Compared to the United States system of education, the Yemeni system is well up to par, in fact, surpassing that of the US. With a strict European-style system, the Yemeni education offers its students a rigorous study which enables many to come to American universities like MIT, RPI, Brown, etc.
Yemen wasn’t always a country that offered such an education. In fact, until 1960, the county’s infrastructure was incapable of allowing easy transportation, as Yemeni roads were few, and the ones that were, were unpaved. Through the 1970s and 80s, however, Yemen saw a rapid growth in secular development, and a ministry of education was developed. Although this was a definite advancement for Yemen, there were flaws in the implementation of the system, and the accessibility of it to its citizens was limited.
With the unification of the Republic of Yemen, however, education became a heavy importance. Both primary education and secondary grew, especially with the addition of standard texts and curricula. High school students, instead of taking a wide, broad array of subjects would take courses centered around their specific area of interest.
So the question now arises; which system is better? While we observe the United States curriculum, we notice that it doesn’t often change. Often what is required from students is minimal. Many can get by, simply by applying the least amount of effort necessary. However, the lives of the average American teen are much more rounded than that of the studious Yemeni. Is this wrong? Is this right? Should the tight control on Yemeni education be relaxed to allow students to participate in extra-curricular activities like soccer or drama? Or should the American system strengthen its clasp on education and focus on the importance of a strong, intellectual background?
Both systems seem to have their advantages and disadvantages. While Yemeni education equips its students with the knowledge needed to get into top-notch universities throughout the world, how many of those students return to Yemen to aid the government and sciences? In America, many students excel in their high-school careers at various sports like basketball and baseball, and are convinced that their futures hold for them positions in the major associations. The probability of this is small, and those students are forced into low-wage careers.
Perhaps neither of these systems are ideal; maybe, a healthy combination of both the American and the Yemeni systems of education are the paragon.
Yemen - Educational System—overview
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
ver interesting reflection, I like that you took an atypical route.
ReplyDelete*HOWEVER*
are you saying in
"...The probability of this is small, and those students are forced into low-wage careers."
that just because they wont be the next MJ or Big Papi they will be serving french fries or cleaning schools?
I hope that our education system will not promote students soley focused on Home runs, who if they are infact that skilled will likely recieve athleteic scholarships for top schools.
Let me clarify, I meant to say, that your average high school jock, WON'T get into a major sports assocation team, like Major Leage Baseball. After spending 4 years in a public high school, primarily focused on his pitching speed, this young chap will now have to compromise and achieve a lesser education than he would've gotten had he been studying all along. Plus, he will be starting out later than other students, putting him at an automatic disadvantage. The odds are apparent.
ReplyDeleteyou say he(or she) is at a disadvantage while they has all of the same access to teachers and resources as the chess club member. If that student athlete chooses to spend their homework time with a ball in hand , it is exactly that their choice. Many excellent athletes also excel academically. I see no disadvantage.
ReplyDeleteIt is their choice, you're right. If, however, more emphasis was put on the importance of an education, or an education that interested them was offered, he or she may not be stuck with a low end job.
ReplyDeleteWhat if less emphasis was placed on academics and more on vocational programs? This would ensure that those who don't want to focus on academics and have no interest in academia not only have education geared towards realistic future goals but also those who are looking for academic rigors will not be held back by attempts to get everyone performing at the same level.
ReplyDeletePast a certain level education is meaningless. I could have been educated as an engineer, but that would have specialized me in an unuseful way for my goals in life. What education is necessary is the education that teaches students how to be citizens. Information on how to participate in communities and society and how to see and react to the world. Unfortuantely, these are teh classes that are minimilized if even offered at all.
To maegan: Just because you have a choice, it doesn't mean that the outcome of your choice doesn't leave you disadvantaged. Even if you choose what appears to be most rationally in your own best interest.
I don't typically comment on my students' blogs but THANK YOU for mentioning career and technical education, Mr/Ms Anonymous. You have made my day! - Tammie, Questar III
ReplyDeleteP.S. Georgie - love the use of the word "chap"