Dear Editor,
“A narrow focus of awards can lead to decreased motivation, increased stress and a sense of exclusion among students who don’t fit the traditional mould of what a successful student is supposed to be.”- Linda Iwenofu clinical child psychologist and assistant professor in applied psychology and human development at the Toronto-based Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
Congratulations to the class of 2025. Graduations are special events. What happens after the flash of the cameras go quiet, the balloons burst and the crowd disperses?
In many instances, graduations are viewed as rites of passage. Rites of passage are important indicators of transition culminating in adulthood. Graduations are often times grounded in great expectations not only for the grandaunts but also for their parents, guardians and well wishers.
Many graduates over the years of formal schooling developed strong connections to both their educational institutions and friends. Formal schooling is much more than academics and scholarships. Life-long friendships are often cemented in the hallowed avenues of formal education. Consequently, networking is a critical tool for one to become successful.
It is frequently said that one’s net worth mirrors one’s network. The minds of youngsters are impressionable. As a result, the message society tries to impose on young minds is vital regarding the type of society we will have in the future.
Given that there are so many points of disconnect in the education system there must be a concerted effort to give our youngsters a message that engenders patriotism, inspires hope and ensures sustainable development.
The time has come for us to reimagine graduation awards. Graduation exercises tend to be grounded in a model of exclusion. The focus is always on the top achievers. While nothing is wrong with celebrating academic excellence as educators we must seek to expand the avenues of achievements.
Iwenofu believes schools need to be recognising important aspects of a student’s development like creativity, social responsibility and overcoming obstacles, which would also help recognise the achievements of students who face barriers like learning disabilities or socioeconomic challenges.
“Studies show that when students are recognised for their effort rather than outcomes, the students show greater resilience and longer-term engagement,” Iwenofu said.
Budgetary allocation to education should not be seen in abstract. Education ministries will be required to make a good case for educational expenditure while demonstrating their efficient use of resources to deliver greater value for money.
Globally, policymaking has always been a matter of making choices, managing trade-offs and balancing multiple goals and priorities to make complex budgetary decisions.
Jamaica’s current educational model does not allow for much empathy. In fact, global education systems are void of empathy.
The callous and crude manner in which we treat each other is testimony to this fact. Violence against women and girls has been normalised in many societies. The national curriculum is tailor-made to foster a currency that glorifies materialistic and individualistic gains.
Yet, the Jamaican society expects professional athletes to be patriotic.
Policymakers have been found wanting in creating a national curriculum that is both intentional in purpose and responsive in application. Those of us who work in the trenches experience daily the various points of disconnect.
In order to develop and nurture the value of education the focus should be on making learning relevant, engaging, and personalised.
This can be achieved by connecting lessons to real-world applications, by fostering a supportive learning environment, and encouraging students to explore their interests.
However, one must be mindful that in instances where the teacher pupil is disproportionate and where various learning styles are present personalised teacher and learning will be challenging. Additionally, integrating moral and ethical values, promoting empathy, and encouraging active participation can significantly enrich the educational experience.
There must be standards for students to graduate. In the Jamaican society, all students look forward to graduation regardless of how wayward their tenure was.
Students must be made aware of these standards and held accountable. Students should be expected to give back to their society. We have created a society where accountability has been eroded and continues to be eroded. This is problematic and needs to be addressed urgently.
Education systems can encourage students to give back through mandatory volunteer hours, service-learning programs, or by integrating social responsibility into the curriculum. These initiatives can foster a sense of civic engagement and responsibility, while also providing valuable real-world learning experiences. Schools can require students to complete a certain number of volunteer hours within their community as a graduation requirement.
This approach ensures that all students participate in community service, providing them with exposure to different social issues and fostering a sense of responsibility. Schools can integrate service-learning projects into the curriculum, where students engage in community service that is directly related to their coursework in order to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Another issue that comes to the fore during the graduation period concerns career development. Regrettably, many students are not adequately prepared to face the harsh and cold reality that composes real life.
To the graduating class of 2025, you have just completed a critical part of your journey to success. Pursue your dreams with passion and purpose. Undoubtedly, there will be hurdles, but each hurdle you successfully navigate will tell a story.
Envision yourself as agents of change and transformation by leveraging your youth to tackle the problems in society.
As you advocate on behalf of those issues which are of importance to you, do remember to speak on environmental issues. The youth of today will be impacted the most as adults.
Adulting is a sign of maturity that requires social and collective responsibility. Believe in yourself.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, it is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.
