Go beyond textbook in teaching

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian said teachers must go beyond textbooks to inspire students, stressing that respect is earned through knowledge, competence and character, not authority.

Addressing newly appointed teachers in Chattogram on Saturday, he said teaching should not be limited to delivering lessons and assessing students’ academic performance.

“Books are now available on the internet. If all you do is teach from textbooks and test students on what they have read, can you truly claim to have fulfilled your responsibility as a teacher?” he asked.

Zahidul said teachers should become role models whom students respect and willingly follow.

He called for an environment of trust and mutual respect in educational institutions, saying fear and intimidation cannot foster meaningful learning.

“Teachers must earn a place in their students’ hearts,” he said.

The DC also stressed that education must instil patriotism, social responsibility and an understanding of national history alongside academic knowledge.

Even graduates of prestigious universities may fail to contribute meaningfully to society if they lack these values, he observed.

Referring to the political changes of 2024, Zahidul expressed concern over the departure of teachers from various educational institutions, describing the developments as unfortunate.

He urged teachers to earn students’ confidence through professional excellence, integrity and exemplary conduct.

Noting that technology has given students access to information about education systems worldwide, he said teachers must continually update their knowledge and skills to remain effective and relevant.