One of my colleague had organised a talk by a very distinguished speaker on the issue of current financial crisis. Students were "strongly encouraged" to attend. Classes have been rescheduled to accommodate the event.
The turn-up was good, easily more than 500 students, i think.
What makes me "sick" is ho students started to show their restlessness half way through the talk. I see students walking in and out (mainly walking out) of the hall while the speaker is still talking. I see students "chatting" with one another, and from their facial expression, their conversation doesn't appear to be related to what the speaker is saying. I see students playing games with their handphone, and some were listening to music from their MP3 player or handphone.
The situation has gotten so bad that our speaker has to make this remark:"It's either you all don't understand what i am saying, or you guys just find your own conversation more interesting than what i am saying." Such remark was made with much humour and grace.
I was SO ASHAMED !!!!! It definitely did not reflect well on us!
This is what i told my students subsequently:"Who do you think you are? Why do you think our distinguished guest needs to put aside her work, take time amidst her busy schedule to come and give you a talk? Is it because you guys are such IMPORTANT people that she MUST meet? Is it because she has nothing better to do? Hey! She is no "small fly" ok! Who do you think you are? Your behaviour not only reflects bad on yourself, but on your parents! Do you understand the word "respect"? Being a business school students, you ought to be in the know of the issue that is being discussed during the talk. The fact that you don't understand, only reflects your ignorance and narrow-mindedness! "
Indeed, there is no "respect" at all. It's a scary sight to behold and a daunting observation to make. Students have become so obsessed with grades and academic achievements that things such as characters and values have been seriously neglected and undermined.
Well, i believe there is still hope, for those who have a mind to think, and a heart to understand and decide. Everyone CAN change, if they want to.
I hope to see a change in the students, in the next talk.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
HI miss, you are correct.
ReplyDeleteI was sitting in the second row just back of OUR "CEO,COO,programm Director".
The talk was just half way and all of them were talking back there.
And the " BIG person" was so unconfortable listening and turning thier head 45 degree to see what is happening back there.
Hope that you wont be very angry .. JUst relax .. They will know and realise that feeling when they are having their presentation but nobody is listening.. Bad feelings..
DIB (last Sem your student in 3.2 "S" )
Hi "S"! Glad to hear from you and good to know that such incident bothers you. There are some who don't find the situation disturbing at all, and that is very scary (at least to me).
ReplyDeleteWell, the issue here is not about "judging" or "lecturing" others, but to be a good influencer, in imparting what is right, agree? All of us have our own strengths and weaknesses. No one is better than the other. All of us can learn from one another.
Yes, i agree ..
ReplyDeleteSee we learn something today again...
How are you?? Miss your brownies... hehe
Must take care of yourself and thanks for teaching me such interesting subject..
Hope you enjoy teaching us and thanks for saying " You like DIB students".
DIB (last Sem your student in 3.2 "S" )
bla
ReplyDelete