An Ideal Classroom in an Ideal School - Assignment Example

An ideal room in an ideal school: creating effective systems in schools for quality education to all children Lecturer Paper Code Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 2 Introduction 3 What is the purpose of a school system? 4 The values of effective school systems of my ideal school 6 Introduction It is unarguable that all nations across the globe require different forms of educational and technological advancement in various facets, to be able to meet the needs of the people. They need physical, economic, social and psychological development to achieve this. In most of the communities in Nigeria, there is the high demand of graduates who are ready to face the global challenges after graduation, young men and women who are prepared to work and offer hope to the down trodden and the civic society. It is axiomatic to argue that a myriad of societies have benefitted from existing education system. The people should however not wallow on despair but instead adopt better strategies to improve the system. In order to achieve this, a proper foundation and a sound educational system is a prerequisite to start the process. It is my strong conviction that what the students learn, the manner and strategy through which this knowledge and skills are obtained in school at various stages is transferred to the wider community. It is expected that such skills will equip learners with better tools and knowledge to participate in the economic growth of the society. This paper will focus on how we can create effective systems in schools for quality education for all children, which will translate to improved instructional learning in better conditions, thus preparing students to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. The paper will explore Stewart’s(2012) concepts of effective systems in schools alongside Trilling and Hood’s (2001) argument for an education system that supports knowledge age learners, as well as Illich (1971) who argues that technology can be used to support the goal of creating a good education system. The paper will then discuss Stewart’s (2012) ideas about the purpose of effective systems of schools with regards to bringing about high quality education to all children, relating this to what obtains in Nigeria and considering how the existing system compares to the designed ideal classroom in an ideal school. In the third section the paper presents ethics and ideologies around the designed effective systems in an ideal school and classroom, in addition to its underlying principles, highlighting the key features and values that underpin the belief in effective systems in schools. The will also consider innovations to be considered by educators, governments in order to improve their systems. Finally there will be a presentation of succinct statements with a summary of the proposal. What is the purpose of a school system? White, in his submission about schools stated that, “Schools should be inculcating knowledge relevant to modern society, such as the ability to live healthily, to manage money and to find fulfilment.’ In other words ‘the school is not an arena of competition for success in public examination and access to well-paid jobs.” White (2007, p. 71) The justification of what forms part of the curriculum has its connectivity to the school system that is purposeful, practical and handy, designed to positively impact the existence of an all-inclusive learner. Stewart (2012) believes in visiting schools because they act as microcosms of the nearby society. He also held the conviction that one can understand the past struggles, current tensions besides glimpsing an immense hope of what is in store for them. This paper agrees that it is this strong assertion that provides a driving force and desire of parents from both economic spheres as well as the government for children to get a good school. What comes to mind is what constitutes a good school. Does the building or structure, infrastructure, environment and the likes constitute a good school? What type of education will they receive bearing in mind the enormous variety in the quality and style of education that is provided? This paper is of the opinion that the structure and other environmental factors do not constitute a school though they may play a role. According to Stewart (2012) the main challenge currently is not the cultivation of effective schools or classrooms but rather how to create school system that is effective with intention of bringing high education quality to children. The intention of effective education system will lead to an effective development of people who are regarded as the greatest asset. Irrespective of their social, economic or political standing in the society, a clearly designed structural plan will yield quality education. To ensure quality delivery, teachers need to ensure that they weigh some of the qualities considered important by the society. Some of the qualities that are always considered by the locals include numeracy, literacy, kindness, information technology. The education system should enable teachers to inculcate the qualities on pupils. The ideal school and ideal classroom will ensure that the parents preferred qualities are included. White (2007 p.34) presents a curriculum that is focussed on four main headings including social and civil involvement, personal fulfilment, practical and contribution to the economy. Personal fulfilment is concerned about the pursuit for knowledge. It is anchored on the premise that children should acquire the right knowledge/skills to enable them preferred in their activities. Social and civic involvement which is the second heading helps pupils grasp the idea that fulfilment is linked closely to the other people. White (2007 p.37) stated that "We want pupils, as citizens in the making, to be committed to such basic democratic values as political equality, self-determination, freedom of thought and action." The values are fundamental in enhancing the children’s values. The ideal school and classroom intends to include some of these fundamental qualities. The generality and the incorporation of all the above values and qualities is what make up an effective school system for a society like Nigeria. The ideal and classroom brings together the fundamental values and qualities and inculcate the same into learners. For an effective system to be functional, certain criterion must be put in place. A functional and effective school system requires a lot of functional attributes such as buildings, teachers, curriculum, environment, economic policies etc., for activation. (Baker, and Kanan, 2005) Most developing economies like Nigeria strongly depend on clearly defined education system to spur its economic growth. With its natural resources, Nigeria might not see the economic growth reality if its educational policies are not consistent with its desired relevance. White (2007 p.27) states that for citizens to reasonably contribute to the economic growth they need to be aware of science and technological advancement, learn to work collaboratively, and