Editor,
We agree with Kong Patricia Mukhim’s article, “Why are the institutions so defensive?” (ST Aug 10, 2012) In the words of our elders, “Sep ei ka jingnang jingstad khlem ka burom ka akor”‘(Education without manners is useless). These words carry meaning for students and teachers as well. Good teachers earn a lifetime of appreciation, love and respect, not only because of their wisdom but their human qualities. Such teachers lift the moral standards of the students and society as well. From schools to universities, we students look up to teachers and heads of institutions as ‘Behaviour-Gods.’ They are expected to live by example even while grooming students to gain both knowledge and social values. Hence teaching is the one of the most fruitful and satisfying jobs. But not all can teach. Those with the vocation for teaching are very few indeed. The way teachers behave affects the students, parents and society as a whole. Some teachers think their duty is only to teach, conduct tests, set questions and correct examination papers. Students cannot even remember half of what they learned once they are out of the campus. Have teachers ever asked what is it that students are frustrated about?
Arrogance in a teacher is despicable. Sadly many teachers don’t realise this. Those who are principals/headmasters/headmistress/ heads of departments often behave like army generals and demand respect. If students do not show due respect teachers should direct the searchlights at themselves. I can offer some suggestions: The questions they should ask themselves are: Is there something wrong with my teaching? Am I not kind to students? Do they understand what I am teaching? Am I friendly enough with them? Do they feel close enough to share their problems with me? Why do they hide whenever they see me? Why don’t they like talking to me? Why do they love and respect other teachers more than me?
Instead, for any mistake committed in the class or outside, teachers slam the students; they shout and yell at them. Some even use filthy language. Is this the only way to correct misbehaviour? Where is the kindness, care and love expected from teachers? Where is the cordial teacher-student relationship? Where is the true value of education? The excuse that too much work and meetings leaves then very little time to interact with parents and students is unacceptable. If a person cannot handle the workload he/she should say so. As students, we have experienced that it is so difficult to meet these teachers. The fear and nervousness in students before entering their rooms is palpable. The fear of being humiliated is the worst of all.
Parents from villages are daunted by the prospect of meeting teachers. Dear teachers, don’t follow the footsteps of the arrogant administrators who sit in the government offices. They expect their children to be treated well in schools, colleges and university but lack basic courtesies in dealing with the public. Dear teachers you can do better than them. One of my teachers told me this, “My mother advised me to always treat my students as my own children”. This is something that every teacher should remember.
A post-graduate teaching in a nursery school cannot behave with the small kids as if he/she is dealing with the secondary or college level students and vice-versa. Practically, teachers may know more than students but that does not mean that teachers can take a swipe at students when they cannot understand a lesson. Have they forgotten that in the past they were also students? We think the best way to create a wonderful environment between teachers and students is to understand the problem from the students’ point of view and solve it in a way that students can understand. However, if the students misbehave, teachers have the right to discipline them. We are living in the 21st century. Our education system and teaching method should change.
Yours etc.,
Concerned students
(Name withheld on request)