GetAhead Educational Software

One of the demands of OBE is that teaching should be ‘learner-centred’ rather than ‘teacher-/educator-centred’. This is probably one of the main reasons for the failure of OBE. Before elaborating on the particular problem here, let me say that it is part of a bigger problem – the tendency to operate in terms of a simplistic ‘either-or’ mentality. This approach ignores the fact that real truth is most often found in a ‘both-and’ approach (except in the case of universal values) – what I like to call ‘the power of paradox’.

Learners are required to do ‘orals’ (mini-speeches) on a fairly regular basis at school, particularly from Grade 4 onwards. We assess their presentation in terms of audibility, eye contact, confidence, interest level and content. My little Grade 2’s did their first oral the other day. The great assignment required them to relate 5 facts about a place in South Africa that they had been to visit. Overall they did very well and I could tell that moms and dads had helped them to prepare and rehearse.

On my heart this month are single parents. If you are fortunate enough to have a partner, or even a helpful partner, read on in order to either appreciate what you have, or to empathise more deeply with single parents you know. There are also tips for times when you and your partner are in conflict about discipline. Here are some thoughts …

There are two schools of thought about how early a child should begin learning the alphabet and other subjects that he or she will learn in school. One theory goes that the child will be bored if he learns too much, too soon, so you should let him “be a child” during his preschool years. After all, if he is too far ahead of his class, it may be stigmatizing for him to be singled out if he can already read while the rest of the class is still learning the ABCs.

Babies are wonderful. They can teach us a great deal about the world and ourselves even as they are learning. Take a moment of time to put yourself in their place. Consider the world as a brand new place with no reference system that you can recognize. They have strange sights for their eyes, strange sensations upon their skin, and strange sounds assaulting their ears.