Conversation with a 14-year-old that I'm working with at Whampoa:
Me: So, for the December holidays, would you rather continue doing mock test papers or do a project on something you really care about - like Education or Environment ...
14-year-old: I'd rather continue with the papers because that's what I get tested on at school.
Me: Don't you do projects at school? Aren't they more fun than assessments?
14-year-old: Projects are only 10% of my school grades. So I think I'll stick to assessments.
I posted this on facebook, and one of my friends who's in marketing posted back "Same happens in corporates with high variable pay... It's my target... Therefore..."
The education system in Singapore is really, really working on changing. It's been in the media a lot in the past few months and I truly believe it's more than a PR exercise. We're working on putting play into school, building more resilient, adaptable kids. About time too - and I hope this works.
In the meantime, we've already drummed it in many young minds. These young minds will grow up.
And I hope that one day, someone will tell them, as a teacher in highschool told me when I was 16: "Don't confuse academics with education."
Another told me that if she had to school between the two, she'd rather be wise than clever.
Me, I'm still learning.
3 comments:
Brilliant reflections about the differences between received an education and being a truly educated person. In fact, I don't even like to use the word "educated" anymore - it doesn't reflect that wisdom which you mentioned.
And yes, I do hope that children learn to think and love thinking and challenging and questioning. And it's unavoidable that schools will play a big part in nurturing - or stiffling - this attitude.
That's a constant tug-of-war for me...making learning fun while instilling some form of discipline. Plus, our program is on Saturday - which should be Fun day, right?
And a comment from fellow volunteer Mark via email:
As you know, this KPI issue is true in more than school and work.
If women are praised on appearance, they will spend their lives and money trying to maintain external beauty; obsessing with diet and make-up, replacing clothes which they like and are in good condition just because fashion changes, even wearing styles that are uncomfortable and silly.
If men are valued on their ability to generate income and achieve success, they will do so to the extent of neglecting the very family that they are working so hard to please.
And on and on.
Yes, how to influence them to excel and at the same time to instill a love for learning (not just results), and to want to explore their creative gifts, and to desire good character above all?
It must be at least somewhat possible because we keep showing up each week
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