“ True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements; but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of noble character. It needs men in whom ability is controlled by steadfast principle.”
The statement above was written by a 19th century author of so many books, Ellen Gould White, one of which is on education. As a teacher we are confronted daily of the demands of our educational processes. We face the burden of finishing our quota for the day, at the expense of quality. The curriculum itself is basically focused on the knowledge to be learned. Compact with all the skills and informations needed for students to become intellectuals. In the past we have character as one of the components in the computation of students grade in every particular subject. In that case students become aware of the impact of being responsible, respectful, polite and obedient, in their grades. The balance of noble character and intellect is so important if we mean to produce a productive and socially responsible younger generation.
Education must address the present self- seeking and self- gratifying generation of students. Today’s society is evidently a greedy society, the younger generation is full of ambition for power, disregard authority, set aside the rights and needs of others. Where greed and self-centeredness exist, the problem begins. Education must be delivered espoused with morality at a younger age. We do not wait until college years before introducing the subject of moral standards to our students. As young as elementary and high school they are already exposedto temptations; cheating in exams, stealing others property, bullying/disrespect for others, dishonesty, accusing others etc. All of these and other negative attitudes become so common that we address them casually sending a wrong impression on the part of the students.
Education must also do a thorough self- reflection. How can a student learn the right attitude from his/her teachers if we teachers are not worthy of our profession. We teach them to clean but we don’t even hold a broom, or cultivate a plant, or clean our office toilet, or dress properly, talk professionally. We are not living by example. Our honesty and integrity as professionals are always in question.Teachers must have sympathy. We are in school to help students, not to use them for our advantage. We need not threat them, or brag to them that we have reached this far already. As a dispenser of learning we must make them feel we are their friend and can be trusted. Sadly there are conflicts between teachers and pupils and parents. The reason is that we were not able to live according to the society’s expectations. Our commitment to our job is definitely poor.
Education must emphasize that every learned individual is not just accountable to himself but above all to God and humanity. That self development is not for the self alone. When we have selfish doctors, engineers, teachers, accountants, lawyers, what is likely to happen? The result would be, “ enriching and empowering the few at the expense of the many”.
May I quote again the same author, quoted above, and as a teacher believes in her statement, “ In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. the Divine Law, “ Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” True!, if only can education be able to deliver this moral obligation, the rest will follow.
By: Marina S. Langreo | Teacher I | JEAG Memorial High School | Orion, Bataan
