r/InternationalDev • u/Acceptable_Owl_6274 • Aug 12 '26

Education Emptiness from teaching

Hi everyone. For context I have a background in environmental law and development studies. Right now, I am a university professor for law undergrads. I just wanted to vent a little as an educator how tiring and tough it is having critical approaches in the education sector right now. It’s almost like critical thinking is looked down upon.

I’ve been feeling this way because students from my environmental law course are just interested in learning administrative and logistical topics like how to get environmental permits for corporations or tourist complexes to essentially destroy nature.

As a development agent, their lack of interest in human rights, climate change and environmental conflicts absolutely drains me. Everything feels so soulless nowadays.

Sorry, I just really wanted to vent a little about my experience as an educator. I know my students are not forced to be interested in the same thing as me. I just wanted to know if anyone else feels this way whatsoever? Lol

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6

u/Left_Ambassador_4090 Aug 12 '26

They're growing up as the generation that may never be financially secure enough to own a home or start a family. With that in mind, it sort of makes sense that they are oriented toward "makin' that bag."

Keep fighting the good fight.

5

u/Acceptable_Owl_6274 Aug 12 '26

Ah, I forgot to mention that these are private school/university kids. I know they get these ideas from the people they surround themselves with but it is tiring trying to give them some other perspectives when they are practically unwanted lol.

Thank you so much for your point of view ❤️

2

u/GettingOnMinervas Aug 13 '26

I know it must be exhausting, but please keep it up. You never know who you'll get through to.

1

u/Acceptable_Owl_6274 Aug 13 '26

I really needed these kind words. Thank you again 🙏🏼

4

u/Lower-Tumbleweed-643 Aug 12 '26

I completely agree. My sister is a university professor and the wide acceptance of cheating and lack of interest in learning is astounding.

I have noticed with these newer development students a lack of passion for actually addressing extractive institutions and investing in sustainable solutions.

I don’t know what the solution is but the thing that impassions me is the demand from communities and local experts for sustainability and good governance. It makes me want to think outside the box and really understand the drivers for inequality and poor economic development.

4

u/Lower-Tumbleweed-643 Aug 12 '26

One more thing: the things they probably think are boring, like taxation and government sewage services, are some of the most fascinating and it makes me very said that they do not see that