BruceVC Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Working with kids isn't easy, and sometimes I wonder to myself what the hell I'm doing. I come home most days, absolutely exhausted, not feeling like doing anything. I'll sleep for an hour or two, browse the net with spotify in the background and watch any sports event currently on TV. I've got the day off on Thursday, because I've been working a lot of overtime, so I'm at least looking forward to that. Then I have until the 21 December, after that there is no more work for me this year. I was watching a documentary about how strong the Swedish education system is, its obviously due to people like you. So good work, you probably don't feel it but you are doing a really good service for your country. I wish my country had an education system like yours. In our public schools there are so many examples of complete ineptitude and lack of effort from teachers. They are more concerned with striking than educating the youth. We honestly get some people who finish school but they are unemployable, they can barely speak English. "Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss” John Milton "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead" - Nelson Mandela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Labadal Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Working with kids isn't easy, and sometimes I wonder to myself what the hell I'm doing. I come home most days, absolutely exhausted, not feeling like doing anything. I'll sleep for an hour or two, browse the net with spotify in the background and watch any sports event currently on TV. I've got the day off on Thursday, because I've been working a lot of overtime, so I'm at least looking forward to that. Then I have until the 21 December, after that there is no more work for me this year. I was watching a documentary about how strong the Swedish education system is, its obviously due to people like you. So good work, you probably don't feel it but you are doing a really good service for your country. I wish my country had an education system like yours. In our public schools there are so many examples of complete ineptitude and lack of effort from teachers. They are more concerned with striking than educating the youth. We honestly get some people who finish school but they are unemployable, they can barely speak English. We have have a great educational system and I have to say the teachers really put in their heart and soul into their work. But, and this is a very big but, it's getting worse with every generation. We're getting more and more kids that finish school that you know will either end up as criminals/drug addicts or social cases or they'll get work as dishwashers (did that for 1 year myself). It hurts me like hell. I know what I do matters, but when I see kids that are only 6-7 years that are already messed up, then you want to cry. You'll be able to steer some of them in the right direction, but others... It only gets worse and worse. I'm seeing 12-13 year olds smelling cigar smoke when they come back after their breaks, and I know for sure that some of them have done drugs already (can't prove it). There are kids that when they get upset, start hitting teachers with fists, kicking or hitting them with objects, throwing objects or using swear words and breaking stuff. It's nothing like it was 6-7 years ago. It's like being in a movie where they have decided to blow stuff completely out of proportion, only this is the real deal. I don't know how many insults I've heard, or how many times someone's hit me. The great thing is that the teachers at my work are all great and we support eachother, plus the bosses are really nice too. Last year was good, with incidents now and then, but these last few months have been very tiring and frustrating. Today was probably one of those days that made me reflect at my work, because I've been able to handle most things this year, even if it's involved some really crazy ****. A day of in two days will most probably solve this, it usually does for me. Sorry for the rambling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cantousent Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Keep up the good work, Lab. Caring for the children of others is a noble thing. Happy birthday, Oro. I've been there, man! hehe Fionavar's Holliday Wishes to all members of our online community: Happy Holidays Join the revelry at the Obsidian Plays channel:Obsidian Plays Remembering tarna, Phosphor, Metadigital, and Visceris. Drink mead heartily in the halls of Valhalla, my friends! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orogun01 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Thanks everyone, if anyone is still curious I'm celebrating by finishing a bottle of Scotch and listening to blues. Maybe later my mood will pick up, although I doubt since its going to be "family time" I'd say the answer to that question is kind of like the answer to "who's the sucker in this poker game?"* *If you can't tell, it's you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Labadal Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 I hope youn live for 100 years, so you get a lot of "family time" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gfted1 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 We have have a great educational system and I have to say the teachers really put in their heart and soul into their work. But, and this is a very big but, it's getting worse with every generation. We're getting more and more kids that finish school that you know will either end up as criminals/drug addicts or social cases or they'll get work as dishwashers (did that for 1 year myself). It hurts me like hell. I know what I do matters, but when I see kids that are only 6-7 years that are already messed up, then you want to cry. You'll be able to steer some of them in the right direction, but others... It only gets worse and worse. I'm seeing 12-13 year olds smelling cigar smoke when they come back after their breaks, and I know for sure that some of them have done drugs already (can't prove it). There are kids that when they get upset, start hitting teachers with fists, kicking or hitting them with objects, throwing objects or using swear words and breaking stuff. It's nothing like it was 6-7 years ago. It's like being in a movie where they have decided to blow stuff completely out of proportion, only this is the real deal. I don't know how many insults I've heard, or how many times someone's hit me. The great thing is that the teachers