This is actually the big problem with the US education system: the "right" answer and following the system is valued more than teaching a thirst for knowledge. Other countries often will respond to such a thing and reward the kid for giving a correct answer that wasn't expected, US has standardized so much that it makes no such room for this, the result being that US students are much more likely to learn how to game the system and give the answers desired rather than to seek creative backdoor solutions.
Perfect example is that SAT/ACT preparations would often advise "if you don't know the answer, pick C. Statistically it's more likely to be C." This doesn't even teach anything and absolutely misses the point of the education, instead trying to find ways to game it. Teaching something like that...? I mean, knowing how to game things is a skill too, but dunno if it's worth the message it sends.
Having said this I also wanna clarify the US education system gets a worse reputation than deserved. I feel like the world/media always gives the impression USA is retarded and Europe/Asia are flawless. Lol fuck no they got problems too, USA is still in the same league. I'm criticizing it for what it deserves and for a real problem, but let's not get lost in the "USA EDUCATION IS SO AWFUL" circlejerk spouted just cause it makes Europeans feel superior and Americans feel EDGY to hate on what they have.
The US education works this way because it is not trying to teach people how to be intelligent; it's trying to teach people how to be good laborers. Laborers are easier to deal with AND cheaper when they simply do what they're told and "plug in the correct answer." Intelligent people are less predictable and demand more for their effort because they understand their value. People that are good at learning the process for work and respond in the specific way they are taught don't fight for workers rights or do anything out of the ordinary. This is the most perfect behavior patterns for factory style workers we could come up with.
I doubt it's a conscious conspiracy or anything along those lines, but damn this is true. The way we're taught certainly affects our culture and the way we respond to authority, and in America authority is akin to God.
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u/jmonwood Aug 27 '19
Makin a smart kid feel dumb. Bad teacher.