Should Students Have the Right to Grade Their Teacher?
Sree, Year 6, Melbourne (Australia)
It is a common practice for teachers to assess their students based on tests and similar evaluations. However, this raises an unequivocal question: should students have the right to grade their teachers? I firmly believe they should. The pros outweigh the cons in this argument, and it is reasonable for students to assess their teachers' capabilities and overall conduct in the classroom.
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To begin with, students must be able to demonstrate their understanding of certain topics. When a student receives an unsatisfactory grade, the blame often falls entirely on them. But shouldn’t some of the responsibility rest with the teacher, as it is their duty to clarify doubts? Teachers who neglect to address their students' questions should receive constructive feedback to improve their practices. Students who struggle to voice their issues often fall behind their peers, and everyone must be given a chance to thrive. Therefore, children should be able to provide feedback and evaluate their teachers based on mistakes and potential improvements. This may foster greater engagement in class, as students would feel empowered knowing their input is valued.
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Moreover, based on my experience, I have seen some children struggle with the material they are given. Have you ever felt stressed because you didn’t understand something? Have you experienced the frustration of not comprehending a subject? This lack of understanding leaves little room for improvement and hinders their progress. Instead, students should be taught in a manner suited to their needs. However, some students face another issue: when the tasks at hand are too simple and elementary. Of course, appealing to everyone is challenging; however, students will benefit more from their schooling if they can express their thoughts and seek assistance through questionnaires and surveys. I implore you to consider the students whose passion for learning is diminished simply because they cannot grasp the material provided. Every student deserves the right to learn!
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Schools sometimes foster a “sophisticated and domineering” atmosphere, which leads to students feeling hesitant when approaching new experiences or attempting something for the first time. Why should students be afraid of their own teachers? Some believe this fear arises from a lack of respect. For example, if you wanted to try out for the drama club and the teacher humiliates you in front of your peers, would you continue? This hesitation often stems from a fear of being judged or reprimanded for making mistakes, rather than viewing mistakes as valuable opportunities for growth and learning. Offering advice and feedback would lead teachers to evaluate their teaching methods, effectively creating an environment where students can give their all without worrying about potential mistakes. Although there is no official statistic to support this, numerous studies have shown that this issue occurs daily. Can you recall all the times you refrained from doing something because you feared others' opinions? How would you feel if a teacher damaged your self-esteem?
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In conclusion, students must have the opportunity to provide essential feedback to their teachers. Educators should not only teach their pupils but also create conditions for them to thrive in their chosen fields. To achieve this, teachers must answer their students' queries to the best of their ability, create relevant material, and be inclusive of their ideas, thoughts, and mistakes. Shouldn’t students have the right to learn while teachers serve as role models to guide and inspire them?