When one thinks of a “whole” person, one could refer to their spirit, mind and body. So, when I think of the development of “the whole child” what came to mind was the following:
- Social and emotional development – nurturing of the social and emotional lives of children by the identification and assessment of their emotional intelligence – which is referred to as Emotional Quotient (EQ). I believe that attempting to measure a child’s EQ is important because it would show if the child is developing emotionally and has appropriate feelings for others, and is sensitive to those around them.
- Physical development – the assessment of the physical body is important, to ensure that the child is growing with the normal parameters. Also, it would determine whether the child is obtaining proper nutrition and rest.
- Thinking abilities, cognitive skills and knowledge – traditional notion of intelligence, based on Intelligence Quotient (IQ) testing. Assessment of a child’s IQ is important to ensure that they are learning appropriate to their age and grade level.
- Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) – explains the complexity of human intelligence and answers the big questions of life. This is important too, as children need to know the meaning and purpose of life.
In Jamaica, through the health system and as a result of regular mandatory vaccinations, children are regularly assessed by a health practitioner to ensure that their physical development is progressing normally. Immunization provides protection from a number of dangerous communicable diseases which could spread quickly in a crowded environment such as exists in schools. Presently, clinics in the public health sector of Jamaica provide immunization free of cost for varying diseases including: Diphtheria; Tetanus; Hepatitis B; Haemophilus Influenza Type B ; poliomyelitis; measles; mumps, rubella and tuberculosis. The effectiveness of the immunization programme in Jamaica has seen the eradication of measles and poliomyelitis and a significant reduction in other communicable diseases. In order to enter school at the primary level in Jamaica, a child’s vaccination history must be up-to-date.
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture (MOEYC) in Jamaica gives all schools which provides primary level education, tests for students at four grade levels: The Grade One Readiness Inventory; Grade Three Diagnostic Test; Grade Four Literacy Test and the Grade Six Achievement Test.
The Grade One Readiness Inventory is given to find out which of the basic skills students have when they first enter primary school. Among the questions this inventory seeks to answer are:
•Can the child colour a picture?
•Can she/he understand what she/he hears or sees?
• Does she/he know numbers and letters?
All the tests given under the programme will tell students, teachers and parents how well a student is performing for his/her age and grade level. The teacher and principal can use these results to identify the areas in which the student is doing well, and the areas in which she/he needs more assistance. They can then work with parents to correct any weaknesses that students may have.
However, there are no public tests used in Jamaica to assess Emotional Quotient and Spiritual Intelligence. In churches, Sunday schools provide a means of assessment for Spiritual Intelligence for those who attend.
In the assessment of children, one must ensure that age-appropriate tests and guidelines are used. In addition, the tests should be conducted over a period of time, as a child may not be receptive on the first day of the assessment. Opinions of parents and caregivers should also be taken into consideration.
References:
How to Develop EQ in Children (2007). Baby Development Milestones. Retrieved from http://www.babyfirstyear.org/
NHF Sponsors Back to School Immunization Drive. (2004, August). National Health Fund of Jamaica. Retrieved from http://www.nhf.org.jm/
National Assessment Programme. (2011). Ministry of Education Jamaica. Retrieved from http://www.moec.gov.jm/
I love the idea of emotional quotient. I think it is an important part of looking at the child holistically. Unfortunately, it is not done in our schools either. Your post reminded me that in the states, we also have the doctors asking questions about various developments in the child.
ReplyDeleteI like the different quotients. I feel that the spiritual quotient is often overlooked by parents. I wish we could get rid of high stake testing in the states and follow a similar path as in Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteIn your native land emotional and spiritual development is not important because we as American watch and read about the hardship that you all go though on a with war, AIDS, and low income, so l can see how those 2 can become overlook. But now, the chruch can teach the children how to become softer and less aggrative and look to the Lord for help and understand. I think its great to learn about different countries and there schooling system.
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