Are we doing things back to front? Schooling (as distinct from education) is intended to produce people with certain skills and attitudes for the wider economic system. Schools follow the economy. There may be good evidence that the economic structure needs changing and so resulting in needed changes in our schools. However, it is my contention that the economic restructuring only vaguely addressed at the time of the Sandiford administration has not begun and thus attempts at changes in schools will be unsuccessful and resisted by stakeholders.

The article makes some good points and I also note Yardbroom’s accurate assessment of our ‘mindset’.

However, we do have a couple of problems in this.

Firstly, we are a small society, which in itself should not be an excuse.

Nevertheless, with this comes limited resources, which I may suggest is the root cause of the emphasis on certain professions, such as medicine and engineering.

No profession is more critical than medicine, engineering is required as part of any major development involving large sums of money.

It would be expected therefore, that these command the large funds.

Agriculture is critical obviously, but we believe that anyone can ‘plant a few yams and sweet potatoes’, thus do not give this profession its due.

Another issue, is that our society is now driven largely by ‘big funds’, even to buy a car one needs substantial sums of money, yes Bds$60,000 is a fortune to most.

Many of us cannot even think of buying a piece of land for our children.

It is natural therefore, that careers that seem to pay more are attractive to anyone capable of the required qualifications, these professions become even more desirable, thus reinforcing the ‘stigma’ of other professions.

How do we address this?

We must also address the socio-economic reality for the average Barbadian, if not changing the educational system will only address one aspect of our larger problem.

If a person can live acceptably being in other than the ‘highly acclaimed’ professions, he will certainly be more inclined to change course.

Until then, very few would be so brave, rather aiming to those professions that provide some greater monetary returns.

Additoionally, studying for exams that provide scope overseas is preferable to most, than studying for a profession that provides little here.

So, this is also socio-economic not just strictly ‘educational’ per se, is my suggestion.

Peace & Live Strong

The point that any school system will try to produce to satisfy an economic structure is taken. In the Barbados instance the National Summit has indicated that we are not even satisfying that position.

We have a pool of children who are currently being rejected because they are expected to conform in the current education production assembly. If only our educational system can be so structured that the latent talent of this pool of children can be tapped they and the society would immediately see benefits. If you view the video the point made is that all children are born with genius but when asked to perform in the conformist educational delivery system that genius dissipates over time. New vocations would become available to children who are currently lost in our system, national productivity and GDP would rise and just as important the social well being of a nation would improve.

Education is a complex matter. It will be a challenge for anyone to manage, however IMHO, the basic problem in Barbados remains the lack of transparency and accountability of public servants.

You cannot be serious that someone would present an analysis of the 11-plus based on a sample of 100 students.

This has been an ongoing issue back now for over 30 years…. this is the extent of the analysis by the ministry?

Such a presentation would suggest to the Bushman that they finally found a sample that represents the kind of results that they want to portray.

Why can we not see a full annual analysis of the results of ALL schools? Is it not important information?

Why has there not been an experiment with single sex education for a 5 year period so that we can see clear evidence of any actual differences with co-education?

What does the Ministry of Education ACTUALLY do on a day to day basis – apart from frustrate Principals and School Boards?

Man what consultation what?!

…this seems to have been a conference of like-minded people who are generally happy with the current state of education in Barbados, as it may well suit their current personal interests.

…MACHO my foot….

What has happened to the results of the other national consultation on education that took place over several months last year?

Lacking as it is, and not providing the type of scientific analytical protocols that would be the factors for determining trends and changes in our educational operandi, I must say that our educational system is still quite good but like all others, has its inherent weakness. On its strengths Barbados has proven to be an educated power house of a small nation. On the ‘weaks’ it continues to self indulge in systems that are specific rather than catering to the totality of the child. Some of these systems are archaic leading to infirmities that fail to embrace methodologies that are persuasive, child friendly and seek to improve, as well as increase, the appetite for learning.

I have said in other forums of discussion before that we seem bent towards a propensity of bluffs and ‘powdered puff’ truths rather than accuracy of facts stemming from researched information and data. It is so easy in this country to make many of our leaders look small and insignificant because they do not equip themselves with analytical data but choose to go on a notion or the word of their advisers without proof.

