Wednesday, August 08, 2007
professionalism redefined
got inspired to pen my thought again. one thing that is going around in my head is the question- what is the role of a teacher? it is said that the teacher is a friend, philosopher and guide. he or she is a role model for the students, someone who inspires them. but what is happening! are we getting petty? punishing someone for not conforming. the very idea of punishment is repugnant. but when the punishment is one that robs someone of academic excellence and future pursuits then one is forced to think again. imagine a situation where i don't like the way someone dresses or talks, do i automatically get the right (being a teacher) to ruin the future of that student? is this what the profession of teaching has come to mean? to forgive is human- but when the student forgives the teacher for punishing him it is time we, the teaching community, bow our heads in shame. The moral high ground that one hides behind is the beginning of the end for the profession that is held in such high esteem.
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12 comments:
In my opinion, by associating a sense of "morality" in a teacher-student relationship, it is being taken to a level where one has to preach and the other has to be preached to. That defeats the purpose of improving the formative years of the student and also prevents the teacher from being receptive to a new perspective. Morality, in every sense of the word, is not absolute and most often this point is grossly overlooked.
nice to see a new post on your blog sir... was waiting.
and i'm actually confused right now after reading your post. I'll get back here when things are clear in my head!
Thank you!
Sir!
A lot goes unsaid...
But thank you!'
For well..
Everything.
:)
According to me, the teachers who are most loved by students are those who acknowledge the fact that respect cannot be demanded. Every student wants to be treated as an adult and given the freedom to make his/her choices, be it trivial matters like what to wear or important decisions like the career to pursue. A teacher should be like a good friend who plays an instrumental role in helping his students make all those vital decisions. He shouldn't exactly wear the robe of a decision-maker :)
Punishments clearly don't work...had thought about this from the legal point of view once. Till date, I haven't met a single soul who seems to have been reformed in any way and the only effect punishments seem to have often have, is the residual bitter aftermath. Even if we go by the theory that says punishments aren't just for reformation of the individual but work also as a deterrent, it obviously isn't serving the purpose cos seeing someone else facing the consequences of being caught out of the dresscode or something like that definitely didn't deter any of us from doing the same! I guess, we, the student community are a defiant lot if not handled with caution and the only way to deal with us is with pragmatism, openness and patience and if one doesn't, well, then nothing you can say about how much a teacher is like a parent or how much you love your students could possibly set your record right. Actions, after all, do speak louder than words.
A sense of morality brings a sense of respect. Without morality, there is a lack of intimate relationship and good understanding. I don't think morality,in any ways, ceases one from being receptive to a new perspective. By associating a sense of morality in a teacher-student relationship, it is always an association of regard, respectfulness and reverence. A teacher who is respected by all is the one who has the tendency to forgive students rather than imposing stringent rules and regulations( in the form of punishment).
when we say morality, whose morality are we talking about? your's, mine, a thief's, a murderer's??? if my teacher happens to be exceptional at his work but doesnt quite achieve my standards of morality, should i not respect him? I dont need to revere my teacher, I can have a very fine relationship even if I just respect him. If I am fond of him, great, if not respect works just fine. But if we look at a teacher-student relationship as something that needs to be revered, then i suppose morality is important.
Happy Teacher's Day!! :)
Happy Teachers Day!!! sir!
A teacher who is not a preacher is always a hit with the students.
They always respect and follow rules for teachers they like.
Its their way of showing respect.
I totally agree with you O Professor! I am glad that such a thought is going through your mind. I hope more teachers think that way or dar to have a mind that thinks for themselves. I wish more people supporta nd have the sense like you to understand studemts, the society and be aware of the level to which which they are going in the name of holistically modelling them.
We have a lot of faith in you Sir. You have a special place in the hearts of my friends and I because you think this way.
Thank you for inspiring.
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