Education reform should be fair and thoughtful

The education authority should be cautious about easing study regulations at school, said an article in the 21st Century Business Herald (excerpts below).

The Ministry of Education issued a guideline looking at reducing the amount of study and homework students face.

Following this, some schools are changing homework routine and introducing more visits to art exhibits, museums, seminars and increasing travel to places of interest.

The ministry should know that many rural schools are not equipped to replace homework and study with these activities.

Some people pin the blame on the exam-oriented education for killing creativity and imagination among students. They say middle schools should base enrollment, in greater measure, on abilities in the arts, social experience, leadership, creativity and character.

This diversified approach has proven popular, especially in city schools.

The problem is that poor students are often excluded, through lack of opportunity or finance, from creative activity.

Exams provide these students with one sure way to display their talents.

So when the education authority carries out its reforms it should be more considerate to the less well-off and ensure that lack of finance never plays any role in students showing their abilities.