An Exposé on the Education System?

I have frequently joked with colleagues, past and present, that, when I finally retire from being part of Singapore’s education system, I may write some sort of exposé on the people in it who make life difficult for their own colleagues, external vendors and, also, the very students they profess to be educating and nurturing.

No naming of names, of course. For the benefit of the students from those institutes of learning.

It’s no secret that not all educators should be educators.

And, certainly, every system has its flaws.

But to behave with so little regard for others than themselves in a profession that is clearly about others? That’s just not right, is it?

On the flip side, I have met passionate, courageous educators who give their all and more to their students.

I have also met numerous thoughtful, kind educators who consider others before themselves.

It isn’t them that we need to worry about, though we should be concerned for their well-being under such a difficult system with unrelenting expectations and grinding routines.

It is the relative few who need to be expelled from their positions.

If only the general public knew about these people and how much they adversely affect the lives of the students under their charge.

Well, since I’m still somewhat involved in the system, it isn’t time to do it yet.

Someday, it will be.

Stop Wasting My Time on Ice Breaker Games and Energiser Activities

Ice-breaker and “energiser” activities.

I learned them.

I’ve been asked to conduct them.

I hate them.

Why make everyone stand up and move around needlessly, answer frivolous questions, and waste precious time that could be better spent on other things?

When I attend a workshop, seminar, course, etc., I don’t care what the person beside me likes to eat for breakfast or what movies he/she likes.

I don’t even care what his/her opinion is on anything.

I’m there to learn something from the speaker/trainer, not from random members of the audience.

In turn, I respect the time and energy of my audience by getting straight to the point as soon as I’ve introduced myself.

And, so far, I’ve never received a single comment or piece of feedback that wished for ice-breaker or “energiser” activities.

I’m certainly not stopping other trainers/educators from running these activities if they feel that it’s important to their flow.

Just, for goodness’ sake, give your audience the option of opting out, keep them concise, and at least explain the activity once it’s over.

I am of the opinion that it makes more sense to be the energy-giver, especially right at the start, instead of demanding that your audience generates their own.