Rani Mukherji, as a teacher, raises some vital questions regarding education and teaching in her latest Hindi film, Hichki.
Though the film is about a teacher afflicted with Tourette Syndrome, it goes beyond discussing her handicap to talk about the barriers and restrictions we ("so- called normal people") have in our minds that hold us back.
As a teacher struggling to normalize of a batch of under-privileged, unruly, sidelined kids, she challenges our educational system time and again.
First, why do we, as teachers and as parents, lay so much stress on teaching the same old syllabus in the same old manner?? Who says learning can't be fun? Why go around the beaten path only, and drone on and on about formulae and theories in physics, maths, chemistry? Why not imagine creative situations where these theories can be demonstrated, exemplified, and therefore ingrained in the mind?
Two, every child is unique and has some inborn talent. Just because he/she doesn't fit in your definition of a good student, it doesn't mean he/she is worthless. You need to change your definition of a good student. Being a teacher or parent doesn't give us the right to belittle any child because of lack of marks or academic performance.
Three, when a student fails, morally or academically, a teacher also fails. The responsibility of failure does not lie squarely on the shoulders of the student; it means that the teaching methods have been inadequate. A teacher has equal responsibility to motivate and enthuse a child to learn and perform well, not only in examinations, but also prepare the child for real life.
Fourth, and most important, examinations are not the be-all and end-all of a student's existence and a benchmark for a student's worth. Becoming a successful student and becoming a good person are not necessarily the same. Brilliant students lack emotional intelligence, and are snooty to a fault. This trait doesn't lead them very far in life. Ordinary students are often better at creating and nurturing friendships and bonds for life.
( Refer to earlier written piece on life skills for young adults on this blog)
Parents and teachers, please take note.....this is the realization we should strive for. This is what our learned texts and ancient gurus have been trying to tell us.
Success is not everything in life, please don't make robots and selfish machines of your children. Give them a life...let them enjoy the process of learning.
Though the film is about a teacher afflicted with Tourette Syndrome, it goes beyond discussing her handicap to talk about the barriers and restrictions we ("so- called normal people") have in our minds that hold us back.
As a teacher struggling to normalize of a batch of under-privileged, unruly, sidelined kids, she challenges our educational system time and again.
First, why do we, as teachers and as parents, lay so much stress on teaching the same old syllabus in the same old manner?? Who says learning can't be fun? Why go around the beaten path only, and drone on and on about formulae and theories in physics, maths, chemistry? Why not imagine creative situations where these theories can be demonstrated, exemplified, and therefore ingrained in the mind?
Two, every child is unique and has some inborn talent. Just because he/she doesn't fit in your definition of a good student, it doesn't mean he/she is worthless. You need to change your definition of a good student. Being a teacher or parent doesn't give us the right to belittle any child because of lack of marks or academic performance.
Three, when a student fails, morally or academically, a teacher also fails. The responsibility of failure does not lie squarely on the shoulders of the student; it means that the teaching methods have been inadequate. A teacher has equal responsibility to motivate and enthuse a child to learn and perform well, not only in examinations, but also prepare the child for real life.
Fourth, and most important, examinations are not the be-all and end-all of a student's existence and a benchmark for a student's worth. Becoming a successful student and becoming a good person are not necessarily the same. Brilliant students lack emotional intelligence, and are snooty to a fault. This trait doesn't lead them very far in life. Ordinary students are often better at creating and nurturing friendships and bonds for life.
( Refer to earlier written piece on life skills for young adults on this blog)
Parents and teachers, please take note.....this is the realization we should strive for. This is what our learned texts and ancient gurus have been trying to tell us.
Success is not everything in life, please don't make robots and selfish machines of your children. Give them a life...let them enjoy the process of learning.
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