Strict Teachers Produce Outstanding Students?

When coming to the discussion whether strict teachers can produce outstanding students, most of us must have our thumbs up and find it absurd and ludicrous if one claimed the famous Chinese saying is wrong. Undoubtedly, strict teachers have high expectation on their students and always demand them to do their best. Under such a strict confinement, students would become more obedient and disciplined. As a result, to a certain extent, students may have a better academic result since they follow what their teachers asked them to do.
However, what is the true meaning of “outstanding”? From my point of view, an outstanding student should not only has good academic result or discipline, but more importantly, balanced development of a student should never be neglected. Therefore, based on the above definition, I cling to the view that strict teachers do not necessarily produce outstanding students. My views will be expressed as follows. First, strict teachers always constrict students’ daily activities.
Students are requested to spend most of their time studying or doing a host of homework which are assigned by their teachers. Thus, they will have fewer chances to participate in extra-curricular activities or engage in other learning experience. This includes doing exercise or voluntary works, which are vital parts in all-round education. Students’ personal development would then be hindered and obviously, they cannot be outstanding on a social dimension. Another standpoint to be put forward is that students’ thoughts will be restricted.

Nowadays, it is not difficult to notice the significance of critical thinking among students. That’s why the latest educational reform stresses on the importance of liberal studies because the previous educational system is too exam-oriented. Yet, strict teachers would ask their students to follow what they have said and refuse all the ideas from students. In this way, students may just follow suit as they are afraid of being punished by their teachers. Hence, they cannot learn how to think critically.
This certainly violates the principle of education, let alone producing outstanding students. What is more, the harsh training methods of strict teachers, indisputably, are not suitable for all students. For students who cannot keep abreast of the progess under the harsh training, they may not be able to study efficiently and effectively. In worst case scenario, they might even give up their studies. Being too strict, therefore, cannot guarantee students to be outstanding.
It really depends on whether students themselves can accept such kind of teaching methods or not. The teaching methods of strict teachers sound powerful but dreadful at the same time. Strict teachers do not infallibly produce outstanding students. It is essential for them to strike a balance between strict and lenient so diversified development of students can be fostered. I believe that when balanced development can be achieved, an “outstanding” student would be produced.