It is time that those in authority recognized that the 99% literacy is now reflecting a study and growing percentage of research literates, who base information on data and research and not on hearsay, maybe so or arbitration.

@ Hopi May 2,2009 at 1:03pm

A polite question: How would you introduce a different system of education to fulfil the needs of Barbadian students and yet be flexible enough to facilitate the demands of the International Educational systems?

I didnt get it then that he had an artistic bent, and saw things the way that artists and very creative “see” things.

Hopi: Are you suggesting that there is some other form of Arithmatic other than Arithmatic as we know it? Are you suggesting that there is some other form of Geography as we know it. The same question goes for Reading, Writing, Language, Economics and Science. These are core knowledge subjects that are necessary in order to open the doors of the mind to an individual’s ability to question, explore and use logic and reason. Eurocentric my butt.

@Yardbroom

Let me try to answer you by saying there are several elements to the definition of education. There is the generic definition where education seeks to satisfy career advancement, good pay, assisting the country to satisfy its economic objectives etc. But there is the equally important role of education as a lever to pry open the curiosity of the individual mind. Whilst doing so the individual is able to harness the latent curiosity which exist within them and the country benefits by being able to access the energy of the creativity which results.

David
I agree with your thesis that “there is the equally important role of education as a lever to pry open the curiosity of the individual mind. Whilst doing so the individual is able to harness the latent curiosity which exist within them and the country benefits by being able to access the energy of the creativity which results.”

This is done by giving students worthy research challenges appropriate to their level of education, whether age group, or whether primary secondary tertiary etc

Usually, examinations and the need, desire and focus on passing exams kills the learning process. Learning Phythagorus theorem in a vacuum has little merit, but when the 3,4 5 principle is applied to square a building or other practical purpose Phythagorus becomes very relevant.

I had a Biology teacher at Cave Hill who gave us coconut water to analyze. We had to set out the plan we would use to do so and explain why. Of course we were excited to learn the contents of the water.

What you propose is practical and possible and necessary, but requires extra work on the part of teachers ( who might not necessarily be creative) and the need for students to see that this activity is necessary, since later in life there are no ready solutions for the problemswe encounter- and they often wont come from the texts books, regardless to the discipline in which we are involved.

Hopi

Actually the curriculum of schools in the US around the late 19th century and early 20th century looked a lot like your proposals @4:15 pm. At that time, it was understood that most people only had a few years of school (most people finished school by 14) and so they were taught the 3Rs and practical skills so they could make a living in what was a mainly agricultural economy. Interestingly, some of the material taught then, to 12 and 13 years old, is today taught in polytechnics and community colleges with adult students. Things go around in circles!

@Jukecheckedeyskirt

I must say that our educational system is still quite good but like all others, has its inherent weakness. On its strengths Barbados has proven to be an educated power house of a small nation.

Barbados has been a model small country because our past leaders had the vision to allocate significant resources to education. An illiterate people is an ignorant people where the power of reason will struggle and crime will run amuck. So to compare Barbados to other countries is not a proactive position. The bar Barbados has been set on high by our founders.

God Rest Their Souls!

Deng Xiaping, following on from your comment, Abraham Lincoln’s formal education consisted of about 18 months of schooling. Largely self-educated.

@ David
Thanks, my question was more about the “core” of what is taught rather than the methodology. I was thinking for example of mathematical texts originating in ancient Egypt and how they led to what we have today. I wanted a skip of centuries to show the part black people played – in the world we had then – and what we have today.

It is because of a “few” African families who set out on journeys that we are “all” here, they populated the world.

I was thinking of Education that got to the “core” of children in Barbados and from those building blocks and foundation, educate confident young boys and girls who know who they are and thus are confident of their place in the world.

@GP………You’ve just traumatized me! You actually agree with me on something! So should I take it that you are close to re-examining this thing called Christianity?

@Yardbroom……I didn’t think I’d ever hear you mention or furthermore give credit to the Ancients who preceded any eurocentric ideologies by light years . See, I was not about being contentious. My thinking came directly from that of our ancient foreparents who taught everything wholistically not segregated like the eurocentric system.

Straight talk // May 2, 2009 at 6:50 pm

GP:

You get your education in Barbsdos, but choose to apply the knowledge gained, and the thirst for learning, throughout the globe.

