School Education is exam-based testing one’s memory not reasoning, analysis: Dr Ponniah
ACollege functions within a structural Education system which is closely and tightly regulated; it is an exam based system which tends to test the power of memory rather than that of analysis, reasoning and deduction, said former St. Thomas College (STC) Mt Lavinia Warden, Dr. David Ponniah.
Dr. Ponniah said this in his address as the Chief Guest at the College’s annual PrizeGiving on Thursday (16) at the College. Hall. He was accompanied y his wife Mrs Niranjana Ponniah.
“Although we may habour ambitious melatonious methodologies, we are not able to make significant changes. All we do is simply think about the edges and it is too late for that,” claimed the former Warden.
Drawing reference to the speech made by the present Warden Rev. Marc Billimoria, Dr. Ponniah said there is an increase in social violence, deteriorating levels of law and order, cyber and other technology based crimes and shameful behaviour in public of many. He said that the inconsistency of the National Education policies is due to the fickle headedness of those in the Education Ministry that has led to this. He hoped that, as a Thomian family, they appreciate the efforts of the STC Warden and staff to perform their duties under these trying circumstances.
Dr. Ponniah also said that his years as STC Warden was a challenging one, but done for a good rea- son for the betterment of the College. He congratulated all the prize winners that evening, saying it takes great devotion to one’s books, sacrifice and much hard work to walk away with the prizes. He asked students who did not win, not to be disheartened, but continue to toil, and they will be rewarded.
While saying this, the former Warden revealed a personal secrethe never won any prizes for studies himself. “Which taught me the valuable lesson of the need to labour for learning, and giving the task at hand the best of oneself, even though there was no immediate reward,” he said. “Not all efforts in school are rewarded. That is a good lesson for life, but most times the nature and quality we put into it is its own reward.”
Speaking of STC, he said that, over the years they have established strong brand names, as the business people call them, and also some great traditions. He asked, however, if this was enough to sustain the College for the next 50 years. Adding that, he strongly believes the mission of the College is to develop socially responsible, employable young people with lifelong learning skills, Dr. Ponniah concluded, quoting the 7th STC Warden, W.A. Buck.
“Well done, continue to develop into responsible young successful men. Go out into the world and make your future while upholding the traditions and values inculcated into you by this College. While doing that, do not forget the College that made it all possible, and remember to give back in full measure, at a later time.”
Meanwhile, STC’s current Warden, Rev. Billimoria said the College receives over 700 alone applications for Grade 1 alone, for only 175 vacancies, adding that, when they process the applications under the criteria set by the Board of Governors, all available places are filled. After which a very small number of outsiders, under these criteria, are entertained.
He further said the 2014, GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level exam results were satisfactory, which meant they were performing well at public exams. Stressing they follow a golden rule that not a single boy should fail an exam- a ‘zero failure policy’ at STC, the Warden said extra classes will be conducted for students lagging in their studies, at no cost to their parents.