Fahamir

Redefine training

INCORPORATING CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (LEADERSHIP) IN EDUCATION

Education is the process in which individuals acquire skills and knowledge essential for personal
development, such that they will be equipped with competencies that add value to self and
community.

Whilst I sincerely believe that the Singapore education system is robust, in terms of academic
development, ensuring intellectual performance of students; increasingly I find that younger
generation of Singaporeans tend to lack certain
competencies, which I believe are essential. Competencies
like Basic Life Skills, which are critical to prepare them for
challenges in adulthood.

I have personally seen the outcome of our current

education system, in the mannerisms and aptitudes of
young men who enlist for National Service. It proves that
our education system produces highly intelligent and bright
individuals, capable of handling complex cognitive
situations, but unable to effectively communicate their
intention to others (in person). They also displayed a lack
of resilience in the face of adversity, easily giving up, on the
first instance of failure or rejection. My passion, to change
our approach to education and its delivery, stems from the
concern that next generation Singaporeans lack the soft
skills and resilience to compete in the global arena. This
change is necessary to ensure our education system
remains holistic and relevant to the needs of the individual
and society.

Character development (leadership) must be

incorporated in school culture and content delivery process. Whilst it has been traditionally taught
as an educational module, it is critical that its principles be permeated in teachersʼ attitudes, school
events, symbols and student-teacher daily interactions (during lessons). Principles of intrapersonal
development, interpersonal development, and ʻPracticeʼ must be imbued in the curriculum and
made practical in schools, to augment studentsʼ natural thought processes.

However this planned change will not be instantaneous, as it involves a change in culture for all
stakeholders (students, teachers & parents) first. Based on past schools transformed with the
Leader In Me ideology, a whole year was needed to ensure that the faculty was prepared for the
change and have a clear, united vision for the school. Subsequently, full school implementation
will leverage on the lessons learnt during the pilot phase.

Understanding your training needs in the following countries.

Singapore | Malaysia | Indonesia
Fahamir
Redefine training

For effective character development, the principles must be imbued in the pedagogy, such that
students practice these principles as part of their cognitive learning process, instead of simply
being another lesson to be learnt. The principles will be the basis of learning and growth for the
students.

As evidenced, my thoughts are heavily influenced by Stephen R Coveyʼs ʻThe Leader in Meʼ, which
describes how an elementary school (AB Combs Elementary) was successful in transforming its
learning environment by incorporating elements of the 7 Habits in the curriculum. The book had
also listed Chua Chu Kang Primary School, as having implemented the 7 Habits in its culture and
mentioned that NIE had taught teachers on the 7 Habits. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to
prove that it has been successful in transforming the learning environment.

On a personal note, I harbor genuine interest in collaborating with schools to implement ʻPrinciple
Based Educationʼ, leveraging on my experience in instructional design, developing young military
leaders (18-20 years old) and bringing up my two sons. From creating the “Leader in Me Vision” for
the school, to conducting “Introduction to 7 Habits”, and collaborating to imbue principle-based
learning in the present curriculum, my personal stake is the fact that my children will attend
elementary school in a few yearsʼ time and I wish only the best for them.

Great happens here! Letʼs make the change that we want to see in the education system.

Looking forward to be part of the education systemʼs transformation.

Sincerely,

Mohamad Faiz Selamat

Director, Learning & Performance

29th July 2009

Understanding your training needs in the following countries.

Singapore | Malaysia | Indonesia