True, but who should give the "helping hand"? As you'd said,
"their parents see no future in
doing so". When I was growing up as a student, I never had
help from my parents on HOW to study. It was always "learning by
hard" or "spot the questions". Athletes who do not deliver
academically? You got to watch "Coach Carter". This movie deals
with this question quite adequately. Also look at the number of
good soccer players who did not do well as students. Do the rules
in our sports school seem harsh? Sure they are, and there is a good
reason for them to be.
I need to admit that perhaps I a little more bless, however, I
also need to emphasize that there is a LARGE AMOUNT OF MANAGEMENT
involved. Having a slightlysmarter child does not mean that
everything will be a-ok from now on. It means having to nurture the
child and occasionally nudging the child to the right direction. It
means motivating the child to motivate himself.
There are things that one cannot manage eg, intellect or those born
as prodigies(which neither of my sons exhibit), and there are
things one can manage eg, motivate, encourage, befriend, love,
instill discipline etc.
In managing a child's life, there is a constant balance between
when to discipline and when to let loose.
Competition will continue to exist, the trick is to teach the child
that it is not a bloodsport. Competition will bring you to the next
level when you succeed, it should not drop you down to the dungeon
when you fail.
You know what, you are not far from the truth. I think at the
upper levels, most schools have lost the mission to educate. It had
evolved to a ranking issue. Note, too, that MOE is probably aware
of it and had taken steps to rectify the situation. Whether
successful or not, I don't know. It's like the 5-day week thing.
CCA is now on Fridays. Has it now become more stressful on Friday?
Will parents now see Saturdays as a free day for more tuitions?
Other than the exams period, weekends in my household is meant for
fun and recreation.
I am not defending the system per se, I think that MOE is NOT
really doing a good job, but I think they are trying. With parents
and sometimes the kids being so vocal, sometimes teachers are stuck
between the devil and the deep blue sea. If the syllabus is too
simple, they will be accused of slacking in their work, if it is
too tough, then they will be accused of being elitist. If they
conduct extra lessons, parents will complain that it is too much,
don't conduct, parents will say that they do not care.
Glad I am not a school teacher.
I wish for all to note that I am NOT pro-government or any it's
representatives. I am just stating that there are other forces at
place - the largest one being the parent and the family unit. I am
an advocate of good parent/child relationship. To me it is the
first line of defense for the child's growing up process. Any
parent reading this should ask themselves some questions:
1. Did I communicate enough? Note
that communication is NOT nagging or scolding - it is just
chit-chatting and trivial stuff.
2. Did I encourage the child to communicate enough? This is not reporting to you what homework he
has, it is how has his day been? What games did he play during PE?
What funny stories he heard today?
3. Was there a high level of blaming and finger-pointing when
things go wrong?
4. Did you encourage care and concern within the family unit?
5. Are you realistic to your child's performance?
6. Did you take time to pursue with your child
things that interest him?
I can go on... but don't fully blame the system. Look inwards,
under your roof... there are things that will interest you....
