KEEPING in mind the recent case of an educator berating a student for being too poor to own a computer, it appears educators need to learn to be more understanding of the struggles of students.
The professor’s argument about the need for a computer for the subject she is teaching is not entirely dismissible. After all, the course does require a software essential not just for the period of the study but later in the student’s career as well. But why is the burden upon students to satisfy the requirements for essential course materials and tools?
What this leads to is a disparity between students who are fortunate enough to satisfy those requirements and students who struggle to do so. However, all the students are expected to do equally well. But how can impoverished students compete with their more privileged peers? For an institution that was built on the basis of bridging the socio-economic gap, its professor has failed to realise that it is not enough to simply provide a place in class for the poor.
Education has always been the means to uplift people, especially those from the underprivileged background. But condescending and insensitive educator may not provide the optimal environment for students to excel. Consequently, students from underprivileged backgrounds may decide they no longer wish to be a part of the system and drop out.
Having the professor face repercussions for the damage inflicted upon the student’s dignity seem justified. The institution will investigate the matter, penalise the lecturer and the case will be closed. However, it is guaranteed that such cases are not isolated. There have been cases that were not brought to the spotlight and there will always be struggling students. There will also always be educators frustrated at students who cannot meet expectations due to circumstances beyond their control.
Will education will continue to be a venture in which the underprivileged students are left behind? – April 1, 2022.
* Ahmad Yasin is a committee member of Pemuda Sosialis education bureau.
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.
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