How School Buildings Boost Perception of Education

In general, schools are treated not like any other venues or places in a community. Most of the time, such institutions have good architecture and good facilities to earn respect and trust of parents, who always want a good and conducive environment for their children. In this regard, school buildings and their quality play important roles in bolstering perception of people about education.

No parent would want to send his child to an indecent and uncomfortable school. This is because parents mostly believe that beautiful and homey places help children cope up better so they could open up and learn lessons. This could be verified from the psychological concept of association. Most of the time, parents want to draw appropriateness from identifiable and physical features. Thus, you should not be surprised if many of them judge schools with the most beautiful campuses as among the best, without further looking into overall quality of education.

This perception is very much alive not just in third-world countries but also in the more developed ones. In the US, it has been a common knowledge that school infrastructures are among the major investments of educational institutions. Schools strive harder to beautify and improve its surroundings and buildings before accepting students. In fact, many schools across the US are designed by famous architects. One would always be in awe upon seeing and appreciating the splendid built and architecture of some of the famous campuses in this side of the planet.

In struggling countries, schools are more likely to be judged by their aesthetic appearance. That is why many parents and children complain about lack and low quality of education, without really assessing the quality of teaching and mode of instructions. This is due to the almost universal thinking that education is guided and influenced by the surroundings. To most people, education could not be facilitated in a place that is less conducive for students and teachers.

That view could be arguably true. That is because how could students focus on studies if they are distracted by inferiority of their classrooms? How could teachers have the drive to teach if they smell foul odors in the room? In the view of real educators, education should go beyond such facets. Students who are most willing and motivated to learn would open their minds to learning no matter how bad their surroundings are. The best driven teachers would always strive to teach no matter how distracted and unmotivated they are.

Are you aware that in most countries, government budgets on education are spent building school structures and facilities than in paying teachers and investing in good learning materials? That is the reason why many global governments complain about the currently higher costs of education. Are they to blame when most people generally agree with that notion?

You must have your own fond memories of your school lives. You could argue that education could not have been complete if not for your beautiful and conducive school building. While such structures are important, people should not forget that the content, quality, and overall effectiveness of curriculum and teaching modes are far more important. School buildings really facilitate education, but it would always be the drive and motivation within students and teachers that would make a difference.

# New Education Loan Repayment Scheme in the US

In a sign that education is highly prioritized by the United States government, it has been offering for quite some time student loans for college and graduate students who need assistance. The goal of the program is very obvious: to help students get on to earn degrees despite continuously rising costs. It is a common knowledge to everyone that US students are quite independent. That is why they are left to make ends meet and finance their own endeavors.

Thousands of college and graduate students across the country are benefiting from the program. Many are earning their degrees with much financial hassle. The catch is that those students are mandated and required to repay their student loans after they graduate. This scheme is a welcome note to most students, who really are in dire need to pay for their education. But repaying loan amounts for a number of years (average about 10 years) could be a daunting task to most.

There is good news amid the current financial crisis and the pressured job market. The federal government’s Income Based Repayment program recently allowed that it would finally allow student borrowers to cap monthly loan repayments at just about 15% of total annual income. This move is expected to particularly benefit new graduates who are faced with big loan repayments amid a tough employment market these days. Graduates with lower income and with children would be required to pay much lower repayments monthly, or in specific cases, none at all.

This scheme would encompass federal loans, which account for around 66% of total student debts. Private loans made by students are not covered, though private lenders may always offer their own incentives. This is obviously and logically a welcome note to all student borrowers. However, student borrowers who have already been on defaults would not enjoy the program.
It is estimated that about 60% of US students with bachelor’s degree have student loans. On the average, such students accumulate $23,000 in student borrowings. For a typical 10-year loan repayment program, the amount would require them to pay about $260 monthly. Medical students on the average have bigger student loans at about $106,000 each. This translates to higher monthly repayments after graduation.

