EDUCATION
06-11

The next great invention may be locked in the mind of someone who has never been taught to love science. Youngsters are less interested in science careers in part because they are not getting a good early foundation in math and science, according to an article in U.S. News & World Report .

"The innovations that come from research are the ones that fuel the U.S. economy," says panel member Robert Richardson, a Nobel laureate and professor of physics at Cornell. "The Thomas Edisons and Henry Fords of this era are going to graduate school."

04-26-2004 Ron

I am 41, tying the knot in July (a bit late some might say), and planning to have a child in two years' time (quite old to be a first time dad others may consider). Thinking about my future daughter, or son, I worry about her proper school education.

The weekly magazine U.S. News & World Report published a report about education in the United States, which included information regarding the Knowledge Is Power Program, a network of public middle schools created to educate poor disadvantaged students. Their program includes long hours, substantial homework, and strict discipline. This method has proven effective as the students' grade performance has risen considerably.

But at what cost? Are students supposed to be disciplined and dedicated because of the hardships they will face during their lives? Or are we too concerned with the material world and individual success when we should, otherwise, be promoting friendship, social responsibility, and happiness by giving our children more leisure time and a chance to interact with others?

So the question of the month of May to all of you who are students, teachers, education experts, parents, sons, and daughters is: how should students in middle and high school be educated? By giving them a lot of assignments or letting them be children and have more fun than responsibilities? Please write to english@lynnandron.com .

"Reflecting really is what learning's all about." Karen Swan, an educational technology professor at Kent State University.

11-18

  1. S.News & World Report informed that yearly tuition and fees in a private four-year American university have raised from $13,350 in 1992-93 to $19,710 in 2003-04, on average. In the same period public universities have raised tuition from $2,982 to $4,694.

11-17-2003 Ron

According to the newsweekly U.S.News & World Report critics say there's little proof that computers in the classroom help students learn more effectively than traditional teaching methods or will better prepare them for the modern workforce. Computing "shortcuts the step-by-step process that is really what learning is all about," says the authorTodd Oppenheimer. "When you've got to pore through a book and take notes by hand, when you've got to ask questions and look at other sources, it forces you to think through what you're doing and to use your brain."

Teachers and administrators in the state of Maine in the US insist that spending a large amount to provide laptops or hand-held computers for those who go to primary school is effective. Students "are much more willing to edit because they don't have to write the whole paper over again," says the teacher Debbie Jamieson. "And they seem to take more risks in the process." A study also found that students using laptops did more homework and misbehaved less than in previous years.

In my opinion computers are overrated. Schools should try to equip themselves with PCs to facilitate, diversify, invigorate, and spark education, not depend on them to educate. Children must learn how to interact and develop relationships, as well as study and do activities together with other classmates. Providing each student with a laptop is absurd, even in a rich country such as the US, if teachers are fired and music, art, and physical education programs are cut.

HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES

First, let us differentiate between college and university. In the US, a university, like UFMG, is made up of many colleges. However, some colleges also exist as individual institutions such as liberal arts colleges or community colleges. Also, Americans use "college" in a general way, such as "go to college, graduate from college". "College" here refers to a school of higher learning which comes after high school/secondary education.

There are many good schools in Brazil for undergraduate study although there is the difficulty of the entrance exam. In the US, there are tests, too, such as SAT or ACT, taken while students are in the 3rd or 4th year of high school. These scores are also very important to enter a university.

Applying to and being accepted at an American university is a lengthy process, summarized as follows:

  1. The school year begins in August/September. (You can enter in January but it's in the middle.)So one year before you intend to start your studies, you should begin your search for a "suitable" university.

What is "suitable"? First, the school should have a good program in the area you are interested in. You must also be able to meet the entrance requirements concerning GPA, test scores, recommendations, study plans, etc. You must be able to fit the profile of the student the school would like to have, which can differ greatly from school to school. "Suitable" can also refer to location, size of the campus, if it's located in a big city or a small town, climate or other personal considerations.

  1. Where can you search? If you already have the names of some universities, you can try to find them online. Or you can visit sites included on this page. You can also visit a bi-national center where you can find information in the library or talk to the adviser.

  1. Try to find about ten schools you'd like to attend and go to their websites for the information you need. There you can also download the application forms.

  1. Decide on about 3 to 5 schools to apply to. Remember there is a lot of paperwork involved in completing the applications. Those schools you choose will depend on their requirements and your ability to meet those requirements. Pay attention to application fees and deadlines . You must send in applications, officially translated transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statements by that date.

  1. Tests (TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT) can be taken at ICBEU in Belo Horizonte. Transcripts must be officially translated by a government-appointed official translator. Letters of recommendation are required and can be written by professors , bosses/higher-ups at work, or "noteworthy" friends. Statements/essays are normally required, too.

  1. Studying abroad is expensive, about $50,000 per year, depending on the university . Few scholarships are available so they are very competitive and you have to search for them. They are for the highly qualified.

Percentage of high-school grads who go to college (Source: Newsweek)

Finland 71%

Sweden 67

Spain 48

  1. K. 46

Italy 43

  1. S. 43

France 37

Germany 30%