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An accurate perception of how well students can understand
and apply science benefits Canadians immensely. In many ways,
science is an enjoyable subject to take at all education levels.
Furthermore, science is extremely relevant concerning the international
job market. Highly motivated, well-educated students are more
likely to obtain a career in the field of science than a student
who does poorly. |
It is important for Canadians to have a good indication of
how well students are doing in science for numerous reasons.
First, the federal government annually provides the 10 provinces
with grants and transfer payments to spend on a myriad of things
including education. (A branch of the federal government runs
both the territories' education departments.) Students' marks
may reflect if the money is being spent the best way possible.
If students are achieving high marks in science, they should
be encouraged to pursue a science career and science programs
should be expanded and improved. New programs could start to
reflect changing scientific knowledge (for example, biotechnology).
However, one should keep in mind that dispensing money into other
areas, such as arts, would allow students to become diverse and
well-rounded. If students receive poor grades in science, perhaps
science-related programs need additional money invested in them.
Alternatively, maybe the money spent on educating students
about science is being spent unwisely. The manner in which teachers
teach may have a consequential impact upon students' grades.
Perhaps in-depth research regarding techniques teachers use could
occur. Provinces and territories could compare the way they budget
their money and the techniques they use. So, if one particular
province produces students that excel in science, they could
help other provinces whose students do not perform as well. This
process would improve their system. The concept of comparison
could occur as well on a regional scale amongst a city or town's
schools. Then, when countries compare how well students do in
science, since Canadians would improve together, we would rank
higher internationally.
Second, having an idea of how well students are doing in science
will help predict Canada's future. If students are doing well
in science because they have intentions to seek a career in a
certain field Canada's future is a very positive and bright one.
Canada or Canadian institutions can be international "centres
of excellence" in a variety of fields.
As a society, we need research done in science for significant
reasons. Two excellent examples are medicine, to acquire better
medications and techniques, and the environment, to learn how
to keep it clean and healthy. To mention all the branches of
science useful to Canada, one could compose an entire essay.
One can see an advantage to knowing how well students are doing
in science and performance in science could be used as indicator
in assessing the educational system.
Most students find science fun for various reasons. Science
related activities, such as crosswords, Jeopardy and other games,
are a pleasant break from endless taking notes and reading mundane
texts. Field trips to local science facilities, zoos, forests,
museums, etc. are enjoyable ways for students of all ages to
learn about science. Using the Internet as a resource to write
projects or do activities can be fun too. Laboratory tests and
experiments done in the classroom are often fun to do because
students are able to use their hands and mind to explore science
more practically. Some students obtain a great amount of satisfaction
from completing a lab well. The challenge some science courses
offer attracts countless students. So, science can be fun.
Science plays a relatively large role in the international
job market. Many countries developed interests in varied fields
of science as a result of the second world war. Advances in explosives,
lasers, satellites, naval vessels, etc. were being made as countries
found them necessary to compete in the cold war. The research
and interest that began over fifty years ago continues to grow
today all over the world. Thus, science is providing world wide
opportunities for jobs suited for students who display a sincere
interest. Companies frequently choose people who have a background
knowledge in technology over those students who have taken science
courses. A particular essential skill employers seek is the ability
to type and are conversant with computer technology. Therefore
students who do well in science are at an incredible edge over
those who do not.
It is very important for Canada to know how well students
do in science. A knowledge of how well students are performing
in science shows Canada if the programs invested in are worthwhile
and productive, and foretell the type of future in science it
will have. Some students enjoy studying science. They like participating
in the activities offered and enjoy the challenge. Science also
has an impact on the international job market. Science offers
careers all around the world to students who strive to achieve
their goals. |