This question got me thinking aloud, and I want to tackle it from both a parent’s and a teacher’s viewpoint: should we blame the teachers if a student’s academic performance is deemed poor? This question comes from different perspectives. However, let me share what I feel about it👇
In Nigeria, we operate a 6-3-3-4 education system. As a student, you must go through primary education for six years before the next phase which is secondary education. At the primary level, a student is expected to have a solid foundation which will help the child to face whatever level of education ahead. This level is where the parents are expected to show concern, monitor, supervise, and observe the educational growth of their children and most parents fail at this level.
As a parent wanting to be involved in my children's lives, we found out that after enrolling our daughter in school, the teaching methods were quite different from what we experienced as a parent(Hubby and I). After visiting the school for explanations, we aligned ourselves with their methods because we didn't want confusion for our little girl. We adopted the school approach as ours and we continued in that way to the point of being involved during continuous assessments and examinations, treating questions and reading along with her as if we were the students ourselves, and we continued this engagement with our second child. It could be draining but the result is what that matters👌
With my second child struggling with poor writing skills, we took the initiative to get involved and sought the desired results. Recognizing the issue earlier on was possible due to our vigilant monitoring. This emphasizes that we, as parents, should not be too busy that we neglect our responsibilities, relying solely on teachers. Education should be a collaborative effort between parents and teachers; when we are all invested, students tend to take their education more seriously. Some parents are so naive that if the teachers can help them in inculcating home training, manners, and other things a parent should imbibe in their children, they are not. Why should it be so?
From my experience as a teacher over the past 11 to 12 years, I can assert that the educational landscape has drastically changed. Teachers of the past were often passionate about the profession; even in the face of government neglect and meager allowances, they earned dignity and respect from parents and students alike. I remember the emphasis placed on assignments; you dare not return without the assignment properly done🤔 the assignments given to us then felt as essential as life itself.
The school was seen as a valuable institution back then. There were academic competitions among the students, and we took academic performance very high when repeating a class was the other of the day, not now that a pupil who can not write two letter words must pass as a result of their parent's influence in politics🤔 How can a pupil who can not write his or her name be found in the secondary education system? What are the roles of parents in this aspect? It is uncalled for!
However, today, there is a growing sentiment that school is a scam. Students often gravitate toward quick money-making schemes rather than focusing on their education. Many are drawn into online activities, neglecting school responsibilities. While I have encountered enthusiastic teachers, it is disheartening to witness their passion dimming due to students’ apathy. It’s discouraging when assignments are given, yet students return without even attempting them.
Currently, we operate under a no cane policy and no corporal punishment, which limits what teachers can do to motivate students. As a result, the passion and zeal for teaching reduced gradually when students appeared indifferent. Furthermore, many parents of today are possibly overwhelmed with their own lives, and provide little or no support, monitoring, or engagement in their children's education. Teachers cannot bear this responsibility alone.
In my school, I see students who often support their families financially. Thus, those dealing with external factors, such as a lack of familial support or resources, may struggle academically, which cannot be solely attributed to teachers. This challenges the narrative that the quality of teaching is the only factor at play in a student's performance.
Let me conclude by saying, that it is essential if we all can recognize that the education system requires a partnership between parents, teachers, and students. By working together and being actively involved, we can create an environment where students feel supported and motivated to succeed. It should be a shared responsibility not just looking for who is a fault.
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This is my response in the #hivelearners writing edition on the topic; The teacher's fault
Thank you for reading
