JONATHAN JANSEN: Are you teaching your kids how to grow in a free society?
'A dogmatic and self-assured adult who knows all the answers, whether a parent or teacher or priest, creates the deep furrows along which young minds travel'
Peek through the window of any South African classroom and, with minor variations, you will see the same dull routines from one day to the next. The teacher stands in front of the class, speaks for much of the period and then dismisses the pupils to continue to the next lesson with a reminder of the homework due the next day. One policy reform after another has tried to change this situation (remember Curriculum 2005?) and failed dismally. The sage-on-the-stage never did become the-guide-on-the-side. Teachers have a ready explanation for the status quo — the pressure of curriculum coverage. In other words, there is too little time to be creative and allow for discussion because there is too much content to be covered. That of course is the problem: they “cover” or conceal the content under the relentless pressure to complete a packed curriculum and prepare children for examinations. The primary problem, however, is not coverage; it is simply habit. Delivering a lesson is not only fa...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.