at my work are all great and we support eachother, plus the bosses are really nice too. Last year was good, with incidents now and then, but these last few months have been very tiring and frustrating. Today was probably one of those days that made me reflect at my work, because I've been able to handle most things this year, even if it's involved some really crazy ****. A day of in two days will most probably solve this, it usually does for me. Sorry for the rambling. You work with "troubled" kids, right? "I'm your biggest fan, Ill follow you until you love me, Papa" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Labadal Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 We have have a great educational system and I have to say the teachers really put in their heart and soul into their work. But, and this is a very big but, it's getting worse with every generation. We're getting more and more kids that finish school that you know will either end up as criminals/drug addicts or social cases or they'll get work as dishwashers (did that for 1 year myself). It hurts me like hell. I know what I do matters, but when I see kids that are only 6-7 years that are already messed up, then you want to cry. You'll be able to steer some of them in the right direction, but others... It only gets worse and worse. I'm seeing 12-13 year olds smelling cigar smoke when they come back after their breaks, and I know for sure that some of them have done drugs already (can't prove it). There are kids that when they get upset, start hitting teachers with fists, kicking or hitting them with objects, throwing objects or using swear words and breaking stuff. It's nothing like it was 6-7 years ago. It's like being in a movie where they have decided to blow stuff completely out of proportion, only this is the real deal. I don't know how many insults I've heard, or how many times someone's hit me. The great thing is that the teachers at my work are all great and we support eachother, plus the bosses are really nice too. Last year was good, with incidents now and then, but these last few months have been very tiring and frustrating. Today was probably one of those days that made me reflect at my work, because I've been able to handle most things this year, even if it's involved some really crazy ****. A day of in two days will most probably solve this, it usually does for me. Sorry for the rambling. You work with "troubled" kids, right? I work with them too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurlshort Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Every problem in education can be traced back to the parents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Labadal Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 That's the truest statement of the day. Some parents don't give a **** and others get ultra defensive when we bring up problems. It might sound like I don't like the job, but I love it. It's just that some days are crazier than you want them to be. There are a lot of great kids too. And even the kids that need to get their act together are fun working with most of the time. This guy needs to go to sleep if he wants to wake up in time for work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cantousent Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 I remember I busted one kid for talking back in class and he said he was going to tell his mother. I actually liked the little fifth grade smart-ass, but he was a mouthy as hell. Anyhow, I just shook my head and ask, "Do you really think your mother, a local superior court justice, is going to side with you on this one?" I pulled out my phone and suggested we call to settle it right there, but he didn't bite. Anyhow, I was a teacher for a couple of years a long time ago, and so I don't take any credit as a teacher, but I do have the utmost respect for dedicated teachers. Sure, there are some worthless ones who don't care about the kids, but they tend to get weeded out for the most part. The people who stay, like Hurlie and you, Lab, are the ones who really make a difference in the lives of the children. Fionavar's Holliday Wishes to all members of our online community: Happy Holidays Join the revelry at the Obsidian Plays channel:Obsidian Plays Remembering tarna, Phosphor, Metadigital, and Visceris. Drink mead heartily in the halls of Valhalla, my friends! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hiro Protagonist Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 (edited) Every problem in education can be traced back to the parents. Reminds me of this TV ad. Children see, children do. Edited November 27, 2012 by Hiro Protagonist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orogun01 Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 I hope youn live for 100 years, so you get a lot of "family time" What did I ever do to you? 1 I'd say the answer to that question is kind of like the answer to "who's the sucker in this poker game?"* *If you can't tell, it's you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cantousent Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 I hope youn live for 100 years, so you get a lot of "family time" What did I ever do to you? comedy. Laugh. out. loud. Fionavar's Holliday Wishes to all members of our online community: Happy Holidays Join the revelry at the Obsidian Plays channel:Obsidian Plays Remembering tarna, Phosphor, Metadigital, and Visceris. Drink mead heartily in the halls of Valhalla, my friends! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurlshort Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Every problem in education can be traced back to the parents. Reminds me of this TV ad. Children see, children do. