Partnering with Business and Government to Provide Real-World Context for Teaching Technology - by Thomas Brush

This article describes the the need for those well educated in technology in today's workforce.  There are new jobs related to technology that are being created all the time.  Many business leaders are turning to high schools and colleges for a more knowledgeable and technically literate workforce.  The author argues that high schools today do not do a good enough job preparing students for the real world.  He says that the current strategies used in high schools focus on teaching universal rules and principles, which do not help prepare for real life situations.  Instead of focusing on general academic skills, the author argues that high schools should focus on knowledge and skills for success in real world situations.

Q1:  Do I agree with the authors prospective on what should be taught in the high school classroom?

A1:  NO.  How can you say that teaching universal rules and principles does not prepare students for the real world?  I know that there are plenty of teachers out there that really do not care whether or not their students learn anything.  However, when become a history teacher, along with the regular curriculum I plan on teaching universal rules and principles, which to me means teaching what it means to be a responsible, knowledgeable citizen with good morals and a positive outlook on life and society. 

Q2:  Is the high school level too early to begin teaching knowledge and skills for success in real world situations?

A2:  NO.  I agree that these skills should be taught whenever possible.  However, to disregard regular academic skill sets in the classroom is just not a good idea.  High school students are going through one of the most unique phases of life, and to disregard the teaching of principles and rules of life is crazy.