Because of the new student loan repayment scheme, graduates who earn about $30,000 annually would only be required to pay just up to $172 monthly. Those who earn up to $40,000 annually would pay $297 monthly. The scheme is set to help those borrowers feel some ease in repaying monthly student loan dues. It is a welcome note especially these days, when the economic crisis is still very much felt across the US.

Graduates who are employed by public service offices are entitled to more perks. For 25-year student loans, remaining loan balances would be written off. The scheme would lower repayments by up to 10 years.

The US education system has always been a role model for many countries. The country is really a nation valuing education at most. The student loan programs are indeed proof that the government is bent on helping the youth solidify their potential for the future. If only other countries could also offer the same program, many teenagers would earn degrees that would qualify them to better jobs and of course, better sources of income.

# Online Education Facilitates Better Learning

Findings of a recent research conducted by the United States Education Department has found that on average, students are performing better during online courses than during traditional instructional classes. This is a welcome note for many educational institutions that are now pursuing measures to go online. The findings of the study could very well serve as a proof and a further driving force that education should now be taught in non-conventional ways.

The same study also revealed that students are more likely to perform best during ‘blended’ courses, wherein the elements of traditional and online classes are combined to facilitate learning. This of course is also welcomed by educators, especially those who are already doing the combination. The study showed that blending of online and traditional classes could be beneficial to both students and teachers. To students, they might not need to go out on several days and instead take learning into their own pace. For teachers, online teaching saves time and efforts, but the effectiveness still remains.

In fact, other researches found that students are very much excited and enthusiastic about online classes. They tend to pay more attention and be more participative in class activities during online or virtual sessions. This could be because students are very much free and are able to relax at the comfort of home. They also enjoy the fact that learning is not confined to the classrooms. When they are online, they tend to multitask and do many other interesting activities like social networking and Internet surfing. This, however, is seen as a potential threat as there are too many distracting sites across the Web.

The findings of the study adhere to many colleges’ assertions that blended types of instructions in classes are more effective. According to numerous colleges and universities, those classes are gaining more popularity and are gaining fastest rates of growth in enrollment. Positive results of all studies are consistent all throughout different levels of higher education, whether graduate or undergraduate. Many academic subjects are also gearing towards blended classes, if not full online instructions.

Thus, it is just logical that online education is currently providing numerous opportunities. It is able to give people more opportunities and chances for experiential learning and flexibility, according to experts. This is important because most students are now aware that the best subjects and lessons are to be learned not within the confines of the classrooms. Internet classes help students make use of practical applications of lessons learned. This assertion should be a strong reason for colleges and universities to consider further utilizing of online education methods.

The success of online education could be pointed to an effective combination of factors, which include pedagogy, curriculum, and of course time spent on courses. This way, studies agree unanimously that online teaching could facilitate more expansion to learning than its traditional counter part, face-to-face mode of instructions. This must reinforce teachers’ need and action to incorporate into daily classes digital content and open-source teaching management systems.

Education is obviously continuously evolving. It is not surprising that in a matter of years more graduate and undergraduate courses would be taught and facilitated online. Doing so would be beneficial both to students and to instructors as well. The Internet has really become an important venue for education.

# Technology and Education

Technically, technology and education are two separate and different concepts. But they are often intertwined and united to complement each other. Technology involves different innovations to make lives better. Education is accumulation of knowledge and skills to make a difference. Technology would not be easily assimilated without education, and vice versa. These days, education systems are particularly more reliant on technology.

Technology has become an influential factor of education. These days, it is even regarded as highly important when it comes to facilitating learning. This is not very surprising. In the past, teaching methods involved overhead projectors and copiers. These days, the advent of computers makes possible lecturing with the aid of PowerPoint presentations. Computers are also becoming important tools that make possible every learning task in and out of the classroom.

Most students and teachers know how to operate computers. This makes online education more possible. Now, technology has put up virtual learning environments that aim to engage and educate students through distance learning. There is no more need to come to formal and traditional classes because teaching methods are already facilitated through the Internet.
Computers also aid teaching and learning methods. Aside from the online capability, computers make learning more enjoyable. It has been observed that more students enjoy learning sessions when they are using computers. The class need not be online. There are formal classes that make use of computers collectively. The multimedia is becoming very popular among students and teachers alike.

