15 Bad practices in the schools

by Junaid.Tahir | Dec 24, 2019 | Blog, Opinions, Schools

While each school strive to initiate and implement actions which are good for school, staff, parents and off course, for students, yet there are certain actions which we do not agree on. Below are 15 Bad practices in the schools That Should Be Stopped.

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There are several practices that, based on current educational research and best practices, are often recommended to be stopped or reconsidered in schools. These practices can hinder effective learning, create negative experiences for students, or contribute to an unhealthy school environment. Here are 15 Bad practices in the schools

15 Bad practices in the schools

1- Excessive Standardized Testing: Overemphasis on standardized testing can lead to a “teaching to the test” mentality and may not fully capture a student’s abilities, creativity, or critical thinking skills.

2- Zero-Tolerance Policies: Strict zero-tolerance policies can result in overly harsh consequences for minor infractions and may not consider individual circumstances or teach conflict resolution skills.

3- Excessive Homework: Assigning excessive amounts of homework can lead to student burnout, stress, and reduced family time. Homework should be meaningful and balanced.

4- Lack of Personalized Learning: Ignoring individual learning styles and needs can hinder student engagement and achievement. A one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective for all students.

5- Teacher-Centered Classrooms: Classrooms should be more student-centered, promoting active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking, rather than relying solely on lectures.

6- Rote Memorization: Encouraging memorization without understanding can hinder deeper learning and critical thinking. Focus should be on understanding and application of knowledge.

7- Punitive Discipline: Strictly punitive discipline practices can create negative behavior cycles and a hostile school environment. Restorative justice and positive behavior approaches are often more effective.

8- Labeling Students: Labeling students based on their performance or behavior can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies and limit their potential. Students should be seen as individuals with unique strengths.

9- Tracking or Ability Grouping: Grouping students based solely on perceived ability can create inequality and limit opportunities for growth. Mixed-ability classrooms can foster peer learning and a supportive environment.

10- Lack of Emotional Support: Neglecting students’ social and emotional needs can hinder their overall well-being and academic success. Schools should prioritize emotional support and mental health resources.

11- Ignoring Arts and Creativity: An overemphasis on academic subjects at the expense of arts, music, and creative expression can limit students’ holistic development.

12- Ignoring Technology: Technology can enhance learning, but its use should be purposeful and integrated thoughtfully, rather than simply adding gadgets without clear educational goals. Check out these Best education apps on Android in 2023 from androidpolice

13- Teacher Isolation: Isolating teachers from one another limits collaboration and sharing of effective teaching strategies. Encouraging collaboration can lead to professional growth. Check this resource 10 Must Have AI Tools For Teachers To Revolutionize Education

14- Biased Curriculum: Curricula that lack diversity and fail to include a variety of perspectives can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder understanding of different cultures and viewpoints. This article covers 15 Bad practices in the schools that should be stopped. At the end of this article, you will find some practical steps that can help acheive the objective of stopping 15 Bad practices in the schools.

15- Lack of Parental Involvement: Not involving parents and caregivers in their child’s education can lead to missed opportunities for support and collaboration.

It’s important for schools to regularly assess their practices and policies to ensure they are aligned with best practices in education and create a positive and effective learning environment for all students. One of the best techniques is to establish quality assurance departments and create parents councils and students councils. In particular, Student councils play a vital role in schools by representing the interests and concerns of the student body. Their primary purpose is to act as a bridge between students and the school administration, fostering communication and advocating for positive changes.

Here are some key roles and responsibilities of student councils:

1. Voice of the Students: Student councils serve as the collective voice of the student body. They listen to students’ opinions, concerns, and ideas and then communicate them to school administrators and teachers.
2. Advocacy: They advocate for student needs and interests in matters such as curriculum development, school policies, and extracurricular activities.
3. Event Planning: Student councils often organize and coordinate school events, including dances, fundraisers, spirit weeks, and community service projects.
4. Leadership Development: They provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills by holding positions such as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.
5. Community Outreach: Student councils may engage in community service and outreach activities, helping students connect with their local communities.
6. School Improvement: They work on initiatives to improve the overall school environment, such as advocating for changes in facilities, safety measures, or resources.
7. Fundraising: Student councils often raise funds for school-related projects, charities, or events to benefit the student body.
8. Communication: They facilitate communication between students, teachers, and administrators, helping to address misunderstandings or issues that may arise.
9. Conflict Resolution: Student councils may assist in mediating conflicts among students and help find amicable solutions.
10. Policy Review: They participate in the review of school policies and may propose changes that better align with student needs and concerns.
11. Student Recognition: They recognize and celebrate student achievements, whether in academics, sports, or extracurricular activities.
12. Peer Support: Student councils can serve as a source of support and guidance for fellow students, especially those facing challenges or issues.
13. School Spirit: They promote school pride, unity, and positive attitudes through various initiatives and events.
14. School Elections: Student councils often oversee and organize school elections, ensuring a fair and democratic process for student leadership roles.
15. Crisis Response: In times of crisis or emergencies, student councils may assist in coordinating efforts to support affected students and the school community.

Overall, student councils are a crucial part of the school ecosystem, fostering leadership, democracy, and a sense of belonging among students while working to enhance the overall school experience.

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