It is really heartbreaking to see the slow learners taking their Primary School Achievement Certificate result with a sad disposition. They fail and it is always argued why this 30% of our students fail. In this context I recall to my mind ‘nothing succeeds like success and nothing fails like failure’. But the failure cycle must have an avenue, although not a bright one. It has been noted that throughout the world many eminent persons whose contribution to the society is immense; were somehow from the late developers.
A second chance provided to the slow learners means a lot for this category of students. Because of the rat race competition they are left out of the system. According to pedagogy such students need proximity, better known as ‘teacher’s scaffolding’ advocated by Vigotsky. It is rather to be at the back of the students, accompanying him step by step. However, this is not possible in our education system. However, the problem should be tackled at PSAC level itself.
Anyway, life continues and those who struggle to achieve find their ambitions crowned with success. There are many cases where the previous CPE drop outs have succeeded in their lives. The prevocational stream was providing ample opportunity to such types of students who after joining the MITD had been able to stand on their own feet. They work as mechanic in big firms, while others work as plumber, electrician, hair dresser, brick layers among others.
From Prevocational to Extended class brings no spectacular changes in this stream. On the contrary it is similar to put the cart before the horse. Expectation from these categories of students to pass the NCE [National Certificate of Education] is almost a utopia unless they receive full support from their educated parents. For some, failure is synonymous to success because it helped them to exert and make their dream comes true. Better give them an elementary knowledge of literacy and numeracy which will surely help them to be functional in society.
Another vivid example is that of Thomas Edison who was a slow learner. Because of being a weak student his Head Master one day gave him a note pad to give to his mother. Thomas asked his mother about the message written therein. His mother replied that he is a genius and has no place in that school. Henceforth, Thomas was taken under the care of his mother concerning his education. Later he discovered the fluorescent light which today illuminates the world. The invention of motion picture camera also goes to his credit. One day after the death of his mother he came across the note pad given by his Head Master in his childhood. It was written that your ward is a weak student and his place is not in this school. One should not be under estimated because of his late development. Each individual is gifted by nature in different fields. Give them the opportunity to go forward.
From the Islamic point of view, the first verse revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was ‘read’. In a hadith the prophet of Islam says: “even if you have to go to China in order to seek knowledge then proceed on”. Therefore an appeal to parents is that never lose hope, there is a light at the other end of the spectrum. Parental guidance in educating their wards is primordial. Parents must never lose hope with their wards. What these students need is support, motivation and the drive to go forward.
By Cassam Tupsy
