Since arriving in the DR in June of 2000, I have been constantly intrigued by the "system"(?) of education used here.
It appears to me that whatever system is being used, it isn't working! My observation has been that the parents of students don't seem to apply the discipline necessary, nor does the school system seem to give a d--- about whether the students learn or not. The attitude of "it's all a game" seems to prevail with absolutely no support from either the private or federal circles.
Have others observed this phenomena, or am I alone???
Is it unwritten govmt policy to keep the people ignorant (ie, uneducated, therefore unknowledgable) or is it merely the same syndrome we suffered in the US at the turn of the 20th century that education was only for a select few??
OR, is it(from a bigots attitude, not mine) tht the thinking is that Dominicans are too stupid, as a whole, to waste time educating them.
I realize what I am posing is primarily a philosophical question, but one that has the imperitive that if this nation is to progress, it's people MUST have the educational background to do so.
An example would be:
When told I hailed from Texas, several Dominicans have asked 'what part of Nueva York is that?', indicating that either Geography is not taught, or, that those persons paid no attention. What is the answer.
I see 16, 17, and 18 year old peoplee (I hesitate to call them children) who have reached only the 7th or 8th grade.
Why is such the norm instead of the exception?
I would seriously like to know how a change can take place and how bring about such a change.
Does anyone have any ideas, or does complacency prevail.
It appears to me that whatever system is being used, it isn't working! My observation has been that the parents of students don't seem to apply the discipline necessary, nor does the school system seem to give a d--- about whether the students learn or not. The attitude of "it's all a game" seems to prevail with absolutely no support from either the private or federal circles.
Have others observed this phenomena, or am I alone???
Is it unwritten govmt policy to keep the people ignorant (ie, uneducated, therefore unknowledgable) or is it merely the same syndrome we suffered in the US at the turn of the 20th century that education was only for a select few??
OR, is it(from a bigots attitude, not mine) tht the thinking is that Dominicans are too stupid, as a whole, to waste time educating them.
I realize what I am posing is primarily a philosophical question, but one that has the imperitive that if this nation is to progress, it's people MUST have the educational background to do so.
An example would be:
When told I hailed from Texas, several Dominicans have asked 'what part of Nueva York is that?', indicating that either Geography is not taught, or, that those persons paid no attention. What is the answer.
I see 16, 17, and 18 year old peoplee (I hesitate to call them children) who have reached only the 7th or 8th grade.
Why is such the norm instead of the exception?
I would seriously like to know how a change can take place and how bring about such a change.
Does anyone have any ideas, or does complacency prevail.