read it more as a commentary on passive learning over hands on and thought provoking methods. although this rhetoric is likely often included in the anti academic opinions that seek to damage rather than improve schools, which you refer to.

I wish the Conservatives all understood that their more progressive values are progressive, and when right wing parties will say they are going to ‘change’ things, they just mean regress and destroy in abject ignorance of any actual thought.

The former interpretation of the comic is definitely important, as learning is actually tied to turning your brain on and interacting with the concept, more than no context single fact retrievals, where most of the question is set up, and your actual interaction with it is minimal.

Although I don’t doubt a lack of teachers, schools, or general funding are to blame for the simpler methods. Not that I haven’t had a couple teachers who didn’t care two cents past the booklets they handed you.

So, your point is valid and important, but there is an important “style” of education issues that is also valid.