Students are not really learning today!
I am posting today as a parent to give my observations on the status of how the educational system and my own encounters and observation with teachers. I have three children in the primary and secondary schools and I really have a lot of questions on how the system works today.
Here are some of my direct observations about school and how disappointing it is for a parent like me:
- I often hear from older people who were blessed to attend higher education including senior teachers, although they are getting fewer now and replaced by new generation of teachers, that educational system where much better during their times.
- I even heard senior teachers who are openly willing to retire anytime soon because they cannot tolerate less behaving students because to them the system is not working anymore. Parents would aggressively confront teachers who would imposed disciplinary measures inside the classroom only to be exposed by parents in social media before even bringing the matter to the school administration.
- I was also among those students who witnessed corporal punishment being allowed in the classroom and yet students were brighter, disciplined and dedicated to learn as compared today where everything seems kind, accommodating plus the tremendous help and effect of technology but students lack focus and discipline.
- Teachers are always required to attend seminars and innovations never cease and yet the good effect to children seems too slow. Performances are still low as shown in national exam results or researches.
So the big question is "What is going on?" Is it the the teachers? Is it the methodologies or the entire system?
In my quest to answer these questions, here are just some of the readings I found helpful.
- The work of Daniyal et al (2011) says that teaching methodologies and students' lacking English foundation negatively affect their performance. From this, I would say that teachers can really do something to cement the foundation of learners.
- Ivers (2012) assumptions give me hope that my children will be learning if these things will be applied by my children's teachers and the rest. 1. Positive teacher-student relationship 2. A good “delivery” 3. Edifies rather than damages a student’s self-concept 4. Clarity (through the use of many examples and stories) 5. Encourages deep and critical thinking 6. Variety instead of monotony. 7. Grading and workload is generally perceived to be fair 8. Enthusiasm and zest for the topic 9. Meaningful to real world problems 10. Potentially transforms one’s world view from one of uncritical acceptance of cultural dictates to one of deep, reflective, and compassionate thinking.
As a parent, I am also aware of the efforts by the teachers and administration but my role as a parent will help my children to succeed. I just hope that my questions will really be answered by educators.
References:
Daniyal, M. et al (2011).The Factors affecting the students’ performance: A case study of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236877903_The_Factors_affecting_the_students'_performance_A_case_study_of_The_Islamia_University_of_Bahawalpur_Pakistan
Ivers, J. (2012) Is the Great American Teacher Dead? Principles to Resurrect Meaningful, Effective, and Consciousness Raising Instruction. Journal of Invitational Theory and Practice ● Volume 18, 2012
References:
Daniyal, M. et al (2011).The Factors affecting the students’ performance: A case study of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236877903_The_Factors_affecting_the_students'_performance_A_case_study_of_The_Islamia_University_of_Bahawalpur_Pakistan
Ivers, J. (2012) Is the Great American Teacher Dead? Principles to Resurrect Meaningful, Effective, and Consciousness Raising Instruction. Journal of Invitational Theory and Practice ● Volume 18, 2012
