Understanding the American Education System

Understanding the American Education System

Around age six, U.S. children begin primary school, which is most commonly called “elementary school.” They attend five or six years and then go onto secondary school.Secondary school consists of two programs: the first is “middle school” or “junior high school” and the second program is “high school.” A diploma or certificate is awarded upon graduation from high school. After graduating high school (12th grade), U.S. students may go on to college or university. College or university study is known as “higher education.”

A student who is attending a college or university and has not earned a bachelor’s degree, is studying at the undergraduate level. It typically takes about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can either begin your studies in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at a community college or a four-year university or college.

In the first two years of study you will generally be required to take a wide variety of classes in different subjects, commonly known as prerequisite courses: literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth. This is so you achieve a general knowledge, a foundation, of a variety of subjects prior to focusing on a specific field of study.

Many students choose to study at a community college in order to complete the first two years of prerequisite courses. They will earn an Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree and then transfer to a four-year university or college.

A “major” is the specific field of study in which your degree is focused. For example, if someone’s major is journalism, they will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. You will be required to take a certain number of courses in this field in order to meet the degree requirements of your major. You must choose your major at the beginning of your third year of school.

A very unique characteristic of the American higher education system is that you can change your major multiple times if you choose. It is extremely common for American students to switch majors at some point in their undergraduate studies. Often, students discover a different field that they excel in or enjoy. The American education system is very flexible. Keep in mind though that switching majors may result in more courses, which means more time and money.

Article Soure: https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/58/understanding-the-american-education-system

READING QUESTIONS

I.    Circle the correct meaning for each of the following words in the passage

1.    Degree

C.a qualification given to a student after she/he has completed her/his studies        in higher education.

 2.   Course

   B.a series of lectures or lessons in a particular subject, typically leading to a     qualification.

3.Switch

A.Change

4.Excel

A.To show superiority

II. Decide whether these statements are true (T) or false (F). Correct the false one.

1.    In the United States, children began their primary school at the       F

age of seven.( Around age six)

2.   Another name for middle school is junior high school. T

3.   Students who finish grade 12 will receive a diploma.        F(. After graduating high school (12th grade), U.S. students may go on to college or university.)

4.   A community college is a four-year college. T

5.   A student usually decides on his/her major as soon as he/she graduates F

from high school. (In the first two years of study you will generally be required to take a wide variety of classes in different subjects, commonly known as prerequisite courses: literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth.)

6.   Many students choose to take their prerequisite courses at a four-year  T college.

7.   A major is an academic discipline to which an undergraduate student T formally commits.

8.   The American education system is a very rigid system. F (The American education system is very flexible.)

III.      Provide brief answers to the following questions.

1.    What is an Associate of Arts (AA)? Transfer degree

2.   Name five common prerequisite courses! literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth

3.   Provide an example of a major!  For example, if someone's major is journalism, they will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalisme.

4.   What is the name of the degree awarded to students who pass their four-year college education? bachelor

5.   What is college or university study known as? College or University is known as "higher education".

IV.       Reading discussion (Group work)

1.How is the college/university system in the U.S different from the college/university system in Indonesia? A very unique characteristic of the American higher education system is that you can change your major multiple times if you can choose. It is extremely common for American students to switch major at some point in their undergraduate studies. The American education sytem is very flexible.

2.Which one do you prefer: to decide on your major early in your college year or later? What I want to accomplish this year is to get good grades an be able to complete tasks on time.

3.whay do you choose social science iducation ? Because sotioncial science education indudes social lesson. Social science education learn social life or community.

4.What do you think can be improved from the college/university system in Indonesia? With manner upgrade students of quality. Because if students good quality so college or univeristy in Indonesia can be improve.