Mike Fraser, News24 User
Our matric results of 2008 has once again put our education system under the spotlight.
I must admit that I can't shed any light on the merits or demerits of OBE. Academics and intellectuals are adding to the confusion with their debates for and against OBE being split right down the middle.
What I will dare add to the debate though is that for me the concept of OBE makes sense. We are training our kids for a different world, where the focus is on outcomes.
I would also venture to suggest that it is the application of OBE that needs to be improved upon.
Training of teachers in OBE is part of the solution to the success of OBE. But teachers should also keep themselves informed about the system, because ignorance breeds fear and resistance to change.
We must also stop tolerating dysfunctional teachers. Teacher unions should stop protecting dysfunctional teachers.
My suggestion for a functional, successful education system is as follows: Recognition for the teaching profession as a noble and highly specialised profession. This recognition should include respect for the teaching profession by the government and society at large, parents, learners, all stake holders
But most important is that teachers and teacher unions respect the profession. Let us show a mature, sober understanding for the value of the teaching profession for nation building.
Teaching is the mother of all careers, and should be acknowledged as such by all stake holders. Without teachers we wouldn't have competent accountants, doctors, engineers, IT specialists, artisans, etc.
But we should also acknowledge that not everybody is suited to be a teacher. Many people choose teaching as a career only to discover that they are not really up to it. Then they hang in there for the salary and job security.
In the process they mess up many children who could otherwise have enjoyed a better learning experience. And this reflects badly on the education system.
New teacher intakes should be assessed via some scientific aptitude test for compatibility, like happens in some careers, like engineering etc.
And teacher remuneration should reflect our acknowledgement and respect for the teaching profession.
Get published on News24 by sending your article, story or column to us
See who has had a say on News24.
Disclaimer: This article was submitted by a News24 user. News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.
- News24
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.