Embrace tuition to empower teachers?
Schools and teachers function in an extremely competitive environment where every parent aspires for the best for their children and the best is measured by success at examinations
Schools and teachers function in an extremely competitive environment where every parent aspires for the best for their children and the best is measured by success at examinations
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
Fifth of October was World Teacher Education Day as declared by the UN. The theme for 2015 is empowering teachers. In its joint communique with the ILO, UNESCO expresses its deep concern about the persisting challenges brought about by (1) teacher shortages and (2) the low status of teachers at all levels of education.
Sri Lanka does not have a shortage of teachers. During the past decade our student to teacher ratios has been at a respectable at 18:1. However, lack of respect for teachers is a major issue in Sri Lanka. In this article I argue that dominance of skilled tuition masters outside of the school is a major reason for lowered status of teachers in Sri Lankan society today.
Sri Lanka does not have a shortage of teachers. During the past decade our student to teacher ratios has been at a respectable at 18:1. However, lack of respect for teachers is a major issue in Sri Lanka. In this article I argue that dominance of skilled tuition masters outside of the school is a major reason for lowered status of teachers in Sri Lankan society today.
