Language Development

Journal 3

4/08/2010

We Should Cherish Our Children's Freedom to Think

Kie Ho

Kie Ho compares his own experience of schooling in Indonesia, focused on memorizing and reciting factual information with the American education that his son has gone through which emphasizes creativity and freedom. The author believes that the latter is "a great deal better than any other" (p.144) education system, although he acknowledges that perhaps this system neglects the acquisition of some forms of factual knowledge which results in the students either having missing knowledge or misunderstanding certain facts. However, I think the crux of the argument is that certain skills are promoted within different education systems, which are a result of different cultures valuing proficiency in different areas. For Indonesia it was important to encourage "dedication and obedience" (p.113) in the classroom; knowledge was fixed, there was only one correct answer and the students must learn and internalize this fact. Alternatively, "self-expression" (p.113) is favoured in the American system. The author comments on a variety of creative methods employed by his son's teachers which encouraged freedom, confidence and collaboration. 

The author makes an interesting point with regard to critics of the American education system: "[they] cannot grasp one thing, something that they don't truly understand because they are never deprived of it: freedom" (p.113). Ho is implying that when one is brought up and part of a society that encourages freedom (freedom of though, speech, expression etc.) then it is difficult to view this as a valuable outcome of education. The education system is criticised for not producing higher standards in 'traditional' subjects, however the sense of freedom that is fostered within these institutions is something that should be acknowledged. To view one's own systems or society from the perspective of an 'outsider' can shed light upon problems, positives and things that had previously gone unnoticed.