Real learning the goal of education
published: Thursday | February 5, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

HEAR MY cry! As this tidal wave of criticism grows against what is being called the 'traditional classroom' ­ the image we all have of the teacher standing in front of a group, next to a simple chalk board, duster in hand, explaining some difficult notion or engaging them in discussion ­ I may be standing alone against the storm, but I fear it will erode, even wash away the now-almost-forgotten fundamentals of education itself.

The fundamentals? What are they? Alas. In our rush to add to the existing methodologies of education with what are really little more than technological enhancements to information gathering, organisation, and presentation, we may well forget that, fundamentally, learning is not in the gadgetry, not in the entertainment, and in reality not even the responsibility of our educational system itself!

I have both learned and taught successfully, and I know with certainty that real learning happens when the humble soul reaches out, tries to grow, tries to lift itself out of the darkness of its own ignorance and failure. In this self-centred, materialistic world today, I simply ask: where is the humble soul? What sort of fools are we to let our children stand defiant in the faces of those who care enough to teach, demanding "entertain me," so I that can learn?

I am, etc.,

ED McCOY

mmhobo48@juno.com

Bokeelia, Florida

Via Go-Jamaica