Education News
1
Sep 10
Spanish to Become Most Spoken Language by 2045
The Spanish letter "ñ" on a keyboard
It is estimated that by the year 2045, Spanish will be the most widely spoken language in the world. Humberto Lopez Morales, the secretary of the Association of Academies of the Spanish Language, claimed that this is predicted by evaluating several factors. Perhaps the most prolific of these is that Spanish is the second most-learned language in the world (behind English). He also highlights the advantage of speaking another language in economic powerhouses such as the United States, where being bilingual opens the door to the labour market. This contributes to the number of people learning Spanish, and in the US almost 16% of the population are Spanish speaking.
There are currently more than 500,000,000 people in the world that speak Spanish; including native, bilingual and foreign-language speakers. It is the third most widely spoken language in the world, and the second when referring to native speakers alone. I can´t think of a better reason to start learning a language today! Here are some courses to check out:
Expanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina, offer small group classes of 20 hours a week. The average group size is 4 people, and students can practice conversation, engage in group activities and improve sentence structure with their fellow classmates. Expanish believe the best approach to learning a language is to also learn about the culture and how the two intertwine. They organise a number of activities and workshops so that students can apply the Spanish that they have learned in the classroom to real life situations.
In Colombia the Spanish World Institute have Spanish courses for students to learn Spanish as a foreign language. Their academic programs look for a deeper understanding of the Colombian culture, through cross-cultural education, personalised attention and dynamic teaching methods in a professional and friendly atmosphere and they also offer voluntary programmes.
If you have an interest in a particular country I would recommend that you choose to study Spanish there, as most of the programs involve learning about the local culture and customs as well, which is an added bonus. Suerte! (good luck!)
Reference: Wikipedia
25
Aug 10
Women’s Equality Day
On August 26 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution became law, and women got full voting rights. It was the day the Suffrage battle was won, and is today celebrated in the USA as Women’s Equality Day. For many centuries, women were discouraged from pursuing higher education because it was culturally considered unnatural for a woman to be educated, although the way to attaining equal status in society was mainly through education. In Colonial times girls were only taught to read and write. Oberlin College, the first university to accept women and Afro-American students was founded in 1833 in Ohio. By 1910 women made up 39 percent of all collegiate undergraduate students and even 20 percent of all college faculty. In 1945, the first woman was accepted to Harvard Medical School.
Even today there are still changes to be made, as key research has found that social stereotypes, gender bias and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges and universities contribute to the inequality. The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE), is a nonprofit organization of more than 50 groups dedicated to improving educational opportunities for girls and women. The organization provides advocacy for the development of national education policies that benefit all women.
And last but not least, only 41 Nobel Prizes and Prizes in Economic Sciences have been awarded to women while 765 have been given to men between 1901 and 2009. Girls, it’s time to increase the score!
Source: Wikipedia and nobelprize.org
20
Aug 10
Back to School: Postgraduate Programs Gain Popularity in the UK
Unemployment statistics for young university graduates have risen significantly in the UK between 2008-2010, with 1 in 10 UK graduates currently jobless. The Higher Education Policy Institute said that unemployment among graduates below age 24 rose by 25%, from 11.1% in December 2008 to 14% in December 2009. Male graduates have shown to have a harder time getting a job compared with their female counterparts, however men still earn on average more than women once employed. The rise in unemployment could be attributed to cutbacks in the public sector where many recent graduates seek jobs upon entering the work force.
Because there are fewer jobs, many young adults have decided to go back to school, or in the case of recent graduates, continue their studies. Postgraduate programs are receiving an increased number of applicants, many of whom are young adults who have turned to education to improve their chances of gaining employment. In 2009, institutions like the University of Glasgow and Sheffield Hallam University have seen more than a 50% rise in postgraduate applications.
For those of you who are heading back to school, share your story with us in the comments section.
