Grammar school mentality

A few days ago, your contributor Salvu Mallia wrote: “We still find ourselves, after 50 years of independence, rooted in the grammar school system mentality of the British Empire, geared to produce non-thinking, obedient soldiers, in our case students, condemned to fail their exams if they question their tutors or deviate from the ‘right’ answer. This, unfortunately, goes all the way up to university level.”

How very true. Students being brought up in this type of regimentation from the time they start kindergarten are scared stiff and most of them do and abide by what they are told, because they are scared that if they do not conform they will fail the exams. Science subjects are the exception.

Students in Architecture and Design have to spend the first year familiarising themselves with the subjects. During the first months they are told what things to buy to use during the year; sometimes brand names as well business are recommended. Most of the materials and equipment must have the approval of the lecturer/instructor. Students are advised where to do their printing, to the surprise of the management of the bureau; sometimes if the students do not follow the advice their work is not accepted. Wonder of wonders, if one were to buy a paint brush costing around €40, which is hardly used, one will make it to become an artist.

In my opinion, studies should help in the intellectual development of the students and guide them to express and develop their ideas.

Joseph Borg Attard