thoughts...

over the course of this week, in 5 different contexts, two in casual conversation, one by a worried parent, and two in school/classroom context...similar sentiments were expressed...


i used to like the subject xxxx, but now i hate/have a phobia for it....reason? grades....


Tr xxx is super because my grade was yyyy compared to zzzz under Tr www


In all cases, like of subject/teacher is all based on grades....whatever the subject, whatever the age of the student, from 11+ to uni students...


The only common element is, they are Singapore students.


how sad....

and when people blame system/teacher/subject, I dont quite understand either.


I like a subject because i like a subject. I like a teacher because of the quality of the teacher. And when i dont do well.... i know its the way i learnt it, and the effort, and my own lacking, since all things being equal, there are those who could and did do well....


Parents and students alike dont consider the issue of personal responsibility for one's learning. Of course, there is the issue of things beyond their control, that are imposed in by educational institutes....and that i do feel strongly ....


honestly, how many educators, in all their varied posts and roles, really, seriously do conscientious self-examination, of the true educational purpose of their pursuits/occupation? And the more i read, the more i see how ignorant many educators have been (including myself) , but at least, i listen, reconsider, and seek further....


nevertheless, if students and parents think liking a subject/teacher is directly proportional to high grades.... it is very very sad....


ok. this is a pause moment....its really a labour to get that article out....if i managed even to do so....