High School Students

Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students should be encouraged to question and offer criticisms on their teachers. Others think this will lead to a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some argue that high school students should have more freedom to critique and question their teachers, despite potential risks to classroom management. I strongly agree with this perspective as it fosters an ideal learning environment.

Opponents of this shift in mentality emphasize the importance of respecting teachers. They argue that constant interruptions from students hinder effective lecturing, assigning and grading of homework. They worry that some students may take advantage of a rule encouraging questions to disrupt lessons and undermine the teacher's authority. Furthermore, a negative attitude among students can create an atmosphere of unrest that impedes learning. However, I believe that superficial displays of respect, where students privately question their teachers, hold little value beyond preserving ego and pride.

Moreover, open discussion of ideas is crucial for optimal learning. Students who passively sit and pretend to be engaged in class are likely to become disinterested and unmotivated. Conversely, when students are given the opportunity to ask questions, whether they are critical or not, they become more actively engaged in the subject matter. By questioning and offering criticisms, students develop a genuine curiosity and the lessons become more memorable for everyone. Such discussions can also lead to novel insights, as long as the teacher is confident enough to embark on collaborative exploration.

In conclusion, although some educational institutions may fear that student questions undermine teachers, I believe they are the foundation of a positive learning environment. Schools should embrace academic rigor in all its forms, including encouraging students to question and critique their teachers.