Standards of Education these days, are shocking.

[Pyramid*]

In the past few days: I've read comments on FB, on the internet etc: not just unbelievable questions: but genuine shock at realising some of the very basics within the country that we live: a few examples:-

The Queen is married? Who to?
Duke of Edinburgh: does that mean he's from Scotland?
Where's the Queen Mum?
Diana had a title before she met Charles?
Princess Ann was married before?

I've read on here and on other forums, teens (and older), not knowing how to cook basic things, simple meals, not knowing how to use a standard non electric tin opener, people asking how to measure curtains (ie; they like the size of the ones that are up but don't know how to measure them!!!!) - I have to say: I am left completely and utterly astounded at some of the lack of everyday knowledge.

I have to wonder what it is schools teach these days.

It appears very little about the country we live in, the history of it, and very little about basic cooking, basic everyday life skills.

Unbelievable. :shocked:

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

i find this insultive

[MTVN]

Since when has "how to measue curtains" ever been on the national curriculum? Those things come with experience

[MeMyselfAndI]

Not everyone is older than 30

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

Not everyone is older than 30

omg

this guy :laugh3:

[CharlieO]

they dont teach english royal history in schools. Probably because it doesn't have much significance anymore.

[MTVN]

:joker:

[Pyramid*]

i find this insultive

Proving my very point.

It's a serious observation - if you are insulted, may I ask why? Does any or all of what I've mentioned as examples, apply to you? I was speaking generally.

It would appear that teaching standards have failed - if people aren't taught the basics - either at school or by their family - they have failed as much as anyone. There is of course that other thing called interest and self learning. I wonder whatever happened to that?

[Pyramid*]

Since when has "how to measue curtains" ever been on the national curriculum? Those things come with experience

How much experience does it take to look at a label, or take the curtains down (better for you without a typo?) and get a tape measure?

[Pyramid*]

they dont teach english royal history in schools. Probably because it doesn't have much significance anymore.

I'm not altogether sure they even teach basic English.

English Royal History? Ah... Mary Queen of Scots - now there's bit of Royal History that isn't English. As for significance: I'd beg to differ - 2 million plus people yesterday would say otherwise!

It's the nation in which we all live - it's called History,

Are you telling me that schools no longer teach History?

[Scarlett.]

How much experience does it take to look at a label, or take the curtains down (better for you without a typo?) and get a tape measure?

I'm sure parents prefer their teenagers not to start taking curtains down tbh

[CharlieO]

I'm not altogether sure they even teach basic English.

English Royal History? Ah... Mary Queen of Scots - now there's bit of Royal History that isn't English.

It's the nation in which we all live - it's called History.

Are you telling me that schools no longer teach History?

Yes i personally dont do history at school however they teach other topics
which are probably far more relevant than the title of someone that has married into a royal family, its not like they can cover all world history in the 13 years your at school.

[Pyramid*]

I'm sure parents prefer their teenagers not to start taking curtains down tbh

Why not? A nineteen year old for example is old enough to be married, have children but you think they shouldn't take curtains down?

BTW: This is a debate thread folks: no use taking the hump about it and going on the attack: I'm putting forward a genuinely serious thread to discuss the lack of education these days.

[Scarlett.]

Why not? A nineteen year old for example is old enough to be married, have children but you think they shouldn't take curtains down?

BTW: This is a debate thread folks: no use taking the hump about it and going on the attack: I'm putting forward a genuinely serious thread to discuss the lack of education these days.

Well...because...it kinda makes a mess :joker:

[Shaun]

I generally agree, if the examples are a bit farfetched. I think the education system doesn't push students - I was having this conversation with Zee & Dezzy the other day, about how we weren't really taught how important grades and qualifications are. That's partly the student's fault I guess since most only really care about friendships, their favourite one subject, and partying, but I'm sure that's been the case in most places.

I think the media doesn't help. People don't aspire to be scientists or pioneers any more, they want to be famous or attractive.

[CharlieO]

Oh and regards to the curtains thing: this is the internet age, if someone needs to take down curtains im sure their is a website which will teach them in like 5 minutes.

[Pyramid*]

Yes i personally dont do history at school however they teach other topics
which are probably far more relevant than the title of someone that has married into a royal family, its not like they can cover all world history in the 13 years your at school.


You think history lessons are not valuable. If so, it's a very blinkered life.

As for 13 years at school - they can certainly cover the basics - past and present. Funnily enough: I had 13 years of schooling too: and I learned what you think they can't cover these days, as well as cooking, sewing, even some woodwork as well as secretarial, classical - blah blah blah.

