In Classroom, Twitter Trumps the Queen

Proposed UK curriculum focuses on learning skills, flexibility
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 25, 2009 9:15 AM CDT
In Classroom, Twitter Trumps the Queen
If kids don't hear about viking history in elementary school, will there still be enough enthusiasts to stage reenactments?   (©mararie)

Why learn about World War II or Queen Victoria in elementary school when you can always look them up on Wikipedia? That seems to be the rationale behind a new proposed overhaul of the British school system. Because secondary schools teach plenty of history, the reasoning goes, early schooling should focus on the basics, including typing and Twitter, reports the Guardian.

One teaching union leader is excited about the changes: "We are pleased they give the profession much more flexibility to meet the needs of their pupils. Children need to be enthused by learning, so they want to learn and gain the skills which will enable them to learn in later life. The debate is not about whether the Victorians are in there or not." (More education stories.)

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