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EDUC 200 - SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT

Task 1. Big Picture Questions

Question 1 – Name 4 countries that have a great educational system. Based on what you learned in this course, what are 3
similarities that these countries have in common? What are some factors that have helped these countries to excel in the area
of education?
Canada, Finland, Poland, and Estonia are four countries that have a highly regarded educational system. These four countries
take the quality of education into consideration when it comes to their students. For one, the overall support their respective
governments lend to not only the students, but also their families provide a jump start to early educational success. Where
health and welfare are concerned, each of these countries provides some sort of extended parental leave when a child is born.
The governments also provide free universal healthcare, as well as some form of childcare funding whether it is a monthly
allotment, discounted services, or an allotted paid time off specifically for childcare purposes. These benefits can provide much
relief for families and allow for more success upon the student entering school. Another shared approach from these countries is
the use of assessments and exams. In all four countries, exams are only provided at certain grade levels, usually at the end of
primary and secondary school and only to assess that the students are prepared and on the right track for the next part of their
educational career. Otherwise, students may be provided an end of year assessment that is more informal an provides feedback
on the students’ progress. The last commonality these countries share is the investment of their teachers. Each of the four
countries boasts a highly competitive teaching program that is only offered within a handful of universities. Three of the four
countries require a master’s degree to teach. While Canada only requires a bachelor’s degree, they are also required to
complete additional certifications and assessments in order to teach specific grade levels and subjects. I believe all of these
commonalities have been partial factors into each country’s success in the area of education.

Question 2 – Based on what you’ve learned in this course, do you think the top performing countries are influencing other
countries? Describe how the countries, which are listed highest in terms of PISA scores, are having an affect on other
countries.
I do believe the top performing countries are influencing other countries to strive for better scores and change their course in
how they approach education. I’ll be honest in saying that I think the American education system is a mess and either does not
know how to make proper reforms or is too stubborn to make the proper reforms needed. However, other countries seem to
have a better grasp on their common core and have been able to identify where their education system is lacking and make
proper adjustments. For example, this semester we learned that investing more money does not always result in better scores
but some countries have found that by investing more in their educators and the curriculum, they have seen an increase, even
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the slightest, in their scores. We also observed the correlation of education and socio-economic trends this semester, which
lower performing countries seem to be recognizing more and seem to be investing more in education for children in lower class
economies.

Question 3 – Do you think that countries who pay little or no attention to educating its citizens can/will have a negative
impact on the world in the future? Support your answer.
Education is power. Countries that ignore the education of its citizens are only setting itself up for failure. This impeding failure
will only cause further issues on a global level when socio-economic relations are impacted, and a domino-like effect takes place.
If these countries would at least provide a simple, basic education requirement for students and followed through with it, they
could see a major turnaround in not only their economy, but their overall well-being as well.

Question 4 - How does education in other countries compare to the system of education in the U.S. from your observations?
As I stated above, the American education system is trying but it is not trying hard enough. Our students are taught to memorize
facts and produce test scores. If the American education system could switch gears and focus more on higher critical thinking
and providing assessments for progress, I think it could be the start of an even more successful educational system. Other
countries that perform higher in education take on a more holistic approach to education by supporting not only the student but
the family and the teachers as well. In my observations students would often talk about how they felt like they needed to drop
out in order to work more so they can help provide for their family or teachers would complain about the curriculum they had to
teach because they felt it didn’t provide any depth to the students actual learning abilities. If there could be a balance for the
American education system and we could adapt to the holistic approach, I think we could see better results overall.

Question 5 - Name some populations that are denied a good education? For example, we all know based on experiences in
this class that women and girls are denied a good education in parts of the world (sadly). What are other groups of people
that are denied a good education?
Women unfortunately draw the short stick when it comes to receiving a good education. Besides the women and girls, we
already learned about this semester, girls around the world are denied an education to some degree. Other populations that are
denied an education include many African, Middle Eastern, and Central/South American countries. Due to hostile living
conditions and unstable governments, these populations focus more on survival than education. In North America and parts of
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Europe, immigrants can also see a lack in their education whether it is due to properly supporting the transition or the high
volume of children needing assistance.