Assessment of most students could also be facilitated by technology, specifically computers. A classic example is the ARS or Audience Response System that enables immediate and quick feedback tests aside from interactive classroom discussions. Surveys and evaluations could also be made online for more convenience, accuracy, and confidentiality.

ICTs or information and communication technologies make more things happen. In definition, ICTs make up diverse tools and sets of resources that are principally aimed at communicating, creating, storing, disseminating, and managing information. Such technologies may include of course computers, broadcast technologies, telephony, and the Internet. Through the years, there has been a rising interest at how online media could bolster condition of education at all existing levels, in formal and even non-formal settings.

In the past ICTs have already been in use in aiding education. Older types of ICTs include television and radio. For more than 40 years, those media have effectively been used for distance and open learning. Special TV programs are even aimed at helping students learn more like those classic children’s shows like Sesame Street.

It should be noted that the use of different computer systems and the online media is still in its infancy stage especially in most developing countries. In most cases, use of new technologies in aiding education is hindered and limited due to infrastructure and availability issues. Many governments are starting to allocate significant budgets for integration of technology into education.

Technology is an effective aid to education. It is amusing how students these days could not imagine school without the use of the Internet. Back in the days, learning was only facilitated through manual materials like pens, papers, and blackboards. It is just overwhelming how times have changed. The future holds more promises. It is expected that education would further grow with the advent and introduction of more technologies.

# Tips When Motivating Children to Love Education

Children at their earliest ages should learn and realize the importance of education to their lives. However, there are just some kids who try to resist the norm and insist on doing things their way. How could you motivate your children or teens to treat education as a necessary preparation for their future? Here are some practical and proven effective guidelines.

Teach the value of education early in a child’s life. Children are naturally curious and observant. They may be wondering why you love reading books or magazines. Tell them that they need to learn to read to be able to also share such enjoyment. It would help if you would tell your children on a daily basis how important getting a good education is in attaining goals and dreams in life.

Be creative when teaching children during their formative years. If you are not a teacher in profession, you could still strive to be an effective home tutor to your kids. You see, as a parent, you should also learn how to make your children enjoy learning and studying. You could impose play and fun activities at home to make children realize that learning is not as boring as they think.

Take your children to educational yet fun parks. Instead of taking them to the malls to stroll, why not take them to a museum, a science center, or a zoo for a change? When they get more curious about things, tell them they would know more if they would continue getting education. This strategy would certainly make them more motivated to learn and study.

Introduce the computer to children. Computers never fail to amaze people, especially young children. It seems that this is a computer generation. Of course, emphasize to your kids that they could not in any way exploit the potential of computers and the Internet without getting necessary education. In no time, you would hear them asking you how they could learn more. By that time, you should realize that the ball is in your hands.
Take your children to the streets where there are vagabonds and beggars. This may not sound very nice, but you could tell your children they could end up like those unfortunate people if they fail to get necessary education. You could surely instantly see the frights in their faces, for sure.

How about applying education or learning to daily activities? You could incorporate mathematics to daily tasks and situations. Their love for learning could start if you rely on them in doing specific tasks. Incorporate counting, reading, and writing on those simple tasks. For example, you take them to the market and make them buy certain items (like 5 apples, 10 oranges, and the likes). At the end of the day, you could see them get the thrill and satisfaction.

Enroll your children to the most reputable and effective schools. Traditionally, parents treat schooling of children as investments. If you want them to love education, make sure to place them into an environment that would foster comfort, fun, and learning at the same time. Do not hesitate because of high costs. Most of the time, the best and most effective schools call for premium in their quality of education. If it would make your children better individuals, why not spend for it?

# Hollywood Movies that Glorify Education

On a typical rainy or winter day and you just want to stay at home, you might want to watch several movies. If you have a strong interest in education, there are several feel-good and inspiring Hollywood movies that you should be watching. Here are three of those great and excellent flicks of all times.