[Pyramid*]

Oh and regards to the curtains thing: this is the internet age, if someone needs to take down curtains im sure their is a website which will teach them in like 5 minutes.

Given that the person had to ask online how to do it: it begs the question, 'Were they simply too lazy to go search online for the answer" - or were they simply wanting someone else do do the hard work, and just tell them.

I'd say that was precisely an example of how they could seek the answer themselves.

[MTVN]

I'm not altogether sure they even teach basic English.

English Royal History? Ah... Mary Queen of Scots - now there's bit of Royal History that isn't English. As for significance: I'd beg to differ - 2 million plus people yesterday would say otherwise!

It's the nation in which we all live - it's called History,

Are you telling me that schools no longer teach History?

Well the trouble with history is that there is err.. rather a lot of it. I'm doing it at A-Level now and I'm doing it at Uni next year and I know very little about Mary Queen of Scots, and anything I do know about the Royal Family hasnt been taught in school. But on the other hand, I've been taught very well on equally significant and important topics such as British Imperialism in the 19th century, Nazi Germany & the last years of Tsarism in Russia.

I also find it funny how people constantly criticse the education system when more people than ever are going on to higher education with A-levels and now University. People are generally so much more educated nowadays than a century ago, or even half a century ago.

[CharlieO]

You think history lessons are not valuable. If so, it's a very blinkered life.

As for 13 years at school - they can certainly cover the basics - past and present. Funnily enough: I had 13 years of schooling too: and I learned what you think they can't cover these days, as well as cooking, sewing, even some woodwork as well as secretarial, classical - blah blah blah.

I didn't say they weren't valuable I said in history they teach other things like the world wars. Not it as a subject itself.

It really depends on the subject choices people take. For example it may be that standards have dropped just because people aren't taking the difficult subjects. In my case i'm not the same and the majority of british teens so i don't really know enough to wonder why.

[Pyramid*]

I generally agree, if the examples are a bit farfetched. I think the education system doesn't push students - I was having this conversation with Zee & Dezzy the other day, about how we weren't really taught how important grades and qualifications are. That's partly the student's fault I guess since most only really care about friendships, their favourite one subject, and partying, but I'm sure that's been the case in most places.

I think the media doesn't help. People don't aspire to be scientists or pioneers any more, they want to be famous or attractive.

I'd have to agree on all you've said.

I remember the old adage of 'always have a trade behind you' - and time after time, I've seen that learned trade or skill have to be used - to live, to make money when things have fallen by the wayside.

I agree that the portrayal of 'being famous for doing nothing' - or to simply be attractive, seems to be the mindset - rather than using real talents or intelligence to obtain goals in life. The media in all the forms it comes in, definately has some blame, but as you say: people don't seem to push themselves these days.

[Pyramid*]

Well the trouble with history is that there is err.. rather a lot of it. I'm doing it at A-Level now and I'm doing it at Uni next year and I know very little about Mary Queen of Scots, and anything I do know about the Royal Family hasnt been taught in school. But on the other hand, I've been taught very well on equally significant and important topics such as British Imperialism in the 19th century, Nazi Germany & the last years of Tsarism in Russia.

I also find it funny how people constantly criticse the education system when more people than ever are going on to higher education with A-levels and now University. People are generally so much more educated nowadays than a century ago, or even half a century ago.

I think you will find that the standard of intelligence are not as high as they were, the entry standards to Uni etc are far more flexible than ever they were. There are people who cannot use the written language correctly who attend Uni for all sorts of degrees that never used to exist.

It's great that you appear to have learned much - and if not taught in school, you must have had that influence to learn more about certain aspects of history: either via your family, friends - at least you sought the information out. Many don't, and think it has no relevance - that's more my point.

[Omah]

I also find it funny how people constantly criticse the education system when more people than ever are going on to higher education with A-levels and now University.

It seems to me that most "new" universities are just jumped-up technical colleges providing qualifications in cookery, hairdressing, PE and "media studies" ..... :shocked:

People are generally so much more educated nowadays than a century ago, or even half a century ago.

That much is true, but the standards of literacy, numeracy and communication are half what they were ..... ;)

[Pyramid*]

I didn't say they weren't valuable I said in history they teach other things like the world wars. Not it as a subject itself.

It really depends on the subject choices people take. For example it may be that standards have dropped just because people aren't taking the difficult subjects. In my case i'm not the same and the majority of british teens so i don't really know enough to wonder why.

There has only been 2 World Wars, am I think I'm fairly safe in assuming that it was only 'touched upon' - and not gone into any depth.

Subject choices kick in at Secondary School. What about the other 50% of teaching that goes on prior to that. I was certainly taught history when I was about 8 or 9 - going back to Medieval times: how landowners became landowners, what tithes were, right up to local historical knowledge (and given that I studied in Scotland, England, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia - that applied to every school I attended). It wasn't just by chance that I was at a 'good' school.

