There is an urgent need to restore the respect that teachers once commanded, emphasizing their critical role in the moral and intellectual growth of society.
By Moonisa Aslam Dervash
The role of a teacher in the learning process extends far beyond simply delivering information. A teacher acts as a guide, encouraging students to view the world from various perspectives while pushing them to engage in creative thinking, often through deep, philosophical discussions about education. In Plato’s The Republic, the concept of a teacher as a “midwife” underscores the idea that a teacher is not merely a provider of knowledge but plays an essential role in the intellectual and moral development of the student. Just as a midwife supports a woman during childbirth, without taking over the process, a teacher helps students cultivate their own thoughts and discover new understandings by guiding them toward self-awareness and the pursuit of truth. Plato believed education was not about transferring information but about drawing out the knowledge that already exists within the student, allowing them to grow fully into their humanity through practical understanding and dialogue. This philosophy highlights the importance of teachers as catalysts for critical thinking and self-exploration—both crucial in the journey toward wisdom.
Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, emphasizes that a teacher’s primary goal is to help students develop virtuous character traits, reinforcing the idea that education is not just about accumulating knowledge but also about fostering ethical growth. Immanuel Kant further advanced this notion by arguing that the purpose of education is to cultivate a self-directed consciousness and moral responsibility. Kant famously stated that “education is the art of making man ethical,” stressing that a teacher’s greatest achievement lies in inspiring thought, nurturing critical inquiry, and encouraging moral development in their students.
Historically, teachers held a position of great honor and authority, a role that extended beyond the classroom into the broader fabric of society. Not long ago, teachers were often viewed with reverence and even fear. In many households, invoking a teacher’s name was enough to curb a child’s misbehavior. A mother might sternly say, “I will tell your teacher tomorrow,” and the mere threat was enough to eliminate any mischief for the day. This respect for teachers was not limited to their classroom authority; it was deeply embedded in the culture, where discipline was not just a word but a practiced custom. In ancient Kashmir, known as Sharda Peeth, the teacher symbolized wisdom and guidance in a society that deeply valued intellectual and moral growth.
During that time, the classroom was a place of order and discipline. The swish of a teacher’s cane or a sharp reprimand was all that was needed to maintain control. Practices like corporal punishment, though harsh by today’s standards, were common. Tools like the stinging nettle (Soi Shalakh in Kashmiri) or a cane (locally called Aqalnuma) were used to instill discipline, and while these methods were often severe, they were accepted as a way to impart not just fear but also respect and self-control. I recall an incident from my elementary school days when Maqbool Sahab, the school’s peon, dragged a particularly mischievous student through the corridors. The boy, covered in mud and wearing only his undergarments, was paraded from class to class as Maqbool Sahab waved a nettle. The students chanted “Shame!” in unison, and this public humiliation left a lasting impression on all of us, instilling a lifelong fear of similar embarrassment.
Despite these strict disciplinary practices, the relationship between teacher and student was one of respect, but also affection. Teachers not only commanded authority in the classroom but also played a significant role in reinforcing the values and self-discipline taught at home. Parents, too, maintained a system of rules and expectations, and the school environment served to strengthen this foundation rather than soften it. This balance of discipline and care created a respectful and lasting bond between teachers and students, one that shaped the moral and intellectual development of young minds.
In today’s technologically driven world, the teaching profession has seen a significant decline in the respect and authority it once commanded. This shift is particularly noticeable among college students, who often regard contractual lecturers and Assistant Professors with disdain, viewing them as less authoritative figures. The change in student attitudes reflects a broader societal transformation, one that impacts not only educators but also parents, who were once staunch defenders of the teacher’s status and discipline. Now, however, many parents advocate for a gentler, more humane approach, often unintentionally undermining the authority of teachers. As a result, students are more likely to challenge boundaries, aware that their parents may intervene on their behalf, shielding them from any consequences their behavior might otherwise warrant. This erosion of authority, coupled with the pervasive influence of technology and shifting societal norms, has led to a marked decline in the respect traditionally afforded to teachers.
This changing attitude towards teachers is a direct reflection of broader transformations in both the educational system and society at large. Education has gradually shifted from more authoritarian, teacher-centered methods to those that are democratic and child-centered. This change has undeniable benefits, such as fostering creativity and critical thinking in students. However, it has also come at the expense of teachers’ authority. In the past, there was a clear distinction between the roles of teacher and student, with strict discipline ensuring effective learning. Today, that line has blurred, and as discipline has waned, so too has the quality of learning in many classrooms.
The consequences of this shift are becoming increasingly visible. A lack of pedagogical discipline has resulted in many students growing up without a clear understanding of authority and respect—values that extend beyond the classroom into other aspects of life. This deficit manifests in various ways, from disruptive behavior in school to challenges in the workplace and personal relationships later in life. While some educators long for the days when physical punishment and strict discipline were common, it is clear that a different approach is needed. Rather than reverting to outdated methods, the task now falls to parents and educators to create environments where discipline is seen as constructive rather than punitive. It is essential for children to recognize that teachers play a pivotal role in shaping their futures and that respect for authority is fundamental to both personal and academic growth.
The importance of teachers cannot be overstated, and this is evident across cultures and religions. For example, Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was sent as an educator to guide humanity from darkness into light, a testament to the profound significance of teaching. This serves as a powerful reminder of the elevated status that teachers should hold in society, not just in the past but in contemporary times as well.
As we celebrate occasions like Teachers’ Day, it is crucial that we go beyond merely paying lip service to the teaching profession. Real action is needed to restore the value and respect that teachers truly deserve. By fostering a culture that recognizes the importance of teachers, we lay the groundwork for the success of future generations. Reinvesting in the authority and influence of educators is not just about improving classroom dynamics—it is about securing the intellectual and moral development of our society as a whole.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]
Leave a Reply