All students should take physics, but should do so even sooner than in the ninth grade, the level that Leon Lederman recommends. Students, though, must know basic algebra before taking physics, because even if one emphasizes concepts, the understanding is deeper when the instructor also introduces quantitative treatments. Thus, any academic revolution needs to change the K–8 traditional math courses and bring in algebra well before the 8th grade. By age 11, the average child is capable of abstract thought and reasoning. In some European countries, students learn algebra in the 5th grade and begin physics in the 6th grade.We believe that K–12 schools should return to the classical education system in which schools require that every child learn the same core curriculum. Establishing such a common knowledge base is essential; it is how a culture is preserved from one generation to the next.Numerous experiments and innovations in education during the 20th century were unsuccessful, which implies that basic improvements, not just more gimmicks, are needed. More money and more assessment are certainly important, but educators need to take a stronger stand on specific curricular approaches. Challenge all children. Whereas the present system tends to focus on the lowest achievers, a more classical system challenges everyone to learn more than they are “comfortable with.” As part of their constructive social upbringing, the highest achievers would learn to help those who are initially low achievers. Educators should recognize and appreciate that humans are fundamentally challengers—they enjoy attempting difficult things, especially if the social climate is supportive. Match learning activity to age. Without being told to do so, young children memorize voluminous data and facts from their environment; it is better that children learn those facts from teachers and parents than from their peers. Memorizing basic essentials like multiplication tables and vocabulary, and practicing reading and writing skills, should be the main activities in early years. At age 11, children can learn the abstractions of algebra; at age 12, they can start learning physics; and at age 13, chemistry. From 7th through 12th grade, every child should take both math and science at every grade level. Use spiral learning . The spiral learning approach promotes both interest and understanding because, during each cycle, the same topic areas are repeated in greater depth. For example, an introductory cycle of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics in middle school would be followed in high school by another complete cycle of greater sophistication. Emphasize core knowledge. US schools largely ignore science through the 12th grade, so students are less science-literate than their counterparts in most other industrial nations. For US students to compete in this increasingly technological world, they must receive considerably more instruction in basic skills, including physics. All students should take the same fundamental courses with few electives. This approach would reduce the need for academic counselors, who would then be free to teach, thus helping to relieve the teacher shortage and ensuring that class sizes would be smaller.© 2002 American Institute of Physics.
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Mar 1, 2010
Dan Chazan + 1
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