Vox pop: Malta’s education system
Do you think people are happy with the education system? No, they are not happy. Perhaps compared with other education systems abroad, students have it pretty good with the stipend, the atmosphere on campus and student organisations. But there is a lot...
Do you think people are happy with the education system?
No, they are not happy. Perhaps compared with other education systems abroad, students have it pretty good with the stipend, the atmosphere on campus and student organisations.
But there is a lot of room for improvement, also in the way we are assessed. From primary to secondary school, and even at University, most exams test memory rather than intelligence.
At University, we are getting more assignments that test our knowledge better than exams do. But in primary and secondary education the problem remains. Chantelle Micallef Grimaud, 21, M.Sc Creativity and Innovation.
Yes, I do. This shows from the number of students who continue studying at Sixth Forms and Mcast. Neil Portelli, 21, Mcast-Btec Higher National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment.
Yes, education nowadays is quite good. Obviously, further improvements will evolve over the years. Sarah Mercieca, 21, Mcast-Btec Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Construction Engineering.
In a recent survey by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, 37.5 per cent of respondents said they do not read every day. How important is reading and how has it evolved?
Reading is important. It is a primary source for learning. But I do not read as much as I used to probably because of the internet. At University we are told to read a lot but I think students are overloaded. People do not read because they are forced to and do not have enough time to enjoy it. Chantelle Micallef Grimaud.
Yes, reading is important. By reading, students and other people gain more knowledge. It has evolved a lot in recent years. Neil Portelli.
Nowadays, you can study and read books for research or for pleasure anywhere and in different ways – whether on the internet, in libraries or at home. Sarah Mercieca.
In the same survey, 44.5 per cent said they were satisfied with the education system. Do you think the system should give more importance to reading?
Yes, it should make reading fun. At present, we feel overwhelmed with the load, so we end up rejecting it. Students should be given a lighter load that seems fun to do. Nowadays, everything is in English but it is very important to have a good grasp of Maltese, and the only way to do that is to read in the language. Chantelle Micallef Grimaud.
Yes, the system is doing its utmost to promote reading but it is up to students and people to decide whether to read or not. Neil Portelli.
Yes, in my course, if you don’t read every day about different ideas on how to build in a more practical, sustainable way you fall behind. Reading more would help. Sarah Mercieca.
Interviews conducted by Insite – The Student Media Organisation.