Reference BBC UK
18
Aug 10
University in Chile Gains Accreditation in the US
On 11 August, the Universidad Mayor de Chile became the first university in Chile to be accredited by the Ministry of Education from the U.S. government because of its high quality standards, which according to the U.S. government, are similar to those of universities in the USA. To obtain this certification, the Chilean centre was part of a strict evaluation process, which lasted five years, and was conducted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an agency under the Government of the United States. This comission also certifies United States universities such as Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Cornell and Columbia, and their role is to ensure that higher education institutions are fulfilling their purposes and addressing the public´s expectations.
Universidad Mayor de Chile
The accreditation will allow Chilean students of this University to study both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in American institutions. The rector of the Universidad Mayor, Ruben Covarrubias said that with this progress, the doors of American universities are opening and creating new international opportunites for their students.
11
Aug 10
Study Abroad Trends – The Middle East
According to reports by the Institute of International Education more and more American students are choosing study abroad destinations in the Middle East. While there are still a lot of students spending a semester in the UK, France and Italy, over the last 10 years destinations like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have become increasingly popular. Since 2002 the number of American students that went to study in a Middle Eastern country is up six-fold. This increase is due in part to the Critical Language Scholarship, a government initiative started in 2006, to encourage students to learn Arabic and 12 other languages spoken in Middle Eastern countries.
Photo by Cathyse97
Students who have decided to study abroad in places like Beirut and Cairo say that they came to the Middle East because they wanted to learn about Muslim culture and to understand the conflicts that exist today. Many students feel that a study abroad experience in the Middle East is more relevant in today´s building of international relationships and policies, and believe that their experience studying in the Middle East will help them secure important internships and jobs after college.
Read more about this article, here
Reference New York Times
28
Jul 10
Applied Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – Course of the Week
Does the thought of biochemistry and science take you back to high school classes, where you couldn´t wait for science to end and sports classes to begin? Well, maybe this course isn´t for you, BUT science can be much cooler than you thought it could. Did you hear recently that scientists have discovered that Australian Marsupials, such as the kangaroo, probably originally came from South America? A new study by the University of Munster in Germany, has found evidence that more than 80 million years ago the marsupials migrated to Australia from South America via Antartica, which back then was geographically connected and known as Gondwana. If you study science, you could be the one researching and discovering things like this!
Source: Flickr Creative Commons - Subhash Chandra
The key to this discovery was found analysing DNA strands, an important part in the study of biochemistry. So if you are thinking that science IS sounding a lot cooler than it used to, check out some courses you can take to get you on your way to the next big discovery in science:
Queensland University of Technology in Australia run a Bachelor of Applied Science (Biochemistry). In this course you will start by studying the different scientific areas including life sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics and environmental science, and then move onto more complex molecular interactions, and experimental theory and practice in biochemistry.
The University of Westminster in London has a BA Molecular Biology and Genetics, which focuses on, you guessed it, molecular biology and genetics. As well as studying traditional sciences, these are applied to a modern context, such as how human life is controlled, the potential to generate great benefits in improved healthcare provision, as well as the connection with improvements in agriculture and the environment.
28
Jul 10
Guidelines for Muslim Students During Ramadan
Source: Flickr - Ashish T
A city council in the UK has issued guidelines for primary and secondary schools that advise on how to support Muslim students during the upcoming month of Ramadan. The report suggests the suspension of swimming classes, as students can accidentally swallow water when no food or drink is allowed during the hours of sunlight. It also recommends suspending sex education classes, as sexual thoughts are discouraged during this time. Other recommendations include scheduling exams after Ramadan, as a student´s concentration may not be 100%, and being aware of physical activity if some Muslim students are fasting. The guidelines are actually very culturally sensitive and sensible, as there are health-related issues that come into play when people are not eating and hydrating their bodies properly.
The council´s point of view is that students should not feel disadvantaged during school time due to their religious observance. But they have faced strong criticism from the National Secular Society, who say that it is wrong to force non-Muslims to observe Islamic laws and traditions. They say that rearranging school activities to avoid displacing a minority group based on religious views is out of proportion, and not fair to all students.
