree is quite different to the natural and life sciences-hence why I made my comment subject specific.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc... "

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject

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By *idnight RamblerMan
over a year ago

Pershore


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today."

That's simply not true and disrespectful to university staff who care passionately about their students. Moreover, a vocational degree is needed to enter the professions of medicine, science, engineering, architecture etc.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

I teach a subject in the so called social ‘sciences’, so the nature and job ‘value’ of the degree is quite different to the natural and life sciences-hence why I made my comment subject specific."

That's fair. If you include psychology in that category, it's an odd one. If anyone wants to go into anything clinical, they need a degree, but not for many other roles.

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject"

I know in my place of work, they have a really good careers advice centre. But the students don't use it, until their final year and then are in a panic about what they're going to do once they graduate.

We're now embedding careers in the first year syllabus and introducing the students to the team and will be taught by them via one of their modules and it will form a small % of the grade for that module. We can lead the horses to water and all that but it'll be up to them to engage with the centre.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject"

I have friends who did Natural Science degrees at Oxbridge and ended up in corporate accounting and finance, HR etc. It's not the specific subject, it's the skills the degree equips the student with.

History is one of the most sought after degrees in the corporate world. Why? Because of the skills in analysis and critical thinking that it embeds.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject

I have friends who did Natural Science degrees at Oxbridge and ended up in corporate accounting and finance, HR etc. It's not the specific subject, it's the skills the degree equips the student with.

History is one of the most sought after degrees in the corporate world. Why? Because of the skills in analysis and critical thinking that it embeds. "

This idea that classical subjects are Mickey Mouse degrees boils my piss.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject

I know in my place of work, they have a really good careers advice centre. But the students don't use it, until their final year and then are in a panic about what they're going to do once they graduate.

We're now embedding careers in the first year syllabus and introducing the students to the team and will be taught by them via one of their modules and it will form a small % of the grade for that module. We can lead the horses to water and all that but it'll be up to them to engage with the centre. "

Exactly, you are right, it's down to them, that's why I say they need a clear plan of their goals and how they are going to get there.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject

I have friends who did Natural Science degrees at Oxbridge and ended up in corporate accounting and finance, HR etc. It's not the specific subject, it's the skills the degree equips the student with.

History is one of the most sought after degrees in the corporate world. Why? Because of the skills in analysis and critical thinking that it embeds. "

I'm not saying it isn't, of course all degrees have value, all I meant was the kids need a clear plan of what they hope to achieve and how they are going to get there

My son has a 1st class degree in maths and game development, he did his research and knew that there is no call for game developers in our little back arse of a village, so found thatHe finished university and got a job in Edinburgh, now working for one of the most prestigious men in the gaming world, recent promotion to a manager of his team....He had a clear plan before he went to University and stuck to it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject

I have friends who did Natural Science degrees at Oxbridge and ended up in corporate accounting and finance, HR etc. It's not the specific subject, it's the skills the degree equips the student with.

History is one of the most sought after degrees in the corporate world. Why? Because of the skills in analysis and critical thinking that it embeds.

This idea that classical subjects are Mickey Mouse degrees boils my piss. "

Nobody has said that though have they?

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject

I have friends who did Natural Science degrees at Oxbridge and ended up in corporate accounting and finance, HR etc. It's not the specific subject, it's the skills the degree equips the student with.

History is one of the most sought after degrees in the corporate world. Why? Because of the skills in analysis and critical thinking that it embeds.

This idea that classical subjects are Mickey Mouse degrees boils my piss.

Nobody has said that though have they?"

Not on here, no. But unfortunately it's a fairly common attitude in society and it's often repeated in the media etc.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

Do mind me asking about the general subject area in which you teach? Obviously nothing too specific or whatever. In my area of academic interest, a degree is fundamental to getting a job usually. Areas like pharmacy etc.

You are right some jobs definitely need the very specific skills and knowledge of a degree. Others merely need the higher order skills that many degrees will develop such as critical thinking, research etc...

And I think that there needs to be a clear plan of what you are going to do with that degree. I know of my son's friends who have degrees in various disciplines from Politics to Marine Biology, yet came back home after studying and now working in industries which are a world away from their chosen subject

I have friends who did Natural Science degrees at Oxbridge and ended up in corporate accounting and finance, HR etc. It's not the specific subject, it's the skills the degree equips the student with.

History is one of the most sought after degrees in the corporate world. Why? Because of the skills in analysis and critical thinking that it embeds.

This idea that classical subjects are Mickey Mouse degrees boils my piss.

Nobody has said that though have they?"

In the wider context of education it happens. My sincere apologies for having a discussion about the broader context.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

And added lesson... British Sign Language

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By *akingMemoriesMan
over a year ago

Toronto


"I’d like to tell my students that the university only cares about getting their money. It doesn’t really care about the quality of their education. I’d also like to tell them that their degree (at least the subject I teach) is just a piece of paper. Unless you go to Oxbridge, it means very little in the job market today.

That's simply not true and disrespectful to university staff who care passionately about their students. Moreover, a vocational degree is needed to enter the professions of medicine, science, engineering, architecture etc. "

Have you not noticed the rampant neoliberalisation of universities? The transformation of students from human beings into cash cow ‘consumers’, to be squeezed for all they’ve got? Did you not see the dreadful way universities exploited students during the covid outbreak-practically locking them in their dorms whilst charging them full fees. Come on man, stop being so naive. Plus, I never said that all degrees were useless in terms of getting jobs. My original comment related to a specific social science degree from an upper tier Russell group university. These degrees saturate the market, and will not strengthen your CV by much at all.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's easy to say things like critical thinking, creativity and problem solving but people have very different ideas of what those things mean.

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By *agerMorganMan
over a year ago

Canvey Island

Kids need to be taught the following;

Managing finances

Tax / Self Assessement

Credit (and the difference between Good & Bad debt)

Loans

APR & AER.

on top of that, I do believe they need to be taught the art of debating, respecting someone’s opinions (outside of extreme opinions) & then engaging critically and openly.

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land


"It's easy to say things like critical thinking, creativity and problem solving but people have very different ideas of what those things mean."

From my experience we all want students to at least try to problem solve even if the answer is wrong. As at least it gives you the starting place to teach them the correct way. Most are so scared to try they just want to memorize facts like a parrot.

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