One of the national goals in the Sri Lankan education system is ethnic harmony. However, this could not be achieved in a traditional classroom. Let's consider the following example.
Class A has four students. Two students speak Tamil and the other two speak Sinhala. Once these students are asked to make a group of two. They have a few options. (Option A) two Sinhala speaking students in one group and the other two in another group. (Option B) One Sinhala speaking and Tamil speaking students in one group and the two others in another group.
If you a rational student, do you take option A or B. and Why?
Option A- Easy to communicate since both members are speaking the same language. So, you can work well and get a good grade too
Option B- Difficult to communicate. But, one gets a long term benefit since it expands one's horizons, makes new friends, learn new culture and language (at least a few). Better for society - build ethical harmony. Understand each other.
Option B is taken by all most all European countries.
Do you want to gain individual marks that has a short term achievement or do you want to take Option B which gives you long term benefit and also contribute to national harmony?
The school teacher is in the right position to make a difference, not the curriculum setters.
However, will you do it in Sri Lanka where individual scores matter more than anything else?
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