By now, the three video clips of teachers striking their pupils in Ajman, Fujairah and Abu Dhabi have spread far and wide. That three clips should emerge, involving three separate teachers, in just a two-week period last month is extremely worrying. It suggests that there may, perhaps, be many more that have gone unfilmed and unreported. But more than that, it points to a worrying lack of cohesion between teachers and pupils.
It is that cohesion that is at the heart of a strong education system. Naturally, we are appalled at such videos. But it is the many incidents of micro-aggression that do not explode into violence that should concern us.
Anecdotally, many parents hear stories of aggressive language and attitudes from teachers directed at students. And, again anecdotally, many teachers will tell of the aggressive, even insulting, language used against them by pupils.
Nobody gains from such an atmosphere. For pupils, it can cause them fear, anxiety and stop them learning at their full potential – and it can have that effect even on pupils in the same classroom. For teachers, such incidents can lower morale, make them feel undervalued or vulnerable, and lead to a high turnover of staff.
What is needed to resolve this is “buy-in” from the third essential element of a good education: the parents. Parents must be active participants in the education of their children. If there is conflict between any of these three parties – or, worse, among all of them – then it becomes very difficult for the schools to do their job.
Earlier this year, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority brought in contracts between parents and schools in Dubai’s private sector. The contracts covered fees, attendance, dispute resolution and more. Until it is clear how these contracts have worked in Dubai, it may be too early to suggest extending them across the country.
But the broad principle is sound. Getting parents to think about their obligations to the institution that educates their children is important. Children cannot simply be handed over daily for several hours of education. Parents, children and teachers must work together on issues such as discipline, attendance and homework. Only that way will there be a genuinely positive atmosphere in which students can thrive.
