FEB 16 — United Chinese School Teachers Association (Jiao Zong) disclosed that some state and district education departments have not only neglected the teacher shortage problem in Chinese primary schools, but warned schools not to publicly mention the problem instead, or actions would be taken against them.
In fact, it has long been an open secret. Little Napoleons always use the Official Secrets Act (OSA) as a powerful weapon to restrain school heads and force them to keep their mouths shut.
The so-called restraint is in fact, an unspoken rule. In other words, it means that it is better to keep your mouth shut and say nothing, so that you can help me, and I can help you. Otherwise, it would be a breach of discipline and disciplinary actions would be taken.
From the education point of view, teachers are the most important element. Teacher shortage problem should be solved immediately or it will affect the progress and quality of teaching.
It is a very simple truth which is understandable even without knowledge in teaching theory. Why must it be so secretive then? Could it be because the problem has deviated from the proper teaching principles, or even violated the rules of the formal system, causing some people try to hide it so that they can keep their posts and promotion chances? Or, could there be any other hidden agenda?
The problem of lacking over 2,000 teachers in Chinese primary schools nationwide has been raised before the new school term started early this year, and the Education Ministry has also promised to solve the problem within a week.
Today, vacancies in some schools have indeed been filled, but half of the teachers cannot understand Chinese. Meanwhile, some schools are still anxiously waiting for teachers.
These iron-clad facts cannot be covered just by giving a warning. The shortage of teachers is not a national secret that could endanger national security. Why should it be kept as a secret?
Sweeping education problems into the carpet will never help improve it. Instead, concealing education information and opaque management will lead to the increase of black-box operations, while encouraging Little Napoleons to make more troubles. The problem will get worse and more and more contradictions and discontentment will be accumulated. Eventually, it leads to demonstrations and protests.
Chinese primary school issues should not be overly politicised, and they could not be settled just by meeting the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. Jiao Zong calls on Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong to set up an ad hoc group consisting teacher-training lecturers; Chinese primary school inspectors; representatives from United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), Jiao Zong, Kesatuan Kebangsaan Guru-Guru Besar Malaysia (KGBM); and other relevant education professional organisations, to brainstorm a comprehensive solution. It would be a feasible solution and hopefully, all parties can put aside their stereotypes and work together! — mysinchew.com
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