After I heard that we were tasked to compose our own reflection paper on this topic, ideas came out of my mind that I should go to the library and find a book that suits this kind of topic. I gathered as many related books as I can. And while reading, I discovered that there are two systems of education, the repressive and preventive system. One of these systems was used by St. John Bosco the founder of the Salesian Congregation and this system is still currently used by his followers, the Salesians. Some people choose the repressive system and not the preventive system. They have different reasons why they choose it but as for me, I will choose the system which Don Bosco shared to us because I know that loving presence is more important than any other thing regarding of dealing with the young.
The preventive system of Don Bosco is not scientific or scholarly work on education; it is rather a succinct statement of some of the educational principles he got from his experience with young people.
His preventive system has three pillars namely, reason, religion and loving kindness. This was his guide as he educated the young people. Base from the readings that I had, all of these are based from his experiences and understanding of the different attitudes of the young. When I heard the word preventive system, the first term that would come out from my mind is protection, protection in the sense that you need to safeguard all your students in any danger. I just discovered that being a teacher will not just do purely teaching but also guiding his/her student to become a better person.
The preventive system of Don Bosco focuses more on the teacher than on the students. The phrase, “this method is more tiring and difficult for the educator, but more comfortable and salutary for the students” I got from one of the books I have read attest to this. I realize that I must be well prepared and today I must have a deep foundation in my studies so that when the time comes that I will be teaching it will just be easy for me to follow the system of Don Bosco.
I learned something from the prevented system of Don Bosco that as educators we must know our true reason for wanting to teach and we must also let our students know the reason they are studying. I am very inspired by the works of Don Bosco and how he dealt with the youngsters during his time. Recalling his time, the youngster were very vigilant that they harmed, fought and even killed each other but Don Bosco made something that could touch their heart and bring them back to the Lord. It was the prevented system that he used that he was able to win the hearts of the youth. Until now this system is still used by different Don Bosco schools and youth centers. This activity helps me to realize what I should do when I am already an educator, foresee the problems that may occur, and the upcoming needs of my students. I hope that I will be ready for my future ministry in the world of education and be able to use the system that he shows us.
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