STUDENT PERFORMANCE: WHOSE FAULT, THE TEACHER OR THE STUDENT?

This is an interesting topic and debate over a long time as it is all encompassing though the point of view might be different from an individual to another with each person's response based on personal views or experience. It is worthwhile to say here that I'm born to parents who are both retired teachers (educators) and also, was raised amidst such who have high regard for education and learning. In addition, i by the Grace of God have passed through the "four walls of a school" right from primary to university level and so can relate well with this topic. The following are my personal points of view:

• It starts with the students
The attitude of students to learning nowadays is dwindling probably based on socialization, high unemployment rate, unguided access/exposure to internet, negative peer influence and so on. The zeal, passion, diligence and efforts by each student will determine how such student will turn out. Motivation is key to success but in a system where there are alot of demoralisation and lack of focus/zeal, poor performance is inevitable. A proverb says that: "A horse can be forced to the river, but it cannot be forced to drink water", therefore, no matter the effort put in by the teachers, parents, government and all other relevant stakeholders, the onus still lies with the student.

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• The dearth of professionalism in teaching and learning
It is a sad state in some nations of the world especially the developing ones where there is dearth of professionalism in teaching and learning as many don't see the teaching profession as something worthwhile compared to other professions like medicine, engineering, law etc. In addition, the quality of teaching standard is a thing of concern as many who are teachers doesn't even have the requisite knowledge of what the profession is and hence affects the delivery. To be qualified as a teacher, do the minimum requirement been followed or just to earn a living especially in private establishment?

• The family and society contributory factor
The maximum hours a student spent in school with the teachers is about 8 hours which is 1/3 of a 24 hours daily time frame, what about the other 16 hours i.e. 2/3 of the whole day left with the parents? Are the parents creating time to follow-up on what their wards learnt in the school? What about attending the Parent-Teachers Association meeting, visiting day, open day etc so as to be acquainted with relevant informations and make right enquiries. The regard for teaching and teachers in the society is also not in a good state as compared before. Lack of discipline in schools came as a result of parents and societal influence even though some teachers went too far about it aswell.

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• The unfavorable governmental policies
The uprising of non-standard, mushroom schools all for profit making with little or no educational advantage is based on lack of enforcement of the standard guidelines. The government political influence on education and unstable policies are also having a negative toil on the educational system. Lack of quality replacement/recruitment of teachers into schools and insufficient facilities are also contributory factors to the students performance.

• The quality of learning
As pertaining to this technologically advanced era, are we keeping up with this or things are still done the way they used to be? Is the teaching/learning curriculum/policy of a global standard by been updated or the parochial view are still glorified? Are the teachers of sound quality and substance been employed and in the present reality, are parents ready to pay more or go for subsidized educational system which will be effective even though it costs more or will "free education" with lower standards be upheld?

Therefore, i believe that a student's performance or turnout is everybody's fault right from the student himself or herself upto the family, society and nation at large. The calls for a holistic view and free of sentiments/biases to achieve a meaningful result. All hands needs to be on deck and leaving no stone unturned. Thank you for reading and comments/contributions are welcomed.

This is my entry to @Hivelearners weekly featured contents, week 138 edition 02 on "The Teacher's Fault" Thumbnail designed using Canva.