The Editor, Sir:

Allow me space to comment on some issues that have become commonplace in the Jamaican classroom. I have had reasons to be in a number of schools lately and many things have been coursing through my mind in relation to how our schools are conducted, indiscipline among students, how teachers attempt to discipline them and their overall lethargic attitude to their lessons.

I wonder if the way school is currently structured is working for the present generation of students. It appears to me that the regimented system where students come to school every day at a particular time, do the same thing on a daily basis is turning off students in some places. I know the system is designed this way for the purpose of instilling discipline and order but it looks as if how we 'keep' school is no longer appealing to a vast number of the nation's youth.

Method of discipline

I wonder too about the way some teachers go about discipline which still borders on brute force, heavy command and shaming students into complying with given orders. I also note that this is met with stout resistance on the part of most students. From my own experience in the classroom, I know that the resistance comes mainly from students with problems, girls who are mothers and boys who are parenting themselves and manning their own turfs, so any attempt to put them under subjection is met with defiance. This group do not see themselves as children and see teachers' action against them as utterly out of order.

My musings took me also to the issue of space or the lack of it in some of these schools and the effects it has on students learning. I observe how students jostle for space and the aggression they show when it is invaded. The long bench with the desk that seats about four is still causing chaos in some places in relation to freedom of movement in the classroom. Instead of asking their neighbour to get up when they need to move some students simply go on the desk and jump down in full view of the teacher. I know for sure that the learning outcome could be more fruitful if students were comfortable. This kind of seating from days of old should be replaced.

It pains my heart to see how some students drag themselves to classes, sometimes up to half-hour late and the disinterest that they portray towards their lessons. At times, when the trying teacher asks if everybody understands, the silence is sometimes deafening. No one responds as half of the class could not care less while the other half is sleeping.

Student conflicts

There is no doubt that the recent upsurge in school conflict between students and their peers and themselves and their teachers has roots in the environment from which they come. However, the whole school setting also plays a large part. Some things need to be done differently in school in terms of conducting school affairs to motivate students. There needs to be drastic change in how discipline is instilled in some schools. The days when a few slaps could set children straight do not work anymore as they will retaliate in unimaginable ways. With easy access to guns and knives, they will not hesitate to use them which will force teachers to retaliate in ways that will appear unprofessional. Teachers should not match students' aggression as society will judge them harshly as they are the example figures. It is going to take more counselling as is happening in some schools, gentle persuasion and a greater understanding of the roots of the problems of the nation's children for solutions and reconciliation. No, I am not suggesting that teacher become soft and a high level of firmness and resolve must be brought to bear on whatever strategies they employ to bring back discipline in the schools.

Some teaching methods need to be dispensed with for more modern ones and interesting learning resources have to be used to stimulate interest. Teachers have to involve students in the lessons, hold their interest so that those who are inclined to sleep will be discouraged. Teachers, let us not despair, we have to take back all students to the place where they can see that a good education is still the best route to upward mobility.

I am, etc.,

VIVIENNE PITTER

Cooreville Gardens, Kgn 20