The Broken State Of Modern Education - Dr Phil

Chris Williamson2 minutes read

A study found zero passing math grades in many Illinois schools, highlighting educational disparities among students and ineffective teaching methods. The impact of technology, social media, and ideological influences on education and society is emphasized, with a call to maintain high standards and address emerging challenges.

Insights

  • The study in Illinois public schools revealed a concerning lack of math proficiency among students, particularly in schools with a majority of black students, indicating a systemic issue that requires urgent attention.
  • The impact of COVID school closures, ineffective teaching programs, and societal influences like social media and technology has led to significant educational gaps, mental health issues, and a decline in critical thinking skills, highlighting the multifaceted challenges facing the education system and society at large.

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Recent questions

  • How are students impacted by COVID school closures?

    Students have faced significant developmental and educational gaps due to the impact of COVID school closures. These closures have led to challenges in maintaining proper competency levels, with over 30% of fifth and eighth graders nationally struggling to read at a basic level. As a result, students have been passed on without adequate proficiency, highlighting the need for addressing these gaps effectively to ensure educational success.

  • What are the consequences of social media on self-esteem?

    The rise of technology, smartphones, and social media has had a profound impact on individuals' self-esteem and social interactions. With the constant comparison to unrealistic online portrayals, individuals, especially the younger generation, often struggle with self-esteem issues. Social media algorithms intentionally feed upsetting content to keep users engaged, leading to mental health issues and addiction. It is crucial to be mindful of the effects of social media on self-esteem and seek a healthy balance in its usage.

  • How do universities influence students' ideologies?

    Elite universities have been criticized for promoting ideologies like socialism and Marxism, focusing on equality of outcome rather than individual effort and merit. This emphasis on certain ideologies can shape students' perspectives and beliefs, potentially fostering a victim mentality among students. By encouraging students to view words as harmful and promoting specific ideologies, universities may inadvertently contribute to excessive disciplinary actions against professors and hinder critical thinking skills among students.

  • What are the dangers of lowering standards in academia?

    Lowering standards in academia can have severe consequences in real-world scenarios, such as surgery or flying. The idea of relative grading based on interest rather than competence is criticized for its potential dangers, as competence is typically associated with reputation and status in society. It is essential to maintain high standards in education and qualifications to ensure real-world success and competence in various fields.

  • How does the media perpetuate misinformation?

    The media's tendency towards sensationalism and clickbait headlines can perpetuate misinformation and falsehoods. This can lead to a decline in critical thinking skills and contribute to a lack of accuracy in information dissemination. It is crucial for individuals to be discerning consumers of media and seek out reliable sources to combat the spread of misinformation in society.

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Summary

00:00

Crisis in Education: Proficiency, Equity, and Ideologies

  • A study in Illinois public schools in 2022 found zero students passing the state math proficiency test at 53 Public Schools, mostly with a majority of black students.
  • At a prep school for Medical Careers, the per-student spending for reading is $47,000, yet only one out of 10 kids can do math at grade level in 930 schools.
  • Nationally, over 30% of fifth graders and eighth graders can't read at a basic level, leading to students being passed on without proper competency.
  • Many school systems have adopted teaching programs that don't yield results, spending millions on ineffective approaches.
  • The impact of COVID school closures has created significant developmental and educational gaps that haven't been adequately addressed.
  • The rise of technology, smartphones, and social media has led to a generation comparing their lives to unrealistic online portrayals, affecting self-esteem and social interactions.
  • Social media algorithms intentionally feed upsetting content to keep users engaged, leading to mental health issues and addiction.
  • The internet prioritizes viral, attention-grabbing content over accuracy, contributing to a decline in patriotism and critical thinking.
  • Elite universities are criticized for promoting ideologies like socialism and Marxism, focusing on equality of outcome rather than individual effort and merit.
  • Universities are accused of fostering a victim mentality among students, encouraging them to view words as harmful and leading to excessive disciplinary actions against professors.

17:49

"Competence, victimhood, and high standards in society"

  • Competence is typically associated with reputation and status in society.
  • Claiming victimhood can lead to a dangerous status game where individuals compete to be seen as the biggest victim.
  • Lowering standards in academia can have severe consequences in real-world scenarios like surgery or flying.
  • The idea of relative grading based on interest rather than competence is criticized for its potential dangers.
  • The importance of maintaining high standards in education and qualifications is emphasized for real-world success.
  • The focus on inclusivity has led to extreme language changes, such as using "bodies with vaginas" instead of "women."
  • The prevalence of trigger warnings and language policing in universities and corporations is highlighted.
  • Entrepreneurial individuals are seen as less affected by virtue signaling and are more results-oriented.
  • The coordination of fringe activists and the use of bot armies are suggested as factors in promoting extreme ideologies.
  • Consumer responses to certain companies' actions, like Target and Bud Light, indicate a backlash against extreme inclusivity measures.

35:39

Navigating Personal Choices and Societal Norms

  • Individuals should have the freedom to make personal choices, including transgender individuals, without external judgment.
  • Pushing an agenda to force endorsement of personal choices can lead to backlash and resistance.
  • Activists may not always represent the views of the groups they claim to speak for.
  • Concerns arise regarding the restriction of speech and the imposition of specific language by societal pressure.
  • Rewriting historical texts and altering language can distort the original meaning and lessons.
  • Presentism, judging historical figures by current standards, may hinder understanding of past events.
  • People are urged to be cautious about changing societal norms rapidly and judging past actions by current standards.
  • The challenge of keeping up with evolving language and terminology, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, is acknowledged.
  • The media's tendency towards sensationalism and clickbait headlines can perpetuate misinformation and falsehoods.
  • Family is viewed as a crucial foundation of society, and attacks on family values are concerning to maintain societal strength.

52:26

Online Scammers Target Vulnerable Victims, Tragic Consequences

  • Scammers threaten victims with exposure of intimate photos unless paid $110,000 immediately.
  • Victims, feeling isolated, have tragically taken their lives due to the threats.
  • Lack of strong family bonds contributes to the vulnerability of these victims.
  • Encouragement for parents to maintain open communication with their children.
  • Advice for victims to deny the authenticity of the images and seek help.
  • Society faces attacks on family values through toxic ideologies online.
  • Dr. Phil emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and rational thinking.
  • Focus on problem-solving over winning arguments in online discourse.
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