Sad but Unsurprising

[Astro_Bot]

General science knowledge is going backwards:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-1...adults/4824232

[pluto (Hugh)]

It's also alarming that that ABC article has misquoted the numbers...
See here for the source (and the vastly different statistics): http://www.science.org.au/reports/do...racyReport.pdf

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Astro_Bot

General science knowledge is going backwards:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-1...adults/4824232

Geez... I thought it was Fred. Dead set ringer. I was waiting for the line: 'oh... don't even get me started on that widefield rubbish!..."

[sjastro]

Not surprising really.

The deterioration of basic science knowledge probably reflects our increasing inability to think critically.
The article scratches the surface to a much more serious problem.

We now have an industry, mostly via the Internet and media, where any Joe can pass himself off as an expert, attack the science, and wield great influence simply because many in the general population are unable to separate fact from fiction.

Climate change denial and the misinformed idea that vaccination causes autism are two examples.

Regards

Steven

[UniPol]

I think the term "dumbing down" is the catchcry of our day.

[Profiler (Profiler)]

I think another facet to the problem is the Generation Y mentality wherein every student with their freshly minted degree believes they are an expert upon graduation.

[RobF (Rob)]

Originally Posted by Profiler

I think another facet to the problem is the Generation Y mentality wherein every student with their freshly minted degree believes they are an expert upon graduation.

This is a big problem, along with the belief if you're "trained" you know it all. Coupled with the fact most modern organisations have little spare time to mentor and grow you staff its a tough new time.

[Profiler (Profiler)]

Originally Posted by RobF

This is a big problem, along with the belief if you're "trained" you know it all. Coupled with the fact most modern organisations have little spare time to mentor and grow you staff its a tough new time.

+1

Yes - well put.

[04Stefan07 (Stefan)]

Is this for real?

[RobF (Rob)]

Yes, but obviously a gross generalisation too Stefan.
Do you feel like you "know it all" yet?

[Profiler (Profiler)]

This is not a new, unknown or exaggerated issue.

Hypothetical No.1

You have a significant illness and a choice of three doctors. Dr Boomer who studied and received training in medicine roughly 30+ years ago, Dr X who studied and received training in medicine roughly 15-20 years ago or Dr Y who studied and received training in medicine in the past 10 years.

In the wake of universally recognised and accepted drops in University budgets, streamlining of courses and lowering qualification standards to previous generations of graduates I suspect most folks would prefer (when choice was available) either Dr Boomer or Dr X.

Hypothetical No.2

Through a series of circumstances you have been charged with various offences and facing a possible sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment. You have a choice of three barristers. Counsel Boomer who studied and received training in law roughly 30+ years ago, Counsel X who studied and received training in law roughly 15-20 years ago or Counsel Y who studied and received training in law (over the internet) in the past 10 years.


In the wake of universally recognised and accepted drops in University budgets, streamlining of courses and lowering qualification standards to previous generations of graduates I suspect most folks would prefer (when choice was available) either Counsel Boomer or X.

[Poita (Peter)]

Actually, I'd prefer the younger doctor, medicine is amazingly conservative, there are still older doctors disbelieving bacteria causing ulcers despite decades of proof.

[Zaps]

Originally Posted by Profiler

I think another facet to the problem is the Generation Y mentality wherein every student with their freshly minted degree believes they are an expert upon graduation.

That is not a Gen Y thing. It's been going on forever.

[andrew2008]

Originally Posted by Profiler

I think another facet to the problem is the Generation Y mentality wherein every student with their freshly minted degree believes they are an expert upon graduation.

I am at uni while working full time and in gen Y though in my late 20's. I have found the experience very humbling, the more I learn the more it is apparent there is to learn and that finishing my degree means very little.

I really dislike broad statements like this that place everyone in the same basket. It is clearly an incorrect statement, I know I am not alone in my cohort in thinking the same way.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Zaps

That is not a Gen Y thing. It's been going on forever.

True. I knew it all when I was a teen. Now I'm just counting remaining brain cells...

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by andrew2008

I am at uni while working full time and in gen Y though in my late 20's. I have found the experience very humbling, the more I learn the more it is apparent there is to learn and that finishing my degree means very little.

I really dislike broad statements like this that place everyone in the same basket. It is clearly an incorrect statement, I know I am not alone in my cohort in thinking the same way.

That's right Andrew. You tell'em. It's like saying 'Bloody P-Platers!' Totally unwarranted.

[AndrewJ]

I think another facet to the problem is the Generation Y mentality wherein every student with their freshly minted degree believes they are an expert upon graduation.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/vbiis/i...tons/quote.gif

One of the last lectures we got before graduating at uni was a statement to remember that we were now just "well educated idiots".
How true that was.

Andrew

[Profiler (Profiler)]

Originally Posted by andrew2008

I am at uni while working full time and in gen Y though in my late 20's. I have found the experience very humbling, the more I learn the more it is apparent there is to learn and that finishing my degree means very little.

I really dislike broad statements like this that place everyone in the same basket. It is clearly an incorrect statement, I know I am not alone in my cohort in thinking the same way.

Ah yes - the inaccuracy of generalisations defence.

I admit it is at least better than the opposite argument of only a few bad apples.

[bigjoe (JOSEPH)]

When I was at Uni many moons ago,even something like multiple choice was almost unheard of.Now its commonplace. There is now a general lack of rigor academically and life in general.Most of our young culture has embrassed a mindless American subculture of"Yo Bro"and a lot of manners and courtisies forgotten.Its a long way from finishing Uni etc and knowing much at all. IT TAKES YEARS!Cheers.

[Profiler (Profiler)]

Originally Posted by bigjoe

When I was at Uni many moons ago,even something like multiple choice was almost unheard of.Now its commonplace. There is now a general lack of rigor academically and life in general.Most of our young culture has embrassed a mindless American subculture of"Yo Bro"and a lot of manners and courtisies forgotten.Its a long way from finishing Uni etc and knowing much at all. IT TAKES YEARS!Cheers.

+ 1

Exactly

There have been several scandals over the past two decades concerning marking criteria placed upon academic staff - essentially to ensure that students aren't failed to maintain enrollment numbers and thus continued funding for subsequent courses and to keep the departments afloat.