THE PUBLISH OR PERISH SYNDROME

CESARY Y. SACDALAN

The saying "publish or perish" has become a popular phrase in the fast-paced academic world, highlighting the immense pressure put on scholars to produce scholarly publications for career advancement. While the drive for academic success motivates the need to publish, it has also fostered a culture that often prioritizes quantity over quality. This can be a double-edged sword for education. The desire for academic achievement is the driving force behind the need for educators to publish. Publishing books, research papers, and scholarly articles helps academic institutions become more reputable while also spreading fresh ideas. Furthermore, it promotes a culture of lifelong learning by encouraging teachers to keep up with the most recent advancements in their fields and take part in worthwhile research. Despite its positive aspects, the "publish or perish" culture has its drawbacks. The temptation to publish often might cause one to prioritize quantity over the meaningful contributions that knowledge can make. Because of this, some academics could emphasize their work's rigor and relevance in favor of publishing in quantity-driven publications. Furthermore, publishing takes time and effort, which might take teachers away from their main duties of instructing and guiding pupils. The inability of faculty members to effectively balance research and teaching can have a detrimental effect on the quality of education. To counteract the negative consequences of the "publish or perish" mindset, it is imperative to achieve equilibrium between output volume and quality. Academic institutions must think about implementing a comprehensive method of assessing teacher performance, considering the influence of research in the field. Quality over quantity must be prioritized, encouraging a fair and impartial method of evaluation, and creating a collaborative learning atmosphere in the classroom. By doing this, the education sector can continue to uphold its dedication to quality while safeguarding the productivity and wellbeing of its teachers.

-oOoThe author is English Teacher in Don Jesus Gonzales High School, a Public Secondary school in Pampanga.