Gleaner Columns

Beginning in January 1997 Errol Miller wrote a weekly Column for the Daily Gleaner. He ceased writing the Column after being appointed Chairman of the Electoral Advisory Committee in December 2000. The dates found at the end of most Columns are the dates on which the Columns were written and submitted. These columns were published three or four days later. These Columns are grouped in broad themes.

THE GSAT DEBATE

The Grade Six Achievement Test, GSAT, results have come in for quite a bit of discussion in both the print and electronic media. While I have not heard all of the discussion it seems as if the GSAT is being blamed for several things for which it is definitely not responsible. Some have made the charge that the GSAT has not been fair to the Comprehensive High Schools or All Age Schools. For the sake of clarity let me set out what has changed with the GSAT and what has remained the same as the Common Entrance Examination that it replaced.

BAHAMIAN PROGRESS IN EDUCATION

In1993 the Bahamian Government set up a National Task Force, chaired by Dr. Keva Bethel, to study all major issues related to education and to make appropriate recommendations. In carrying out its mandate the National Task Force not only analyzed documentary evidence but also conducted a nation-wide survey of the views of the various stakeholders and actors on their perceptions of the needs and goals of education for the next century.

VIRTUAL AND NOT REAL SAVINGS IN EDUCATION

 We are living in the age of virtual reality. It is possible to simulate the real by giving the feeling and appearance of the actual. This is an excellent tool for learning. Simulation has great possibilities in education. However, the application of simulation to schools and school systems is still in its infancy. It is not possible to train pilots by simulating flying in machines that never leave the ground but give the trainee pilots all of the sights and sensations of flying an aircraft. It is still not possible to do good simulations of the interactions between students and teachers in the classroom.

LESS CARROT, MORE STICK

In 1983, through a visitor’s grant, I had the opportunity of travelling across the United States, from the East to the West coast and from North to South. Although previously I had been to the States numerous times and even studied there, this tour taught me how complex and diverse a country and society is the United States of America. Since then I have been careful not to lump all Americans or all levels of government into one and then label them.

GOD’S PEOPLE IN THE GHETTO

We have just celebrated another Christmas. Beyond the exchange of gifts, family get-togethers and eating lay the heart of Christmas, God speaking to humankind as “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” In our sentimental celebration of the Babe in the Manger, we often miss the point that Jesus was born in a period of great turmoil, dissension and division in Israel.

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