Some
important points to be taken while framing Secondary school curriculum.
Children are
concrete thinkers. Concrete thought is limited to considering specific things,
objects and situations, as they exist. Concrete thinkers lack the ability to extract
knowledge from one experience and apply it to a wholly new experience. They
need clearly visible options to choose. Most decisions can be appreciated only
in black and white terms, yes or no; all or nothing .Shades of gray cannot be
appreciated.
Abstract thinking permits conceptualization beyond past and
present experiences and allows for intellectual creativity. Ability to abstract
begins at about 12 years of age and is fully operational by 16.Thereafter
judgment is enhanced by experience. Like any other parameter, evolution of
abstract thinking has vide variations.30% of adults have never become abstract
thinkers. Capacity to abstract depends on the degree to which this ability is
augmented in schools. Students who are taught how to reason, how to analyze and
how to make decisions, generally become better abstract thinkers.
Concrete thinkers cannot see the long term consequences of
risks taken now. Hence they could indulge in risk taking behaviours like drug
addiction, smoking, drinking, drunken driving; high risk sexual behaviour
etc.Abstract thinkers would be able to appreciate the future health hazards of
high risk activities.
Courtesy: Dr.S.Yamuna.
(Consultant paediatrcian and Adolescent physician at