ENHANCING ETHICS IN THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SYSTEM IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The scope of the research is confined within the schools of primary, secondary and higher secondary levels of Bangladesh. Domains of ethics are selected based on focused group discussions with teachers, parents and students. The ethical state of different institutions was evaluated based on a ground visit to the schools, and interview with teachers, parents and students. Certain numbers of inhibiting factors were identified through interviews, ground survey and visits. In this paper, it has been asserted that a comprehensive approach needs to be taken for enhancing ethics in the education system of Bangladesh. Ethics in the learning contents, ethics in the school environment, role of teachers, role of society and role of state have been figured out deliberately. Since, this is an affair which needs a long-term persistent effort, as such concerted efforts need to be taken by all the stakeholders to get the desired output in the long run. Improving learning content in relation to ethical values at different levels, preparing teachers in the teachers’ training schools and colleges for their task to become role model to the students, emphasis on co-curricular activities and practice of ethics at school environment are few of the significant works to be done. Schools/ colleges need to work concertedly with parents for enhancing ethics to the students. Schools should be made a place of pride for the students, teachers and parents. Social, electronic and print media need to be used as force multiplier for making positive changes in the affairs of moral and ethical development of students. Efforts to be taken for nurturing children’s idealism to become forward looking, positive, patriotic and progressive person imbibed with the spirit of liberation war.