Dubai: A private school in Al Barsha has terminated the contract of an Arabic teacher for placing a duct tape on the mouth of an 8-year-old German pupil.
A spokesperson for Al Mawakeeb School said: "They [the school authority] have taken complete responsibility for what happened. They have taken immediate action in terminating the teacher's contract, according to the regulations for education in the country,"
The parents of Arian Tavakoli, a Grade Two pupil, were furious upon discovering the incident from their son's classmates while they were at a birthday party, two days after the incident occurred.
The mother told Gulf News her son was repeatedly screamed at and told to "shut up" as he was talking to one of his classmates during the special Arabic class for non-Arab students.
"She [the Arabic teacher] attacked my son Arian, fixing a duct packaging tape on his mouth in front of the entire class," the mother claimed.
The boy returned home that day without uttering a word to his parents about the incident and without offering any explanation for the blood stains on his collar, the mother claimed.
"Arian's attitude made sense when we found out that day [at the birthday party] from the parents of his classmates that his teacher had taken the duct tape off Arian's mouth. She had done it in such a rage that she injured our son's lip, causing him to bleed," the mother added.
According to the school spokesperson: "I only knew about the incident from the child's mother, about a week after it happened. The next day, I met the teacher concerned, who confessed and we took immediate action."
Meanwhile, Arian's parents have pulled him out of the school. He is expected to join a new school next week. Arian's parents said they had filed reports at the Bur Dubai Police Station, with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and the German Consulate.
"I completely understand what the mother and Arian must have gone through and I don't blame the parents for their response.
"I sincerely hope Arian will be able to get over the trauma, which is why I insisted on him being present [in the school] on Sunday as I asked the teacher to apologise to Arian in front of the entire class," said the spokesperson.
Dr Hanif Hassan, the Minister of Education, had earlier stressed the ministry's strong objection to such punitive measures, citing their psychological, social and health drawbacks.
Should school teachers have the right to discipline children? What do you think is the correct manner in which to discipline children?
Your comments
Arabic style teaching, I went through it too.
Ahmad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 12:52
We should have more respect for teachers. This way of writing will demoralise the teachers. Let?s respect them. If a teacher has done so, she has reason. Let?s try to understand.
Ignatius
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 12:46
I personally oppose to this action. If a child misbehaves in the classrooms instead of giving punishments and abusing them, I strongly suggest schools keep a separate department for counselling the children, which is more helpful and effective for both teachers and students.
Fida Fazal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 12:29
The behavior of a child must be treated from his parents and from the atmosphere at home. The termination of teacher is not a solution to this matter. May be this decision creates some other problems.
A. S. Khan
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 12:23
From where did she get that duct tape? I do not think any teacher carries that to the class as a teaching aid. This is means this was pre-planned and intentional. Look at the attitude of this teacher. I do not think any other teacher felt bad for this, because this is truly an individual act, from a nefarious mind. These type of immature trainers should be treated psychologically and they need no sympathy!
Anwar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 11:58
Teachers should be ideals for children and parents and the pride and image of a school. Punishment should be in a form that adds to the learning process, like in written or through complaining to parents. That is why schools/education centres for learning need to be patient, respect and discipline children.
Hyder Mohsin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 11:35
Yeah, teachers can discipline the children while in the classroom but in a manner that they should not hurt them emotionally as well as physically.
Eloisa R. Mascarina
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 11:09
Schools are business centres, teachers are the sales executives, and the product they are selling is the knowledge not the discipline. Discipline cannot be purchased.
Abdul Majeed Kalathingal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 10:55
Disciplining of human beings is in force and required from the start of their existence, because of the different behavioral groups. Now the variable factor is the method of disciplining and is liable to be changed with the development of society and the development if its members mentally and psychologically through modern education and knowledge. Sensitivities also change with the above factors. For example, cane beating for a primitive may not be as pinching as a small insulting phrase for a person in a very civilised society. Hence, the ways of disciplining are to be there, but in a different manner, which may not hurt the child's personality as a future member of the society
Humayun Azhar Chaudhry
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 10:24
Children who goes to school look up to their teachers as their role model. Children are spending most of their daytime hours in school than at home therefore I think teachers should have the proper knowledge of disciplining children especially the young ones. School's authorities must give that high importance when hiring a teacher.
Carr
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 10:21
I wonder if such actions will be taken if it was an Indian or Pakistani boy.
Faisal Makki
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 10:18
Teachers has the right to discipline their students in a humane manner. No physical actions and abusive words. These ways of punishment leads to trauma and make them believe that hurting someone is okay and acceptable! It is their chosen profession, they must learn how to deal with children, if they can?t stand hyper active students, better find other jobs!!!
Hiyas E. Balingit
Tarlac City,Philippines
Posted: February 19, 2009, 10:10
As a teacher working in Ras Al Khaimah, I can only read this article with complete and utter shock and dismay. When working with young children it is vital to remember that as a teacher it is our duty to engage every child in a meaningful and stimulating way. When a child shows disinterest in the classroom and resorts to poor behaviour, it is not the fault of the child, but that of the teacher concerned. I have always believed that what you do in the classroom reflects the way a class of children will behave. As educators we have a duty to ensure that every child in our classroom feels safe and secure - using such draconian methods for dealing with a child are totally unacceptable. I admire the school for swiftly terminating the contract of the teacher concerned and endorse the decision to force an apology from the teacher. There are many incredibly conscientious, caring and hardworking teachers across the UAE who would never dream of such behaviour towards a child and have no wish to see the disgusting actions of one individual tarnish or bring into disrepute the reputation of the teaching profession as a whole.
Kevin Webb
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:37
Teachers should be a role model to their students and should be more patient rather than shouting and punishing children in a very unacceptable way.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:34
Yes, every teacher has the right to discipline students only as long as they do not resort to physical measures!Any experienced and good teacher will be able to handle disobedient students without having to get physical!
Hash
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:32
To explain and make them understand rather then shout/yell/call them names or torture them. Worst to worst comes, call the parents. The teacher has NO right to hit/abuse/or torture the child.
Sana
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:24
We always blame teachers but we as parents should always be aware of our children's discipline and behaviour. I do not support the teachers reaction by using force but parents always have a role to play in this and they should always understand and extend support to the school.
Caroline
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:22
No! Not at all!
Teachers are supposed to be 'mature' enough to handle this kind of an incident in a 'civilised' and socially acceptable manner. Will the teacher accept a similar kind treatment from her same-aged colleagues? There are always better, civilsed and positive ways to achieve discipline !
Shishir
Riyadh,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:20
This is harassment. Has the teacher undergone any training before stepping into the school?It is a ridiculous act to punish a small boy like this. Teacher has to improve the patience in her. The action taken by the educational department is fine enough.
Meera
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:14
This is again a teacher has become mad. This type of incidents should be controlled and the teacher not only terminated but also blacklisted in the educational zone and not allowed to apply in any other school. Strong action to be taken against her case should sue in ministry of education.
Elizebath
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:10
Teachers teaching in these grades should be aware of children psychology. Teachers should be friendlier with them like their companion, than a 'teacher'. Then they will listen and start loving them too.
George
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:10
Most of the students are facing similar problems. For example, my son always complains about his experience at school. The teachers require better training.
Abdul Latif M Fowmi
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:08
I think we have to enquire both sides, may be this child is talking too much is the class and not paying attention in class.
Teachers have personal problems such as very low salary package she has to manage many things at home etc.
Really the Al Mawakeeb School Management should also be terminated at the same time, they need good business in this sector earning money have no much trouble.
This teacher can get Job in other school.I am sure not teachers will join this school.
Harry Delson
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 19, 2009, 09:05
