Over the years we have blamed our teachers for the poor performance of our students. Certainly, there are teachers who have not given their best in the classroom and have blighted the future of a number of students. However, we must also realise that students should shoulder some of the responsibility for their failure and underperformance.
Many teachers plan some of the best lessons, dialogue with parents to stem a plethora of behavioural and academic problems, and provide countless incentives to encourage a spirit
of excellence. Nevertheless, many students remain cavalier.
It is therefore high time that we seriously communicate to our students that they have a personal responsibility for their learning. Students must now realise that if they do not put in the work, no amount of excitement, creativity or optimism that the teacher brings to the classroom will help them to achieve. They must make a conscious decision to do well, in spite of their challenges.
Undoubtedly, it is difficult to procure employment, even with tertiary certification. However, we must let our children know that it is even increasingly challenging to obtain and maintain gainful employment without a quality educational background.
Our children must be guided to recognise Jamaica's current quagmire and to see themselves as paramount stakeholders in our escape. They need to start playing their part by giving of their best in the classroom, respecting their teachers and their peers and obeying the rules of their schools, and the laws of society by extension. By this we can help to build a better Jamaica.
Learning is a triangular process. It involves the parents and the teachers, and most of all, it involves the students. Students, play your part.
Shawna Kay Williams
shawna201@gmail.com
Students must play their role
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Many teachers plan some of the best lessons, dialogue with parents to stem a plethora of behavioural and academic problems, and provide countless incentives to encourage a spirit
of excellence. Nevertheless, many students remain cavalier.
It is therefore high time that we seriously communicate to our students that they have a personal responsibility for their learning. Students must now realise that if they do not put in the work, no amount of excitement, creativity or optimism that the teacher brings to the classroom will help them to achieve. They must make a conscious decision to do well, in spite of their challenges.
Undoubtedly, it is difficult to procure employment, even with tertiary certification. However, we must let our children know that it is even increasingly challenging to obtain and maintain gainful employment without a quality educational background.
Our children must be guided to recognise Jamaica's current quagmire and to see themselves as paramount stakeholders in our escape. They need to start playing their part by giving of their best in the classroom, respecting their teachers and their peers and obeying the rules of their schools, and the laws of society by extension. By this we can help to build a better Jamaica.
Learning is a triangular process. It involves the parents and the teachers, and most of all, it involves the students. Students, play your part.
Shawna Kay Williams
shawna201@gmail.com
Students must play their role
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