Teaching learning

People who behave rowdy in a group, or talk too much are actually the ones who have a low self- esteem. They are the ones who need to be tackled, not in class but by themselves. By giving them importance when they feel alone and nervous. So that they can learn to draw confidence from themselves not from their friends only. That is the lesson i learnt from Frank*. Rasta- kinda looks, trying to act smart in class, his teacher warned me that he's a real trouble- maker. But he came in for his presentation. A big smile on his face, trying to disguise the need to turn around and run- away. He was fidgety (droped his pen twice!)., spoke softly. He had, no doubt practiced what he was going to say. Tried to learn it by heart. But he made all the classic gestures of a nervous boy. Made many mistakes no doubt. But i avoided correcting him all the time. When i did correct him, he laughed aloud, typical sign of nervousness, again. At the end i dicussed his mistakes with him. First told him the positive points of his presentation. He really seemed interested in correcting himself. And before he left, i told him, don't get so nervous next time. "Be cool", i said. He seemed highly amused by that. He laughed, this time a genuine laugh. As he walked out he asked, "How do you say 'bonne journee'?" I told him. He waved and said, "Bye have a nice day. Next time, I'll be cool."

Have faced this problem so many times before. it's not something typical of France or India. But i guess, so often teachers fail to understand that humiliating a student in front of his/ her classmates only agrravates the problem. Better to show the student attention by not exactly showing him that you are attentive.

Being a teacher has thaught me more than i can ever expect to teach. Just remembering a students surname sometimes, or where he/ she lives can mean so much to the student. Spending just one minute extra to explain something that seems oh so easy to you can help the student get that all important one mark.

Being a teacher has made me patient and more understanding. Not to say more confident. And yes tactful. Being on the good sides of students is not always an easy task, takes an effort, but belive me it's worth it in the end. To all my friends who are teachers, happy teaching! Try and enjoy it!

* Real name with- held to protect privacy. (hehe couldn't help putting in that line!)