My first rendezvous with western education system was when my sons started schooling in Canada. Early on I started to notice the differences in eastern education system vs. the western system. For example, emotional literacy as well as literacy in general was emphasized upon. School environments fostered equity, inclusion, embracing diversity and differences and a sense of model citizenship. I remember that my sons were graded on their quizzes, tests, and projects not on rote memory or how many marks they scored in tests but on these four aspects:
1) Knowledge and Understanding 2) Thinking 3) Communication 4) Application.
Here, students are encouraged to think critically and out of the box. Classroom discussions and group projects focus on knowledge, reasoning, and logic. There is a strong focus on developing scientific mind and inquiry.
My sons are now in university and when I see them discussing and debating on current affairs or any socio-political issue, I cannot but appreciate how the Canadian education system has shaped their young minds into being responsible citizens. How they able to articulate their thoughts effectively, forming their own opinions based on facts and data and respectfully communicating their thoughts. As a mother I feel proud of how strongly they understand, adhere to, and advocate the causes of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. I am proud that the Canadian Education system has helped develop an ethical and moral compass in my children. They know right from wrong and are not afraid to speak up.
Schooling is one part of the puzzle, the environment at home, the honesty in your personal relationships. How we treat each other, how we treat people outside the home, the social relationships, how you communicate, how do you treat differences. What are your family values, your ethical and moral compass; all these matter when it comes to raising kids. As someone rightly said " Your children may not turn out the way you want them to, but they could turn out the way you are as a parent". Parents are the first role models and home is the first institutions that helps raise a ethical child.