Effects Of Space Race On Education
Dov Greenwood
American History AP-3
Mr. DiBartolo
6/10/16
The Effects of the Space Race on Education in the U.S. The Space Race was one of the grandest stages of the Cold War, a quasi-war between the United States and Soviet Russia that pushed both the boundaries of both countries’ resources and forcing advancement in battles for technological and cultural superiority. The Space Race in particular propelled innovation in sectors that previously had not been considered in competition with Russia, including astronomy, science research, and intellectual ability. One of the greatest impacts of the Space Race in the United States is its effects on the country’s philosophy of and attitude towards education. The space race pumped more money and enthusiasm …show more content…
Many teachers became re-energized and put a focus on upgrading their curricula.16 Originally, curriculum reform was focused around homework; according to news reports, the Russians had four hours worth every night, and American teachers paled in comparison. However, after Detlev Bronk, a prominent American educator, gave a speech before a Senate subcommittee advocating a change from rote memorization to concept learning, the focus of educational reform shifted once more. Curricula now began to place a focus on scientific inquiry over classical languages, and more honors and fast-track courses were added to most schools.17 In addition, reforms included a focus on hands-on lab experience so that students could become more intimately acquainted with their desired field of …show more content…
With the internet, students of any grade level can enroll in online courses in virtually any subject area--and many times, free of charge. A recent study has shown that thirty-two percent of higher education students take at least one online course, and seventy-seven percent of teachers agree that these online courses can often provide education equal to or better than traditional classes.21 In particular, Khan Academy--a popular learning resource for high schoolers--has more than 6.5 million unique users per month from the United States
American History AP-3
Mr. DiBartolo
6/10/16
The Effects of the Space Race on Education in the U.S. The Space Race was one of the grandest stages of the Cold War, a quasi-war between the United States and Soviet Russia that pushed both the boundaries of both countries’ resources and forcing advancement in battles for technological and cultural superiority. The Space Race in particular propelled innovation in sectors that previously had not been considered in competition with Russia, including astronomy, science research, and intellectual ability. One of the greatest impacts of the Space Race in the United States is its effects on the country’s philosophy of and attitude towards education. The space race pumped more money and enthusiasm …show more content…
Many teachers became re-energized and put a focus on upgrading their curricula.16 Originally, curriculum reform was focused around homework; according to news reports, the Russians had four hours worth every night, and American teachers paled in comparison. However, after Detlev Bronk, a prominent American educator, gave a speech before a Senate subcommittee advocating a change from rote memorization to concept learning, the focus of educational reform shifted once more. Curricula now began to place a focus on scientific inquiry over classical languages, and more honors and fast-track courses were added to most schools.17 In addition, reforms included a focus on hands-on lab experience so that students could become more intimately acquainted with their desired field of …show more content…
With the internet, students of any grade level can enroll in online courses in virtually any subject area--and many times, free of charge. A recent study has shown that thirty-two percent of higher education students take at least one online course, and seventy-seven percent of teachers agree that these online courses can often provide education equal to or better than traditional classes.21 In particular, Khan Academy--a popular learning resource for high schoolers--has more than 6.5 million unique users per month from the United States