Ronaye’s Introduction
Hello all. I am currently enrolled in my 6 and 7th MET course and have been looking forward to taking this course since I enrolled in the program. I teach in a post-secondary institute in Calgary, Alberta.
I am posting a picture from students at an Indonesian school. My kids, husband and I spent three weeks in Indonesia last summer and had an opportunity to visit a primary school there. What struck me about their education was the sole focus on mathematics and literacy. Classes in music, health, or science did not exist for these students (we were in a small fishing village). Literacy creates opportunities for these students if they are passionate about certain topics, but ultimately, I thought it was a shame not to see alternative classes taught by teachers.
I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s “story” and I look forward to getting to exploring the course content.
-Ronaye
HI Ronaye! Nice to see you here in this course! I’m also taking my 6th and 7th course this term and looking forward to working with you once again.
~Sandra
Well I would kind of agree with that, at least for early education. The ability to read and comprehend / visualize sets the foundation for all other disciplines. If you cannot read and comprehend, how will you do a math word problem, or a physics problem, or understand history?
If they are limited in resources and money, then I say by all means – concentrate on literacy and math!
Hi,
I am so surprised at the school in Indonesia and the fact that they are solely focused on math and literacy. I love the picture you posted, since I live in the UAE and the country is primarily Islamic also.
Nice to meet you,
Haneefa
Hi Ronaye,
Great to know about you. I agree that in this part of the world the main emphasis is mainly on Math, Science and literacy but from my experience kids get thrilled if we bring music, drama and technology component and connect it to literacy. Looking forward to learn from you. Best Mehdia
Hi Ronaye, it’s great to “see” you again! 🙂
Hi Ronaye, Welcome.
Thanks for the comments. I’m looking forward to working with everyone. I agree, limited resources require some educational districts to focus on the basics (literacy and math). But I wonder if this is a vicious circle and without expanding educational opportunities, countries like Indonesia will remain stagnant? Or is this a way to ensure traditional life continues….
Just a few thoughts.
Hi Ronaye,
You certainly pose an interesting observation with your experience in Indonesia. I guess if a system had to choose what absolute basic bare bones minimum they were to deliver in their education system, I imagine the ole “3 R’s” would come out on top. However, as you say, it truly limits what the definition of “education” really means. It is good that you ahve taken this experience and drawn from it!
Looking forward to getting to know you better,
Tina