Dear Editor,
I note the Government's recent decision to begin the phase-out of the dual shift system in Jamaican schools. Further analysis has caused me to realise that this decision, in fact, proves to be very advantageous.
First, this system was "introduced in the 1970s with the aim of increasing the number of school spaces and reducing class sizes" (Thwaites, 2014). Ironically, the number of students to a class has not decreased as teachers are forced to manage and teach classes as big as 45-50 students.
Furthermore, it has outlived its purposes, as it is presently one of the major factors contributing to low teaching and learning outcomes. Ask yourself, is this system really effective? Would I want my children to go to school late only to be packed tightly in a classroom like sardines in a can and still not receive adequate attention? Do my children really benefit from receiving four hours of class each day?
Additionally, in a recent report from the Ministry of Education it was highlighted that students who are not in the dual shift system are outperforming those in this system. This is as a result of students' inability to manage their time wisely and teachers not being allotted sufficient time to adequately cover the content. I firmly believe that it is time we discard the outdated system.
Many have argued that "Ministry mus do dem job, dem nuh business bout wi pickney..." however, the onus is on us as a people to effect positive change for our education system. Furthermore, if we wish to achieve our Vision 2030, we must ensure that all schools, all students, have equal educational opportunities/resources. Let us make Jamaica the place to live, work, study and raise families.
Japhia Beckford
Green Acres, St Catherine
japhiabeckford@rocketmail.com
Bye, bye, shift system
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I note the Government's recent decision to begin the phase-out of the dual shift system in Jamaican schools. Further analysis has caused me to realise that this decision, in fact, proves to be very advantageous.
First, this system was "introduced in the 1970s with the aim of increasing the number of school spaces and reducing class sizes" (Thwaites, 2014). Ironically, the number of students to a class has not decreased as teachers are forced to manage and teach classes as big as 45-50 students.
Furthermore, it has outlived its purposes, as it is presently one of the major factors contributing to low teaching and learning outcomes. Ask yourself, is this system really effective? Would I want my children to go to school late only to be packed tightly in a classroom like sardines in a can and still not receive adequate attention? Do my children really benefit from receiving four hours of class each day?
Additionally, in a recent report from the Ministry of Education it was highlighted that students who are not in the dual shift system are outperforming those in this system. This is as a result of students' inability to manage their time wisely and teachers not being allotted sufficient time to adequately cover the content. I firmly believe that it is time we discard the outdated system.
Many have argued that "Ministry mus do dem job, dem nuh business bout wi pickney..." however, the onus is on us as a people to effect positive change for our education system. Furthermore, if we wish to achieve our Vision 2030, we must ensure that all schools, all students, have equal educational opportunities/resources. Let us make Jamaica the place to live, work, study and raise families.
Japhia Beckford
Green Acres, St Catherine
japhiabeckford@rocketmail.com
Bye, bye, shift system
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