2 Million Minute Debate

1) What is the message sent by Yong Zhao and what is his purpose?
His message was that the United States education system is not slacking or behind in comparison to other countries (India and China). His purpose was to show to people that the countries’ economies are diverse and so there is a different job market. He feels that the United States education system is good because it is supported by student choice. The United States might have lower test scores but they have a lot of different talents. He doesn’t believe the purpose of human life is to make the most money possible, but to find happiness.

2) What techniques are used by Yong Zhao to attract and hold attention?
Zhao used different techniques. He used humor with how he talked. He also used intensity. He discussed the affects of test taking to teen suicide. He also used association. He connected well with the audience by talking about his home life and his daughter’s experience in an American school.
3) What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented in Yong's message?
He believes that the purpose of human life is to be happy and that making a lot of money doesn’t always make someone happy. He likes how the United States supports all the students and whatever talent he/she might have. Test taking is very stressful and can be psychologically damaging to some students. He believes choice is very important.

4) How might different people interpret Yong's message differently?
I believe that people who are competing for big paying jobs might view his message differently. They might agree with the other gentleman that we need to put more stress on American students to study more and play less. Some parents might feel the same way because they want their children to be successful and success might equal making a lot of money to them. I believe anyone who views money as happiness might see more benefit in raising the bar for harder classes for the American students.

5) What is omitted from Yong's message?
I’m not sure what is omitted in his message. After he spoke I didn’t have any real questions. I wondered if he believes that there should be no standard test taking. Some competition can generate more motivation.

6) Now you have heard two sides of the story. Which side would you vote for?
Both sides had really valid points. Overall I agree with Yong’s values. I don’t believe that making a lot of money is going to make someone happy. I know that money wouldn’t make me happy. I originally started college as a business management pursuit, but then realized that I didn’t want to sit at a desk all day for a job that didn’t make a significant different to anyone or anything. I then chose education not for the money but for the challenge and for the enjoyment I get from being around young children. If I was pushed to work a high paying job just to make a lot of money then I think I would be unhappy and I would not enjoy the little time I have here on Earth. As a parent I want my son to be able to choose what career he will do and at the same time have enough talent to work different careers. Since I know that jobs are changing rapidly, I will choose my son’s schooling carefully. I want to make sure that he attends a school with a lot of technology and science avenues.