I don't usually blog about things that are happenning in the so called 'real world'. 'Real world' issues, like poverty, sickness and hunger, 'real world' issues like lousy education systems and horrible behaviour by graduates in the Malaysian career market. But there are some things that cannot be left unsaid.
There has been a case publicised lately of a seven year old boy who can solve A level mathematics problems. He has been given a show-cause letter by his school to explain why he hasn't been attending classes, and that if he continues to do so it could be cause for expulsion (as is clearly stated in the national education policy). His parents give the reason that he is bored in school as he has gone through it before.
This could be precisely what is wrong with the education system. There is no current facility or route for kids who are overachieving. The argument against him is that he has to mix with children his own age and obtain a formal education anyway to end up as a wellrounded student.
That, to me, is absolute bullshit. I may be wrong on this, but I believe I was partially failed by the education system in this country. I was somewhat like this kid. I could read newspapers and understand what was going on at his age too. I couldn't do math problems meant for A level students, but I could write at a lower secondary level when I was a six. I was assessed to be gifted by a foreign academy, which also ran a program for others like me. I was in a class with twelve year olds, eight year olds, six year olds - the only thing we had in common was the way we thought and processed. No issue was made of our age or physical size - the only thing that was assessed and maintained was our mental capabilities and creativity. Days were packed.
Like this boy, I was bored in kindergardens too. I ended up sleeping through all the classes which were conducted in English. The only class I stayed up long enough for was BM, as I was not taught how to speak it at home. The teachers were astounded when I aced all the exams they had at the end of the term. I say term (singular) because I was only there for one. After that I went straight to Year One in an international school, where they accelerated me two years and gave me additional English work. Something similar could potentially be a solution for this boy's predicament. He gets a rounded education at a level he can comprehend for other subjects, but in the one subject he really, REALLY excels in, a school CAN intervene.
And you know what? After all this, I am not the only one. How many other Malaysians have ended up doing strange things like this? Not pressured by parents, but just ... having an aptitude. An aptitude which ended up suppressed, even oppressed... by such a system which failed to let us live to our own inherent potential.
The main point is that if nothing is done, he will end up stagnated. Like me, I guess. There is a theory that children have an infinite ability to learn anything, but that ability inevitably decreases as the child grows. If that ability is not nurtured and maximized, then the child 'suffers'. 'Suffers' is enclosed in tiny quotation marks because that 'sufferring' is not apparent - it is a suffering in terms of the potential of the child.
Some solutions proposed have included sending the kid to an international school or private school. What happens to people who cannot afford to go to such a school? In the end, even these aren't absolute solutions. He still WILL stagnate unless something more definitive is done about his future.
Where this education system fails is in helping children achieve their potential. Without exception, every single kid regardless of ability or skill, is somewhat forced into this system at the age of seven. What about assessing them and letting them find their own level? That is what is done in international schools and some private schools - this could potentially be what sets them apart and helps their students in the end.
What is even more infuriating is the lack of support extended to Malaysian citizens in international schools. It could possibly be the only place where students who are assessed to be gifted (by dubious or definitive means) can possibly achieve and prosper, but when they come out they are abandoned by the education system. With no support from the government, how can the government expect to keep these minds from getting out of the country?
Just my two cents. If you want four, let me know.
No flaming please. Just opinions.
On another note, today is March 28th. Just one day out of 365.
But this one day, Kingdom Hearts 2 is coming out.
One sky, one destiny
-ionie
Now playing - In Need of Therapy, Tree Speak
5:39 AM
posted by Shiawase
