May 14, 2009 (Thursday)
First day in the schools
After getting absolutely no sleep last night I got ready at 7:00am to go to Zonkizizwe Primary School. I was so excited to finally get to sit-in on some classes.
Throughout the day I trailed three Social Science teachers who taught 4th through 6th grades. It was a learning experience. In America, we are often taught that our way of education is the best. Yet, we fail to realize how it takes on a very different purpose in another context. What I thought was so special about the curriculum in Zonki P.S., and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) at large, was that it was built with the purpose to create socially conscious and responsible young people.
The National Curriculum Statement aims read,
“1) heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; 2) improve the quality of life of al citizens and free the potential of each
person; 3) lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by the law; and 4) build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.”
Each of these aims is quite commendable. However, as I continue going through my school visits I will see how much schools live up to these standards.
*Mr. Tsotetsi, a phenomenal 4th grade Social Science teacher’s, and his class
First day in the schools
After getting absolutely no sleep last night I got ready at 7:00am to go to Zonkizizwe Primary School. I was so excited to finally get to sit-in on some classes.
Throughout the day I trailed three Social Science teachers who taught 4th through 6th grades. It was a learning experience. In America, we are often taught that our way of education is the best. Yet, we fail to realize how it takes on a very different purpose in another context. What I thought was so special about the curriculum in Zonki P.S., and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) at large, was that it was built with the purpose to create socially conscious and responsible young people.
The National Curriculum Statement aims read,
“1) heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; 2) improve the quality of life of al citizens and free the potential of each
person; 3) lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by the law; and 4) build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.”Each of these aims is quite commendable. However, as I continue going through my school visits I will see how much schools live up to these standards.
*Mr. Tsotetsi, a phenomenal 4th grade Social Science teacher’s, and his class
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