STUDENTS BEING LABELED AS MISCHIEVOUS

by Nimisha Tom

The topic that I chose was students being labeled which results in bullying and low self- esteem. I took this topic because when my student asked me a question, “Miss, did anyone lend an ear to hear my side?” that hit me hard. My one month internship in that school was a real eye opener. People at times tend to have a prejudiced mind but I do not think it is a good attribute to say negative things about a class to an intern. We all are humans who are not perfect, even teachers also have done mistakes when they were young. I admit myself that I have done number of mischievous things when I was in school. I ran from my school while I was in grade VI without even taking my bag when I found my class boring without informing anyone. I remember cheating in my examinations, I also changed my marks on my test copy out of fear. But I had some good teachers, who lend me an ear, explained the consequences of such acts with love. I still remember they were calm and willingness to hear me. I realized the importance of having morals and values in life. I learned it requires courage to admit one’s mistake. I also remember my teachers in grade I, grade VI and grade VII insulting me in front of the entire class which resulted in me the fear to talk to teachers, discuss my problems, clear doubts.

I believe, a teacher is way more capable to help a student grow. During my internship, I got grade VI to grade XI to teach. While I was sitting in the staffroom, a faculty asked me that which class I am going to. To which I replied, grade XI B. He told, “Ah, that’s the most notorious class in the entire school. There are 28 boys in that class and every single boy got suspension for hitting a boy.” I was so scared to go but calling all the Gods, I went. I saw the Principal standing inside the classroom who was scolding them for making noise. At the beginning I was a bit strict, but later on I realized they are not notorious. I started to teach them using example from their areas of interest and gave them 5 minutes break before the bell. This were the tips given by my mother who is a retired teacher. My students of grade XI were not so notorious as expected.

But one day, while I was taking class, I heard some boys murmuring. I asked, who is talking and some boys told it was John (not the real name). I asked him to stand up and did not let him speak as I was in a rush to complete my portion. I told him to sit after 5 minutes. After the class, I called him to me, before my question, he asked me “Did you hear my side? Why no one is willing to listen to me? I admit I did a mistake when I was in grade IV, but that doesn’t mean that I will never change. No one is trying to help me but pull me down.” I became numb and speechless.

At times, we forget that students consider us as role models. I believe in give respect, take respect; irrespective of age. When a teacher makes fun of a student in front of the whole class, it is stimulator for the entire class to make fun. We will never know the wound created in them and how long will it last. Considering the fact that, they are at their young age and inexperienced, it is our duty to have a personal talk to make them realize the seriousness and consequences of their deeds rather than doing it in front of the whole class. Instead of labeling them, let us help them learn from their mistakes and gain their wings to fly high.