Life is about learning and that's why anyone that stops learning "dies" even as there is no end to learning as life evolves. However, for a smooth flow of learning, boundaries must be recognized by both teachers (who impacts the knowledge) and the students (been impacted). Learning especially the formal learning takes place mostly under the "four walls" of the school setting and this is the widely accepted standard with slight variations and differences anyways. However, there is another form of learning called the informal learning which takes place outside the formal learning environment (schools) e.g. at homes and this keeps the learning cycle to be between the formal and informal.
The formal setting has a curriculum and prepares students with requisite knowledge needed for career, literacy and some other things. The informal entails learning of culture, basic life values and some other things. This therefore shows that the authorities governing the formal and informal learning are different. Hence, the teacher's primary role is within the confine of the formal learning setting and anything outside that may be counted as a tresspass. Once the school closes and each parent/guardian picks their children or the students leaves the school premises as it maybe, the authority by the school or teachers ceases except permitted by the parents/guardians.
There has been cases of riots, street fights, misbehavior by students of a particular school outside the school hour and which involved the law enforcement, what do play out in such that the school isn't liable even as each student and his/her parent faces the consequences. However, if any teacher intervened and something not palatable happened, such maybe left to face it. I believe that before anyone takes a teaching employment, the job description must be well spelt out and service hours too clearly stated to avoid over shooting one's task.
It is good to note that the world is evolving and some things done in ignorance, zealousness, emotionally or in insufficient knowledge back then may be a serious issue in this current era. I remembered that many years ago, some students do engage in street fight involving use of sharp objects and all after a major soccer tournament or sporting activities which resulted to the involvement of the law enforcements. Infact, none of the teachers dare intervene then because of the potential risk of injuries because it is outside school hours and environment. It is this bad in some areas or quarters and the more reason to stick to been under the right jurisdiction.
Therefore, understanding jurisdiction of authority is very important as if not properly understood may lead to an unrepairable damage or casualty. Also, students should be encouraged to be of good behavior both within the formal and informal learning environment. As the saying goes thus: "there is no ignorance in law", this is still valid and relevant now than ever before. Thanks so much for reading even as comments and contributions are welcomed.
This is my entry to @Hivelearners weekly featured contents, week 201 episode 01 on "THE TEACHER'S ROLE"