The movie ‘Teachers’ was released in 1984. It starred Nick Nolte, Morgan Freeman, Laura Derm, and Richard Mulligan. The film was about a high school graduate who ended up suing her public high school because she was able to graduate even without knowing how to actually read. This movie discusses and describes all the setbacks and disadvantageous condition of the US public education at the time. It obviously aims to address education problems in a satirical manner, through conflicts and over-the-top movie characters.

‘Teachers’ also exposes several public education problems that are still left hanging even up to this day. What is more interesting is that such problems are not unique to the US. Many other countries experience those educational problems today. The teacher in the movie treated the lawsuit not as a blow to the institution but as a timely opportunity to prompt lasting changes not just to the public school but to public education in general.

In 1989, the movie ‘Dead Poets Society’ made waves, not because it starred Robin Williams (who was a hot movie star those days) but because it tackled the importance of education amid rigid society norms and strict parental expectations. It showed that talented and committed educators could always get in the way to inspire and touch lives of even the most notorious students. The movie was also noted for its ability to take viewers into typical life in one of those prep schools circa 1950s. Williams’ performance was one of the most charismatic in this movie.

‘Dead Poets Society’ has always been one of those educational movies that are recommended for tackling issues about curriculums and the real value of education. No wonder, many schools and classes run and hold viewing of the movie at the start of every semester. The movie would surely be worth your time. It is entertaining, touching, and inspiring all at the same time.

On the other hand, in 2006 ‘Chalk’ was released. This movie presents takes on education through tracing of three unique teachers who are at various stages of their teaching careers. The focus was at a teacher who used to be businessman. The two were a teacher who has been teacher of the year for two straight years and another who has been promoted to become an assistant to the principal. Actual teachers could all relate to the three main characters in the movie.  

‘Chalk’ is a ‘mockumentary’ film that was produced to show satiric perspectives in education through portrayal of different unlikely events, from pokers to dog shows. It was produced by the same documentary filmmaker who was popular for his ‘Supersize Me’ (Morgan Spurlock). It may not be a full movie, but the documentary proves to be really entertaining and enlightening at the same time.

Education is truly an important subject to discuss. All three films show how life and education are intertwined and are connected. You should try to view some, if not all. These movies would really be worth your precious time.

# Getting Education vs. Getting a Degree

Many college students often lament that they just need to accumulate sufficient college credits so they could earn a degree and simply move on. This ‘just-get-by’ attitude is very discouraging and disappointing, especially to educators who want to give students useful education rather than a degree. You should be wondering by now, is there a difference between getting education and getting a degree?

To begin with, college degree is just a representation. It is a certification attesting that an individual has actually studied in a variety of useful fields. It also indicates that the individual has achieved a target level of subject mastery. In contrast, education is everything any degree is representing. It should be regarded as the more important between the two. That is because it is education that would help individuals get on with the real-life challenges in the workplace. It is education that would make anyone rise from above the rest.

Traditionally, students are usually told that earning a college degree is the real key to success. When success is tackled, it could mean financial and personal. There are already many studies that show how individuals with college education are able to win the workplace. They are usually the ones earning substantially higher salaries throughout their lifetime compared to those who are without degrees. Information like these makes anyone infer that college degree is simply leading to a difference. Thus, many students believe that to be able to achieve success, college degrees are essential.

If you want to make a difference, you should get into the realization that it is college education that truly makes the difference, not the degree. Is there a difference between the two other than the abovementioned? There is. It is possible that an individual attain a college degree without real education. It is also possible that an individual get real education without earning a degree. Are you confused?

Many college students just aim to pass subjects and get on to earning the sought-after degree. They do not pay much attention to learning and much of the lessons they take in class are not retained. However, they could still pass exams and earn good grades at projects. In the end, they could still manage to graduate from college without much seriousness.

