News Herald – Juliann Talkington
According to the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the US has lost its edge in innovation and continues to lag behind much of the world in science and math preparation. In addition, the number of college graduates adequately equipped to enter science and math fields is far below demand. In desperation, many US companies have resorted to hiring foreign nationals or moving operations outside the US.
So how can we inspire US kids to consider careers in math and science?
Math and science are cumulative subjects. This means the material is relatively easy for kids to understand if it is taught in small increments over many years. Unfortunately, many elementary school teachers do not like or understand math and science, so they avoid teaching the material or struggle through the curriculum leaving their students with significant gaps in understanding.
To make matters more challenging, countries that have high levels of math and science literacy begin teaching concepts like algebra and geometry in kindergarten and gradually build understanding over long periods of time. If we are to compete with the rest of the world, our elementary school teachers must have a strong grasp of advanced algebra and geometry.
So the first step would be to require more challenging math and science classes for elementary school teachers. Then the credentialing test should cover more advanced math and science concepts. Finally, teachers should be required to show that they can teach science and math in fun and engaging ways.
Next we need to consider reallocating money, so we can pay our teachers more money. A science or math major usually makes two to three times less money teaching than in other professions.
Finally, we need to look at our science and math activities. Science fairs have become halls of poster board, construction paper and computer generated graphs rather than places to show off creative problem solving. What happened to the grow lights, the corroded metal samples and models of jet engines? And where are the chemistry labs with bubbling test tubes and smelly concoctions. Perhaps people have forgotten that penicillin and plastic were invented by accident and that “mistakes” make science fun and exciting.
Let’s make science and math interesting again. Hire teachers who know and LOVE the material, allow kids the freedom to explore and reward instructors who make these subjects fun! Then watch out. The US will once again lead the world in innovation.