[Pyramid*]

It seems to me that most "new" universities are just jumped-up technical colleges provising qualifications in cookery, hairdressing, PE and "media studies" ..... :shocked:


Exactly what I was getting at Omah, thank you.


That much is true, but the standards of literacy, numeracy and communication are half what they were ..... ;)

Again, precisely my own thoughts.

[CharlieO]

There has only been 2 World Wars, am I think I'm fairly safe in assuming that it was only 'touched upon' - and not gone into any depth.

Subject choices kick in at Secondary School. What about the other 50% of teaching that goes on prior to that. I was certainly taught history when I was about 8 or 9 - going back to Medieval times: how landowners became landowners, what tithes were, right up to local historical knowledge (and given that I studied in Scotland, England, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia - that applied to every school I attended). It wasn't just by chance that I was at a 'good' school.

Well i dont really know as im not an exam board or a history teacher but i do know they have to cover topics in depth. But i do agree with what you've previously said about people not wanting to do well or pushing themselves. im certainly not like that but i do know people who just seem to not care.

But im at quite a good school so what i think is bad would probably be nothing compared to a lot of teens in the uk.

[MTVN]

I think you will find that the standard of intelligence are not as high as they were, the entry standards to Uni etc are far more flexible than ever they were. There are people who cannot use the written language correctly who attend Uni for all sorts of degrees that never used to exist.

It's great that you appear to have learned much - and if not taught in school, you must have had that influence to learn more about certain aspects of history: either via your family, friends - at least you sought the information out. Many don't, and think it has no relevance - that's more my point.

Sure it's a lot easier to get into some Universities now and there's a lot wider choice of degree but at the same time more and more people every year are applying for Oxford and they've certainly not lowered their requirements, they're making it harder if anything. I dunno, I'm just not sure I buy the whole "what are they teaching these days?" argument

It seems to me that most "new" universities are just jumped-up technical colleges provising qualifications in cookery, hairdressing, PE and "media studies" ..... :shocked:



That much is true, but the standards of literacy, numeracy and communication are half what they were ..... ;)

Not sure why media studies is always considered so worthless, I think it's very relevant in the world we live in today

And do you have proof that standards of literacy & numeracy has declined? That sounds like bull

[Scarlett.]

To be honest it depends on the teachers, my history/geography teacher was passionate about both subjects, he didn't just stand there and explain stuff, he used pictures, videos films, took us on trips. Compare that to say...our maths teacher, he spent most of his time chatting to the "popular ones" in the class about our nights out, he took half of the year off, he never paid any attention to the rest of the class ect.

Saying all that, I prefered learning stuff by myself after I left school

[Scarlett.]

Sure it's a lot easier to get into some Universities now and there's a lot wider choice of degree but at the same time more and more people every year are applying for Oxford and they've certainly not lowered their requirements, they're making it harder if anything. I dunno, I'm just not sure I buy the whole "what are they teaching these days?" argument



Not sure why media studies is always considered so worthless, I think it's very relevant in the world we live in today

And do you have proof that standards of literacy & numeracy has declined? That sounds like bull

Depends what type of media studies you mean

I did media at college, but we filmed a lot of projects (complete with a lot of paperwork), we learned studio filming, animation, stop animation ect. then of course the boring stuff.

Then theres those media courses that consist of watching films and discussing them

[Stacey.]

Well if we're not taught about it, how are we meant to know?

[Pyramid*]

Well i dont really know as im not an exam board or a history teacher but i do know they have to cover topics in depth. But i do agree with what you've previously said about people not wanting to do well or pushing themselves. im certainly not like that but i do know people who just seem to not care.

But im at quite a good school so what i think is bad would probably be nothing compared to a lot of teens in the uk.

You don't have to be a teacher or on an exam board though to have some basic overall knowledge of various aspects of history.

I'm not sure why or where much of the UK Educational system has gone wrong, but it's certainly not churning out many that the nation want to be proud of (note: that's my opinion, not a statement of fact!).

I agree with you Charlie, that there appears to be a tremendous amount of folk who simply 'don't care' and don't want to care either.

That said, there are a few Tibbers that really impress me with their knowledge and intellect on a variety of subjects - and some have astounded me learning of their 'young' ages: so it's not all bad!

Overall though: I don't see that being the norm.

[arista]

"I think the media doesn't help. People don't aspire to be scientists or pioneers any more, they want to be famous or attractive. "


Sure many are trying to get in the Fame Game
a few aspire to become pioneers though.


