Putting smiles on faces

I WELCOMED the recommendation made by the Education Ministry’s director-general not to have lessons in the first week of the new school term (which began on March 19) and instead have “fun education and simple project-based learning”.

When I began my career as a teacher on Jan 7, 1980, there was no proper teaching in the first week of school; that was when timetables were prepared, teachers assigned classes, and paperwork settled. We could do any form of activities with students. It was stress-free and fun.

Later, when I was a senior assistant, education department officers were sent on the “prowl” to ensure teaching was being carried out after the second period on the first day itself. Just imagine how stressful it was for everyone!

We already had our own department heads and, of course, the principal to monitor goings-on in the school. They didn’t need someone breathing down their necks on the very first day of school while they discharged their duties.

Frankly, in no other government department would staff be put under this type of stress; they are usually simply left to do the necessary daily work, and if they do not perform up to expectations, the department head is expected to address the issue.

I hope this no longer happens in our schools.

Allowing, instead, students and teachers to ease themselves into the school year should be lauded. It’s a good way to start students off with a smile on their face.

THIAGAN MATHIAPARANAM

Klang