An education for sale

Posted by: John Fox Sunday, 10 July 2011 4:41 PM[UAE] - UAE

All of the views expressed in the article are very true but one point , the most valuable point in my opinion, is missing. Which is, if a buisness is to be successful it must be efficient and it must maximise profits, these are the basic principles of economics however in the pursuit of profit the concept of efficiency does not just appy to the minimisation of costs but also to ensuring that the product, in this case the edcuation of a child, must also be of the best quality vis a vis the exam results achieved and the social value add to the child must also be maiximised. If one is to only talk about cost minimisation in education as a business it is unrealistic to ignore the concept of the efficent production of the best product possible, i.e. the edcuation of a child.

Posted by: Bola Awosika-Oyeleye Wednesday, 22 June 2011 5:26 PM[UAE] - USA

When we blame one side or the other, we are often wrong. The truth probably that not every teacher eats at the bottom of the barrel, and not every proprietor is greedy.

In some countries, the public school system is so bad, that anyone who hopes to have any decent education hopes to go to private school.

In any school, both public and private schools, there are good teachers, and ineffective teachers, much like in any other industry.

There are different components of a good education. The curriculum is important, the teacher is important, so is the environment. Of what use is an excellent curriculum if the teacher does not communicate it well?

I dare say though, that a good teacher is able to make a bad curriculum good, and a good curriculum better. Notice that I said "a good teacher".

While it is important to move the educational system forward, or even create a paradigm shift, we are still going to need the warm bodies in the classroom to pass it along.

Posted by: Rafi Sunday, 19 June 2011 6:50 PM[UAE] - India

Basic education is as important for the society like other infrastructure and amenities such as roads, metro, power & water, receational facilities etc.

None of these comes free or some are subsidised for natives. Govt could do similar approach when it comes to education.

Infrastructure projects or even major business ventures are started on long gestation and break-even points and the approach to educational infrastructure should also be done similarly. Basically the cost of education should be to cover the teaching and management expenses and to cover the interest installment for the initial costs. Nowhere in the world the fees are used for infrastructure and multiplying wealth by 100 times by some as we know here.

A sustainable (both for govt and parents) education policy and implementation will go a long way in establishing UAE as a knowledge capital for Arab world and retaining talent. Govt could allot land and bank sureties for infrastructure and management could be privatised

Posted by: Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar Sunday, 19 June 2011 10:51 AM[UAE] - UAE

In comparing teacher quality and outcomes to other countries, one should appreciate that the "Arabic saying that ... we have to be ready to pay for what we want" with respect to education is not accepted at the individual level.

In other words, countries whose education top the charts on international assessments and economic development (with local human capital) place a premium on public educational quality and challenge the notion that it is acceptable for those with reduced wealth to receive a reduced education.

In these countries education is regarded as a public good and human right. Aside from the individual equity arguments, there is a belief that when educational quality is tied to family finances, society suffers. So the "education market" is regulated because the society (government) is ready to pay for what we want - an entire population of well-educated citizens ready to contribute and develop the country.

Posted by: FormerProfingulf Monday, 9 May 2011 6:56 PM[UAE] - United States

This hits on two fundamental assumptions which much be changed. First Educators are key assets to any educational institutions. They are the most important asset without them there is no eduction. So, educational institutions should treat them with respect, pay them well, support them in their efforts to educate the students. The second point - duty to shareholders. I believe that it is time for business to expand its understanding of duty. Yes, generating capital to reinvest is an important duty and contributes to the greater good, but this duty can not and should not be out of balance with other duties the greater good. You as a successful business person understand the importance and value of a well educated work force. As you have pointed out the educators who are key developers of this work force need to be compensated fairly and given realistic and reasonable work loads. All benefit from this including share holders. This investment will lead to greater profits.