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So the WAEC results are out again? This exam is written to complete
your secondary education and prepare for tertiary education.
This year only 31.28% of those who sat for this exam obtained up to 5
credits including English and Mathematics.
My question is what is the problem?
The Educational System?
It's no news that standards have fallen and that the responsibility of
education has been placed on "private shoulders" who are more
interested in gain.
The system needs an overhaul. Why should a seven year old be allowed
to be in year 4 (primary 4) when his proprioceptive system is barely
developed?
Have the authorities studied the developmental milestones in a child
so they can set appropriate targets, goals and methods for every class
or level?
Are our methods of learning up to date?
Children are already "trained to become dull" from the Nursery stage.
Instead of placing 3-5yr olds in a stimulating environment to learn
through exploring and developing a pattern for reasoning, the children
are subjected to cramming all manner of information.
The motive of under fives going to school is just "keep them busy"
instead of developing their sense of reasoning.
"You can't teach "giftedness", but you can "retard" development
through lack of stimulation."-Lynne Michael Blum, MS, PhD.
Anyway this is another day's talk.
2) The Parental System?
Yes we are all working hard to "give our children the best" but what
do the children want? What do they really need? Is it a vaccation to
Walt Disney? Is it the latest PS2? Is it to get into the best schools
to get the best education?
All these cost money, but what about our time?
"Education is what's left after you forget all the facts you were
taught in school"- Einstein.
As a result a parent has said:
" Leave the teaching to the school and concentrate on educating your child".
You are the coach and cheer leader your child needs. You may not know
everything about maths, for example, but you shouldn't transfer your
"fear" of maths to your child. Show genuine interest in solving the
problems...
Coach your children into developing a "love for learning" and self
discovery from an early age rather than just getting good grades.
A love for learning is what gets you on in life; that's actually what
produces the good grades.
3) Social Media fail?
Let's face it; the media has become an integral part of our children's
lives. In addition to the television we now have satellite TV, mobile
phones, video games and social networks.
These new media are not good or bad in themselves and are totally
dependent on the user. On one hand it can help the child become better
educated on the other it can expose them to vices that they won't
ordinarily have come in contact with any other way.
It is still the responsibility of parents to not just "regulate" their
children's use of new media but also to "educate" them on the virtues
and vices.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
