THE IMPORTANCE OF PASTORAL CARE IN EDUCATION

Educators these days are naturally concerned and take a special interest in the student’s studies. However, other aspect of the students’ lives are usually not given much attention, and in some cases neglected completely. Why do we want to bother about what is going on in the family of the student, or if the student has problems with the landlord, or if a student has just ended a relationship with another person?

However, it is submitted that a student's life should not be compartmentalised. As educators, we should not just be interested in the study aspect of the students' lives. This is because if the student faces problems in one area of his life, it will more often than not affect his/her studies as well.

For example, a student whose parents are going through a difficult divorce will definitely find it hard to concentrate in his/her studies. This student’s relationship with his/her peers will also be affected - and this in turn will also have an adverse influence on the student’s studies.

This paper will deal with the methods used in Taylor's Law School, Taylor's University to help the students as much as possible in all areas of their lives.

First, there is the Staff-Student Liaison Committee. This committee consists of representatives from the Law School, different departments in the University and students. The committee will discuss issues brought up by the student representatives on behalf of their classmates and will either try to solve those issues or help the students as much as they can.

Secondly, there is the more personal approach. Each student is assigned a personal tutor who is a member of the staff. Students can approach their tutors and share confidentially about anything that could have an effect on their studies.

If approaching a member of the staff is too daunting, each student also has the option of approaching a senior in the Law School through the "buddy system". All fresh students will be paired up with a senior who will their buddy throughout the year.

Finally, there is an anonymous course evaluation at the end of every term where students will have an opportunity to raise their problems.

In addition to all these avenues opened to the students, the school also monitors the attendance and performance of the students. This will warn the school of any students who may be facing some problems and action can be taken to look into the matter and help can be offered.

This paper will also seek to address the difficulties and problems that will arise which include the lack of training, the lack of commitment, the lack of cooperation and abuses of the system. This will be shared along with personal experiences of the author.

This paper will end with sharing of success stories which the author hope serve as an encouragement for educators to take pastoral care seriously.