Monday, April 14, 2014

Act wisely, O teachers

MAR 05 -
Education is the key to all-round development of children. And this is only possible under the guidance of a teacher. This may not be true sometimes because of unwanted issues and stigma like inflicting corporal punishment and sexual abuse of students. Why are such kinds of news still being published? These kinds of brutal activities are increasing greatly in Nepali academia, even if teachers have been instructed to follow a child-friendly model of instruction. Undoubtedly, teachers are supposed to be the ideal model to be followed, and they have to play the role of facilitator by addressing each and every feeling and aspiration of students. Ultimately, children can develop their inherent potentialities, but this
thinking is gradually disappearing from today's schools.

An instance that can be presented here is the brutal act of a teacher who works as discipline in-charge at one of the reputed boarding schools in the Kathmandu valley. It is undoubtedly disgraceful when a student had to be hospitalised due to the inhuman act of the teacher. Such types of heinous acts certainly create frustration for those who are wholeheartedly dedicated to their profession. Yes, giving punishment is not the ultimate solution to the problem, rather it results in a traumatic experience for the students. Where is professional development when a teacher does not care about a student's learning achievement but holds out a stick in an authoritative atmosphere? Imagine how sad and terrifying the situation is when news reports of sexual harassment of girl students are coming out daily. It is a most heinous and criminal act when a teacher rapes his student while giving private tuition. Oh my God! What a horrible and shameful crime!

Students are given punishment when they fail an examination without seeking the actual causes of the failure. I am not blaming the teachers here and telling the realities of today. So, it is an urgent need that teachers be aware of at least some basic aspects of testing and evaluation including the general principles of test items, designing and conducting tests and alternative approaches to students' evaluation. This ultimately helps to improve and minimise current issues, allowing a conducive environment for learning.
Yes, school is a miniature replica of society where children learn and grow under the guidance of teachers. Let's stop the deplorable punishment and sexual harassment taking place in schools, and respect the values of each learner in the school as they are the pillars of this country. It's high time that everyone realised what Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world." Let's stop the dreadful and inhuman behaviour and create a harmonious atmosphere, then there will be obviously significant changes in the whole input process and output at large. 



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