Buchori's premise on good learning

Buchori's premise on good learning

Mochtar Buchori's article 'Good learning capability key to
human resources development' (The Jakarta Post, April 22, 1996)
rightly points out what the basic requirement is for effective
human resources development.

What is wrong with the way we learn? What can teachers do to
help students develop their learning skills?

Teachers in the true sense of the word are not mere
instructors but educators. They do not only teach their
particular subjects; they also advise students how to learn. As
long as students study only to pass examinations, there is no
guarantee that there will be a better workforce.

Students with good learning capability are able to develop
their own potentials. The difference between the two categories
of students, i.e. those interested in acquiring knowledge and
those who are only test/examination oriented, is attitude. The
right attitude towards study is a good basis for good work
performance. A positive attitude towards learning is the clue to
human resources development.

I am a teacher of English with a special interest in human
resources development through reading. We cannot ignore the daily
influx of information, most of which is in English. Students with
good study skills will be able to select the relevant information
that they need and which would otherwise be inaccessible to them.
Therefore I have always stimulated a love and a genuine interest
in reading in my students. As a teacher I find it essential for
students to acquire good study skills and the right attitude
towards learning.

A genuine interest in reading will lead us to a never-ending
voyage of discovery. Those who only study for a degree will stop
learning at their graduation. Therefore, a greater number of
degree holders does not necessarily signify better human
resources.

MARGERY HARMONO

Jakarta