Dismissing students under guise of discipline is not only counterproductive but also shortsighted -Adom Ntekebe
Adom Ntekebe at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Department of English has voiced that dismissal of students under the guise of discipline, as announced by the Minister of Education, Hon Haruna Iddrisu is not only counterproductive but also shortsighted.
He backed his thoughts on the subject matter with theories of the well-known Jean Piaget, a psychologist and epistemologist who focused on child development.
Below of his submission on the subject of dismissal learners.
Dismissal in the Ghanaian Education System: A Limited Approach to Addressing Disciplinary Challenges
Whatever reforms the Minister of Education seeks to implement, the dismissal of students remains an outdated and ineffective method of correction and deterrence. It reflects a limited approach to solving disciplinary issues in our educational institutions.
If we are to consider reintroducing corporal punishment—as recently done by the United States Secretary of Education—that is a conversation worth having. However, dismissing students under the guise of discipline is not only counterproductive but also shortsighted.
As students of Jean Piaget and educational psychology, we understand that any institution that fails to address and reshape social vices in the younger generation ultimately neglects one of its core mandates. Educational institutions are not solely responsible for academic instruction; they also bear the responsibility of guiding and transforming undesirable behaviours into socially constructive attributes.
I describe dismissal as a narrow approach to discipline because, if our education system cannot reform these young individuals, can we expect the broader society—into which they are dismissed—to do so? Jean Piaget aptly stated, “Only education is capable of saving our societies from possible collapse, whether violent or gradual.” This assertion reflects my point.
I can say with a high level of certainty that our society cannot bare the long-term consequences of behaviours and vices our institutions failed to correct in our youth. Dismissing students, all in the name of correction and deterrence not only denies them a future but also poses a significant risk to the collective well-being of our society.
I believe that while moderate and carefully regulated corrective measures, including corporal punishment, may be considered within reasonable bounds, outright dismissal is not a solution. It denies these young ones of their future and burdens society with serious consequences.
Our educational institutions must do better!
Source: Coverghana.com.gh
