Random Thoughts on Education/Knowledge

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Originally uploaded by ngoy.

Today's papers reported about a student who achieved 17A1s in her SPM examination. It is a national record. My first reaction is "WOW! WOW! WOW!". During my time, the maximum number of subjects for the SPM examination is 9 (for Chinese schools is 10). That already is one too many. 17 subjects!! I can't imagine. It's crazy.

At first glance it's definitely a great feat (don't get me wrong, it's definitely a fantastic achievement) but what does it really mean? A brilliant student? Yes. A great future? Maybe. Scholarships? Maybe also.

Many times, examinations have taken the fun out of learning. More so, when it's an examination which will somewhat determine your future in education or maybe future in career, i.e. if you stop at form 5. Even more tragic when you hear about students committing suicide for not able to withstand the pressures of exams.

Sometimes, I wonder if the knowledge acquired during my primary & secondary school days have gone to waste. We've heard before that "Knowledge is power", but I think "Applied knowledge is power" should be more appropriate. After all, what is knowledge without application. It's like hearing God's word but not applying it in our lives. Nothing happens, at most, maybe we'll become some knowledge freaks. 8-D