On the other hand, a student may take college courses seriously that they are practically adapting and using the lessons learned to daily life situations. They could have learned lessons through the heart. Thus, retention is not a problem. However, due to unlikely and inevitable circumstances, they could not be able to finish college and earn a degree (usually due to financial constraints).

So which is better, attaining a degree or attaining education? Initially, everyone would say it is both. But a closer and deeper take on the issue would lead you to a single possible answer: it is the education. However, the world and the workplace are yet to learn from this realization. Nowadays, degrees are still regarded as synonymous to education. People have yet to see companies and prospective employers looking more closely into this argument.

For the meantime, individuals with both a degree and education are on the winning end. It is just very important that you open up to learn more while you are studying to earn a degree. You could have both if you only would be more serious in finishing your college and learning basic professional skills.

# Formal Education Systems

In its broadest sense, education is the accumulation of formative information and experiences that leave formative effects on a person’s mind, physical ability, and character. Drawing from a technical sense, it is a process wherein society is deliberately transmitting accumulated values, knowledge, and skills from a generation to another with the facilitation of institutions.

Education is necessary so that people in general start the journey to getting education at early age. Most children dread the thought of having to leave homes early each morning to attend school classes. In general, people spend about 15 years or more getting and accumulating education. There are formal systems of education.

Elementary or primary education is consisting of several years of structured learning in schools. This is the primary step to getting higher education. It usually takes about six years to eight years to complete primary education schooling. Worldwide, it is estimated that up to 70% of children are currently enrolled in basic primary education. UNESCO attests that all countries aim to ensure all children are enrolled in primary education by the year 2015. Primary education basically teaches children to read, write, and take initial study disciplines.

Secondary education is consisting of higher-level of formal schooling. This is special because it is usually taken by the time children are entering or are into puberty. There is a clear and evident transition to optional learning from compulsory learning during the primary schooling. High school students are ought to learn more. Aside from knowing about basic foundations of more complicated subjects, secondary education also has takes on teaching students to be more socially active and responsible. Secondary education is a major preparation for tertiary education.

Tertiary or higher education is post secondary schooling. This time, learning is all the more optional. Students who are already in independent ages are deciding whether to pursue tertiary education or not. This time, college is not compulsory but is more of a choice. Tertiary level of education includes undergraduate as well as postgraduate education. Training, certificate, and vocational courses are also included. Tertiary education is necessary in solidifying professional expertise of students.

There are other systems of formal education. Adult education is becoming more popular especially among adults who still want to earn degrees or learn more through formal classes. Most adult education courses are facilitated through the Internet. Among the usual programs include courses for medical coding and billing, veterinary, bookkeeping, and real estate licensing.

Alternative education refers to all other education modes that are facilitated beyond traditional education. It is also more commonly referred to as educational alternative or non-traditional education. Such programs may be specifically and specially designed to cater to students who have special and non-conventional needs, which may range from disability to teenage pregnancy. This education type is often considered as a result of several educational reforms.

Lastly, indigenous education is offered to people who are members of indigenous communities. The treatment could be a mix of primary, secondary, and alternative education systems. In the past years, experts have made sure indigenous education would be able to facilitate learning in a more culturally sensitive manner. There is also a need to enhance awareness and preservation of indigenous tradition. However, measures are still yet to be taken to make such an education system formal especially worldwide.

# Education Roundtable to Set New Benchmarks for Global Learning

The International Education Roundtable is set to deliberate on issues that are pertinent to major learning systems globally. The international body, which consists of representatives from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, is aiming to make education curriculums prepare students to be well educated global citizens of the future. The body also recommends recruiting and hiring the best teachers and effectively grooming school leaders. Moreover, the group is also setting measures to gauge and improve impact of information and communication technology on education.

Each year, it is a common knowledge that almost all governments spend billions on improvements and reforms on education. In most cases, such budgets take care of school building construction and renovations. Are these measures enough to ensure a good and high-quality level of education? Why are some schools performing much better than the others? Is there a way to address education problems of today?

