This is a fantastic blog regarding one of the issues that I encounter in my math classroom all the time.  Students are trained now days to regurgitate information that has been presented in the classroom rather than presented with opportunities to think about and apply concepts in ways that are aplicable to "real life."  Improving math and science scores has been a hot topic recently as the United States has fallen way behind compared to other countries.  I have never been in other countries classrooms, but I think that in countries that score high on these test the students are taught how to think and use information they have learned rather than repeat processes that they have memorized.   I think that if we want to improve students math and science scores students need to be trained to think rather than repeat things that they have memorized in the classroom.

Follow up:

What is the cause of this?  I am not sure that I know the answer to that question.  Could be standardized testing and the pressure that teachers feel to get students to pass?  Since funding is tied to the passing rate associated with these test scores, test practice has become a staple in America's classrooms.  Is it helping or hurting?  I would suggest that based on where America ranks in math and science scores, some sort of change in philosophy is in order.

Could it be that teachers are out of touch with today's students?  Statistics show that America's teachers are aging.  Are they "too old" to relate to today's students?  Are teachers not relating to students because of the rapidly changing technologies?  As students become more and more electronically saavy, are teaching strategies outdated?  Perhaps things that have worked in the past do not work anymore.  Are students today less motivated? Do they need more of a challenge?  Have we stopped looking to challenge all students and instead just focused on those students that struggle?

As I stated earlier, I am not sure that I know the answer.  However, I do know that Creative Tutors can help.  If your child is struggling in the classroom, or is looking for more of a challenge, or anywhere in between Creative Tutors can help.  With the best educators in the area we can create a customized program that fits your child's needs and helps them become the best student they can be.