Dr. Howard Barrows is considered one of the most well-known researchers in the field of medical education. He has carried out research into the problem-solving skills of physicians and students, and has devised a technique of the simulated or standardized patient now used extensively for the assessment and teaching of clinical and bedside skills.
Dr. Barrows retired recently. Where do you expect he’s going to spend the rest of his life? Do you think he will establish an institute or a private hospital, work on a real estate project or become a driver for his grandchildren? No. He has redirected his skills and hard work to serve high schools and work on developing public education. His philosophy is simple. As a researcher, he cannot stop conducting scientific research; he believes medical education is based on solving problems.
While reading information about Dr. Barrows, I remembered our retired faculty members and teaching staff, especially the ones related to social, education and humanitarian sciences that have retired and drifted away from their fields. I believe reliable and sincere researchers must not stop their studies at a certain age. They must continue working in their fields (according to their age, physical and health capabilities, of course). Did any of our retired faculty members volunteer to contribute in developing our public education?
How often does the Education Ministry carry out research and scientific studies to develop the educational system? Did the ministry benefit from the experience of retired educators to enhance the educational process through scientific investigation and studying?
There are a large number of retirees who can proceed with their research, studies and writing to serve their country. The ministry can gain so much from their expertise by supporting their researches and publications taking into account that the ministry has a center or centers for research and can actually organize and support this idea.
However, if it’s not possible to make use of their experience in that way, can we at least have a committee of consultants that includes retired teaching staff and Education Ministry officials? Don’t you think a consulting committee like this would be better equipped to provide objective and efficient tips and plans than what officials at the Education Ministry offer?
I’m referring to the Education Ministry considering it to be a sector that should be a leader in the field of scientific research and educational studies. The idea must be implemented in every sector to utilize the knowledge and expertise of retired employees.
