Beyond Selidor

What? I can't make sweeping generalisations in my rants? :P

You are right, of course, and I do need to get a sense of perspective. I'm not a teacher and so my only experience of what teachers go through (and the effects of their teaching) is second-hand. I hope you didn't read this post as an attack on the teaching profession. I've heard enough from friends to know that those working in teaching, especially in the public system, have an uphill battle against lack of funding, understaffing, parents and bad curriculums (honestly, in my IB biology textbook - made in the US - there was a section devoted to intelligent design and God creating the universe in six days as alternative theories! While we were not taught any of this in the classroom, the thought that some children were appalls me). I do appreciate what a difficult job it must be.

As I said below to Jordan, I just wish things could be better, somehow.


I would count an education system as successful if it gave everyone a reasonable opportunity to develop reason, introspection, and the ability to find their own answers if needed, and any knowledge successfully acquired is a bonus.

I would never expect everyone, or even the majority, to use this opportunity.

I think you've hit the nail on the head here. Depressing though I find it, you are right about this.