Students’ online stunts perplex teachers

BURAIDA: Students are increasingly writing seemingly funny remarks on their examination papers and then posting them on social media websites, a local publication reported recently.
Sultan Al-Ghamdi, a teacher, criticized this behavior saying it showed that these students are not interested in education. “Making matters worse is that they publish these comments on social media websites.”
He said students cannot be punished for these actions because there are no regulations setting out penalties. Teachers are now also doing so, which encourages students further, he said.
Bayan Al-Khalidi, a lecturer at Um Al-Qura University, said pupils might be doing so because they want to ease stress or divert attention away from their lack of knowledge.
These methods are used by pupils to maintain their self-respect and prevent developing an inferiority complex that results from failing. This mindset often makes them disregard their examinations completely, she said.
Al-Khalidi said students must be encouraged to succeed and be taught about the importance of getting a good education.
Abdullah Al-Saeed, a student counselor, said students need counseling to help them see their potential and enhance their self-confidence.