Being a Positive Teacher

Relationship

The teacher student relationship is very important for children. Children spend approximately 5 to 7 hours a day with a teacher for almost 10 months. We need to ask ourselves what is considered a good teacher. All of us have gone through schooling, and if fortunate had a favourite teacher. A positive relationship between the student and the teacher is difficult to establish, but can be found for both individuals at either end. The qualities for a positive relationship can vary to set a learning experience approachable and inviting the students to learn.

A teacher and student who have the qualities of good communications, respect in a classroom, and show interest in teaching from the point of view of the teacher and learning from a student will establish a positive relationship in the classroom. But we need to focus on the relationship between the student and teacher, involving a setting not just inside the four walls of a classroom but to be extremely important for the student to gain a positive attitude for their future as well.

CHILDINE Trivandrum received sensitive information on three students being callously punished in a prominent higher secondary school in Trivandrum. The case was informed by one of the child’s mother. The girls were emotionally and physically harassed by their teacher. Our team visited the school and met the concerned students and teacher.

Reportedly, the other day, one of the girls with her friends excused themselves from the class and went to the toilet. This was during the second last hour of the day. And soon the hour was over and the next one began shortly after five minutes. The teacher designated for the next hour found that the three students were missing from class. Upon inquiry, she found out that the three had left the classroom for almost 20 minutes.

This agitated the teacher and without asking for any reasons or explanations, she beat them and scolded them instead of hearing them out. Our staff visited the school and met both the teacher and the girls. It was found that the girl was on Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It was unfortunate that the lady teacher did not have the courtesy or patience to ask of the matter. The team gave them guidance and emotional support to settle the problem.

Communication is the key

The communication between the student and the teacher serves as a connection between the two, which provides a better atmosphere for a classroom environment. Of course a teacher is not going to understand every problem for every child in his or her classroom, but will acquire enough information for those students who are struggling with specific issues. The more the teacher connects or communicates with his or her students, the more likely they will be able to help students learn at a high level and accomplish quickly.

Teacher needs to understand that in many schools, especially in big cities like Trivandrum, children come from different cultures and backgrounds. Understanding the family back ground of the child will surely help to better assess the child.   A child from a dysfunctional family might have unruly behaviour due to lack of sufficient care from parent and neglect issues and mental health problems.

The Distress Call

PMS is a completely natural occurrence, although it can come at an inconvenient time. If it starts while you are in class, you will want to remain calm and request assistance from your teacher. Following a clear plan of action will put you back in control. Try to wait until there is a break in the class discussion or a transition between activities. Raise your hand or approach the teacher’s desk and ask to visit the restroom. Do this as soon as you suspect that your period is starting so you can avoid any staining. You may need to indicate that you can't wait, as some schools limit bathroom breaks and have less number of bathrooms.

Though there are students who have a difficult time in school and David Thomas’ essay, “The Mind of Man” states: “children who are yelled at feel rejected and frightened because a teacher shouts at them”. The example above demonstrates the feelings the child has towards the teacher leading to inhibiting the child from learning. The reasons for children to be yelled at vary from teacher to teacher, but shouting should not be the solution for children who find education a difficult process or simply lack of learning experiences, but sometimes teachers find yelling at the child as the only immediate solution.

End Note

Therefore, how does a teacher hold a relationship that leads to effectively teaching the children? The answer becomes clear when teachers interact with, and learn more about their students. Our first educational experience, which takes place in the primary years of our life, sets the principles for our future education. Every school year an elementary teacher deals with new faces and new attitudes. Some children find themselves lacking an interest in learning and others feel playing and fooling around at school with friends is the happiest moment of their life.

The solution to inappropriate behaviour will not automatically get rid of the poor attitude of these children. It is important to establish a positive relationship. Teachers can establish a positive relationship with their students by communicating with them and properly providing feedback to them. Respect between teacher and student is important in feeling enthusiastic when learning and teaching. Establishing a positive relationship with students will encourage students to pursue education and be enthusiastic and active in school.