Learning should inspire, not pressure: Top Filipino teachers

SPLET topnotchers from the UAE urge parents and educators to choose encouragement over pressure in nurturing lifelong learners

- Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Life is a school. The school is as well only one facet of life. Attending it therefore, must be exciting, not a drudgery, according to five licensed teachers.

Federico Dulla Jr., Jhon Kenneth Badayos, Fledah Martinez, Shaine Arcete, and Angelica Palongyas of the 2,500-strong Filipino International Teachers Society-UAE-Dubai and the Northern Emirates Chapter (FITS-UAE-Dubai and the Northern Emirates), also erased pressure out of the equation towards each one's striving to give their best in all. They reiterated that high marks are not the absolute when it comes to excellence.

"Striving for excellence is a very important part of education. But pressure should never replace encouragement," said Martinez.

There are two sides of the coin if parents, guardians and even teachers employ pressure, said Arcete. The positive is the "gentle encouragement guidance and help" leading to built "confidence, self-discipline and resilience."

Points that Sharjah-based private home tutor for a Russian family Martinez pointed out too, stressing that efforts to at least do good "should not be demanded."