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SCMP Reporter

Spoiled brats need better manners
Many children in Hong Kong are spoiled. They are lazy and selfish. Their parents treat them like little emperors and empresses. The children are bad at communicating properly with others and their behaviour could have a negative affect when they grow up. 
I believe this problem has seldom been seen in my generation or in past ones. I often wonder why young children these days are so badly behaved. Is it because of a lack of good parenting skills? 
In the end, it is the children themselves who will face problems later in life if they continue to misbehave. Parents and teachers should try and teach them good behaviour while it is not too late.
Janet Ching Hoi-man, Pooi To Middle School 
Smaller classes are worth considering
Small-class teaching has become an issue for hot debate. About 1000 students, parents and teachers called for small-class teaching in Central recently. The Education Bureau supports reducing the number of students in classes. 
Yet many parents, teachers and students are against the plan. Both supporters and opponents have good arguments on their side. 
As Hong Kong's population rate is dropping, student numbers are declining. Small-class teaching can help students receive quality education. In smaller classes, teachers can pay more attention to individual students. 
Teachers can also benefit because their workload might ease up a bit. They will not lose their jobs even after fewer students attend a school. In addition, schools can focus on developing the individual skills of students.
On the other hand, small-class teaching will require further educational resources, such as teaching materials, teachers, and classrooms. The government would have to spend a large sum on education. Besides, surveys often do not bear out the arguments for the benefits of small-class teaching.
Overall, as a secondary 5 student, I am in favour of smaller class sizes. I think I would be more comfortable asking questions in a small class than in a bigger one. Teachers could also help us better.
Chan Mei-hei, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School 
Retraining teachers is a good idea
I read with interest an article that said several universities are sending back their junior faculty members to school to improve their teaching skills ('Professors sent back to school to brush up skills,' November 23). I applaud this move. In fact, it would be great if all educational institutions followed suit.
I believe academic qualifications alone do not reflect someone's ability to be a good teacher. Teachers need to have a passion for spreading knowledge and the ability to present that knowledge in a fun way effectively.
I once had a teacher who was a former university lecturer. Sadly, I did not learn a lot from her, even though I could see she was an expert in her field. If a university lecturer cannot even teach secondary students well, it's hard for me to imagine how she would be able to teach university students.
Indeed, at a lot of primary and secondary schools, many teachers cannot deliver subject knowledge clearly to students. Students may be able to help. They can evaluate the performances of teachers and schools may use their insights to determine whether teachers need further training. I think this approach would work well.
Minnie Poon Kin-kwan, Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School 
After-school classes have many benefits
After-school tutorials for children, especially for those from poor families, can be very helpful.
 First of all, mothers of younger children can work longer and earn some extra money. After-school tutorials will relieve them of the burden to look after their children in the afternoon. 
Second, children can also benefit by learning more and getting better grades. Without extra tutorials, many children simply go home to play computer games or watch television. Instead, they could revise their studies and do their homework in tutorial classes. 
Mothers have lots of things to worry about, including their children's grades. If their children attend after-school tutorials, it will help set their mind at ease. 
Fidelia Chan, Pooi To Middle School



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