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