When a tree falls in the forest – Robert Ollis

There is a philosophical argument that if a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it. Then it will not make a noise. Scientifically we know that this is not correct. But many philosophers have advanced strong arguments to support this hypothesis. I am Robert Ollis, somewhat like that tree. In that, I have penned a number of educational articles. That for all intents and purposes, will remain unread.

Fortunately, in the two weeks leading up to Christmas I met a gentleman at Penrith station. He recognised me and said he actually enjoyed my articles. You have no idea how please I was to hear that. And just two days later at Aldi in Penrith, I struck up a conversation with another reader.

Trip to Vietnam

In the next few weeks, I wish to outline my recent trip to Vietnam, where I witnessed a first world education system. That is changing a third world economy and creating the next Asian Tiger economy.

Through some personal contacts in Vietnam, I was able to access and test a number of students at different levels. The most obvious difference to the average Australian students was the level of numeracy and table skills. Even year 3 students in Vietnam are fluent in their tables up to 12 x 12. Whereas, very few primary students in Australia reach that fluency, relying instead on the use of a calculator.

At a senior level, the Vietnamese mathematics syllabus, which is the same for almost all students, is equivalent to the NSW extension 1. 2 levels with extra topics such as 3-dimensional vectors included. This topic had been previously deleted from the NSW extension 1 course in 1982, but is slated to be included in the new Australian mathematics syllabus in the near future.

Vietnam clearly sees that their future prosperity is linked to the education system. That’s a lesson that Australia should heed – Robert Ollis