IT IS WHAT YOU DON'T SEE....schools in Fiji

This is a blog written by Matthew Allen, a fellow Peace Corps volunteer in Rakiraki.  I liked it so much I wanted to share it.   These are his words.........

"The educational system in Fiji is quite different from American schools in many regards.  Surprisingly, there are some things that I actually like better.  First, the kids here are obedient and respectful towards their teachers.  You don't see students talking out of turn or being rude.  Although, that may have to do with the fact that corporal punishment has only recently been phased out here in the past couple of years.  Another thing I really like is that there are no school janitors in Fiji.  All the children have chores around the school and are expected to clean up after themselves.

Unfortunately, however, there is a major flaw in the Fijian school system.  You shouldn't notice it at first if you were to just sit in on a few classes.  What you would see wouldn't be much different from what you might see if you walked into a random American classroom.  Maybe the teacher is giving a short lecture or the students are quietly working through some exercises.  It is what you don't see is where the problem lies.

Everything the students do revolves around the memorization of facts and then regurgitating them back on an exam.  Students really don't learn any academic "skills" here.  Critical thinking, problem-solving and public speaking are all absent from the curriculum.  Children don't even ask questions in the classrooms here.  It's easy to take for granted how integral this is to the American educational system until you come to a place where it isn't.  And I understand that many people criticize American schools over these same issues, but back home the problem is merely a lack of emphasis.  Here these things are completely non-existent.

Why the schools are like this isn't immediately obvious.  It may partly be a legacy of the British colonial education system, which naturally discouraged real education for the "natives".  It may also be a cultural matter.  Fijian culture is very collectivist by nature, so it does not foster a lot of individualism or creativity.  As a result, rural Fiji suffers from a constant brain-drain, as brighter individuals in the village get frustrated and choose to move to the cities or even overseas.

Why am I going on at length about this?  Because I can see the consequences of this kind of education in the adults I work with.  It creates a considerable challenge for Peace Corps volunteers doing educational outreach here.  Fijian adults are very shy to ask questions during presentations.  It is difficult to get them to participate in group discussions.  Not that it can't be done, of course.  A good way of getting them involved is having them do things instead of just talking about things.  For example, doing a cooking demonstration instead of a lecture on healthy eating.  The people of Fiji are very eager to learn, you just have to do it in a way that they are comfortable with."

Matt went to the University of Virginia and just scored very high on his MCATS.  He will be a fine doctor!