Question
Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students should be encouraged to make comments or even criticism of their teachers. Others think it will lead to loss of respect and discipline in the classroom.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Introduction
Education, at its core, seeks to create an environment conducive to learning. One proposed method to improve this environment is to allow high school students to comment or even criticize their teachers. While some caution against this approach, fearing a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom, others see it as a means to provide a better high school education. This essay will closely examine both views, before showing my final thoughts.
Body 1 – Discuss VIEW 1
On the one hand, opponents of granting highschoolers the power to evaluate their teachers worry that it might erode the respect and authority inherent in the teacher-student relationship. This dynamic, they argue, is essential for maintaining discipline in the classroom. If students begin to see their teachers as equals or, worse, as subordinates subject to their judgment, it could lead to disruptive behavior and an overall breakdown in classroom order. For instance, a student who disagrees with a teacher’s assessment might point to their own prior criticisms as a way to challenge the teacher’s authority, leading to unnecessary conflicts.
Body 2 – Discuss VIEW 2
Proponents of student feedback, however, view it as a valuable tool to refine educational methodologies. They assert that students, being the primary recipients of education, have firsthand experience of which teaching methods work and which do not. For example, if a large proportion of a class finds particular teaching approach confusing, their feedback could help the teacher adjust and improve. This creates a more adaptable and responsive educational system, fostering a collaborative environment where teachers and students work towards mutual goals.
Body 3 – Your opinion
From my perspective, it is not a matter of ‘should’, but rather a matter of ‘how’. Allowing high school students to provide feedback on their instructors can be immensely beneficial if executed judiciously. A structured system, perhaps anonymized and organized by school administrators, can strike a balance. The comments should be constructive and devoid of personal biases, focusing on teaching methods rather than individual personalities. In this way, feedback becomes a tool for improvement rather than a weapon of criticism.