Life In The Fast Lane.

[arista]

Well if we're not taught about it, how are we meant to know?


I guess you Google it

[Scarlett.]

Well if we're not taught about it, how are we meant to know?Learn it by yourself, don't depend on others to teach you everything

[Pyramid*]

Well if we're not taught about it how are we meant to know?

Here's a novel thought - do it yourself. I didn't know how to operate anything other than a very very basic computer at work, didn't know anything about the internet 15 years ago, new buggar all, nothing about Windows, MS, digital cameras, uploading, downloading - knew not a thing: I went, bought a pc and taught myself.

[Stacey.]

I guess you Google it

When I Google something it's normally hard to find/the language they use is way out of my vocabulary http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/TyphoonUK-08/huff.gif

[Pyramid*]

When I Google something it's normally hard to find/the language they use is way out of my vocabulary http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/TyphoonUK-08/huff.gif

Well there is one person who can sort that out. Read: books, magazines, online articles - and not forum guff - proper reading whereby you come across a word, a phrase, and think, "What does that mean" - and you go look it up.

[Omah]

Not sure why media studies is always considered so worthless, I think it's very relevant in the world we live in today

The world SOME of us live in - most of the world lives in poverty :

http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats#src1

At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day in countries where income differentials are widening.

According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty.

Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.


How will media studies help them ?

:conf:

And do you have proof that standards of literacy & numeracy has declined? That sounds like bull

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/may/07/poor-literacy-numeracy

Poor literacy and maths skills leave teenagers ill-equipped

Some 22% of 16- to 19-year-olds in England are functionally innumerate – meaning their maths skills are limited to little more than basic arithmetic, researchers from Sheffield University discovered. This means their numeracy levels are at or below an 11-year-old's.

This is a higher rate of innumeracy than many other industrialised countries, the study of literacy and numeracy rates over the past 60 years found.

Meanwhile, 17% of 16- to 19-year-olds are functionallly illiterate – meaning they cannot handle much more than straightforward questions. It is unlikely, or even impossible, that they will understand allusion and irony, the researchers found. Their reading standard is at or below an 11-year-old's.

The researchers found teenagers' average reading scores had risen between 1948 and 1960 and remained "remarkably constant" between 1960 and 1988. Between 1997 and 2004, scores had "gently" risen and then plateaued. But they discovered little improvement in teenagers' writing between 1979 and 2004.

Given the increasing amount of "media" availability in the last 20 years in the form of cheap computer and communication devices, no improvement in reading, writing and 'rithmetic represents a comparative decline and is an indictment of the electronic age ..... :shocked:

[MTVN]

The world SOME of us live in - most of the world lives in poverty :

http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats#src1



How will media studies help them ?

:conf:



What is the relevancy of that? Mathematics doesnt solve the issue of global poverty either but clearly the media absolutely dominates society today, it is so influential.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/may/07/poor-literacy-numeracy



Given the increasing amount of "media" availability in the last 20 years in the form of cheap computer and communication devices, no improvement in reading, writing and 'rithmetic represents a comparative decline and is an indictment of the electronic age ..... :shocked:

So reading has improved, and writing has but not by very much (and its only a short period of time), not declined as you were saying. That just goes to show standard of education has improved, even if it isnt as quick as you might like :rolleyes:

[bananarama]

In the past few days: I've read comments on FB, on the internet etc: not just unbelievable questions: but genuine shock at realising some of the very basics within the country that we live: a few examples:-

The Queen is married? Who to?
Duke of Edinburgh: does that mean he's from Scotland?
Where's the Queen Mum?
Diana had a title before she met Charles?
Princess Ann was married before?

I've read on here and on other forums, teens (and older), not knowing how to cook basic things, simple meals, not knowing how to use a standard non electric tin opener, people asking how to measure curtains (ie; they like the size of the ones that are up but don't know how to measure them!!!!) - I have to say: I am left completely and utterly astounded at some of the lack of everyday knowledge.

I have to wonder what it is schools teach these days.

It appears very little about the country we live in, the history of it, and very little about basic cooking, basic everyday life skills.

Unbelievable. :shocked:


I agree with most of your observations.....Especially the last part about basic skills......Personally I don't think it matters if kids know about Royalty history........Very boring to most and mostly pointless....

However like you say basic skills are under valued in the education system.To much time spent on pointless academic stuff that will never be needed and only taught so as some can go to universiaty simply for the status symbol of being at university.......Rather than being educated with something usefull......

A lot more go to university true.......But do most deserve to be there when they can't even boil an egg......I think not......

Universities should be for the scientist, chemists doctors etc.....Not for pshcho babble and other pointless obscure subjects which can be taught at your local education evening classess or while walking the dog in the park.....

