Challenging Authority: Should Students Toward Their Teachers?
Years ago, a unique incident taught me a valuable lesson about the dynamics between students and teachers. I remember failing a trial exam due to my age, as I was a year younger than the required age. Desperate to take the real exam, I pleaded with my teachers, but I was told it was futile. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when a teacher suggested a compromise: if I signed a declaration stating I would compensate for any failure, I would be allowed to sit for the exam.
I tried my best and to my surprise, I secured a distinction. But the most interesting part? No teacher ever mentioned my result. This experience offered a profound insight into the relationship between a student and a teacher, and how academic objectives and personal opinions coexist.
When You Want Low Grades, Defy Your Teachers
Believe it or not, teachers have dedicated years of their lives to their profession. They follow a set of objectives in the classroom, such as evaluating whether a student can comprehend a written text, follow instructions, or write effective papers. Personal opinions are rarely relevant unless backed by course material or specifically sought by the teacher. In most cases, to really impress a teacher, you must possess a high level of intellectual development, something that is not usually characteristic of a freshman. Putting your thoughts into action using a Socratic method may not always make a significant impact.
The anecdote of Socrates, who gained his well-deserved fate of drinking poison hemlock for his constant argumentative nature, serves as a powerful reminder that defiance often does not lead to recognition or success. It highlights the importance of understanding the roots of a deeply ingrained educational system and its objectives.
Understanding the Dynamics
Student-Teacher Relationship: The relationship between a student and a teacher is complex and multifaceted. Teachers are trained professionals with a primary goal of helping students achieve academic success. This includes not only imparting knowledge but also guiding students through the learning process. However, this does not mean that strict adherence to instructions is the only benchmark of success.
Academic Goals: Academic goals are clear and well-defined. These include understanding the material, following instructions, and demonstrating effective writing skills. These goals are set to ensure that students are prepared for the next level of education or for real-world challenges. Arbitrary defiance rarely contributes positively to these goals.
Teaching Methods: Teachers employ various methods to achieve these goals. These methods may vary based on the subject, the age of the students, and individual teacher preferences. However, at the core, the objective remains the same: to help students learn and grow. Teachers do not evaluate students based on their ability to contradict them. Instead, they measure students based on their ability to meet the predefined academic standards and to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Understanding the true nature of a student-teacher relationship and the importance of academic goals and teaching methods is crucial. It helps students appreciate the value of following instructions and the pursuit of excellence, while also recognizing the limits of personal opinions in an educational setting. Remember, the goal is to learn and grow, not to challenge authority for the sake of it.
By acknowledging the professional role of teachers and the objectives of the educational system, students can foster a productive and respectful relationship with their teachers. This, in turn, can lead to more meaningful learning experiences and better academic outcomes.