understanding how the workers’ rights and the entire environment affect the general economy. Being socially sensitive society, the education system should also take into consideration of the Nigeria’s deep culture which is part of their tourist attraction. Through respective evidence, a practical wisdom is easily acquired through an imaginative, flexible and rational thinking. White (2007 p.27) went ahead and stated that "It is all too easy to impose ones own value judgments on others. In summary White (2007) outlines what schools are for and how it will bring about personal fulfilment like engaging in keeping the relationship, experience of different activities, enhancing communication living healthy life, contributions to the economy among other things. The values of effective school systems of my ideal school The effectiveness of an education system does not refer to only output or input and processes. It does not also refer to the outcome in terms of examination, excellent grades, winning of trophies etc. According to Tamatea, (2008 p.89) it’s about the kind of inputs and processes which can be regarded as the student quality at entry point, the teacher’s quality and his superiority of teaching, learning outcome and other aspect functional activities in the school. The effectiveness of the education system is determined when the school has been able to bring out the desired changes in the students through a deliberate planned inputs and processes. Any positive step taken by the school or government with respect to improvements in the specific identified areas leads to a better quality of school in terms of inputs and processes and ultimately in terms of desired student outcome. Steward (2012) through the presentation of Singapore’s case, acknowledged that in the early 1990’s, the country focused on efficiency, which had yielded good result and it became clear that the shift in the global economy meant that the prosperity of nations would increasingly be defined by the discovery and application of new ideas. These new ideas metamorphosed into an education system focused on innovation, creativity and research. To my mind, this is a catalyst to an effective and principled school system that conjugates transformation. Despite having oil as a resource, enhancement of technology and better methods of production will improve the country’s output. The education system in Singapore was very poor and small in 1965. Being a small tropical island, with little fresh water, natural resources, substandard housing, rapid population growth with constant conflicts the country was in dire need of a working education system (Wells, 2011). With the revolution of education, the country’s economic system is now strong with tourists from across the globe flocking the gleaming finance, technology and trade hub. The country literally turned educationally and financially from third world status to an industrialized nation. The developments in Singapore are an indication of how relevant education and classroom can facilitate growth. How did this ‘little dot on the map’, a nation less than 50years old transform itself into a global economic and educational phenomenal leader in such a short time? The answer according to Stewart (2012) hinges fundamentally on its education system. He noted that though they lacked resources, the island viewed human capital as its most precious asset (Wylie, 2008). It is no doubt that countries like Nigeria can work together to deal with this. This paper strongly believes that Nigeria has a chance of developing an educational system that will not only responds to, but meets the challenges of the 21st century leaner. (Haywood, 2007) This transformation can be mirrored in my country when my ideal school and classroom are adopted. A moving away from one-size-fits-all approach to creating a multipath way for student in order to produce more technically skilled labour needed for the new economic goals. The products of the designed ideal school and classroom are likely to get local and international recognition for their relevance, quality and value in a global economy Lee et al, (2008). It will ensure that both parents and students in the ideal school and classroom are proud to associate with the quality of work. The programs under the ideal school and classroom will have a close tie with the next level path to secondary education and a smooth transition with an up-to-date academically inclined student. Steward (2012) opined that the 21st century leaner should possess the hands-on, minds-on, hearts-on type of applied learning skills, which is also intended to be included in my ideal school and classroom. One of the principle factors that brought transformation to the Singaporean education system was the undeniable fact that a strong academic foundation was put in place early in the academic careers of both the primary and secondary education which accelerated their acquisition of more sophisticated skills required by the leading edge employers Steward (2012). My ideal school and classroom will include strong education and education background to the learners. The under lying principle of an my ideal school and classroom would integrate a new vision for our academic and educational system: Thinking school, Learning Nation, with a goal to developing creative thinking skills and lifelong learning passion and a national culture where learning and creativity flourish at every level of society. Ng. (2008) Changing the education system in Singapore was the major pillar behind Singapore’s transformation. (Nagrath, 2011) The designed my ideal school and classroom, is intended to be more flexible and remaining a choice for students through a broader range of courses and different types of schools. It should also entail major commitment to information and communication technology (ICT) as a facilitator of different kinds of learning. My ideal school and classroom and even my country Nigeria should experience a mountain range of excellence and not just one peak (lee et al, (2008) Furthermore, a major investment made in upgrading the teaching profession, the government revamping of career paths and incentives for teachers in order to attract top talent, the making of upgrades to teacher education through the various institutions of education and consistent commitment to professional career development would be a sine qua non in my ideal school and classroom. (Gunesch, 2007) The development of an effective education system is a team work which requires all stake holders to work together for a common goal. