Education > Behavior and Uniform

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http://theqstn.com/questions/193673/do-strict-school-regimes-produce-a-conformist-mindset-in-their-students

I have to say I’ve witnessed quite a bit misconception in regards to Education.  And without sounding too offensive it seems from those who work at Universities or in the private education sector.  This is also a part of the reason why the Government insists every child can succeed regardless of personal, physical or mental issues.

Take the discussion regarding uniform which apparently has no impact on behaviour which in turn doesn’t help teaching and learning.  Considering private Schools and even Outstanding ones in the Country all heavily enforce both quite heavily – how can anyone come to this conclusion?

There’s a heavy comparison between the UK and Asia, great example for some of the best Schools in the world.  And strangely enough just like the above – they heavily enforce uniform and behaviour.  The only difference is how often they need to enforce them.  I’ve been lucky enough to visit one School in China and I was simply amazed at what I witnessed.  The teacher was given the utmost respect and there wasn’t even a cheeky smile or look from a Student.  There was the constant fear of the teacher and fear of missing one piece of teaching material.  This is because every child understood that if they failed in School they failed at life.  This fear is actually occurring in many Students who attend Universities and again in Outstanding Schools.  I’ve been to quite  few of them and have family members that do/have attended those Outstanding Schools.  There’s tougher pressure to do well in the entrance exams even after performing well in primary.  It’s the Schools people want their children to attend.

Spot the difference?  Mentality.

In the UK we’ve got a culture problem.  Parents immediately will jump to defend their child instead of believing the teacher.  The teacher will also spend time looking at “new” innovative ideas on teaching instead of focusing what those Asian Schools do – Teach.  They don’t worry about fancy devices or a #Bett2017 show to find new software.  They don’t try and aim for the promotion or pay rises that go along with teaching instead they - Teach.

I’ve seen more ambition come through the ranks of education in the last 5 years compared to the almost previous 15 years in Schools.  Everyone wants to be on the high salary as quickly as possible.  To show the SLT and Governors what they can do for teaching instead of doing what they are paid to do – Teach.

I’m not an evidence man, I never have been even though I’m forced in to it daily.  I prefer real experience.  You can gain evidence on life but there is no comparison to real experiences.  You only have to look at all the articles about education.  They show no real experience of dealing with behaviour in Schools or uniform.  Uniform alone shows a professional level that many of us spend time sorting out every day.  I turn up to work looking professional, not because I have to but simply due to the fact that it’s personal pride.  I want to look fit for work and fit for my duties.

Homework alone is another prime example, we’re trying to squeeze every ounce of education in to our kids heads even though they are still young.  They don’t truly grasp how serious their educational life is.  If they fail, they can resort to benefits which I’ve covered in other articles.  This is the sad truth about our youngsters.  They know there is a plan B option for them if they fail.

When you look at other Schools doing well they enforce the rules much more heavily than those struggling.  They enforce them through consistent messages from all staff not just a few in SLT.  The punishments are heavy and the parents are instantly involved.  Those Schools it becomes an expectancy so when you visit them you get to see behaved and well-dressed students that understand why they are in School.  It takes 10 seconds first thing in the class for a tutor to spot the uniform and instantly report it.