Kids need to taught how to cook how to do basic handman jobs and repairs. More importantly how to behave like resposible human being that don't abuse fellow human beings with drug taking and binge drinking episodes....

[BB_Eye]

There is no getting around the fact that the UK's education system is failing. People leave school not knowing who we fought in the Second World War, the official state religion of Great Britain, who Napoleon is and unable to find Britain on a world map. Plus the country's literacy rate is in decline. This should be a national scandal.

The problem is the powers that be are so short-sightedly utilitarian and see no value in things that won't make you a quick buck, they think that since most children won't grow up to be historians, philologists or archaeologists, then there is no point in teaching them anything more than the most elementary general knowledge (if that) and anything more than that is a luxury. Just look at how little people care that the coalition government is doing everything in its power to dismantle this institution.

Education is there to teach people to read, write and think.

[BB_Eye]

I agree with most of your observations.....Especially the last part about basic skills......Personally I don't think it matters if kids know about Royalty history........Very boring to most and mostly pointless....

However like you say basic skills are under valued in the education system.To much time spent on pointless academic stuff that will never be needed and only taught so as some can go to universiaty simply for the status symbol of being at university.......Rather than being educated with something usefull......

A lot more go to university true.......But do most deserve to be there when they can't even boil an egg......I think not......

Universities should be for the scientist, chemists doctors etc.....Not for pshcho babble and other pointless obscure subjects which can be taught at your local education evening classess or while walking the dog in the park.....

Kids need to taught how to cook how to do basic handman jobs and repairs. More importantly how to behave like resposible human being that don't abuse fellow human beings with drug taking and binge drinking episodes....
Jesus wept

[joeysteele]

Mary Queen of Scots, my historical heroine is in fact in my view a very strong and relevant part of English Royal family history
She was a direct descendant of the Tudor dynasty, she therefore had a strong claim to the English throne, much more so than Elizabeth 1.

She was in my view, wrongly imprisoned and tried due to Elizabeth 1 and she was then murdered by Elizabeth 1.
Her strong relevance to English Royal Family history is further borne out by the fact her son James V1 of Scotland became James 1 of England after Elizabeth 1 death.

I do agree though that some things seem to have been withdrawn from Education that are important. How anyone can understand a culture or what formed a Nation without being taught its full History is hard to work out.

[patsylimerick]

Jesus wept

Was it the kiss on the balcony that moved Him?

[Omah]

What is the relevancy of that? Mathematics doesnt solve the issue of global poverty either but clearly the media absolutely dominates society today, it is so influential.

Again, media only dominates our society, not much of the rest of the world, where it has no influence at all - let's look at the water issue, for example, a necessity for life :

http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats#src1

Water problems affect half of humanity:

Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation.
Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water survive on less than $2 a day, with one in three living on less than $1 a day.
More than 660 million people without sanitation live on less than $2 a day, and more than 385 million on less than $1 a day.
Access to piped water into the household averages about 85% for the wealthiest 20% of the population, compared with 25% for the poorest 20%.
1.8 billion people who have access to a water source within 1 kilometre, but not in their house or yard, consume around 20 litres per day. In the United Kingdom the average person uses more than 50 litres of water a day flushing toilets (where average daily water usage is about 150 liters a day. The highest average water use in the world is in the US, at 600 liters day.)
Some 1.8 million child deaths each year as a result of diarrhoea
The loss of 443 million school days each year from water-related illness.
Close to half of all people in developing countries suffering at any given time from a health problem caused by water and sanitation deficits.
Millions of women spending several hours a day collecting water.
To these human costs can be added the massive economic waste associated with the water and sanitation deficit.… The costs associated with health spending, productivity losses and labour diversions … are greatest in some of the poorest countries. Sub-Saharan Africa loses about 5% of GDP, or some $28.4 billion annually, a figure that exceeds total aid flows and debt relief to the region in 2003.




So reading has improved, and writing has but not by very much (and its only a short period of time), not declined as you were saying. That just goes to show standard of education has improved, even if it isnt as quick as you might like :rolleyes:

Given the resources of our society, particularly "media" the fact that the standard of teenage achievement in the 3 R's has not significantly increased is equivalent to a decline - I refer you again to the fact that :

Some 22% of 16- to 19-year-olds in England are functionally innumerate – meaning their maths skills are limited to little more than basic arithmetic, researchers from Sheffield University discovered. This means their numeracy levels are at or below an 11-year-old's.

Meanwhile, 17% of 16- to 19-year-olds are functionallly illiterate – meaning they cannot handle much more than straightforward questions. It is unlikely, or even impossible, that they will understand allusion and irony, the researchers found. Their reading standard is at or below an 11-year-old's.

