Use of examples
I HAD learnt during my years in the education sector that one of the best methods to impart knowledge is through the usage of examples. Even better, examples from the locality.
What this approach achieves is that it increases the chances of understanding as the learner is able to relate new knowledge to what he or she has already had exposure to.
For instance, if one is to teach about flowers, it would be most appropriate to use a local flower like hibiscus. Referring to titan arum would increase the difficulty level.
During these difficult times, it has been difficult for authorities to get messages across to some people. People like the person I came across last Saturday near the Lautoka market. He went past coughing in open air and spat on the road.
Either these kinds of people do not understand for some reason(s) or deliberately choose not to understand. It could be just that some people are naturally difficult.
Regardless of personality issues, we are all in the midst of a global crisis and everyone needs to understand that the longer it takes, the further into time this will drag. I’d best go local.
For long, our country has battled to reduce road accidents and fatalities. Road accidents occur for various reasons. But all reasons point to one thing, failure to follow road safety instructions.
When a road user does not adhere to the rules, apart from risking one’s life, lives of other road users are also at risk. We may be concerned about monetary losses. But there is no monetary value for life.
We have seen the level and layers of protection needed by those in the front line taking care of patients. Despite this, many medical personnel have succumbed to the virus.
COVID-19 is relatively new to us. But the application remains the same. Those individuals who are failing to follow instructions are not only putting themselves at risk but others as well. Potentially, the nation.
In this war, the lethal arsenal to be deployed are understanding and following instructions strictly. Until a vaccine is found, it appears there is no other way against COVID-19. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka