Why Education in Mexico sucks! (written by a Mexican)

[raquelita]

At first I was very turned off by the State Library in Leon because the first floor was so sterile, including the Children's Room. But what happens there is impressive, many activities for children & adults.

As for other issues being discussed here, to my mind one size doesn't fit all. On the one hand I saw a Gto news article a few years ago that said elementary school teachers in the city didn't know why they were offered books so they could give one to each child. I also know of a community near Gto where the children keep getting one unmotivated teacher after another. But hey I experienced that in my junior high school in the capital city of West Virginia.

I am in sympathy with the observation that the children learn more about "critical thinking" -- and values -- at home rather than in school. But kids here do learn to add and subtract. The only time I have been given incorrect change was recently in Leon (sin city?).

I spent three years long ago teaching in the inner city, Washington DC and more years doing research and working with members of the US tribes so I know people and families differ. I also know that even our "best" US legislators have others doing much of their reading and writing for them. And I'm sure well-planned field trips into the city to see, for example, the inside of the Teatro Juarez or The Alhondiga or Amahl & the Night Visitors, might open a vista for a child. Motivation doesn't all come from parents or books.

And if most people want to read catalogs or the Bible that's their choice. One more thing to ponder, the textbooks I've seen here are excellent.

Thanks, Jacquie for opening up this discussion.