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90aZ1KTNbms Wow, that made me tear up a bit. Why the heck was that banned, it is brilliant. Which is a weird byproduct of having kids, I get freaking choked up at all sorts of stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceVC Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Thanks everyone, if anyone is still curious I'm celebrating by finishing a bottle of Scotch and listening to blues. Maybe later my mood will pick up, although I doubt since its going to be "family time" I'm glad you celebrated in your own way. What might be fun is a visit to a nice, welcoming strip club. The girls love "b-days" and will spoil you rotten. Yes you will have to pay but where in life don't we pay for things? "Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss” John Milton "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead" - Nelson Mandela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melkathi Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Every problem in education can be traced back to the parents. Not really. Sub-standard curricula educational systems that only prepare for set standardised tests teachers who work too many hours in classes with too many students for them to be able to actually pay attention to them facilities in various states of disrepair parents who need to work two jobs because with one 8 hour shift a day the below minimum wage income isn't enough to raise a kid (as if minimum wage was) Then we have all those countries that ask for specialists with 5 year experience for every other job, but people can become teachers without any prior training whatsoever. On the lines of "Couldn't cope it in the industry? Don't worry, go stand in a classroom." Could go on. And on. Won't though 1 Unobtrusively informing you about my new ebook (which you should feel free to read and shower with praise). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceVC Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 (edited) Every problem in education can be traced back to the parents. Not really. Sub-standard curricula educational systems that only prepare for set standardised tests teachers who work too many hours in classes with too many students for them to be able to actually pay attention to them facilities in various states of disrepair parents who need to work two jobs because with one 8 hour shift a day the below minimum wage income isn't enough to raise a kid (as if minimum wage was) Then we have all those countries that ask for specialists with 5 year experience for every other job, but people can become teachers without any prior training whatsoever. On the lines of "Couldn't cope it in the industry? Don't worry, go stand in a classroom." Could go on. And on. Won't though I tend to agree with these points and I was going to make similar comments. A child born in abject poverty with a very bad public school system is at a disadvantage. Thats not to say they can't uplift themselves through education but its harder. The parents are unemployed or don't have an education themselves but this is a result of the social conditions of the particular country, this was not the parents intention and also not the parents fault. So I would argue most of the time tracing the root cause of bad education is not due to the parents. So the causes of badly educated children will be different from first and third world countries Edited November 28, 2012 by BruceVC "Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss” John Milton "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead" - Nelson Mandela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melkathi Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 A child born in abject poverty with a very bad public school system is at a disadvantage. *looks at BruceVC's location* I met some teachers once at a conference, from the poor part of Soweto. Admirable job they do. Unobtrusively informing you about my new ebook (which you should feel free to read and shower with praise). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionavar Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 I think/hope with the Squads help, we may have diverted evil SPAM-bot algorithms! The universe is change; your life is what our thoughts make it - Marcus Aurelius (161) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melkathi Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 I think/hope with the Squads help, we may have diverted evil SPAM-bot algorithms! This forum has been amazingly spam free. A couple of weeks ago there was an enormous spam bot attack all over the net. This forum seemed to have been unscathed. Unobtrusively informing you about my new ebook (which you should feel free to read and shower with praise). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionavar Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Thanks for the affirmation melkathi! The credit is all due to the Squad - we have been certainly affected, we are just VERY fortunate with a committed group of folks who squish 'em fast The universe is change; your life is what our thoughts make it - Marcus Aurelius (161) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionavar Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 OT The Big Green is now @ 10k! Ah if only we could accumulate from all of OBS previous manifestations 2 The universe is change; your life is what our thoughts make it - Marcus Aurelius (161) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyCrimson Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Listening to some bamboo flute music while drinking hot chocolate, waiting for the rain to come. “Things are as they are. Looking out into the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations.” – Alan Watts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorth Posted November 28, 2012 Author Share Posted November 28, 2012 10k... (insert "achievement" jingle) 1 “He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would surely suffice.” - Albert Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceVC Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 (edited) A child born in abject poverty with a very bad public school system is at a disadvantage. *looks at BruceVC's location* I met some teachers once at a conference, from the poor part of Soweto. Admirable job they do. Don't get me wrong there are many public school teachers that are committed and hard working in South Africa but the reality is our public schooling is a mess in many area's. Its really bad. The government has dropped the standard to pass grade 12 so you literally get people who finish school but are unemployable. They can barely speak English and battle to read and write in English. Also it doesn't help we have 11 official languages, 11 !!! So what happens is sometimes a black person finishes school in there own language but this doesn't help as English is the main language and the language of business so they can't find work as they cannot communicate properly. This is not a problem in other African countries like Nigeria or Zambia where English is mandatory at school. Edited November 28, 2012 by BruceVC "Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss” John Milton "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead" - Nelson Mandela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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