If your child’s teacher is asking for your contact, don’t hesitate
KUCHING: Student discipline is a never-ending challenge for most schools in the state, but a minister feels that the telephone can play a big role in addressing the issue.
Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong suggested that if there are people that parents should have no qualms about giving their telephone numbers to, it is the teachers.
“I would propose that parents and teachers should communicate more on the telephone on matters of children discipline at school and on ways of improving the attitude of children towards learning,” Manyin said when he launched “Sarawak’s Parental cum Community Engagement Programme” at SMK Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Gapor, Stampin here yesterday.
He pointed out that the Finland model of education essentially means total involvement of parents in the school system, which includes getting parents and teachers in constant communication.
He said in this respect, the telephone is not only convenient, fast and immediate but it also does away with procrastination.
He said the Finland model of education has ensured zero-discipline problem in the Finnish school system.
“This is why parents should not be reluctant to give their telephone numbers to teachers,” he said.
Manyin went on to note that although discipline problems among students now are very much reduced, parents need to monitor their children’s academic performance and activities outside school as a team.
Towards this end, he proposed strengthening partnership between parents, schools and communities.
He said if such partnership is strategically established many problems related to students’ needs can be addressed systematically, such as providing access to emotional and mental support and resources, which is not available in schools.
Manyin believes that respectful relationships between students, parents and the school community will enhance the students’ learning process and well-being.
The programme was organised by the Education, Science and Technological Research Ministry in collaboration with the Malaysian Education Ministry, Sarawak Education Department and SMK Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Gapor Stampin, Kuching.
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