What is your opinion of modern education (in school)?
Modern education has increasingly incorporated technology into the classroom. For instance, at universities, lecturers use computers and projectors to deliver lessons, and students often study from slides provided by their educators. Work is frequently submitted online, and e-books and mobile applications are used instead of traditional textbooks. This technological approach is likely to filter down to secondary schools as well.
What school subjects do you think are most important (in primary school or high school)? (Why are they important?)
In primary school, Literacy and Math are the most important subjects. They help children develop basic skills such as calculation, analysis, and the ability to express their thoughts. Without proficiency in these areas, children may struggle with communication and logical thinking. Literacy and Math form the foundation for all other learning.
What school subject do you think will be the most useful in adult life (or, most useful for society)?
Literacy is arguably the most useful subject for adult life. It teaches critical thinking, proper writing, and effective expression of thoughts. While advanced Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry are valuable, they are less frequently applied in daily life unless one pursues a related career. Literacy, on the other hand, is essential in both personal and professional contexts, making it of prime importance throughout life.
Which subjects do you think should be optional and which should be compulsory?
Subjects that require natural ability, such as music and art, should be optional, as not everyone has an aptitude for them. Compulsory subjects should include natural sciences and aspects of literature that teach writing and expressing ideas, as these support critical thinking, calculation, and analysis skills. In some countries, learning additional languages should also be compulsory to facilitate communication with a diverse world.
What are the advantages of studying computing in high school?
Studying computing in high school is highly advantageous. Technology and computers are integral to almost every aspect of modern life. Learning computing gives students the opportunity to keep up with technological advancements and better prepares them for future careers, as many jobs now require computer skills.
In the west, (upper) high school students are allowed to choose many of the subjects they study. Do you think that would be a good idea?
It depends. Allowing students to choose subjects could benefit those who have clear career goals, as they can select courses relevant to their future plans. This approach can also foster independence and determination. However, it might disadvantage students who are unsure of their future direction, potentially preventing them from studying subjects that could become important or interesting later.
How are educational priorities today different from those in the past?
Today, there is a higher priority placed on education than in the past, reflecting the need for specialist knowledge and skills in the modern workforce. Education now emphasizes technology use more than before. Students must be both literate and computer-literate to succeed in today's world.
What is your opinion on the way languages are taught in schools?
I find the current approach too passive. Many schools focus excessively on grammar and vocabulary, neglecting speaking, listening, and writing skills. As a result, students often speak without intonation, have pronunciation issues, and struggle with conversation and writing. Specialized schools are exceptions, but generally, students' practical language skills could be improved.
What changes do you think will happen in the classroom in the near future?
Future classrooms are likely to integrate more technology. Education technology is on the rise, and it may become ubiquitous in the coming years. The role of the teacher might be reduced, and physical classrooms could be replaced by virtual ones, allowing for more flexible and technologically advanced learning environments.
Vocabulary:
Incorporate (v): To include as part of something.
Example: The textbook incorporates all the latest information on climate change.
Educator (n): A person whose job is to teach or educate people.
Example: Modern educators prefer a different approach to teaching reading.
Submit (v): To give a document, proposal, etc., to somebody in authority for consideration.
Example: Completed projects must be submitted by 10 March.
Hand something in (phrasal verb): To submit something.
Example: You must all hand in your projects by the end of next week.
Filter down (phrasal verb): To move slowly down to lower levels of an organization or system.
Example: During the day, the news that the company was going to close filtered down to the employees.
Literacy (n): The ability to read and write.
Example: The rate of literacy in the country is improving.
Analyze (v): To examine the nature or structure of something to understand or explain it.
Example: He tried to analyze her feelings and finally managed to understand what she wanted.
Foundation (n): A principle, idea, or fact that something is based on.
Example: Respect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage.
Prime (adj): Main; most important; basic.
Example: The care of the environment is of prime importance.
Aptitude (n): Natural ability or skill at doing something.
Example: She showed an aptitude for the work and was promoted after several months.
Critical thinking (n): The process of analyzing information in an objective way to make a judgment about it.
Example: The school encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Go on (phrasal verb): Happen or take place.
Example: I often check the news on the internet to know what’s going on in the world.
Realize (v): To achieve something important that you want to do.
Example: She never realized her ambition of becoming a singer.
Say (in something) (n): The right to influence something by giving your opinion before a decision is made.
Example: We had no say in the decision to sell the company.
Boost (v): To make something increase or become better or more successful.
Example: The movie helped boost her screen career with several prizes and TV commercials.
Potential (adj): Capable of developing into something in the future.
Example: First we need to identify actual and potential problems, then we may find solutions.
Computer-literate (adj): Able to use computers well.
Example: She is highly computer-literate and now teaches others to use computers.
Apparent (adj): Obvious.
Example: It was apparent from her face that she was upset.
Pay attention to (expression): To listen to, look at, or think about something carefully.
Example: The teacher asked her students to pay full attention to what she was saying.
Neglect (v): To not give enough attention to something.
Example: She has neglected her studies and only focused on playing.
Specialized (adj): Designed or developed for a particular purpose or area of knowledge.
Example: The course is very specialized; only psychologists are allowed to attend it.
Intonation (n): The rise and fall of the voice in speaking, affecting the meaning of what is said.
Example: In English, some questions have a rising intonation.
Strike up (phrasal verb): To begin a friendship, relationship, or conversation.
Example: He often strikes up conversations with complete strangers.
Come up with (phrasal verb): To find or produce an answer or idea.
Example: She came up with a new idea for increasing sales.
Decent (adj): Of a good enough standard or quality.
Example: I need a decent night’s sleep as I have been staying up late recently.
To come (idiom): In the future.
Example: They may regret the decision in years to come.
Eliminate (v): To remove or get rid of something.
Example: The police have eliminated two suspects from their investigation.
Virtual (adj): Made to appear to exist by the use of computer software, such as on the Internet.
Example: New technology has enabled the development of an online “virtual library.”