Dialogue Is Important When Dealing With Students Says Fiji's Education Minister

The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar has stressed the importance of dialogue when teachers deal with students.

She made remarks on this during the 85th Fijian Teachers Association Annual Delegates Conference at the Yat Sen Hall in Suva yesterday.

She also received a first-hand update on issues that Association members faced and their take on the reforms of the education sector.

She acknowledged the work of teachers beyond their normal teaching and administrative duties and responsibilities.

“In addition to parents and the wider community, teachers often provide professional advice.  I am glad to confirm that we are taking steps to up skill those teachers interested in counselling as well as to provide professional counselling support to schools and teachers through civil society organisations.”

On teachers preparing their lessons she said that lesson plans need to be reviewed to ensure that they are up to date as the world around us keeps developing.

“In preparing your lessons, please take time to reflect on students’ learning abilities and design learning activities that will make their lessons engaging and interesting,” she said.

“Our teachers should connect learning with real life situations, to prepare students with the necessary skills for success. The school should be a source of pride to individual students, teachers and the community.”

She also said that teachers will be dealt with if they use corporal punishment as a means of punishment for the children.

FTA president Netani Druavesi during the FTA 85th Annual Delegates Conference at Yat Sen Hall on April 23, 2019. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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