Reflecting on Education in Senegal: Embracing the Basics

As I sit and reflect on my time in Senegal and the educational system there, I came across a powerful quote by Brian Tolentino that made me pause:

"The American education system is fixated on finding the latest method or system to get students reading and writing. Unfortunately, no hack exists. Reading is sometimes dull. Writing is often hard. You can't entertain yourself to an education."

Wow! These words epitomize the educational landscape in Senegal. Here, there's a striking contrast to the often flashy methods employed in other systems. Instead, I saw an approach that strips away the razzle-dazzle, allowing students the room to think and create using their own minds.

Is this the right path for teaching students to embrace their inquisitiveness rather than relying on easy access to answers? This question resonates deeply with me after witnessing the classroom dynamics in Senegalese schools.

In every classroom I observed or taught in, the environment was bare-bones yet vibrant with energy. Despite the challenges—class sizes ranging from 50 to 70 students and limited resources—the focus was unwavering. Each 2-hour class was filled with attentive students who were fully engaged. It was remarkable to see how, even in such large groups, students managed to stay on task.

There were no complaints. No one asked to go to the bathroom or for water, even as temperatures soared into the 100s. Teachers employed various strategies to engage their students—pair and share, group work, kinesthetic activities (in the minimal space available), repetition, games, and writing. Every student was actively participating, following along with the lesson, and demonstrating their understanding through meticulous cursive writing on the chalkboard.

The hours flew by, and before we knew it, class was over. The interactive games and flashy slideshows I had prepared fell to the wayside. Instead, I witnessed a classroom full of students eagerly snapping their fingers, as is typical in this culture, to gain the teacher's attention, and silently listening to stories being told, despite the noise from other classes filtering through the open doorway.

This experience made me ponder: Are they on to something? When all the technology and fancy rhetoric are stripped away, what remains is a child's mind, hungry for knowledge and eager to learn. As educators, we need to harness this enthusiasm for learning and not stifle the creativity of these young minds.

In an age where educational methods often prioritize entertainment over substance, Senegal’s focus on the basics serves as a crucial reminder. The fundamentals of education—critical thinking, creativity, and engagement—are vital for nurturing inquisitive learners.

As we look to the future, we must remember that these students are the leaders we need. They are the future, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the tools to think critically, embrace challenges, and foster their innate curiosity. In doing so, we can pave the way for a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also resourceful and innovative.

Let us strive to create educational environments that celebrate this spirit of inquiry and creativity, ensuring that the quest for knowledge remains alive and thriving.