Question 6 - Reflect on the topics we've discussed throughout EDUC 200 – name some things you could now do differently in
your future class because of the information learned in this course.
I want you to be self-reflective (think about your thinking) – tell me what you could do in your future class to make it better
based on items we've learned about with regard to different educational systems around the world?
It could be things like helping diverse learners, or perhaps being more aware of students who may live in rural areas of your
district and don’t have access to technology (these are just some ideas I had).

I think it is important to be aware of the diversity in my classroom and helping students embrace not only their own
culture/beliefs, but also the culture/beliefs of other students. Recognizing different backgrounds, disabilities, ethnicities, and
languages can create a more inclusive environment that everyone can benefit from. I also like the idea of shifting the way I teach
so that my students can present higher critical thinking throughout their work. Instead of presenting information for students to
memorize, having them use a variety of tools and technology to reflect and analyze information can lead to more successful
learning growth.

(Questions 7a through 7e) Let’s say that you are the ruler of your own country - think about some of the factors/conditions
that go into having a great educational system. And please have a little fun with these questions, too.

Question 7a - What would be the name of your very own country? What would be the name of the capital of your country?
Make something up! Have fun, be silly.
My country’s name would be Tairnsgiath, which is based on the Scottish Gaelic words for thunder shield. The capital of my
country would be Còmhla, which is Scottish Gaelic for together.

Question 7b – What would the population of your country be? Big or small? Come up with a number. Why did you choose
that number? For example, would you want an incredibly large population, say over 1 billion or perhaps you want a very small
population, under 1 million? Tell me why you chose the population size you decided up.
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The population of Tairnsgiath would be of about 1.6 million. I chose this number because 16 is my lucky number and I would
want my country to have a relatively lower number of citizens that can still thrive and have better opportunities in work,
education, and overall living experience.

Question 7c - Do they have access to technology (very briefly tell us about technology in your country)?
Tairnsgiath has access to standard technology and is making small progress at producing its own technology. It mainly relies on
technology created and produced by other countries but is still able to advance and compete with those of similar size. The
people of Tairnsgiath pride themselves on the work of their ancestors and a simpler way of living but sees the benefits of
technology used in everyday life with limited usage. For example, computers and programs may be used in businesses and
schools but at home, it is more restricted so families can spend more time together, focused on honing a craft, investing in a
hobby, or enjoying more natural outlets being outdoors.

Question 7d – Would your country be mostly rural? Urban? Suburban? A combination? Why?
Tairnsgiath is more urban with modest towns but has rural areas spread throughout. Còmhla would be the biggest town as the
capital of Tairnsgiath, boasting the biggest business district and more advancements the country has to offer. Because the
people of Tairnsgiath tend to live more in simplicity, this is reflected in the structure of towns and villages where everyone works
and supports each other in a well-functioning community.

Question 7e- Come up with at least 4 more facts/factors that would have an impact on your country’s educational system.
Think about conditions/factors that have led to the creation of great educational systems around the world. Now, what
condition/factors would you like to see in your very own country?
Tairnsgiath education focuses on life skills as well as academics to support students outside of the school setting once they have
graduated. Mandatory classes include Home Economics, Finance and Budgeting, and Adult Skills 101.

Tairnsgiath offers students to opt into trade or vocational school during their secondary school. Students are required to pass an
entry exam and must take life skills courses accordingly. Trade and vocational schools’ tuition are covered under government
financing.

Tairnsgiath requires teachers to have completed a master’s degree along with required paid field training to ensure students
receive the most thorough education. Teachers are compensated well and receive excellent benefits from the government. We
believe our teachers are the front line in ensuring the future of our country is left in the successful hands of our students.
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Tairnsgiath expects success from its students by offering various free supports to encourage higher graduation rates and
promote a competitive job market. Students can receive tutoring, class workshops, guidance counseling, counseling/therapy,
and healthcare all covered by government financing. We believe our students are our future and should receive the proper
investment to bring them to success.

OPTIONAL – If you would like to draw an outline of the country in Word (using tools found in Word), include some clipart
and/or freehand then insert that picture of your country and place it here, please do so. This is optional of course, but I love
seeing how creative students can get! Only do this if you have some free time.

(If you chose to, draw, insert and/or paste in an outline of your newly formed country with your silly country name and capital
and please place it right here. Once again, this part is optional but it can be fun. You can do whatever you like right here. Please
delete these words in red)