Eat Grass Punishment

The latest furore is a teacher who punished her students by making them wear a cow bell plus eating grass. 

Upon reading the news, two key things come to mind:

First, what the heck did the students, or didn't the students do to deserve such punishment. I really wonder. 

Next. Why are students such cry-babies. Back in my days, we would never want to tell our parents that the teacher punished us. It would mean a long interrogation, and chances are - you will be punished again. In addition to that, we have our usual creative ways of solving our own problems. It usually includes one or more of the following: fireworks, stone, the teacher's car, the teacher's house.... you get the idea.

Now - my comments for parents. I am not one (not to my best knowledge) but I sure hope to at least pass my own list. Before we condemn the teachers, think it is only the teacher's responsibility - here's a checklist.

• Is this true: If your son does well, it is your son. If he fails, you blame the teacher (despite other kids doing well with the same teacher).
• Do you remember your child's full name and date of birth? (No kidding. I use to recall parents going from class to class, looking at every student, trying to find their own kids. It's more so when kids have nicknames - Ah Meng at home, when Ah Meng is not part of his name on school records).
• What class is he/she in? (name the class too!) Who is the class teacher?
• What subjects in school?
• Name of his other teachers?
• Name of best friend? Bonus mark: Name of 3 best friends.
• If he or she spends time at his/her best friend's house, how often have you visited the said house?
• Do you meet his parents at least once a year? Do you think that's a big chore, or something important that you would want to do?
• How much time do you spend a day to check on her homework? (if you spend one minute a day, one minute out of 1440 minutes in a day. Says a lot about priority right?)
• If your kids do not do his/her homework, how do you punish or motivate him?
• How do you motivate your kids to study / do a certain activity? Do you reward them with a iPhone (or other money / other gifts)? If yes - do your kids study for knowledge or did they study for the iPhone?
• If your child is punished by someone else (teacher, perhaps), do you first question the punishment, or what the heck did your kid do?

Oh sure - I hear you all. It's demanding. It takes a lot of money to raise kids. I do agree. But hey, you don't need to give them to most expensive gift or the best tuition centre. It's more important we show that we care. Sure, I do not have kids - but I've seen how good teachers motivate students. I have mentored interns (minus any scandals). I am not an MNC to give the best facilities to the interns. But at the end of the day, the feedback is, the training has been very useful and they still wish they could learn more. 

The best education process it to provide an environment conducive for learning. A TV blaring at full volume will not help. Mothers busy playing mahjong won't assist. Parents fighting, quarreling - no need for me to comment. Encouragement (which is free), a proper study area (a table, lights and fan) will do. Access to books is great. They do not need the fastest computer with 20Mbps of internet and a HDTV. Then, teach them how to work with what they have.That's difficult when parents themselves think they actually work better with the latest iPhone / car / PC, etc.

Nett nett. It's time to stop blaming the teachers only. Sure - the system is rotten. But hey, we have to do our part.