That is, despite 11-14 years of education in English schools, a FIFTH of young adults can just about work out their "pocket money" and "read" a comic ..... :rolleyes:

[Smithy]

When I Google something it's normally hard to find/the language they use is way out of my vocabulary http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/TyphoonUK-08/huff.gif

90% of the dictionary is out of your vocabulary http://www.spillitnow.com/images/smiles/morning.gif

[Doogle]

90% of the dictionary is out of your vocabulary http://www.spillitnow.com/images/smiles/morning.gif

:joker::joker::joker:

[Stacey.]

90% of the dictionary is out of your vocabulary http://www.spillitnow.com/images/smiles/morning.gif

Why do you quote me in like every thread? http://i.imgur.com/Iu8a5l.jpg

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

Why do you quote me in like every thread? http://i.imgur.com/Iu8a5l.jpg

:joker:

[Vicky.]

I have never changed my own curtains

-Feels ashamed-

But yeah, I agree mostly with what you are saying, although I really dont think royal history is of that much importance tbh

[Smithy]

Why do you quote me in like every thread? http://i.imgur.com/Iu8a5l.jpg

This is the first time ive quoted you in ages :conf2:

[Marsh.]

Why not? A nineteen year old for example is old enough to be married, have children but you think they shouldn't take curtains down?

BTW: This is a debate thread folks: no use taking the hump about it and going on the attack: I'm putting forward a genuinely serious thread to discuss the lack of education these days.

FFS, how often do you change the size of your curtains?

Or do you measure them every time they're washed.

[Omah]

FFS, how often do you change the size of your ****ing curtains?

Or do you measure them every time they're washed.

How about if it was wheels and tyres for your car instead of curtains ?

:wink:

[BB_Eye]

90% of the dictionary is out of your vocabulary http://www.spillitnow.com/images/smiles/morning.gif
I think you'd be overachieving if you had so much as 10% of the dictionary in your vocabulary. There are 600,000 words in the Oxford English Dictionary (and it's growing). Most of us will only ever use around 6,000 in our lifetime.

[Marsh.]

How about if it was wheels and tyres for your car instead of curtains ?

:wink:


Taking down curtains and measuring them is drastically different to changing the tyre of a car.

And that is what the AA is for, lol.

[Jords]

I think people are just getting lazy, rather than being thick..

[Beastie]

I think people are just getting lazy, rather than being thick..


90% of the time this I reckon!

Anyway I agree a lot with what Pyramid says. However there is a hint of snobbery in it too.

Yes.. Knowledge is power. However there is something better than Knowledge and that is actually "doing something". Sure you can get that smarty pants know it all who can memorise god knows what from Royal history to Chinese history to whatever. But some of these people can't really "do" anything.

I think possibly the education system is fine. Maybe they should teach more "life" skills though. The main thing wrong with the education system is that there is no discipline.

[Omah]

Taking down curtains and measuring them is drastically different to changing the tyre of a car.


I didn't mean changing the tyre of a car - I mean choosing a new set of wheels and tyres to buy which will fit your car from the dozens (possibly hundreds) of different combinations of size and design available to you ..... :joker:

[patsylimerick]

Tried this earlier but it got lost. The two most knowledgable historians I've ever met were educated to, at best, the age of 12, first time around. They both subsequently returned to higher education much, much later in life. At that stage they were contributing more than they were taking by adding to the body of knowledge in their areas of expertise. So to Stacey and anyone who feels the same way on the subject I would suggest joining their local library. Books, books, books, to very badly paraphrase Joyce, yes, yes, yes.

[patsylimerick]

90% of the time this I reckon!

Anyway I agree a lot with what Pyramid says. However there is a hint of snobbery in it too.

Yes.. Knowledge is power. However there is something better than Knowledge and that is actually "doing something". Sure you can get that smarty pants know it all who can memorise god knows what from Royal history to Chinese history to whatever. But some of these people can't really "do" anything.

I think possibly the education system is fine. Maybe they should teach more "life" skills though. The main thing wrong with the education system is that there is no discipline.

They can pass it on; and/or write it down. More value in that than in the deepest depths of the European Central Bank.

[Boothy]

I think people are just getting lazy, rather than being thick..

yeah, i;d agree with this. i think a llot also boils tdown to interest too. Like, if I'm ionterested in a subject, I'll go an research it. there are too many distractions these days to actually get interested in worthwhile stuff

[Omah]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7115692.stm

Based on test results in 2006, the UK has lost the top 10 positions it held for both subjects seven years ago.

