In 1870, the United Kingdom introduced the elementary education act in order to create Britain’s first mass education system.
At the time the act was reviled by many who simply did not believe in universal education.
Critics were opposed to the system of inspections it required, which they felt created an unduly narrow focus in the provision of education.
The intention behind the act was noble, however.
By this time, Great Britain was already reaping the benefits of the industrial revolution, but it realised that citizens of other European countries had a far greater literacy rate.
In order for it to retain the competitive advantage in manufacturing, the British government felt that it would be necessary for the country to remain at the forefront of education.
And so began the competition among schools to outdo one another in terms of providing an increasingly specific curriculum.
Wind back 2,000 years or so, and the purpose of education was not solely to act as a handmaiden of any given state’s initiative. It was about nurturing character and personality, so as to fulfil the ultimate purpose of education – grooming excellent human beings. And therein lies education’s continuing existential crisis.
Teachers are meant to be experts in their fields so that they can be trusted and consulted as both advisers and strategists.
Outstanding educators should be given the freedom and support to continue with their work, so that they can contribute to developing education that will help develop future leaders.
Students of today should not simply be capable of collaborating, even though that is what some education gurus think is required to improve the human condition.
Unfortunately, while we have very capable educationalists who provide innovative and sometimes radical ideas, they hardly see the need to give teachers more freedom.
This phenomenon is not limited to one country or region.
All over the world, independent-minded educators – those capable of finding new and innovative solutions to the world’s problems – are forced to follow the age-old script.
Is it just me who sees a flaw in this plan?
Michael Lambert is headmaster of Dubai College
