Superior Bavarian education a myth?

In 2002, the level of school education was tested for the first time all across Germany in the framework of the PISA study ('Programme for international student assessment'). It turned out that there was a considerable divergence among the different German Länder. In particular, the results showed a clear North-South divide with Bavaria performing best in all main disciplines such as reading, natural sciences and maths. The validity and possible reasons for these results have been hotly debated ever since.

Gisela secondary school in Munich

Milena Schoser goes to school in Munich and therefore has an inside view into the workings of the Bavarian school system. In a contribution to the debate published in June 2015, Milena casts doubt on the alleged superiority of the Bavarian school education. She criticises that the education does not prepare the students for real life, lacking discussion about politics and practical insights for example into how to prepare a tax declaration or conclude an insurance. Rather, schools are old-fashioned expecting students to learn much by heart. Moreover, the quality of the lessons depends very much on the initiative of the individual teachers she adds.

Essential oils

dōTERRA is an American company set up in 2008 to market so-called 'essential oils' for therapeutic use. Its website explains essential oils in the following terms: 

"If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you've experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. Essential oils provide plants with protection against environmental threats and play a role in plant pollination." 

dōTERRA products are sold exclusively through Wellness Advocates. Working from home, these advocates introduce, educate about, and sell dōTERRA products in their local markets through person-to-person contact and globally through personalized web shopping sites.

Gretchen Schoser has become an independent wellness advocate for dōTERRA's essential oils. On her dedicated Facebook page, she tells about her own experience with the oils: 

"I started using oils when I got tired of going to the doctor for every ache and pain. A couple of months ago I had a really bad cold and two days after using my Oils my cold was gone, no antibiotics, no poison in my system.
I swear by my oils and the doTERRA products, I have used cheaper brands and not had the results that I have with the doTERRA oils.
There are so many awesome things you can do with the oils, you can make shower bombs, make shampoo, soap, foot and hand salve, anti itch spray. The oils last for a long time and not only do they make you feel better but they are also better for you."