Educational Trends in U.S. and Term Paper

Boys, Kosciolek, Spicuzza & Ysseldyke (2003) points out that during the third International Mathematics and Science Study students in the United States scored below "the international average in mathematics," with 20 countries scoring significantly higher than U.S. subjects (p. 163). They suggest that principles of learning can be adopted and utilized in the United States to improve student outcomes. The study does not compare U.S. liberal arts education with European education.

Trends in Education

Sarason (1998) proposes that the U.S. educational system has "all of the features of a non-learning system" (p.1). He clarifies by proposing that students are incapable of learning because the educational system as it stands at present is a system of parts that are uncoordinated, rather than a structured system where agreement exists with regard to schooling, goals an achievement. His examination suggests that the trends currently occurring with the United States are resulting in negative rather than positive outcomes for students.

Sarason (1998) suggests that a system is "a creation, a conception, intended to help us identify parts, flesh out their interaction and give us direction" (p. 1). His theories suggest that the U.S. educational system can benefit from creating a different vision. The vision that the U.S. adopts may be more similar to the European system, or different from the European version entirely depending largely on the goals of educators and the government with regard to education.

Among the trends noticed in the last decade with regard to the U.S. educational system include (1) regional disparities in educational resources, (2) technology will provide more productive time for schooling, (3) a growing mismatch will continue between the literacy skills that exist within the labor force and the "competency required by the jobs available" and (4) a mismatch between the skills workers possess today and the skills required for the jobs available (Cetron & Gayle, 1990: 33).

Methods

For purposes of this research study the researcher proposes a qualitative study, which will provide information based on analysis of documentary data, systematic observation of behavior and in depth interviews of people in small groups (Darlington & Scott, 2002).The instrument to be utilized for purposes of this study will be a questionnaire consisting of approximately 20 questions related to trends in education.

Studies in educational trends are well suited toward qualitative studies, because the research methods employed including in depth interviewing typically allow the researcher to relate experiences and human behavior (Darlington & Scott, 2002).

Population

The researcher intends to interview 20 professors from select universities and 10 teachers from local high schools in order to ascertain what trends individuals working in the field have identified as critical for improving education today. Each of the instructors will have to have a minimum of 5 years experience working in their current field.

Data Collection

Data will be collected via electronic surveys sent anonymously to educators identified for purposes of this study. The information gathered from the surveys will be compared with information gathered from the literature review and similarities noted.

Results

The results of the study will allow the researcher to develop a theory grounded in the research that helps define what trends in education are currently occurring that are critical to the success of students working in a global workplace.

References

Assenova, M. (2003 - Jan). "Educating the European way." World and I, 18(1): 62

Boys, C., Kosciolek, S., Spicuzz, R. & Ysseldyke, J. (2003). "Effects of a learning information system on mathematics achievement and classroom structure." The Journal of Educational Research, 96(3): 163

Cetron, M.J. & Gayle, M.E. (1990 - Sept-Oct). "Educational renaissance: 43 trends for U.S. schools." The Futurist, 24(5): 33

Darlington, Y. & Scott, D. (2002). Qualitative research in practice: Stories from the….....