There havebeen debates regarding learners’ education and behaviour, for example, is it a 50/50 responsibility between teachers and parents? Who is responsible for how they grow? Some educationists/motivational speakers during conferences say that with quality education and parenting, learners can be nurturing into responsible citizens. But what is the reason for the deteriorating morals of the younger generation? Theories have been put forward regarding the status quo but no practical solution has been given, while the sacredness of minors continues to degenerate. Back in the day, parent-teacher associations worked well to bridge the gap between teaching and raising children. In this era, what is the significance of this linkage? How effective are these associations (if at all there are any) in producing the desired quality of students? The curriculum I’m always compelled to look at the curriculum with deep concentration, and to examine it without bias. I believe, however, that parents’ involvement in the learning process of their children is minimal. In as much as it is a teacher’s responsibility to instil skills in learners for a better future, parents should be at the forefront, and make sure the effort by teachers is boosted so that learners take the lead in the future. Let curriculum developers understand the significance of parents’ contribution, and make them responsible for their role right from implementation. We grew up listening to narratives of our rich culture and we were able to understand values, and the significance of our role in the preservation of our culture. That said, parents have a great role to play in their children’s education, in and out of the classroom, starting with providing basic tools for learners to be successful in school and after. The Chinese got it right; education is not all about obtaining academic qualifications, rather, it entails learning how to be a productive member of society. It also involves how to behave in social settings, as well as learning how to solve everyday problems, and so much more. Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet and musician, reshaped literature and music, and during class, he used hard vocabulary to ‘activate’ his students’ thinking. Parents should find their own ways to challenge their children’s thinking on a daily basis, as many educationists believe this is the key to cognitive development from early stages. Also, parents who talk to their children build strong and lasting relationships. They should provide an intellectually stimulating environment at home. They should encourage children to read and know about today’s societal issues, and prepare them physically and mentally for the challenges head. The writer is a PhD student at Beijing Normal University pontiankbr@outlook.com
