Xref: utzoo comp.edu:2787 comp.software-eng:2683
Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!clyde.concordia.ca!uunet!philmtl!philabs!linus!community-chest!mitchell
From: mitchell@community-chest.uucp (George Mitchell)
Newsgroups: comp.edu,comp.software-eng
Subject: Re: CS education
Message-ID: <82988@linus.UUCP>
Date: 11 Dec 89 22:16:54 GMT
References: <16315@duke.cs.duke.edu> <7296@hubcap.clemson.edu> <489@cherry5.UUCP> <81983@linus.UUCP> <535@cherry5.UUCP>
Sender: news@linus.UUCP
Reply-To: gmitchel@mitre.org (George Mitchell)
Organization: MITRE-McLean Software Engineering Laboratory
Lines: 32

In article <535@cherry5.UUCP> murphyn@cell.mot.COM (Neal P. Murphy) wrote:
` ....  The *concept* of public schooling is fine. 
`It is the practice that has suffered....
`
`I am saying that there should be a minimal amount [of generalization]. 
`This is backed up by the sheer numbers of engineers ... who are *incapable*
`of presenting their ideas and notions in any media (spoken, written, etc.) so
`that their audiences can readily understand them. They can not spell; they
`can not put together a clear sentence....  A large amount of the material
`that is taught in post-secondary schools *should* be taught in grades K-12. 
`
`.... I'm saying that there isn't enough time available in four
`years to teach all that is necessary to produce a young person who is
`capable of producing advanced software while learning, on his own, new
`and better techniques. Back-shift the teaching of appropriate topics.
`This will empty up to 3 semesters of college, in which students will
`be able to learn what they need...

I interpret the above (and the omitted verbiage) to be a vote in favor
of general education in public school and professional education in
college.  The length of time necessary to complete a minimal
professional education will vary.  BUT, the time one spends after
secondary school should not be mandatorily filled with the 3Rs or other
basic education.  These should be a requirement for entry.

This takes no position on the desireability of preparation for research.
I will note that BSN (Nursing - another undergraduate professional
curriculum) programs include an introduction to nursing research.
--
/s/ George   vmail: 703/883-6029
email:  mitchell@community-chest.mitre.org    [alt: gmitchel@mitre.arpa]
snail:  GB Mitchell, MITRE, MS Z676, 7525 Colshire Dr, McLean, VA  22102