Memorisation is not a learning tool
Learning by heart means to actively get things stuck in your head and keeping them there, ready to reproduce the material when required. It is true that rote learning is an effective method to learn in a short time, but this undermines the fact that we are learning to gain knowledge.
I feel that there have been advancements these days in the methods in which we can acquire knowledge. Due to vast syllabi and high pressure, students tend to choose the path of memorisation just before exams. Memorising helps in getting high marks on a test, but it doesn’t give us the understanding that is necessary. Sadly, in schools, teachers tend to prefer answers written by memorisation, which are reproduced from the textbook.
Ultimately, we are not truly learning or absorbing anything, but merely regurgitating facts to be spewed onto paper. It is a web we weave that is meant only to satisfy our short term goals.
I think the syllabus for examinations should be reasonable for children to grasp the information taught, because otherwise I think that they are forced to memorise. Another important technique is introducing ‘hands-on learning’. In short, it is ‘learning by doing’. This will make way for a more logical and practical approach.
From Ms Pranathi Mokkapati
Dubai
Defeat or victory?
With regards to the defeat of the ‘Yes’ campaign in the recently held Scottish referendum, I have these words to say. The victory for those who wish themselves to be referred to as British as well as Scottish, will lead to the Queen of England remaining their nominal ‘head’ and the royal family will continue to holiday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Scottish people will keep enjoying the ‘fruits’ of development under the leadership of Britain. The value of their currency will remain as one of the highest in the world. Just imagine, if they had decided to ‘go out’ of Britain, what would the currency value of a Scottish pound be? Probably not very high!
Countries like the US, China and India were breathing a sigh of relief after the declaration of the results. These leaders can temporarily discard any fear in their minds regarding any attempts for a referendum in their own countries. The pangs of seeking independence must remind one and all that we need to cater to the demand for equal development of nations worldwide.
From Mr Rakesh Verma
Doha, Qatar
Couldn’t put it down!
I was flying via Dubai twice last month on my way to and from China. On board the plane, I enjoyed the highest services imaginable in the air, including free newspapers. So, out of natural curiosity, I picked up a couple issues of Gulf News. I’m always interested in the countries where I happen to be, especially in the Gulf countries where we are currently looking to do business, but this time it was different – I just couldn’t stop reading!
The stories of your every day life and articles with thorough analysis of international affairs are really a sign of a very good quality print media that many say is losing readers these days. No, your paper is sure to prosper. Keep up the good work!
Next time I travel via Dubai, I’ll be sure to ask for a copy of your newspaper first thing at the airport.
From Mr Vitaliy Osadchiy
UAE
Risky road crossings
I think it’s important to bring attention to the need for a pedestrian bridge across Al Nahda Road in Sharjah. It’s needed to prevent fatal accidents from pedestrians jaywalking, so I think that the authorities should consider the project. Though the people crossing the road at non-designated areas are to be blamed for the accidents, I believe that it is still the responsibility of the authorities concerned to look into the feasibility of constructing a new pedestrian bridge.
Many people cross this spot to shop at the nearby grocery store and to go to Nahda Park. The project could also be used as part of a health awareness campaign. The authorities could think in terms of encouraging people to maintain their health through easier access to the park.
From Mr Noor Al Haq
UAE
Taxis need patience
I have a request for the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) regarding taxi drivers on the road and, more specifically, at roundabouts. They need to be more patient in traffic situations where I often see them over using their car horn and making angry hand gestures to tell you to move. Sometimes they don’t realise that in front, the vehicle is moving slowly because either there is slow moving traffic or the roundabout movement is uncertain and crowded.
Inspite of this, they keep on with their impatient behaviour, which I think could lead to vehicles taking fast action and jumping to leave the roundabout and causing an accident. My only request is to ask the taxi drivers to be patient. Don’t be in such a rush to honk and annoy the other drivers.
From Mr No’man Syed
UAE
Trailblazer, no more
Well, if you look at it, iPhones have always been at the higher end of the price spectrum for smartphones. People are willing to shell out much more money because there is a sort of prestige attached to holding an iPhone. In reality, other than the initial iPhones, which were trailblazers in smartphone technology, the more recent editions don’t offer anything that you don’t also get in other phones by other manufacturers. I would even go as far as saying that iPhones are actually lagging behind in the technology.
But, I give full credit to Steve Jobs for creating a brand name that has endured and where people associate the iPhone with class. Personally, I wouldn’t spend so much since it’ll become an old model in a year’s time.
From Mr Sajan V. Nair
UAE
All that glitters is not gold
The release of the iPhone 6 has everyone’s adrenalin pumping. However, is it worth it? Many people stood in long queues to be able to procure the famed iPhone 6, but in my opinion, I strongly believe that this hype for the phone is unnecessary. This phone except for its big screen, which is slightly smaller than an iPad mini, does not have many features as compared to Android devices. Apple seems to like releasing outdated phones, in areas where Samsung has been excelling for years. It even lacks basic features such as a radio and multi-application orientation.
This phone compared to others has lower battery life and the iPhone 6, or all other iPhone versions, cannot be personalised. It is advisable to go for one of the many popular android devices, which cost less than the iPhone 6 and provide more features.
After the two-year wait for the iPhone 6, the only improvement is the larger screen, which proves the inability of the Apple tech giant to come up with new features in this rapidly developing smartphone world. Hence, I don’t accept the craze or hype over the phone, which is actually incompetent in comparison with all the smartphones being released this year.
From Ms Sruthi Rao
UAE
Push for education
It’s good to see the media encourage these kinds of hidden talents through showing the story of Shweta Katti, who grew up in the red-light district (‘Mumbai: Girl from Mumbai red-light district wins UN award,’ Gulf News, September 22). It highlights how it doesn’t matter what class someone comes from, it is only a matter of educational rights for everybody. This is the United Nation’s (UN) slogan but the so-called contractors of society are the prime obstacles for reaching desired goals. It was not her choice to be born into her circumstances there, but she always had her right to have an education until the highest level is achieved. She has been striving for success, and this is a major example to set for others who really want to have a name in history. Everybody should embrace her accomplishments. Nobody has the right to stop a child from going to school, this should be remembered by everyone in the world.
From Mr S. A.
UAE
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