Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Teachers generate transformation in education system

Teachers Day  is dedicated to all teachers for their contributions to the education of children.
In Malaysia, it is celebrated on May 16 annually with a theme. This year’s theme is “Teachers Generate National Education Transformation”, which is aimed at bringing transformation in the education system.
What is transformation? It simply means complete change, that is, from the current system to a new system. But, how can teachers play their role in the change of the system?
Teachers first need to take owner­ship of the transformation that is expected in our education system.
They should also give up the notion that they are the source of all knowledge. Rather, they should form a partnership with their students in a shared learning process.
Students should be made to realise that they are directors of their own learning and as indivi­duals they can determine the courses their wish to take. Teachers should play the role of facilitators and mentors.
As children are inherently noble, teachers need to cultivate students’ noble attributes, virtues, qualities as well as living skills as this would enable children to contribute their share to the building of an ever advancing civilisation.
Devoid of these values, children will be lost in this material world. It is not only facts and figures that the children should learn about but also moral values. These noble values will be their stronghold throughout their lives.
Education should not only consider the physical and intellectual side of children but also spiritual and ethical aspects. Sadly, our educational system laid too much focus on the cognitive domain.
Therefore, education should strive to develop an integrated set of capabilities; technical, artistic, social, moral and spiritual, so that individuals can lead a meaningful life and become agents of positive social change.
The curricula and methodologies used in schools should foster such inter-related capabilities that will require an education system that responds and is governed by universal spiritual principles.
Happy Teachers Day to all our teachers who have slogged all year round to educate our children.