The wisdom of Ali Abi Talib
Professor Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak
Learning Curve: Perspective
New Sunday Times - 30-06-2013
MANY were pleasantly surprised when the newly elected Albukhary International University (AiU) Students' Representative Council president Sakariya Ahmed Aynashe quoted Prophet Muhammad's cousin Ali Abi Talib in his inaugural speech last weekend.
"Don't raise your children the way your parents raised you; they were born for a different time."
Then he went on to elaborate the manner in which the Students' Representative Council will translate and incorporate this into its activities.
The Students' Representative Council election is historic as it is the first in the university.
It took an international approach to reflect the tertiary institution's aspiration to be a "model" university as espoused in its vision statement.
This is where the wisdom of Ali Abi Talib is profoundly relevant in trying to reach out to students born in "a different time".
For this to happen, the "model" of the university must first be "different" and so must the "education" fashioned to embrace it. The leadership is fully aware of this in order to meet the "different" future.
Well versed in the learning institution's tagline "the humaniversity" and related core values -- aptly summarised in the acronym SCRIPT (Spirit of learning; Commitment to excellence; Respect and trust; Integrity; Passion for service; Teamwork) -- the Students' Representative Council's journey forward seems to be clearly "scripted".
With representation from students of 50 nationalities since AiU's inception in 2010, there is no shortage of talent and ideas. Still, the journey is long and it is not for the faint-hearted. Blazing new trails has never been easy.
It takes courage and creativity to stay the course while challenging conventional thinking that is pervasive enough to cause many to change tack midway.
But like Ali Abi Talib noted, "they are born for a different time" and it is the duty of the previous generations, including parents, to prepare them for the future.
Blindly imposing our "dreams" and wishes on future generations without attempting to listen to their goals is grossly unfair. We cannot even begin to understand the concept of "international" without recognising this reality. The world has changed so much that this is an imperative which we must make good. More so in the world of education.
The idea of a "sage-on-the-stage", which describes the way teachers ought to perform, is being challenged every day.
The metaphor conveys that teachers know it all but it is no longer appropriate to instruct students in the belief that they will learn in a blind fashion.
This is not confined only to classrooms but also affects all spheres of learning, including the workplace. Feedback is important, not just as a token.
Mistakes are allowed instead of resorting to "punishment" which becomes an excuse to micromanage in a patronising way at most times.
Fortunately, an alternative new metaphor of a "guide-on-the-side" is slowly emerging.
It transfers the role of learning back to students -- as it should be -- in discovering the world that shapes the future.
Teachers serve as guides. Indeed, this is not limited to academicians alone as the world of learning expands exponentially via bold innovative ideas.
Guided learning entails more self-discoveries and experiences in sharing, debating and dissenting. This is also where the role of community engagement in real-life settings becomes vital as a platform for co-creating knowledge in a participatory way.
It tends to enhance and stimulate thinking, and it boosts moral courage to pro-actively seek out new and bold solutions to problems.
It fits in well with the classical learning adage: "Tell me, I'll forget; show me, I'll remember; involve me, I'll understand."
Education is not an armchair exercise sans knowledge and the appropriate lessons that need to be learnt.
The Students' Representative Council must aim to go to the ground in order to be educated, grounded on tested principles rather than mere good wishes.
Ali Abi Talib will undoubtedly be a useful beacon to those who are "born for a different time".
- The writer is the vice-chancellor of the Albukhary International University