When the responsibility of nurturing the young minds — who are going to be the future of this nation — rests on your shoulders, everyday may not be a bed of roses, for the teachers. From inculcating good values, to imparting education and guiding students to become better human beings, the role of a teacher is much bigger, especially, when everything is accessible at a touch of your fingertips. Students today are constantly exposed to information than the kids about a decade ago. Even parents, these days, have high expectations from both teachers and school management, which further adds to the challenges.
CHANGING STUDENTS
When asked how has the student community changed through the years, Seema Kapse, teacher, Novel International School, Pimpri Chinchwad says that the change in students behaviour is more noticeable. “I feel the most challenging behaviour for teachers is the boy’s physical aggression such as pushing, kicking and hitting. Among girls the most likely trigger is their gossips and breaking-up between friends. As a teacher we need to talk to such students and gain their confidence so that they can trust us. Secondly we need to have firm and consistent discipline policies and work with parents to ensure that the schools remain a safe place,” says Kapse.
Speaking about the influence of e-learning, she says that the medium plays a vital role in education. “Teachers need to put in intensive work and time to design the instruction. It helps students to understand the lesson better. Students become visual and auditory learners. The method of lesson becomes more interactive,” Kapse quips.
Sex education is considered important, however, most schools shy away from talking about it and gender equality. “Medically accurate sex education can be taught in schools. Parents can be involved while dealing with sensitive issues. Sex education in high schools helps young people to be more prepared for life changes such as puberty, menopause and ageing,” Kapse adds.
INTERFERING PARENTS
Not only students but even parents’ approach has changed a lot over the years.
Dr Kanchan Deshpande, Principal,
Novel International School, Pimpri Chinchwad says that there has been a change in the kind of issues that parents want to be addressed. Two decades ago the children were more independent. “They would handle their issues at school. Parents had more faith in the teachers and the school. Hence it was easier to teach and inculcate good values in them,” says Deshpande. She adds, “Parents’ frequent interaction with the principal is very good to track a child’s progress. But this needs to be used only for positive contribution in child’s development.”
While talking about gender equality, teachers can ensure that both boys and girls have equal rights and are not inferior to each other. For instance: I can say...
1. A female soldier fought bravely.
2. Asking the girl monitor to carry any sports equipments etc.
3. Planning activity for students where both boys and girls work together.
4. Actively encouraging students to engage in sports, dance, drama activities etc.
— Seema Kapse
