I spent (an excruciating) four years of my life at an American high school, but I've never experienced high school in CH in any way, so I can't really compare them. But it doesn't surprise me at all if Swiss students are better in subjects like Science and Mathematics than American kids. For one thing, in my opinion, there is too much focus in American high schools on sports and not enough focus on actual academics.
I'm sure most American high schools differ to some degree, but the one I went to was public and quite large (3,000+ students). In no way did it help me prepare for college or university. I was basically just a number there and had really nothing in the way of academic advising. When I graduated, I remember feeling like a lost puppy, and that feeling was even worse when I entered college because I felt like I hadn't been prepared for it, so it was really overwhelming.
My biggest problem with high schools in America, though (or at least the one I went to) is that they seem to only focus on things that directly relate to America. So kids aren't given a broad education. For example, I had to learn about the American Civil War every year, yet when I graduated, I knew absolutely nothing about the Communist Revolution in China, etc. -- not to mention having to constantly go over the capitals of each US state but having no idea where Switzerland is on a world map.
For these reasons, I'm glad that my little boy will (most likely) be enduring the Swiss system instead of the U.S. one. It might be more stressful for him, but I think he will have a better chance at being more successful when he grows up... or at least he should have a more well-rounded education behind him because of it.
I suspect one contributor to this thread might be nursing a monstrous hangover this morning...
I agree that comparing them is an act of futility. You can compare the 'scores' on tests but just like any other effort at statistical analysis the details of the sample are just as important as the results.
The two systems were created with two very different goals for different societies with different social values and expectations. They are two completely different products customized for the customers they serve.
The Swiss don't understand the US system and the Americans don't understand the Swiss system because they have different paradigms. It takes an open mind to look at each system individually from the aspects of the society it educates and understand the positive and negative aspects of each.
I can't really comment because I never experienced school here.
But I wanted to specifically ask American parents who have children in school here: Do you feel like your kids are missing out on the social aspects of school? I agree education is the most important thing, (obviously). But I kind of feel like if I do have kids here, and they go to school here, they'd be missing out on things like sports, cheer-leading, clubs, etc. All the stuff that was so "fun" in school. From what I understand, the international schools do have more of those types of things. But they are expensive!
And one other thing I notice is that the kids are always on break here! They have so many breaks through out the day. What time do they get done? 4pm? A far cry from a 45 minute lunch (in my day) and getting out at 2:30. That's another thing I wouldn't be comfortable with, my child wondering around town for half the day, as I see so many do.
Anywho, just my musings.
No and NO Damed teachers always hated me! over there ;-)
[QUOTE=sedalbj;2098669]I agree that comparing them is an act of futility. You can compare the 'scores' on tests but just like any other effort at statistical analysis the details of the sample are just as important as the results.
The two systems were created with two very different goals for different societies with different social values and expectations. They are two completely different products customized for the customers they serve.
The Swiss don't understand the US system and the Americans don't understand the Swiss system because they have different paradigms. It takes an open mind to look at each system individually from the aspects of the society it educates and understand the positive and negative aspects of each.[/ QUOTE]
US needs Car assembly workers , Switzerland wans good Trades people !
the system in the us is not only state based, but differences vary greatly from district to district (i.e, town to town). comparing the two seems slightly ridiculous but, to answer the question via my personal experience i find that the high school i attended and the high school my son would have attended could be slightly better than the school he attends here- though there are variables.
first being that there are far more support systems in place in the school in mind in the u.s. if a child is motivated to attend help sessions or discuss issues with a teacher there, it is more acceptable and seen as a plus in terms of a students motivation. i don't see too many teachers here addressing individual student issues or need for support outside of class. again, this is comparing the schools that i know in the u.s and the school that i know in switzerland. that being said, we have found that here, parents have to be much more proactive to provide the additional support a child might need to perform to their ability. this system works well for kids who are highly motivated and have resources outside of school, as well as for kids who think 'within the box'.
in terms of outside activities- i find that those with whom i went to high school still have a very tight knit community and still attend functions at their former school as alumni. there is also something to be said for a 'well rounded' child who are involved in club activities, sports, etc within the school community as being high achievers in academics but that could just be a matter of perspective.
in the end it all comes down to priorities and the importance the family of the student puts into education in general. if you grow up being shown that education is important and the involvement is there from the parents, the school itself, while still important, is not the end all be all.
just my two cents...
I studied many broads in high-school, mostly cheerleaders
So very true. For example. To compare the public school system in the Princeton area of New Jersey where the population is highly educated, makes lots of money and school taxes receipts are extremely high to the school system in some other parts of the US (think poor parts of Appalachia) is comparing apples and oranges. And that isn't just academic differences but also the plethora of activities available because there is funding and the availability of support to each student whenever they have an issue with a class. Or if their B+ average isn't good enough and their parents pay $100+/hr for a private tutor to get that up to an A average.......
To look at either one of those areas of the US as your baseline for US educational standards and then compare your personal baseline to a CH school for kids of the same age is nonsensical.
In response to the observation about activities, consider the application process for college in the US. It will show you why the society encourages participation in activities. Your GPA and SAT matter on your application but your participation in soccer, school paper, model united nations, german club, and church youth group will go a long way in getting you into the higher ranked university and distinguishing you from the guy in another part of NJ who is one activity short but has comparable scores...