This letter, written in 2001 highlighted the education situation in Malaysia. Today, 7 years later there seems to be little change. Ministers, officals and the public has written and debated about. Sadly, nothing much has changed while our politicians continue to bicker and fight over power. Every lost opportunity to improve and reform the education policies results in a generation of our children, unless we work with (or without the system) to help our children.
FamilyPlace will examine some of its earlier articles and issues highlighted over the past 10 years and drive a rethinking in our approach to educating our children. One thing forsure, it begins AT HOME, with us as parents. Share with us your thoughts.
"The issues of schooling and learning have often been hotly and passionately debated in the various media by scholars, writers, teachers, parents and even students. It is generally acknowledged that our education system puts too much emphasis on exams and grading and not enough for creativity and critical thinking. However, the way the media glorifies examination success shows that the exam culture is still very much the accepted way of life here. If we were to be serious about changing our education culture, from rote-learning to smart learning, the first thing we need to do is to do away with the over-glorification of exam-oriented successes and in its place, promote the culture of smart learning that is self-paced and independent. But is our community ready for that? Can our students switch to smart learning just by the push of a button?"
kids need that space to explore and learn
