Teacher’s teacher

As I was reflecting on the motto of La Rivista Marianum which goes “word acts, action speaks,” I thought of writing an article in a way that it could serve the general interest of the readers. Then, I suddenly realized that I should write about the common observations of the students and teachers of Marianum College where I spend most of my time during weekdays.

Being a student for a long time, I believe that a good and effective teaching methodology matters most in the academic development of every student. The styles of teaching which teachers should employ in doing their job in which they are paid for must vary on the level and kind of academic institution where they are teaching at. I don’t think a very elementary approach is suited for college students. That’s sound stupid but it happens unfortunately. A knowledgeable and competent student does not become so only by self studying without the help and influence of his teachers. Otherwise, teachers are no longer needed in school. Such implication would contradict the very purpose why schools exist.

In my own point of view, there must be a mutual relationship between the students and teachers so that the visions of the institution would be achieved. The kind of mutuality I mean here does not only pertain to the harmonious interaction but most of all, it is shown when both of them do their respective roles with commitment and honesty. A student should study diligently and a teacher should teach well with all his or her best. Practicality must not outweigh what is ideal.

It is said that a good teacher is known because of the fruits of his successful students. In other words, the success of the student is also the success of the teacher. Hence, what would the students become if the teacher is not committed on his job? Is it true that a student fails in his course because he does not learn anything from his teacher? If it is so, then what a big insult for the teacher if his students get some failing grades.

To balance the issue, we cannot solely blame our teachers if some of the students fail on their subjects. They might be accountable for being irresponsible and idle. Yes, I know that a few are mediocre. Think of a typical student who is contented already to receive a minimum passing grade. Do we have the same conclusion? His future is probably at stake. Isn’t it? 

As I continue writing, I would like to open up and eventually make a critical analysis on prevailing concerns among the students. First is that the way how teachers conduct their classes. I agree that every individual is a different person. Students differ in the level of understanding. There are students who are fast learners, some are average and others are slow learners. This truth must be one of the important factors to be considered by the teachers in performing their profession. I had attended classes in which the instructor employed reporting as her method of teaching throughout the whole semester. Although, it was reasonable for her but the sad part was that she did not prepare for her lessons. She did not even bother explaining the subject on her own words but rather she just read the book like what her students did. Totally burdened by the long chapters assigned to each of us, we could not absorb everything. What a life!

Our second issue is about these teachers who are fond of giving standard grades. They are handling minor subjects but they seem to be our major subjects. They act like terror teachers. They are so strict in imposing their own rules in the class but fail to discipline their students who are cheating in front of them.

I really wanted to expose everything but I am afraid of what would be the consequences. Truly, it takes a lot of courage to speak for the truth. I hope the administration would do something about this and would not be bias in making decision. If the school administration really desires for the progress of its academic status and the improvement of the quality of education it offers, I believe it is about time to decide. If we want the best then we must choose the best. Commitment is an indispensable consideration. For the sake of the students, non-committed teachers must be removed from the list.

I know that I am not a teacher by profession but I happened to be a “teacher’s teacher,” as well as to my fellow students. My final words would be: “students should learn lessons from their teachers and teachers also should learn from the feelings of their students.” PADAYUN!