Educating parents and teachers about Ramadan seems to be a positive thing, and Muslim students should be given allowances for things that affect their religious beliefs and health during holidays and other times such as Ramadan. Religion is a sensitive topic, and sometimes awareness can make day to day life safer and more maneagable for everyone. Religion and education should be able to work together, not get in the way of each other.
26
Jul 10
Education and the Price of Crime in the UK
- The government in the UK is calling for better education in prisons. According to the BBC, prisons in England are under review by parliament in an effort to improve the educational programmes in prisons across the country. Skills minister John Hayes told reporters that effective education is vital to the justice system because education improves the chances that an inmate will find employment upon being released. Being able to offer a skill and find a job is “essential” in preventing criminals from committing a second or third crime, and to help them create positive role models for their families. In the UK, half the men and more than 70% of the women have no job qualifications at all. Two-thirds do not have a literacy level above the age of 11.
Complications in effective education plans for prisons in the UK arose in part due to job cuts and pay freezes for education staff. As a result, teachers have more work and less pay which has caused senior leaders to find work elsewhere. This meant the loss of mentoring support for those teachers with less experience.
The price of crime is not only high for the delinquent but also for the state. Functioning prison facilities cost tax- payers roughly £60bn a year in England, with £9bn as a result of re-offending. Mr. Hayes was quoted as saying, ¨the last thing society needs is people reverting to crime because they are, or feel they are, capable of nothing better. That is not good for society and it is not good for the offender. But we must have value for money – the review I am undertaking will look at current courses and where they can be better tailored to social needs.”
Reference | BBC
19
Jul 10
Exercise Said to Improve Grades of College Students
Researchers are saying that college students who exercise tend to have better grades than those who do not exercise. A study done by Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan studied 266 undergraduate students to see if or how exercise influences Grade Point Average (GPA is on a 4 point scale, 4 being the highest grade, an A+). The study took into account the following factors that might also influence GPA apart from exercise; gender, study time, college sports and area of study. The results showed that students who vigorously and habitually exercised had a 0.4 point higher GPA than students who did not exercise.
Now, many argue that exercise and good grades do not have a cause and effect relationship, but are correlated because those who have the discipline to exercise probably have the discipline to study and manage their time better. That may be true, but it is important to note that exercise releases endorphins, which has shown to improve attitude and boost energy, both fundamental in being a successful student.
A similar study was conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine. The purpose of the study was to “assess the association between study time, grade point average (GPA) and meeting current recommendations for vigorous and moderate physical activity in college students.” Results showed that students who spend more time studying are more likely to exercise. A student who studies three or more hours per day is four times more likely to exercise vigorously than students who study less than one hour per day. And students with a GPA of 3.5 or above are three times more likely to exercise vigorously than students with a GPA below 3.0.
Verdict:
Exercise is healthy for both body and mind and may help students get on track to getting better grades.
What do you think?
Read more about this article, here.
16
Jul 10
Stereotypes Still Affect Women Today
www.the-scientist.com
The stereotype that boys are better than girls in math and science still affects the industry today. Women have made exceptional progress in education and the workplace during the past 50 years, especially in historically male-dominated areas such as business and law. In science however, women’s educational progress in the workplace is still slower. A new research report by the American Association of University Women is trying to explain why that is. What is stopping women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and math?
Not surprisingly, key research findings include social stereotypes, gender bias and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges and universities that contribute to the inequality . Research shows that negative stereotypes about women´s abilities in math can indeed measurably lower their test performance. It also shows that these stereotypes can lower the aspirations that women have to study science. The report presents new ideas for what can be done to allow more gender equality in scientific and engineering fields.
Parents and educators can help to encourage achievement and an interest in math and science, yet more work is needed to ensure that women have full access to education and employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Colleges and universities can attract more female science and engineering faculty if they improve departmental culture to promote the integration of female faculty. The report by the AA of University Women provides evidence that women are less satisfied with the academic workplace and more likely to leave it earlier in their careers than men. By addressing this issue, maybe we can work towards a change in the number of women entering these industries.
The report can be found here.
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