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Re: Would Physics First Increase the Number of Physics Majors?



Hugh Haskell wrote:
I think that the idea that any elementary or middle school teacher
can teach science effectively is ridiculous. What we need to do is
follow the music and art scheme, and use visiting science teachers
who will go from class to class, bringing some sort of coherence into
the science program. I have discussed on this list before the many
advantages of using this strategy. If we have a relatively small
number of teachers who are responsible for teaching science, we can
expect a lot more from them in the way of understanding what it is
they teach.

Right on, Brother Hugh!

As some of us keep saying, although no one seems to be listening,
the two main factors standing in the way of significant reform in
elementary education are:
(1) Age gradedness; and
(2) The self-contained classroom.

The elementary education establishment continues to fixate on the rural
schoolmarm model of the late 19th century. "Oh, you're a teacher? What
do you teach?" "I teach 4th grade."

Best wishes,

Larry

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Larry Cartwright Retired Physics Teacher
<exit60@cablespeed.com> Charlotte MI 48813 USA
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"We may in fact be remembered in 3003 for the space program
and little else. In Michael Hart's book The 100, where he
audaciously ranks the 100 most influential figures of all
time, John F. Kennedy makes the list - solely because of
the impetus he gave to the moon program ... How many people
today (after only 500 years) can tell you a single thing
about Ferdinand and Isabella ... beyond Columbus?"
-- Tad Daley, Fellow, UCLA Center for Governance.
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