Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.
by Walter Edey
Enriching education should be insightful and value added – striving relentlessly to shine light.
American minister and author Robert Fulghum, in his book of short essays, All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten portrayed the American kindergarten classrooms as an object of light.
The world would be less dark, he posited, if adults lived by what their kindergarten teachers taught them: sharing, being kind to one another, cleaning up after themselves, and living “a balanced life” of work, play, and learning.
He was right. Research of psychologists – and others support that perspective. Studies for example, show that drug abuse, alcoholism, verbal and gender abuse among others, correlate to unattended childhood trauma.
Others reveal that by age thirteen brain functions are already developed. Educators also argue that “socialisation is the way through which people obtain the knowledge, language, social skills, and values to comply with the norms and roles required for integration into a
community or group.”
They go further and suggest children go to school primarily to socialise.
“By teachers educating and modelling socialisation to the learners they will learn the meaning of generosity and kindness. They will then be able to go out into society and contribute in a productive, meaning and positive way.”
The Good Book also mentions the importance of training a child. Some scholars interpret biblical training as a rolodex of best practices that include:
(1) Lead by example;
(2) Show them critical thinking skills;
(3) Teach them how to love by loving them unconditionally;
(4) Help them serve others;
(5) Share your faith with them through scripture;
(6) Allow them to have their own faith.
While the above emphasises the importance of kindergarten and primary school, its application is neither novel nor original as shown by quotes below. These values re: the values of Singapore schools and government as shared on websites. Even though the quotes are few,
they still provide a clear picture of Singapore’s value-centered education philosophy and how the two schools communicate about their programs
(A) “Singapore which become an independent republic in 1965, has transformed itself from an impoverished island with no natural resources and a mostly illiterate population to a country of 5.8 million people whose living standards match those of the most highly-developed industrial nations.
(B) Its ambitious economic goals are driven by the initiative called “Every School a Good School.” – a project that promotes and develops customized programs for their students; raise professional standards for teachers; encourage innovation; and foster partnerships between schools and communities.
(C) Singapore launched the “Learn for Life” initiative in 2018 to promote greater flexibility in teaching, learning, and assessment.
(D) Singapore hopes to encourage lifelong learning for all Singaporeans, in ways that bring them satisfaction and meaning.
(E) Despite Singapore’s strong emphasis on educational equity, there remains a large gap. Consequently, education authorities revisit goals regularly, and solutions emerge from widespread discussion with partners in the system and with the public, as well as from extensive benchmarking of other leading education systems.
(F) In 2013, Singapore held a national conversation to gather input on a vision for the 2030 education system strategic plan. Goals included improving character and citizenship education, strengthening digital literacy, building more knowledge and understanding of the history and cultures throughout Asia, expanding supports for disadvantaged students, and building more adult education opportunities.”
(G) Cantonment Primary school mathematics department offers a student centric and vibrant learning experiences to help students see the meaning and relevance of what they learn. It provides students with authentic problem-solving situations and they work in groups to solve problems. Students are expected to explore and challenge their own assumptions.
(H) St Andrews Junior school, is one of a family of three schools: a primary, secondary and Junior College. Its motto is Up and On. Students are called saints and graduates as servant leaders or servant followers.
Its mission is Making Lives and Waking Hearts. Its values are: Thanksgiving, Resilience, Unity, Empathy, Wonder, Integrity, Self-discipline and Excellence.
Its English Department encourages parents to practise active listening, eloquent speaking and critical reading. And students arrive at 7.20 a.m. for the DEAR program – Drop Everything And Read.
Today, an education system that once supported the export of Barbadians to Caribbean islands, Britain, and the United States, among others, is now in retreat. The government is importing nurses, among other skilled persons as well.
Clearly, educational outcomes are also out of step with national needs. And, in spite of reformers’ best efforts, the elephant in the room remains hidden. Why? Reformers are looking under the streetlight – looking where there is light for a cell phone that was left on a bed.
Walter Edey is a retired math and science educator in Barbados and New York.
