Teenagers in the educational system

Why do things go wrong sometimes? It is because the supervision in breaks and other times is not being done in the right manner. You cannot expect teachers with a full load to exercise supervision in the right way. The right way, as I see it, is the way of Don John Bosco who used to interact in their games and conversations in the playground.

It is because, it seems, the teenager never shoulders the blame when s/he does not understand or misbehaves. But the way I see it is that minors can be guilty of crimes. One only has to see what is happening around us and not very far away: child soldiers and some who take part in terrorist attacks. Surely, they are being abused but some decide to act in this way.

It is because when a pupil falls behind in the subject, there is no rapid intervention force in school which gives the help there and then, and if need be after school. It is because the parent school communication is still flawed; it is because the educational system is seen as preparing the pupils for exams, and not to educate them.

It is because the school’s function has become like a baby sitter institution instead of an educational one leading students to knowledge in the subject, to influence their life and ennoble their hearts. The teachers are not allowed to take professional decisions. They are not feeling empowered because they are afraid to take disciplinary action to keep order. How can learning take place in chaos? Why is one student allowed to disrupt a class for the sake of inclusion and equality? Is this the way to teach a disorderly student responsibility? Is it not better to nip the problem in the bud instead of letting it grow without any hope of repair?

It is because we need to go back to basics: the three Rs, reading, writing and arithmetic. It seems that we have discarded a common syllabus for all until Form 5. Do not our pupils need to master Maltese and English well? How will they communicate? Don’t they need a basic knowledge in science? How will they take decisions in a democratic society regarding their person and family?

It is because we are being neutral re- garding ethics. Are you neutral with your kids? We should teach the golden rule, show the necessary patience and perseverance in work and the danger of the seven deadly sins. Humans are the same everywhere and experience has shown that all are inclined to commit these sins. We should educate them in logical and critical thinking and we should strengthen their will to be free to do what is right. In this respect, this what Dun Gorg Preca wanted teenagers to follow to help them strengthen their will and form their characters.

There is much that is good but we can do better. Joe Portelli Nadur