of open books and over qualified test tube washers

its really weird. they say NUS is one of the best schools in the world. being in the top100 of many surveys, it really makes me wonder if they had taken into account the science faculty when they did it.

let me explain. in singapore (not sure bout the rest of the world as i have no experience there), if you do not get anything more than a basic degree or if u dun get a PhD in life sciences, you would be an over qualified test tube washer. well thats what they say. because only those top brass would get to do the research while you would be washing their test tubes and petri dishes for their next experiments. fair trade? i dun think so. but who is to blame?

i would usually say the problem is with yourself, solve that and you could solve many other problems. but in this case, i'd take a different stand.

that NUS is to blame.

why? well who would want to hire a life science student with a basic degree? all they are good at is mugging. not application or critical thinking skills. the life science modules are heavy modules but the emphasis is on memory rather than understanding. and my grounds for that accusation?

open book exams.

if it was really an understandin type of knowledge that the school emphasised, why not give open book exams? tell me, who, when they are in their current jobs, would not have access to a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips? thru the internet or library for that matter. who, when they will be workin in the future, would be locked up in the room with a pencil and paper and nothing else and be doing their work? unless u fit into those 2 categories, you can see where the problem lies.

now considerin the nature of our education, do you think they would want to hire us? then why the PhD and Masters student? well those people have already started research work and are able to prove themselves. not with their paper qualifications but mainly with their ability to do research. so you have a proven potential candidate. wouldnt a company hire you over someone who had no track record in the research field?

so what do i suggest. well for starters, it would be great if the lecturers would get off their bum and give open book exams. in fact, go the extra mile and allow laptops in exam rooms. why not? we are a click away from a wealth of information. why restrict ourselves? too bad for those who study too hard and do not know how to look for information on the web. at least they will know of their shortcomings earlier and can work on it.

well i dun think i would be able to see such things before i graduate but at least i have been able to identify the problem. what good that does, only you yourself will know. and that i hope it helps you in the future.

godspeed.

Tariq :: email ::
|1:56 am|
0 comments