AS an educator, I abide by the national education philosophy which aims to develop students who are well balanced physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.
Knowledge is but one of the four components mentioned in the national education philosophy. Educators should also focus skills and values to produce a holistic individual.
The weakness in our education system is that values are discussed and tested in examinations yet these are not internalised by students.
The best educators teach from their heart and not just from the books.
In many developed nations, pupils’ initial years in preschool and primary school is focused on self-dignity, self-respect and respect for others, integrity and love for nature.
These universal values are integrated with local cultural norms where rational thinking develops naturally.
We have failed in many ways to educate our society so there is a need to go back to the basics and understand that it’s not just knowledge that matters.
ASSOC PROF DR VISHALACHE BALAKRISHNAN
Faculty of Education,
Universiti Malaya
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