From Content to Capacity - Why the GED?

My first visit to Misty Meadows was in 2018 and it felt even then, that this was ‘IT’! Here was my first experience of finding an organisation that was working actively towards shifting in the direction of finding true education by breaking the (not only an outdated system but a system that has only benefited in part, certain sectors) mainstream mould.

I started with one day a week in 2019 working with the ‘Eagles’ group, consisting of the five eldest Misty Meadows students (then ranging in age from 10 – 13), then subsequently added other classes. I was completely sold! The autonomy, freedom and pure fun that ensued (and equated) to true learning outcomes instinctively, had been my search for decades.

Being on this journey now meant endless challenges, growth and shifts that inspired and sparked me with ever spiraling gratitude and newfound energy towards ‘IT’!

At the beginning of 2021 Cassie asked to meet with ideas towards finding a ‘school leaver certification’ or a transitioning of sorts from Misty to the big wide world.

She spoke of the GED (The General Educational Development exams designed to measure the skills and knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma), and my immediate thought was, “Okay, just figure the curriculum, give it to kids, and they will ‘know’, then regurgitate it back – easy” (i.e. the standard school method), until I realised there is NO curriculum to be learnt, but rather skills – critical thinking, comprehension, analysis of text and information, all of which I considered to be more critical for brain development and for moving forward into this world (i.e.: real-life skills, not regurgitation).

Sbonga, showing off her very own laptop, which she bought for herself with her holiday job earnings, to facilitate her GED study process.

Spelt out in more detail, these equate to:

1. Critical Thinking: The tests require students to analyse and interpret (sometimes very complex) information. This helps in developing critical thinking skills, which are essential for problem-solving in everyday life and in professional settings.  With the incredible speed with which AI is developing, it is no longer a case of ‘seeing is believing’, and to learn to question, analyse, interpret and formulate opinions along with defining and identifying facts, must be THE most critical thinking requirement today.

2. Reading Comprehension: Essential to passing the GED is extensive reading of a variety of texts. This builds comprehension skills, allowing students to understand and interpret a wide variety of texts more effectively, including unfamiliar language from dialects and original historical documents.

3. Mathematical Skills: The GED math section covers basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, helping students strengthen their quantitative reasoning and mathematical problem-solving abilities.  This is not an easy exam, and the standard appears to becoming more difficult!

4. Writing Skills: The essay portion of the GED (RLA Reading, Language and Arts) exam emphasises clear, decisive thinking and coherent writing; evaluating two opposing views on a subject and weighing and justifying the stronger argument.

5. Time Management: Studying for the GED and completing the exam within a set time frame requires time management skills, which are crucial in life generally, but also in academic and professional environments. 

6. Research Skills: The process of preparing for the exams involves researching topics and gathering information, fostering strong research skills in order to have context to the passages given, particularly in Social Studies and Science.

7. Self-Motivation and Discipline: The commitment to work at and take the four exams requires self-direction, self-motivation and discipline - qualities that are important for ongoing personal development and success in various endeavors.

8. Goal Setting: Preparing for the GED helps students learn how to set and achieve goals - a critical skill for all personal and professional growth.

9. Test-Taking Strategies: The experience gained from studying for and taking the GED improves overall test-taking strategies, including managing anxiety and approaching questions systematically.

10. Digital Literacy: There are many resources available online for GED preparation, and students have the opportunity to develop their digital literacy skills, which are increasingly important in today’s technology-driven world.

Over the years, I have grown to love and respect the GED, and have become more relaxed in the way I facilitate the process. You absolutely CANNOT compare the GED to any matric examination boards – they are completely different certifications, with very different learning outcomes.

Within South Africa, SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) has evaluated the GED and found the National Senior Certificate or NQF 4 as its closest comparable qualification, primarily because of the lack of a second language that is a requirement of our South African matric qualifications. NQF 4 enables trade or diploma studies and the option to upgrade over a year’s bridging course to NQF 5, being South African university entrance.

However, internationally, the GED certification is recognised and accepted  as an application to 1000’s of universities and tertiary institutions around the w

orld.

This facilitation of the GED is a very special, honouring process for me, and I adore each of my precious students and the various individual journeys they are on. 

For those that choose this academic route, it may or may not equate to obtaining a GED certification, however through their choice, they will have been exposed to the above skills. 

If it’s not the GED, then there will be other areas of personal gifts and talents to showcase to the world, and a multitude of platforms available!