As
I have read through Roland Simbulan’s “The Meaning of Academic Freedom,” I have
come to realize how not only in the Philippines but also other countries around
the globe experience the devastation of being academically restricted, limited,
and controlled. Our academic system lies on a thin thread of controversies.
Most often than not, professional voices are not heard; they are overpowered
with the people behind high chairs, people who are thought to only want power,
money, and fame. But let’s not delve into those issues; let us focus on academic
freedom.
Academic
freedom is about “professional autonomy, where your colleagues are the best
judge of one’s technical competence, in order to preempt outside interference
by economic, political, or religious forces” (Finkelstein, 2007).
There
are have been multiple times that our teachers feel the need to use something out of the book, but are they given this freedom? All I know is that
they can integrate it into a lesson based on the curriculum or syllabus. The
lack of imagination and chances in creativity and a time for exploration found
in the required workbooks and booklets are blocking potential skills and
passion for learning, thus, we lose the fun and excitement for education.
Limitation and rules may have become an agent of discouragement. Where is the
point of teaching as a second mother, one who reinforces gentle teaching
guidelines on young and beautiful growing minds? Not only the teacher but also
students, both parties need more academic freedom so that they can explore more
options, follow what they are passionate about, retain an interest in education,
and retain their uniqueness.
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