thoughts on a reading...

Just read a highly analytical and thoughtful paper written in 2006 on the curriculum landscape in spore. What struck me most was, that the many issues that had troubled me over the past 5 years, which i had raised again and again, had actually been foreseen and anticipated. Yet....

The consolation is, whilst i had thought, it was a 'personal discomfort', i now saw that persons far far more respected, erudite and perceptive had expressed more in depth issues and viewpoints, and in such an elegant and insightful inquiry.

Though there were like-minded that did agree with my concerns, most cited their lack of experience to see perspectives fully. To me, it was like 'emperor's best clothes'. It was obvious. But i realised, no one really bothers, so long as, no one is particularly affected (not life-and-death issue, so to speak); rocking the boat, and raising questions show one to be unco-operative; And after all, there are 'evident' results, or success, as it is 'termed'. The ends always justify the means.

And then again, like a kaleidoscope, depending on which angle the 'justifier' choose to level the argument, especially when placed on the security of a higher platform, ends and means are synonomous. I have noticed all too often, how things are applied/received/presented differently depending on which 'role' one assumes, to whom and from whom. So consistent are the inconsistencies that it is so predictable!

Honestly, if the points so pertinently raised in the article, and that 6 years ago, had been faced courageously, and leaders duly responded and actions taken in the right direction for true professional development, it would have led to a more robust educational environment in many institutions.

But I wont be surprised that the article is quite unknown to many 'experts' or 'leaders' in the field. And that because unfortunately, many 'leaders/experts in education" these days are people who loved to hear the sound of their own voice or who have escalated (not fast enough in their humble opinion) into roles far beyond their true calling in the vocation or their ability even in teaching itself. And these usually regard that as long as they 'deserve' their elevation to the said pedestal , their views are superior (founded or not/resesearched or not, is that important?).

And ignorance is bliss is to be embraced. First of all, as long as one's own terrain is well guarded, why seek in depth? Secondly, as long as one justifies oneself, (by pouring scorn on other academics) then, wherein lies any issue? Thirdly, if one has to show oneself to be well-read,, one should read books on how to be successful, or how to be a great leader, or a great somebody, or books that display ones intellectual prowess.... why read academic research papers (from which local persons?) which may be biased, especially if local.... (caveat: as long as it is not their own). Let sleeping dogs lie is quite a good advice to follow in such case.

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For myself, I am glad to see how there are fellow citizens, of such strong repute and intellect that had put up papers to raise all the pertinent issues. I rest content. There are people that had the courage to study, analyse and had spoken. My respect to them.

And i keep thinking.... its probably good to start planning for retiring from the education landscape....

and no apologies for the acerbity...it could have been a quite few degree more acerbic....