Instilling discipline in schools

Cultivating a right teacher-student relashionship

Of late there has been a number untoward incidence in our schools that have reveal that they are plagued with serious disciplinary problems not only among the students but teachers as well. If this is not checked it would result in very dreadful consequences some of which are already being felt today. The increasing crime rate in the country, some them are really gruesome in nature, is a definite reflection of this indiscipline originating from a very young age, in the homes and schools.

The present indiscipline among the youth is the result of a disruption of the harmonious teacher-student relation at all levels of education. This teacher-student relationship, based on mutual respect and trust is most vital for the sound development of the mind and character of our students so that they grow up to be useful citizens in the future.

We may spend billions of ringgit to build modern state of art schools. We may be able to equip them with all the sophisticated gadgets and facilities but if we do not have the proper teacher-student interaction, all our efforts will go to waste.

To cultivate such a favourable relationship between teachers and students we need teachers with a more professional attitude to their job, based on ethics and not sentiments and emotions. Apart from parents, the teacher is the next most important person who has the opportunity to develop and mold the character of our children, who are in their custody from a very young age.

I still remember as children there were many teachers whom we idolized. We admired the way they carried out their duties impartially and the great passion they had in teaching us. It is a great pity that our children today hardly have teachers who can be considered role models.

The government must ensure that only those with aptitude are recruited for the training of teachers. I agree times have changed and life has become more materialistic and competitive. Despite these changes, I am sure there are many young men and women who have burning desires to take up teaching as their vocation and carreer.Let us not deny them, for whatever reasons, the opportunity to display their patriotism and contribute to the development of our nation.

Blaming teachers alone would be unfair as many of them are under severe stress to continue to carry out the duties responsibly.Politicisation of our education system has resulted in favoritism in granting awards, transfers and promotions. This has caused severe frustration even among those most dedicated to the profession. Unreasonable expectations, pressures and suspicion by parents have demoralized even the most enthusiastic teacher.

We have succeeded in developing the nation to great heights physically. Sadly, instead of holding steadfast to our cherished values and principles, we are losing them all in the name of development and nation building. The best tool available to arrest this decline is education.

It is time to re-examine the basic functional unit of our education system – the attitude and performance of our teachers in their interaction with their pupils. Let us look at it rationally and recognize the flaws therein and take appropriate steps to remedy it.

Dr.Chris Anthony