The most successful countries in reading are South Korea and Finland and teenagers in Taiwan and Finland are the highest achievers in maths.

In 2000, the UK was placed eighth in maths and seventh in reading - the UK in the latest table is in 24th place for maths and 17th for literacy.

The countries which were ahead of the UK in reading in 2000 - Finland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Korea - remain in the top 10 for this year.

But the UK has now been overtaken by countries including Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Japan.

In maths, the UK has been overtaken by a group of improved performers, including Slovenia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria.

:shocked:

[joeysteele]

yeah, i;d agree with this. i think a llot also boils tdown to interest too. Like, if I'm ionterested in a subject, I'll go an research it. there are too many distractions these days to actually get interested in worthwhile stuff

Spot on, I totally am in agreement with you.

[Marsh.]

I didn't mean changing the tyre of a car - I mean choosing a new set of wheels and tyres to buy which will fit your car from the dozens (possibly hundreds) of different combinations of size and design available to you ..... :joker:

That is what garages and mechanic uncles are for. :hugesmile:

Edit - That's uncles who are mechanics not a mechanical uncle.

[Omah]

That is what garages and mechanic uncles are for. :hugesmile:

Edit - That's uncles who are mechanics not a mechanical uncle.

So you let other people make decisions for you ..... :shocked:

[Niamh.]

Well, I know nothing about the Royals and believe I asked the question about Diana and whether or not her family had titles but I'm not British and know nothing about the Royals so I think that's allowed! The other examples you gave, I believe are life skills that parents should be responsible for not the education system

[Omah]

Well, I know nothing about the Royals and believe I asked the question about Diana and whether or not her family had titles but I'm not British and know nothing about the Royals so I think that's allowed! The other examples you gave, I believe are life skills that parents should be responsible for not the education system

What was the question ?

:conf:

[Daniel McIver]

why do people need to know about the royal family if there not bothered. end of.

(by the way i do actually like the royals ,there awesome and im not a school kid anymore but back to the point)

[Niamh.]

What was the question ?

:conf:

one of the things on the list in the OP was : "Diana had a title before she met Charles?"

and this is something I asked in the Royal wedding thread.

[joeysteele]

What I have found and I think it sad really is when I go abroad,people seem to know so much of their Countries as to now and the past, here in the UK so much is not known by the citizens of the UK.

[Marsh.]

So you let other people make decisions for you ..... :shocked:

Haha, it's called getting the experts opinion from someone you trust.
I.e. family member.

[Omah]

one of the things on the list in the OP was : "Diana had a title before she met Charles?"

and this is something I asked in the Royal wedding thread.

Ah, OK ..... ;)

[Marsh.]

one of the things on the list in the OP was : "Diana had a title before she met Charles?"

and this is something I asked in the Royal wedding thread.

TBH, I didn't know an awful lot about the Royals and their connections etc.
But I borrowed a couple of books which discussed all of the evidence that supports the conspiracy that Diana was assassinated (very interesting read by the way) and that got me researching all sorts and asking questions about the whole family and everything. (Made me detest Camilla too, lol).

Bit late now to get interested in history but I don't think we ever covered the Royal family at school.

[Niamh.]

Ah, OK ..... ;)

But like I said, I'm not British so I doubt I'm expected to know the answer anyway!

[Niamh.]

TBH, I didn't know an awful lot about the Royals and their connections etc.
But I borrowed a couple of books which discussed all of the evidence that supports the conspiracy that Diana was assassinated (very interesting read by the way) and that got me researching all sorts and asking questions about the whole family and everything. (Made me detest Camilla too, lol).

Bit late now to get interested in history but I don't think we ever covered the Royal family at school.

I loved history but the Royals weren't on our curriculum

[MeMyselfAndI]

we dont have lessons about the queen at school, so it's not our fault

[Stu]

Oh look. Removing my posts again. ~Joy!

Makes me feel all warm inside. Like 2007.

[bananarama]

Jesus wept

Two word reply.......How intellectual......Definitely a university candidate. Well done....

[Omah]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-13310246

Too many young people are leaving school without adequate basic skills, a survey of business leaders suggests. More than four out of 10 are unhappy with youngsters' use of English, while 35% bemoan their numeracy skills.

The organisation's annual education and skills survey also suggests that many employers (44%) have had to invest in remedial training for school and college leavers.

Companies also said young people lacked important employability skills. Some 69% complained about inadequate business and customer awareness and 55% highlighted poor self-management skills.

John Cridland, director general of the CBI, said: "It's alarming that a significant number of employers have concerns about the basic skills of school and college leavers. Companies do not expect schools and colleges to produce 'job-ready' young people, but having a solid foundation in basic skills such as literacy and numeracy is fundamental for work."

