I'd like to teach

What does it takes to teach?

Some people have pondered over the recent Chinese Debate that is in the news. Many are skeptical about the teachers' ability to invoke interest and at the same time to produce results in students. Probably it is because many of us have encountered bad teachers before.

It is a fact that many of the teachers in local schools are taking up the profession for the attractive remuneration and not for genuine passion to nurture the future generations. As a result many students have suffered the consequences of sub-standard tutelage. Some teachers are accused of simply reciting from textbooks or talking to themselves. Some get so worked up that they call slower students imbeciles or may even resort to physical abuse. Yet they argue that this is just an indication of their concern.

Whatever the case is, many teachers are just unprofessional. Teachers should be mindful of their positions and avoid getting too involved into the private lives of students. The primary role of the teachers as defined in the dictionary is to impart knowledge. However, spoon-feeding should not be mistaken as imparting knowledge. Perhaps the most fundamental principle of teaching can be found in the following saying: If you give a man a fish, he'll have fish for a day. If you teach him to fish, he'll have fish for a lifetime.

The definitive mark of a good teacher is one who guides a student in the direction to seek knowledge and information for him/herself. Coercing and drilling a student would only beget negative results. Yet despite all the bad hats, there are still some bound to the noble occupation.

To the noble teachers, I shall dedicate this song I'd like to teach the world to sing:

I'd like to build the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow-white turtle doves

Chorus:
I'd like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I'd like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company
(That's the song I hear)
I'd like to see the world for once
(Let the world sing today)
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace throughout the land
That's the song I hear
(That's the song I hear)
Let the world sing today
(Let the whole wide world keep singing)
A song of peace that echoes on
And never goes away

(Repeat)

Put your hand in my hand
Let's begin today
Put your hand in my hand
Help me find a way

(Chorus)