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A trip to the University of Maryland; for an international competition
Topic Started: May 31 2011, 08:40 AM (503 Views)
RosemaryTwo
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HOLY CARP!!!
Rainman --

I can tell you the difference in style between our American team and the Chinese buddy team.

The Chinese team performed in English. Their story had a moral about things that are seemingly disconnected being connected. Their costumes were perfectly made. Seams were straight. The scenery was stunning. Well built with LED lights and movable parts. Their technical component (cars built from mousetraps) was functioning and impressive. We almost doubted that they did it all themselves, BUT

The Chinese-American girl on our team is our primary set maker. She does impeccable work that is stunning and beautiful. She said she thought that the Chinese kids did their own work, implying that attention to detail and perfection is a cultural value. "Imagine a whole team of people like me," were her words.

Our kids' strength was in their sheer creativity. Their story was different from other kids (a wordless caveman gig) and they did it with energy and professionalism. They did it within the rules and strict time limit. The kids on our team each have different strengths and they divided and conquered.

I know this sounds like corny, but the American team was neat because it was such a mix of nationalities. Each kid brought native intelligence to the table plus a perspective from their culture / country that, when combined, was very inspiring. It gives hope for an international future (hugely corny now) but these kids were funny, happy, diligent, and competitive. The best result is truly when minds come together.

Edited by RosemaryTwo, Jun 1 2011, 04:30 AM.
"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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RosemaryTwo
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Opti --

I couldn't agree more with your analysis on the gifted program.

My conclusion is that school gives a basic education, but it's what goes on at home that is the "enrichment." These kids have some similar home lives -- parents who emphasize education, music, and limited TV and video games.

We offered to take a group to the museum and they were thrilled (jumping up and down to get to go to Washington DC on a metro). They were well behaved and curious in the museum. They were all intellectually curious kids and were polite. But like I said before, for the most part they are also socially well adjusted.

The school district sponsors this program (which means their name is on the forms and they give us $2,500 for the entire program) but it is truly parent-run and done during after-school hours.
Edited by RosemaryTwo, Jun 1 2011, 04:35 AM.
"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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apple
one of the angels
how very neat Rosemary

congrats on a happy kid.
it behooves me to behold
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RosemaryTwo
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Thanks, apple.

I should add that Poland kicked butt this year. South Korea as well.
"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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RosemaryTwo
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Another funny story --

One activity at Worlds is pin trading, where you bring OM pins from your state or country and then kids get together in designated areas and barter. Kids try to trade for more unique pins from a variety of regions. It can get competitive.

The one girl on our team is from India. She would go into the pin trading area and come out with vastly more and better pins than the other kids. Her negotiating skills from her extended visits to India put the other kids to shame. She confessed, holding fistfulls of pins, "I actually feel kinda bad." :lol:
"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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Rainman
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Fulla-Carp
Quote:
 
RosemaryTwo:
I know this sounds like corny, but the American team was neat because it was such a mix of nationalities. Each kid brought native intelligence to the table plus a perspective from their culture / country that, when combined, was very inspiring. It gives hope for an international future (hugely corny now) but these kids were funny, happy, diligent, and competitive. The best result is truly when minds come together.


Thanks RosemaryTwo, and I don't think it's corny at all!

The strength in our country is our diversity, it brings vitality, vibrance, builds broad-range talents.

All the emphasis on comparative tests are interesting, but one does wonder if our true uniquenesses and strengths can actually be measured.

Perhaps the various states' growing emphasis on common core standards and tests is missing something uniquely American.
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RosemaryTwo
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It's an interesting question, Rainman.

Ideally, I suppose, a country would have a population with both core competencies that generate high scores and a a streak of creativity and optimism that generate the occasional brilliant idea.

My neighborhood has a strong Indian / Asian population and I've had some interesting conversations with parents from these countries about how to educate children. Cross-pollination is a positive force, I think.

"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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Mikhailoh
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I cannot wonder but whether the difference is they are unafraid to level set expectations of their children and enforce them. I have often seen any sort discipline at all fall by the wayside in the name of children's freedom of expression, etc.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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RosemaryTwo
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There is definitely some of that going on.

During our trip, for example, one kid on our team didn't want to go into DC. He wanted to stay back in the dorm, even though his whole team was going and he had never seen the nation's capital.

His parents sorta said, "Well, whatever he wants...."

I would have said, "Put on some sunscreen and grab a bottle of water, we're going to DC. I'll give you some options of what we can do once we're there. You can think about it and decide."
"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
So he did not go?
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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RosemaryTwo
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He did not.

We made four trips into DC and one to Annapolis. He made none. Still has not seen his nation's capital.
"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Wussy parents.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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RosemaryTwo
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They make decisions from the bottom up.
"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Yep.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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brenda
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..............
Why would he not want to go?
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
~A.A. Milne
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RosemaryTwo
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Control.

My best guess anyway.
"Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua
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