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SCHOOL DROP-OUTS
While there are no accurate statistics on the number of school drop-outs in public schools in the country, it is estimated to be between 7 and 10 percent of the student population. School drop-out is not new, it has been around from time immemorial and can be traced to several factors, namely, poverty, truancy, underachievement, risky behaviour, lack of motivation and interest in the school curriculum and a school environment that is not conducive to learning, among g others.
Indeed, our educators have created and continue to foster a school environment where students’ views and opinions are not taken seriously enough in the planning of school activities. This disjointed approach to education has resulted in negative consequences for learning as well as student outcomes and the high rate of school dropouts. School dropout is occurring more in high schools than in primary schools. It is prevalent throughout the country, especially among Amerindian communities.
Historically, our education system has been based on teacher-centered curriculum, which over the year has inhibited students learning ability. While there has been positive reforms in the education system and improvements in the curriculum, a new curriculum relevant to the concerns of students and the use of information and communication technology is needed to boost the morale of students. The curriculum should be more student-centered than the teacher-centered currently in use. Students are curious by nature and are desirous to know what relevance education is to them, especially as it relates to their real life. It is a fair question that many of us had asked during our time as students.
Students will feel a sense of attachment and entitlement to a curriculum that reflects their interests, passions and identities and would enhance their teaching and learning environment. Gone are the days when students should accept a teacher-centered curriculum and a learning environment with programmes based on 20th century teaching and learning techniques.
A 21st century school curriculum is needed to engage students at all levels throughout the learning process in order to maximize their outcome in an era of globalization. It must be based on a student-driven educational programme to improve student learning and their performance, especially among underperforming students. Our education system would certainly benefit from such a programme aimed at improving student learning and curtailing the high drop-out rate of students, especially boys. Too many of our underperforming students are falling through the cracks simply because they cannot cope and have found school to be a dull and boring place. Society is losing out on the creativity of our students if we just sit idly by and allow them to drop out of school.
The new curriculum must also be intricately woven to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), which are critical areas in education for students to compete globally for jobs in the 21st century. STEM also provides problem-solving techniques which are a vital element that is lacking in the wider society. Many believe that STEM would narrow the digital divide which has separated the underperforming schools from those that are performing well. Despite the budgetary constraints and the shortage of resources, much more needs to be done to level the education playing field with regards to having computers, overhead projectors, whiteboards, and other electronic equipment to enhance teaching and the learning environment in the country. This should be available in all schools.
Our education system must be interactive in which all students will benefit from this experience. Concomitantly, we also need to build a culture of transparency and accountability in our schools and develop a philosophy of learning and ownership to help students embrace the 21st century. These values will have positive benefits regarding the education of students and would make them feel a sense of entitlement and attachment to their schools, improve student outcomes and reduce violent acts.
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