Learning should not be scary
Education does not have to be scary. It can be exciting for many, boring for some, and even challenging for most, but it should never be terrifying. Nobody should feel embarrassed or out of place for not knowing things. With humility from the student and proper guidance from a good teacher, everyone should have the right to be equipped with knowledge about the world we live in.
This is why I think that “terror profs,” wrathful thesis panelists, gatekeepers, and “mema” (may masabi) critics are usually just play-acting as educators. They perpetuate a crooked system within which more knowledge is used to control, exclude, and humiliate others.
The cycle of abuse
For some people, their only taste of power is within the classroom, and this can so easily feed someone’s ego. Many educational systems, even in higher education, are so ruthless and dehumanizing. Students abused by authority figures may continue the cycle of abuse—when they become teachers themselves, they may continue perpetuating these oppressive systems.
Yes, people do learn from physical punishment, albeit reluctantly. But studies have shown time and again that encouragement, reinforcement, and appropriate correction are way more effective tools.
So please, let us throw away the wooden rulers used to slap children, lock away the chalk fed to those who make mistakes, and reflect very hard on why some of us feel the need to shout at vulnerable people, who are usually half the age of an average educator.
The importance of education
One of the main reasons why public education existed in the first place was so that a democratic society could have voters who can think for themselves (that is, may sariling isip). Before that, knowledge was only for the wealthy. It has always been a form of power. Indio Filipinos were not even allowed to be part of the colonial education system, and so, they remained easy to fool and control by the colonial authorities. Only those who can afford it can study.
It has always been through education and critical thinking that important social movements have been shaped. In our own history, we celebrate the literary subversion of the Ilustrados. Through pamphlets, novels, and newspapers, they shaped the voice of the revolution against Spain.
The student activists of the 1970s were on the front line against a dictatorial regime. It was also during that time that Filipino intellectuals were shaping how we understood Filipino identity and how we enjoyed Filipino media and literature. Schools were threatened with censorship. Even today, student activists, as well as many content creators of different generational ages, are very vocal about important social issues.
There is a reason why, historically, the first move of an authoritarian has always been to burn books or control the contents of the educational system. In the dictator’s mind, he knows that he has to keep the people stupid so that they will not question him.
The language of learning
The process we get to understanding is through illumination. In our everyday language, we say that something is clear when it is bright: “maliwanag.” The process of explaining something is by shining a light on it: “pagpapaliwanag.” The person who explains—the good educator—is one who shines light: “tanglaw.”
Anyone, within or beyond the educational system, who is a beacon of hope for us is a light in the darkness: “liwanag sa dilim.” And this light is always nurturing, and reminds us of home. The mother’s care is known as “ilaw ng tahanan,” the light of the home.
When I was still a child, I remember that sometimes I would accidentally call some of my better teachers “mama” instead of “ma’am.” It was embarrassing for me, but I am sure it was seen as a compliment for them. To be seen as someone’s parental figure, even subconsciously, means that you are given a special kind of respect and loyalty.
The plight of teachers
This issue exists within a particular context: that our society does not really take care of our teachers. Many are overworked and underpaid, many more are not even paid at all. And so, a lot of our great intellectuals—especially the well-educated and passionate—have to move abroad for better economic opportunities. There are other countries where teaching and doing research are well-funded and well-respected.
This is what we call “brain drain.”
Improving the professional (and personality) development of our educators is part of the fight for teachers’ rights. Developing not only knowledgeable people but also encouraging the values of kindness and “kapwa” can help stop the chain of abuse within the educational system.
Good educators should not have to demand respect through fear. At the same time, they are not “basta-basta” and “puwede na ‘yan” with the work they do. They are good because they are both competent and kind. They are good because they know that everyone who goes through their classes is only going through this for the first time.
I repeat: education does not have to be scary. Knowledge should be liberating.
