It is a well-established or rather well-articulated fact that one of the most critical variables in vocational training is the seminal role played by the teacher. His subject matter expertise, ability to communicate and interpersonal skills go a long way in shaping the destiny of students. It is, therefore interesting to find out how different countries treat them in terms of pay, social prestige and recognition. One of the reasons why I got provoked to write this article was the school test given to students in India which I have reproduced above. Apparently, the teacher had asked the students to write the opposite words. One student wrote the opposite of " Original" as "China". It is fashionable to deride Chinese products as being cheap or non-durable but the reality is far from that. China is making serious inroads in making extremely durable and fine products that can stand the scrutiny of the very best that the world has to offer, and one important reason for that is the recognition that the teachers enjoy in China. In one interesting study, the perceptions about vocational training teachers were studied and the results are surprising. The study revealed that in the US, Brazil, France and Turkey people thought of teachers as mostly librarians. In New Zealand, the teachers were perceived as doing jobs like nurses. In Japan, the teachers were perceived as doing jobs like government officers. It was ONLY in China that the teachers were equated with doctors. Doctors are in the job of saving lives and teachers are given that kind of respect and social prestige by the people at large. No wonder the very best of society would opt for teaching as a profession. This study further had two more observations: The majority of the respondents stated that they would like their children to be teachers and over 70% believed that the students respect their teachers. If I were to contrast this with India I have to regretfully conclude that those who have failed in every other area go into teaching. The plight of vocational education is still worse. Men without any training or good academic qualifications become teachers. No wonder when they themselves do not have any good self-image their students are also of the same vintage. it is the classic Fulfilling Prophecy.
One final observation on Make in China and Make in India declarations made in recent times by both the countries. Made in China 2025 is a 10-year program that aims China to push the country beyond the brick-and-mortar, labour-intensive jobs to the state-of-the-art aerospace and robotics space. Contrast this with Make in India where the focus is to provide employment in sectors such as textiles, leather, handicrafts etc. clearly targeted towards the below poverty line youth. One can conclude that while China is trying to catch up with US India is trying to catch up with China.
If I was a student and the teacher asked me to write the synonym of "China" I would, without hesitation write " Excellence". It's high time we refresh our perceptions.
