Wares Ali Khan :
Teaching is not just a profession but a noble and of course a special kind of devotion. The gap between profession and occupation is wide – it is a well-known fact to all. If the teaching profession does not meet the standard, it is difficult to impart education or become a true idealistic teacher. As a teacher, it is imperative to set the boundaries of his/her livelihood based on prevailing reality and expectations in the socio-economic context. Whether one wants to be an ideal teacher or stay in the so-called conventional power structure he/she has to think in advance.
Needless to say, the majority of parents today have a result-oriented mindset. The future of the tender-hearted learning kids is crushed under the pressure of their imposed expectations. Many times children have deprived of a proper socialization process, maturity of social interaction, and opportunity to enjoy childhood. The first and foremost room of learning for a human child is the family. The influence of education-perception, customs-belief, norms-ethics-ideology, and integrated way of life acquired from the family is inevitably reflected in the classroom environment. This effect is far-reaching. These social achievements acquired in the family environment are the catalysts for major changes throughout life.
Cutting a better figure in the exam does not mean getting a better education. A good number of students, now, cannot cross the boundaries of higher education and reach the desired doorstep of a university. In the admission test, in a certain ‘Unit’ of DU, 93 out of 100 aspirants fail! Is it viable to think of such a situation? At present, the alleged obesity-centering academic grade has been treated as the utmost indicator of education. No one cares what a student is learning, how he is learning, and why he is learning. Only if anyone has a healthy-flat GPA, he/she is defined successfully. Most importantly, it is inevitable to avoid this mentality to change the entire backdrop of education.
Where the dignity of the teachers was in the past and where it is now-the subject is no longer confined to plain thinking! How much has changed in the established behavioral structure of society! Today, the desired idealistic social structure is completely ruined by the manifestation of intolerant, unsought social attitudes and the decadence of pervasive social ideals and values. The boasting of wealth and the evil tyranny of power now directly control much of society. Due to the evil influence of power and money, teachers today are wearily depressed and dull. Teachers are part of society. It is the shared responsibility of society and the state to ensure their safety and optimal social security. Hence, the responsible authorities must be uncompromising on the question of assuring the dignity and security of those who are the heroes behind nation-building.
The bitter truth is that education has been marketed at a geometric rate in recent years. Education is now considered a ‘package deal.’ But learning and its impartation is a unique mental process. The noble work of teaching and imparting knowledge is done in the conformity of the respective teacher and learner in association with mind-brain-heart. When this whole process is isolated, it turns into just a formality in the name of education. The process of teaching and learning without sacred and neutral feelings is a fruitless action. But now on, classroom education is being turned into a ‘package product’ and the ‘label of education trade’ is being attached. In the capitalist supermarket, therefore, the product called ‘education’ is in high demand and much sought. It is not the market-oriented finished product that will be bagged exclusively by the rich community! We all have to surely be out of the idiosyncrasy of buying education for money.
If the teaching profession cannot attract the meritorious section of a nation, then there is intense misery for that nation. There must be a special scheme on behalf of the state to involve talented graduates in the teaching profession and to create a skilled and creative teaching community. It is almost impossible to expect the best outcome from the services done by an unskilled and incompetent educator. Otherwise, an inexpressible payoff will be noticeable in the fate of the entire nation, soon
Are teachers, students, and parents separated sects or opponents to one another? It should be kept in mind that the teaching-learning process is accomplished through mutual efforts. This three-dimensional approach to education is therefore essential as well as inevitable. Education implies multifaceted integrated efforts. Therefore, the impartation of education and knowledge should constantly be gratifying and enjoyable. Let the teaching profession be a symbol of courage, respect, dignity, and security. Let the head of the teacher be high-up, let their heart be open-wide, let their chest be swollen. Only then the nation will reap the best harvest from it.
(The writer is a teaching professional).