:shocked:

[Grimnir]

fJuNgBkloFE

[Jordan.]

We'll remember this in a few years when you can no longer walk and need help doing things.

[arista]

a0efLWdJWk4&feature=player_embedded#at=31

[Livia]

Two word reply.......How intellectual......Definitely a university candidate. Well done....

Actually... those two words "Jesus wept" are the shortest verse in the Bible. I thought it was quite a good answer. But I guess you'd have to understand it to find it amusing.

Standards of education are dreadful. My parents used to read to me, buy me books, encourage me to read, but parents don't seem to do that now which is why most people I meet under twenty can barely spell, let alone punctuate or use grammar. What's more neither schools nor parents seem to teach children about who they are, what their culture is, where they come from historically (that's, like, learning about kinds and queens and stuff...) and consequently we're losing our national identity and soaking up a kind of mid-Atlantic sub-culture.

[InOne]

It does seem kids are pretty uncultured these days. I'm glad I grew up in the 90's when it wasn't all about I Phones and the internet. I loved reading as a kid, doesn't seem the same these days. I blame Chav culture and teen mums :nono:

[Pyramid*]

one of the things on the list in the OP was : "Diana had a title before she met Charles?"

and this is something I asked in the Royal wedding thread.


To be fair, I wouldn't expect a Brit to know a great deal of the ins and outs of another country (current basics yes, but Diana was years ago - and certainly dependant on ages) - it's all relative.

To put that particular question of 'yours' into context: I had someone in work, Brit born and bred and claims to be a fan of the Monarchy and all things Royal - who didn't even know that Earl Spencer was related - that's more what I was getting at. It wasn't a slight on anyone that's foreign, not at all . If anything: I'd say you blow the pants off some of the daftness I've heard re the British Royal Family from those who really should know MUCH better!

Those were merely examples re Royalty and lack of knowledge due to the wedding taking place at the time of the thread being started - but the thrust was also in respect of education standards in general and overall in the UK, by those taught in the UK. Most of my crew - fabulous workers, cannot fault that at all and dedicated to the end (I'm blessed on that score) - but having to teach some how to address letters, business emails, correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, not using slang or 'text talk' in their work emails, ending with xxxx etc!!!! That type of thing is so common nowadays: seriously - but it's the type of thing that should be getting taught in schools - and not by employers - that's what I mean about the basics. (same with living skills).

[letmein]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7115692.stm



:shocked:

Shocking!

http://cdn.thefrisky.com/images/uploads/drunk-girl-102309-main.jpg

[BB_Eye]

Two word reply.......How intellectual......Definitely a university candidate. Well done....
Sorry, but how am I expected to better dignify a misspelt, mispunctuated rant on what is why Britain's education system needs to teach people less about our language, literature and philosophy and more about how to become a semi-literate management consultant? :sleep:

[Niamh.]

To be fair, I wouldn't expect a Brit to know a great deal of the ins and outs of another country (current basics yes, but Diana was years ago - and certainly dependant on ages) - it's all relative.

To put that particular question of 'yours' into context: I had someone in work, Brit born and bred and claims to be a fan of the Monarchy and all things Royal - who didn't even know that Earl Spencer was related - that's more what I was getting at. It wasn't a slight on anyone that's foreign, not at all . If anything: I'd say you blow the pants off some of the daftness I've heard re the British Royal Family from those who really should know MUCH better!

Those were merely examples re Royalty and lack of knowledge due to the wedding taking place at the time of the thread being started - but the thrust was also in respect of education standards in general and overall in the UK, by those taught in the UK. Most of my crew - fabulous workers, cannot fault that at all and dedicated to the end (I'm blessed on that score) - but having to teach some how to address letters, business emails, correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, not using slang or 'text talk' in their work emails, ending with xxxx etc!!!! That type of thing is so common nowadays: seriously - but it's the type of thing that should be getting taught in schools - and not by employers - that's what I mean about the basics. (same with living skills).

Oh really? that is pretty bad, you would think that not ending a business letter with xxx would be common knowledge!:joker:

[Pyramid*]

Oh really? that is pretty bad, you would think that not ending a business letter with xxx would be common knowledge!:joker:

Okay. I exaggerated. More often, it was only one or two kisses. (But honestly, that's true though with the business emails!!) Think it comes more from habit with increased usage of emails to friends, texts etc - half the time they do it and don't realise.

Sheeesh.

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

Okay. I exaggerated. More often, it was only one or two kisses. (But honestly, that's true though with the business emails!!) Think it comes more from habit with increased usage of emails to friends, texts etc - half the time they do it and don't realise.

Sheeesh.

whut?