Education crisis: Not the end of the world
View(s):The current fracture in the education system is a manifestation of profound negligence and incompetence. Thoughts of “fixing” incompetence by appointing a group of so called “experts” many undoubtedly with vested interests (e.g. private tuition providers or polarising political creatures) is the wrong medication. Structurally, we have a good primary and secondary education system, thanks to the great men and women who have gone before us. However, we run into a flaw where teachers are concerned. What should be the profession where highest calibre individuals should aspire, has instead been turned into a holding place for many with low academic achievement. This is more so in the public school system. We have created at least two generations of individuals who have had to have their schooling supplemented through extra work outside of school merely to achieve basic skills. Three things need to happen simultaneously. We need to increase the wages of teaches to be amongst the highest in the country, making it an aspirational career for the best and brightest. This includes having minimum qualifications to enter and flexibility to move in and out of the profession, allowing entrepreneurs to enter mid-career.
Second, and far more importantly, we need to immediately enhance the curriculum to move away from rote learning and instead grounding coresubjects that have a material impact in life. The five top “killer apps” I have identified in my research in the corporate world include; mathematics, science, philosophy, history and psychology. This in no way is an exhaustive list, but perhaps something that can be worked upon. It is also a far stronger and cultured way of creating patriotic citizens. Witness the products of the current system whose sole purpose of being seems revolve around; “how do I pillage this country for my benefit? Failing which, what do I need to do to get out?” Gist being, I’ll basically do “anything” for myself. Such selfish societies do not breed a culture of patriotism or entrepreneurship. Third, we need to change the school starting time to 9am. The current 7.30 is a misery for many, including those who have to endure 2-hour commutes to come to school. Early starts deprive children of both sleep and good eating habits at breakfast. Only winners of a 7.30 start are those wonderful eclectic group of individuals caringly called “tuition masters”. As one colourful gentleman put it to me, “Schools must finish at 1.30, because then I can squeeze in three sessions before 7 (pm)!”
Why heads haven’t rolled at the current impasse is beyond most sane people. But drawing conclusions for the overall system, due to incompetence by a few is dangerous. The problems buffeting schools are different to those of the higher education sector. Education is about providing deep analytical and social tools for us to explore life. Job specific skills can be developed at the executive level if the right tools are in place. Sri Lanka is not alone in the difficulty buffeting education (political incompetence however is uniquely Sri Lankan). As a contributor to a global leadership programme (both youth and executive), we have identified core skills that cannot be provided by any formal secondary or higher education. People will need extra support and investment to acquire them. But, having a strong foundation grounded in mathematics, philosophy and history make acquiring these skills that much easier.
(Kajanga, a regular columnist to the Business Times, is a Portfolio Specialist currently working in Sydney, Australia. You can write to him at kajangak@gmail.com).
Follow @timesonlinelk
Related Posts:
Higher Education in Sri LankaOne of the noteworthy features of the Sri Lankan education system is ‘accessibility’ to education for all irrespective of ethnicity, ...
Higher education in Sri LankaOne of the noteworthy features of the Sri Lankan education system is ‘accessibility’ to education for all irrespective of ethnicity, ...
State is responsibleThis is certainly not the worst crisis in education. The worst in my mind was during the JVP insurgency in ...
To take that step towards becoming a trained MontessorianThe Montessori philosophy founded by Dr. Maria Montessori is fundamentally a method of recognizing children as they really are and ...
Graduate with an American Degree in Sri LankaMake the smarter choice and join with pending A/Levels More than 275,000 students sat for their A/Level examinations in August. With ...