‘Engage students to get them to learn’

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William Ghani Bina

Dr Johnny Kieh

SIBU: Teachers need to engage students and earn their trust for learning to take place.

Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) president William Ghani Bina gave this teaching tip when commenting on tension in the teacher-student relationship due to unruly students.

He was asked to respond to news reports that a nine-year-old boy was caned on the face by his teacher in a primary school in Kanowit.

Ghani felt if true, the action was dangerous as he could accidentally hit the boy’s eye.

The parents had reported the teacher to the police, claiming the teacher punished their son for not doing homework.

Ghani responded: “If that is true, it is most regrettable. STU would like to advise fellow teachers that their job is to guide students, and help them behave. At times, students can be naughty and we as teachers have the responsibility to help them.”

He warned that if stern punishment was meted out, students might be afraid to attend school. Caning was done to correct students with an explanation given to the students before and after caning.

“We have to be in control of our emotions. I am sure the Ministry of Education will act against the teacher if he is found to be in the wrong,” he quipped.

He thought stress might have compelled the teacher to act that way, and advised teachers to refer problematic students to the headmaster, discipline teacher or counsellor.

Love of children or joy of working with adolescence should be made the main criteria for selecting aspiring teachers, he said. Teachers passionate about working with children feel compelled to guide naughty students on the right path. Those lacking such qualities would feel stressed out and may lose their composure.

“Those who enjoy working with children see a window of opportunity with children who are naturally active and playful. Such teachers are eager to find ways to guide them, turning their weaknesses into strength.

“As they love children, they can better interact with them and build closer rapport, which is essential in ensuring effective transfer of knowledge,” he told The Borneo Post when contacted.

Meanwhile former teacher Dr Johnny Kieh believed the conventional way of keeping discipline in check might lose its effectiveness as society became increasingly sophisticated.

“Use reverse psychology like assigning responsibilities to naughty students – getting them to collect students’ books and bring them to teachers’ room. Ask them to do simple tasks such as cleaning the blackboard. Over time, one would notice a behavioural change in them,” Dr Johnny suggested based on his personal experience as a teacher.

He warned that caning would only sour teacher-student relationship and cause tension, and that students these days were more receptive to a diplomatic approach.