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the organs of government alone to provide and maintain an effective education system with the existing competition of the private sector in the market place. In the same vein it is in our best interest to deliver a quality and a very effective education system to as many children as possible since they are positioned to sustain the development to greater heights. Our education system must recognize that the world is changing very rapidly-and one that demonstrate the capacity to learn and adapt. An effective and qualitative school system comes with its challenges and strengths. It is only when the challenges and many obstacles are carefully and painstakingly analysed, removed and replaced with new innovations, that the strengths are made manifest. The sustainability of the change depends on the acceptance of the change initiated. Until now the society had been very complacent with was doled out to them, but times have changed and parents now ask probing and taught provoking questions regarding the welfare of their ward. There is greater awareness and understanding of polices and school programmes now than before. Teachers need to brace up in order to bridge the gap and give no room for doubt and distrust. (Hayden, Jack, and Thompson, 2008) In a nutshell, there is much more to the transformation of an education system, other than the structures, and what is seen physically. It was indeed very revealing to see how a small country like Singapore could compete favourably with the United States and even rise to become a global phenomenon and a point of reference for other nations including the U.S. I would be looking forward to incorporating what I have learned in my current education system and practice. I have also learnt how my country Nigeria can borrow from these successful models. Conclusion In this assignment, the paper endeavoured to demonstrate an understanding of some of the principle aims and values surrounding education system and how these considerations have contributed to education in general as well as inform my classroom practice. I have discovered and brought to force the gains and transformational ingredients that abound when an effective education system is put in place. It is noticed that lack of diligence and commitment in instituting an effective and closely monitored education system which is the hub of the educational road map to success. School administrators in Nigeria need to take a second look at their policies in order to right the wrongs and put forward a new system in place that will bring about the desired outcome. As one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, a proper education system will be vital in stimulating economic growth in Nigeria. The school administrators need to make a fundamental shift from a mere education system to an effective and qualitative system that focuses on innovation, creativity and research as well as looking at new policy directive of teach-less and learn-more. (Stewart 2012) Stake holders in the education industry need to empower the school administrators with more sustainable and modern resources to meet the requirement of the 21st century leaner. It will also grant them independence and autonomy to schools to formulate policies and programmes that will usher in the desired outcome and place the school on a higher degree of success. School administrators need to develop themselves and brace up to meet with the global challenges. A world-class economy can only be fuelled by a world-class education system through a steady succession of quality improvements, considered policy decisions, and careful implementation which produces a major global success story. Steward (2012) Our greatest challenge is to birth the ‘world-class education system which is a veritable tool that will engineer and bring to bear the dream system that will touch the hearts and engage the minds of leaners with emphasis placed on discovery through experiences, differentiated teaching, learning lifelong skills and building of character through effective teaching approaches. Daunting as this task may be, commitment, determination, hard work, planning and skilful execution of projected objectives will bring about a well-deserved transformed and qualitative education system. The parameter and criteria that define qualitative education system must be given adequate attention with regard to getting the right information. This will facilitate the workability of the administration, management, teachers, curriculum and community involvement. Learning environment which has to do with physical and socio-emotional facilities available for children who include building, instructional rooms, learning and teaching aids are very essential to create a learning environment for an effective education system. It is undeniable fact that a qualitative education system which has an underlying factor of excellence is what every school should look forward to. I look forward to schools and government taking up the challenge of being the first in making the change that we would like to see in the school and the ideal classroom. Finally, I would like to strongly recommend these key factors for success to schools and government policy makers for implementation and further research work as it has the potential of producing a world-class education system; Vision and leadership, commitment to meritocracy, ambitious standards, curriculum instruction and assessment systems, high quality teachers and principals, alignment and coherence, accountability, Global and future orientation. References Baker, A. M. and Kanan, H. M. (2005) International mindedness of native students as a function of the type of school attended and gender. Journal of Research in International Education 4(3): 333-349. Gunesch, K. (2007) International Education’s Internationalism: Inspirations from Cosmopolitanism. In: Hayden, M., Jack, L., and Thompson, J. (Ed.). The SAGE Handbook of Research in International Education, chapter 8. London: The Sage Publications Ltd. Hayden, M., Jack, L., and Thompson, J. (2008) International schools: growth and influence. Paris: The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO) Haywood, T. (2007) A Simple Typology of International-Mindedness and Its Implications for Education. In: Hayden, M., Jack, L., and Thompson, J. (Ed.) The SAGE Handbook of Research in International Education, chapter 7. London: The Sage Publications Ltd. Illich, Ivan (1977). Toward a history of needs. Berkley: Heyday Books. p. 78. ISBN 978-0-930588-26-7 Nagrath, C. (2011) What Makes a School International? The International Educator, [online]. Available at: http://www.tieonline.com/view_article.cfm?ArticleID=87 [Assessed 25 July, 2015 Stewart, V. (2012) World-Class Education: Learning from International Models of Excellence and Innovation. Alexandria, VA, USA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD). Tamatea, L. (2008) A practical and reflexive liberal-humanistic approach to international mindedness in international schools: Case studies from Malaysia and Brunei. Journal of Research in International Education 7(1): 55-76. Trilling, B., and Hood, P. (1999). Learning Technology and Education Reform in the Knowledge Age or "Were Wired, Webbed and Windowed, Now What?" Educational Technology, Wells, J. (2011) International education, values and attitudes: A critical analysis of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile. Journal of Research in International Education 10(2): 174-188. Wylie, M. (2008) Internationalizing curriculum: Framing theory and practice in international schools. Journal of Research in International Education 7(1): 5-19. Read More