16 ms·

>Few of my teachers really understood the things I wanted to learn, my peers weren't interested in the nerdy things I was, and my parents certainly didn't have

>Few of my teachers really understood the things I wanted to learn, my peers weren't interested in the nerdy things I was, and my parents certainly didn't have the wealth to provide me with private tutoring. I can understand saying that when you're in middle or high school. But as a 5 year old? This comment has to be a joke?

ndriscoll 2mo ago
It wouldn't really surprise me if the average kindergarten teacher (or just adult) had no idea how e.g. an air conditioner or an elevator or one of those emergency flashlights that you can power by shaking or any number of other everyday things works.
- zero-sharp 2mo ago
  Are you asking me to believe that the educational system underserves kindergartners because the average kindergarten teacher can't provide an education on your narrow technical interest? The responsibilities of the average kindergarten teacher probably include 1) making sure your kids don't swallow glue, and 2) making sure little johnny doesn't throw another tantrum.
  - ndriscoll 2mo ago
    [flagged]
    - zero-sharp 2mo ago
      That's one interpretation: the system doesn't take of your specific needs and therefore it's neglectful or inadequate. Another interpretation is that the teacher is doing exactly what the school needs them to do because most 5 year olds aren't concerned with how air conditioners work. And perhaps it shouldn't be the responsibility of the kindergarten teacher to provide technical education? There's a conversation to be had about the educational system underserving the intellectually curious. Trying to make that point in the context of kindergarten is a little absurd to me.
      - ndriscoll 2mo ago
        No one in this subthread said teachers aren't doing exactly what the schools need them to do; the OP you replied to said properly harnessed LLMs could be a boon for a smart, curious child. Why is that absurd for kindergartners? My oldest probably started asking me about everything she sees when she was 3. Curious, undeserved kindergartners exist. The idea that they can be tailored to the needs and interests of every individual is the point.

ndriscoll 2mo ago

It wouldn't really surprise me if the average kindergarten teacher (or just adult) had no idea how e.g. an air conditioner or an elevator or one of those emergency flashlights that you can power by shaking or any number of other everyday things works.

zero-sharp 2mo ago
Are you asking me to believe that the educational system underserves kindergartners because the average kindergarten teacher can't provide an education on your narrow technical interest? The responsibilities of the average kindergarten teacher probably include 1) making sure your kids don't swallow glue, and 2) making sure little johnny doesn't throw another tantrum.
- ndriscoll 2mo ago
  [flagged]
  - zero-sharp 2mo ago
    That's one interpretation: the system doesn't take of your specific needs and therefore it's neglectful or inadequate. Another interpretation is that the teacher is doing exactly what the school needs them to do because most 5 year olds aren't concerned with how air conditioners work. And perhaps it shouldn't be the responsibility of the kindergarten teacher to provide technical education? There's a conversation to be had about the educational system underserving the intellectually curious. Trying to make that point in the context of kindergarten is a little absurd to me.
    - ndriscoll 2mo ago
      No one in this subthread said teachers aren't doing exactly what the schools need them to do; the OP you replied to said properly harnessed LLMs could be a boon for a smart, curious child. Why is that absurd for kindergartners? My oldest probably started asking me about everything she sees when she was 3. Curious, undeserved kindergartners exist. The idea that they can be tailored to the needs and interests of every individual is the point.