What in your opinion decided you not to invest your honed talents to the motherland?

Your candid answer may drive this blog to a new solution.

******************************

ST, if my recollection is accurate, GP said that he DID return to work at the QEH. However, the powers that be (were) made life so difficult for him he had to leave. They had him in a strangle hold and left no room to breathe. (This is my interpretation of his situation.)

ST & Pat

If I gave you the full details of the things done to me, they would shut down BU forthwith.

Georgie Porgie

Whereas the strength of our educational system suits some, its weaknesses has failed many
———————————————–

Where there are successes there will also be failures. This prevails in any develop society. Barbados is no exception and as a result cannot be exempted from its educational failings.

The developmental aspect of any society differs in its learning capacity in direct relation to its socio and economic environment. The failings of the educational system must take into account many variables stemming from systems implemented, community development, and needs base determination at the national level. The failings might not be a direct result of educational endeavours (although the systems used points to a primary cause of weakness). Factors could be attributed to the lack of family oriented activity that could be a governmental endeavour to increase educational awareness in different forums – fashioned for fun, family and familiarity. This is very much lacking in our society. Also, the system must view such activity as part of the circle of education, particularly as a strengthening tool to knit families together thus decreasing family delinquency and poor parental skills that is a major contributing factor to the perceived educational infirmities.

The crux of the educational problem, in my opinion, is in its catering approaches, which unfortunately is not without its biases. (e.g. the creation of school biases at the primary and secondary level by determining the existence of top schools and not so top schools, predisposed by the results of the 11+ criteria). Also the biases that exist in our society where job acceptance to certain positions also carry the prerequiste entry level requirement into certain posts being determined by the type of school you attend.

Surveying indepth, the relation between educational short falls, the systems used to educate, and an extensive look at the lacks in development a rounded society through family orientted activity, is the only way to ascertain the short comings and put corrective models in place to cater to the resultant lacks.

@Yardbroom…….Glad to know that you are down with real knowledge. What do you say about Ma’at?

@Yardbroom
BU encourages dialogue between family members you should know that well by now. One thing we can say since starting this blog is the learning galore the BU household has been exposed to from the BU family. Yes we have blogs and we offer pertinent comments but this is not Boot Camp or the military. Share your opinions, fact based etc. What better blog to share ideas than one which deals with education? Remember the WORD is a powerful weapon. Whether you feel that you have fallen short is not the point because if you don’t do what you do then self-judgment takes over and we wonder what if.

There is nothing that the DLP can add to “Education” in Barbados, as regards policy.

Education must be seen a vehicle to something. It is the the driving force for a sound economic policy and a vision.

Herein lies the DLP’s scam. Where does the DLP want to take Barbados and what role will education play?

Thompson and the DLP are yet to say!

The DLP has therefore taken Education in Barbados back to the slave days.

It is now discussing as a serious contribution – whether teachers should beat children.

It is understandable why “flogging” would excite him – but Ronald Jones is doing the best he can.

It should not surprise anyone that he was not part of the Cabinet reshuffle.

The DLP simply does not have a clue.

In contrast, Pres. Obama is now taking America where the BLP started to take this country 14 years ago.

Dark Knight,
Going on is an intelligent discussion about our education system and you are bringing politics into the said discussion. What a shame!! Are you so politically aligned to the BLP that whenever any discussion comes up on the blog that you have to invoke poiltics. Wake up!!

@ Tony Hall

Given its literal interpretation, what is: “politics?”

Then, what is the “politics” as regards Education policy.

Could it be whether students would pay directly for education and so on?

What point are you making?

There is politics in everything under the sun – even in religion.

And I was beginning to think that you were a bright man.

@ Hopi

Hopi boy, things looking up in America.

At least that is what trustworthy people; the analysts, as well as – what the people feel and are being reported to have said.

That seem to be the “Change,” President Obama promised; the change Americans voted for and the change the world needs.

The world has never had a leader like Obama and there is nothing you can do about that.

President Obama has even inspired and forced “change” in Cuba, Caracas, soon Iran and North Korea: but definately- “change” in the Middle East.

Now! That is certainly “change” the world needs!!! Unlike Thompson, Obama delivers.

What say ye Mr. Anti-all-things-America, alias, Hopi!