WELCOME TO KNOWLEDE ECHOES
Firstly, knowledge based societies refers to societies that are well-educated and who therefore rely on the knowledge of their citizens to drive the innovation, entrepreneurship and strength of that society’s economy (OAS organization, 2024). In addition, this society is built by applying high level specialized knowledge according to Drucker (1994).
On the other hand, Namibia needs to fast track its contribution to knowledge based society. The goal of basic education is to empower learners to actively participate in making Namibian society a knowledge-based society. Undoubtedly, it is perfect for a country like Namibia. To continue, the type of society that is needed to compete and succeed in the changing economic and political dynamics of the modern world, New Era (2020).
Expressively, New Era applauds the government and the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts and Culture for this goal and for its efforts to encourage learners to take an active part in a knowledge-based society, like integrating IC and prevocational subjects in the revised curriculum. However, the question remains how can we build a society like that, which is knowledge based.
Besides, Namibia capable of producing her own products, mining machinery, or own technology? In addition, the then Minister of Science, Technology and Commerce of the Republic of Ireland, Noel Treacy, stressed that a sustainable modern economy is based on a solid scientific foundation that has the capacity to turn scientific research and information into goods and social as well as economic benefits.
Firstly, those in the know agree that it all starts with a dream. On the other hand, as a country l, we need to know where to start. Moreover, the curriculum and the way it needs to look can be left for now. As educators, we believe that we need to start with ourselves.
All in all, teachers can look at the part and role they can play in order to achieve a knowledge based society . The education sector of Namibia is overflowing with academics for example, teachers as PhD, Master and Honors degree holders. On the contrary, how are these qualifications used to bring on this knowledge-based society? How can we apply or at least carry out studies and set up programs to achieve these goals.
In addition to that, Robert J. Marzano states that of the many initiatives to pass through education is the concept of professional learning communities. This refers to a school-wide system of teacher teams that collaborate on issues of instruction, assessment and other school topics. Additionally, developing collaborative teams will enable schools to transform components critical to improving education.
Moreover, teachers can apply this collaboration and set up their own research hubs within their respective regions, In line with the previously mentioned, critically looking at what delay their progress towards this goal and also to investigate and establish what is working so as to maintain these strengths. The bottom line is that, as educators, we cannot rely exclusively on the ministry or NIED to come up with measures to ensure that the goal is achieved. Again, maybe we are dreaming too much.
As teachers, in harmony with our respective regional offices or circuit offices, we can just as well promote for such research hubs. For good measure, through this high performing professional learning, communities are established across the country. Our teachers are more than capable of bringing about this transformation and realize the goal of inspiring learners to actually engage in making Namibia a knowledge-based society comparing to non-SADC nations.
