4 ms·

As far as I know, PISA tries to test for understanding, not things like memorizing the periodic table. The reading test is specially aimed at this--do these ch

by nzp 13y ago

As far as I know, PISA tries to test for understanding, not things like memorizing the periodic table. The reading test is specially aimed at this--do these children actually understand the meaning of what they just read. These kinds of skills have huge impact on democratic (or would be democratic) societies. You know, do people actually understand what the press is writing, what the politicians are saying, etc.

VLM 13y ago
That is a well written paragraph explaining the test goals; I was just using four words for brevity. Also to some extent for comic effect, although unfortunately most management theory as applied seems oriented around workers, especially low level workers, not understanding and thinking about meanings, but basically being human shaped programmed repetitive robots, and any robot getting out of line is a threat to be removed. "You know, do people actually understand what the press is writing, what the politicians are saying, etc." So.. in a consumer based economy there would be a strong financial incentive in promoting failure, so advertising is more effective. Or, in a democracy or psuedo-democracy or more likely in a republic, all professional politicians would find ignorant unthinking citizens to be in their best interest at all times. So... what group could be put in charge who wouldn't want citizens to be ignorant? This is a political problem that hasn't been solved yet.
- nzp 13y ago
  Absolutely, I agree. No group, every ruling structure benefits from the ignorance of the masses. I was replying under the impression you are arguing against the need for everyone to be properly educated (in the sense of high level of literacy, critical thinking, reasoning etc. all the things PISA is supposedly designed to measure). I apologise if that impression was wrong. It's true that I was a little confused by your post and the one you were replying to, mostly because of no fault of yours or the parent's but because I'm not entirely sure what the percentages of "highest scientific performance" that the article is referring to mean.

by nzp 13y ago

VLM 13y ago

That is a well written paragraph explaining the test goals; I was just using four words for brevity. Also to some extent for comic effect, although unfortunately most management theory as applied seems oriented around workers, especially low level workers, not understanding and thinking about meanings, but basically being human shaped programmed repetitive robots, and any robot getting out of line is a threat to be removed. "You know, do people actually understand what the press is writing, what the politicians are saying, etc." So.. in a consumer based economy there would be a strong financial incentive in promoting failure, so advertising is more effective. Or, in a democracy or psuedo-democracy or more likely in a republic, all professional politicians would find ignorant unthinking citizens to be in their best interest at all times. So... what group could be put in charge who wouldn't want citizens to be ignorant? This is a political problem that hasn't been solved yet.

nzp 13y ago
Absolutely, I agree. No group, every ruling structure benefits from the ignorance of the masses. I was replying under the impression you are arguing against the need for everyone to be properly educated (in the sense of high level of literacy, critical thinking, reasoning etc. all the things PISA is supposedly designed to measure). I apologise if that impression was wrong. It's true that I was a little confused by your post and the one you were replying to, mostly because of no fault of yours or the parent's but because I'm not entirely sure what the percentages of "highest scientific performance" that the article is referring to mean.