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MoHE invites views on Leadership Training after it attracts praise
View(s):The Ministry of Higher Education is looking for student views, following many inquiries from students over the university entrants’ Leadership programme, with some praising several components of the programme.
“There have been some objections to the programme, but it has also been welcomed by many students who found it helped them with skills the school system neglected,” State Minister of Higher Education Prof Rajiva Wijesinha said in a statement.
The compulsory three-week Leadership Training for university entrants in military camps, introduced by the Rajapaksa government, was called off this January, a decision taken by the present government to end military style training for university students.
Dr. Wijesinha has instructed all Vice Chancellors to conduct surveys amongst students to find what they want. Students are to answer two questions. One is to choose preferences.
Out of the preferences, students have to mark in order of preference on, Personality Development and Leadership, better English, Study Skills including use of libraries and the internet, Critical Thinking, Writing Skills in mother tongue, Socialisation through Games and Cultural Activities and Mathematical Skills and Calculation,.
On the other question, students have to state which of the skills can be developed, (a) in the period just after GCE Ordinary Level (b) in the period just after the GCE Advanced Level.
“I will wait for the students’ and other views before taking any decision, but I have no doubt that some sort of programme is essential. The General English Language Training programme, Mrs Jansz and I conducted in the ’90s, was very useful for rural students. Developing Study Skills, which our school system kills, are also important,” the Minister said.
Students willing to contribute their ideas and add any other skill they think would be useful, can forward to students@mohe.gov.lk , an email dedicated for student views and ideas.
“I would like to establish courses that help students and which they want. This will take some planning and discussion with other agencies, but we should start now to provide the services needed to ensure that students can benefit from University education,” Minister Wijesinha said. (NF)