SMS: Education Day

Thu, 05/08/2008 11:03 AM  |  Reader's Forum

The challenge goes back to the teachers -- as the agents of change.

How can we expect to improve our human resources if the teachers are largely unqualified.

Certification relies on a portfolio which doesn't necessarily reflect the teachers' competence. YUYUM Tangerang, Banten

The challenge is the integrity, consistency and continuity of our educational program -- the concept of education itself and the integrity of educators. FRANS B Jakarta

Our education system still emphasizes the role of teachers. That's an ineffective way to develop students' brains. Students must speak more actively.

They must practice this extensively and not just study theory. Teachers must encourage students to read books and explain what they have learned from them in front of their classmates.

They would become active and analytical students! LEIL FATAYA Bogor, West Java

The biggest challenge facing our education system is the lack of dedicated and sincere people to manage the system. The posts in our ministry are more politically-oriented than professional. DONY ADRIANSYAH Kuala Lumpur

We still have much homework to improve the quality of our education system.

Let's start with the national exam. We see many students studying hard not because they're motivated to be successful students, but because they're afraid of failing the test.

Many teachers were arrested for distributing the exam's key answers.

Of course, we should have a standard to determine whether students pass or fail, but it wouldn't be of any use unless the government improves the quality of human resources, and infrastructure in the education sector.

How can we expect students in remote areas to achieve high standards if they're already exhausted from walking thousands of miles just to reach school, which lacks supporting facilities like libraries or computers?

The government must fully commit to allocating 20 percent of the state budget to education. In fact, the amount allocated is less than 15 percent, which is a disgrace.

Let's improve our education system. YASMIN Tangerang, Banten

To improve the quality of education, the Government must allocate 20 percent of the budget to the education sector as ruled under the Constitution. HARBILI SINAGA Jakarta

Indonesian students at an early age show signs of discriminating against women, minorities and kids who are different. All people are equal, regardless of gender, religion, physical appearance, sexual orientation or personal opinions. This should be stressed at an early stage. NICHOLAS Jakarta

The biggest challenge is how to increase the quality of our education. Unfortunately, the system is getting more complicated. The government often changes curriculum, leaving teachers confused and busier.

The government is trying to improve students' marks by offering easier test items, particularly for English in junior and senior high schools. IBNU Pontianak, West Kalimantan

The biggest challenge to our education system is that some political parties wants to instill their own ideas into the education. MAMAN Banjar, West Java

The quality of education in any country is tied to the quality of the teachers and other resources.

Being taught by part-timers who can't give their full attention to their students because they have to moonlight as ojek drivers, meatball soup sellers or potato peelers to meet their daily needs, our students will only get what they have gotten so far. LAGA MAHESA Jakarta

To establish education for all, let elementary school be free of charge, like in many other countries.

This will help millions of children to get an education and save Indonesia's future. Higher education could be financed through micro-credits with low interest rates, which will be paid back when they have graduated and started working, or through scholarships. DEWI AND BABA Denpasar

The biggest challenge is our own mentality. We say that our education is bad, but you see that we are part of the system. So bad people talk about a bad system, no significance.

Let us start the education revolution from ourselves. Remember that we are part of the system. We have to take part in the revolution. GIGIH Jakarta

Yogyakarta elementary and junior high school students discuss their teachers.

 

My biology teacher explains lessons clearly and always gives us prizes if we get good marks, but one thing I don't like is that she is easily angered. I think she should control her emotions better. AZRA

My maths teacher explains the lessons so clearly. She takes care of us. If we have problems, she will help us solve them. She is very patient. ANIEN

My mathematics teacher is so smart, patient and funny. His lessons are interesting. He always helps students when they have problems. He cares for his students and learns about our characters. PUSPA

I like my English teacher because her teaching methods are interesting. Sometimes she gets mad with us, but we know she really loves us. NISA

My civics teacher is very friendly and his teaching methods are colorful. He seldom gets angry with us. He is patient but strict. BRENNA

My history teacher always tells us interesting stories when explaining things. He is very friendly. LUCI

At my school there is an excellent teacher who tells us his latest jokes every day. He makes classes fun. His teaching methods are easy to follow. He balances fun games with learning materials. He has a good character and he always encourages us to study harder. SYARRAH

I like my Indonesian language teacher so much. She's so patient, smart and friendly. Her teaching methods are funny and we often go to the language laboratory. She seldom gets angry, but she's strict. SARAH

My mathematics teacher always explains the lessons clearly and usually gives us interesting mathematical problems to solve. She's the best teacher. SITI

My civics teacher is so disciplined and strict, but he's always caring and loves his students. CHALIDA

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