The International Education Roundtable brings about greater attention to results of current international benchmark tests and reports. The group has been responsible for bringing issues about education reform to international platforms from domestic agenda. Thus, the roundtable is presenting a good and viable opportunity for global education ministers to come and merge efforts in discussing topics that are top priorities on everyone’s agenda.

There is a need for different education ministers from all over the world to meet so there would be an effective exchange of ideas. Ministers could also raise their own education experiences in their countries, so that they could eventually learn from each other. As the cliché goes, people should learn from the mistakes and lessons experienced by others. In this way, innovations could be successfully scaled across a system. They could be adapted and used by others.

The body also aims to identify several other issues and challenges that school systems worldwide are currently facing amid the current economic situation. Most participants to the roundtable meeting indicate that they think education is presently remaining as among the most important investments for the future. Such ministers also commit to continuously seek major improvements for their own school systems. These are despite the current economic downturn.

When it comes to education, there are just too many pressing issues. It seems that education is a very challenging subject. Most global governments are experiencing difficulties in meeting up and addressing education challenges. It is estimated that about half of total global population of children are still not going to formal schools. What are governments to do with such a problem? Surely, such a concern should be addressed by governments not singly but as a collective entity.

The global roundtable for education aims to formally find solutions to pressing education issues. It aims to improve and bolster the current state of education not just in developed nations but also throughout the world. There is a need to monitor how institutions and schools perform. For one, coming up with lists of top schools could inspire education institutions to do better. Second, more obscure schools could look up to role models. Third, major setbacks and problems could be instantly identified and addressed in a collective manner.

The world should unite when it comes to distracting issues that hound education. People should hope collective efforts like roundtable meetings would not falter.

# Comprehensive Sex Education for Children’s Safety

The issue about comprehensive sex education has always been an important and pressing subject of debate all around the world. For quite some time, countries have been haunted by the controversies regarding whether parents should allow their children to be educated about the birds and the bees at an early age. Many parents of course would not want to see and hear their little children talk about condoms, pre-marital sex, pregnancy, and all others.

Have you ever wondered why some parents are being very protective of their children? They teach kids proper way of washing of hands during season of flu. They teach kids how to wear the safety seat belt in cars. They teach kids basic self-defense and not to talk to suspicious strangers. The common denominator: parents want to ensure safety of their kids. But what about sexual safety?

Sexual health is one thing most parents would not want to teach their kids. In the Republican view of life, children should grow up to learn about these subjects on their own. But time and again, history has it that many children and teens end up having premarital sex and unwanted pregnancy because of ignorance when it comes to sexual issues. Worse, many children and teens are also afflicted by sexual diseases, simply because they have been unaware of safety nets and activities.

Many students are now complaining about not receiving and attaining basic knowledge about sexual health. Even in the liberated country of the United States, many students are blaming lack of adequate sexual education for their sexual misadventures. Many high school students in public schools in New York City have not even heard of about penetration in their biology classes. The result: many of them are misled and are taken to risks due to unprotected sex. Many students also hold misconceptions and false beliefs like Coke douching could prevent pregnancy.

Results of a 1999 representative survey in the US found that most teachers in 7th to 12th grades believe sex education need to be tackled in school. Majority of them (93.4%) think sex education courses should always cover topics about birth control methods. About 89% believe topics about abortion should also be discussed, while 88% said there is a need to teach teens how to properly use condoms.

The same research noted that those teachers understand the real value and necessity for keeping and maintaining the safety of children. In the US, median age for teenagers to engage in any form of sexual activity is 17. In turn, median age for marrying is 25 for women and 27 for men. The educators also believe that abstinence prior to marriages is not realistic and is not in any way reflecting the American culture.

Thus, many educators and parents argue that schools should take strategies to integrate sexual education into curriculums. Children deserve to remain healthy and safe from any form of sexual danger or disease. Comprehensive sex education is undoubtedly integral to keep and reach this goal. Experts assert that sex and health classes should always respect differences in culture and religious beliefs. Health and safety should always be on top of priorities. Thus, there is a need to teach children about sex, STDs, contraception, and other sexual issues even at their tender age.