Up at 6. Morning assembly in the scorching heat and the feeling of grogginess during the first period.
The thrill of the 15-minute recess, leaving us in eager anticipation for the longer 45-minute one. Desperately waiting for the last bell of the day and finally, some post-school frolicking. Repeat.
Notice how I never mentioned anything about the classes?
School, for me, was a scary place. My perception was that all they wanted from us were good grades, and that was the only way to succeed; to make our future bright. And if you were, in fact, a student with exceptional grades? Oh! Without a second thought, you’d be the teachers’ main attraction —the teachers’ favourite. If a child’s not able to follow what’s being taught in class, the teacher would maybe (just maybe) ask out of concern for the first 2-3 times and then give up, and resort to scolding. The notion that some children might have learning disabilities is never properly looked into. An immediate conclusion is made that they’re dumb and uninterested. So obviously, they won't be taught with extra attention and rather be taunted. It’s no surprise to us, students, that all the attention would go to the ‘smart’ kids of the class, the ‘toppers’, the competitive lot. Instead of adopting different methods of teaching or motivating us, they’d simply blame it on our lack of interest. An easy way out, right?
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Realistically, a person isn’t required to have an inclination towards Maths or Science to be smart or socially acceptable. The fact that some kids just have no interest in or aren’t good at the sciences, and that the right side of their brain (artistic and creative side) just may be more developed, isn’t considered a possibility and is most definitely not acceptable. As a hobby? Great, that's amazing. But what if it isn't just a hobby? What if it’s what I want to pursue?
Being a teenager, you’re already confused about your interests and what you can and cannot do. Being brainwashed that you’re just “stupid” because you aren’t good at certain subjects, doesn’t make it any easier on the students. In fact, it just fools you into thinking that you actually are, and eventually just accepting it, instead of figuring it out.
Notice how I never mentioned anything about the classes?
School, for me, was a scary place. My perception was that all they wanted from us were good grades, and that was the only way to succeed; to make our future bright. And if you were, in fact, a student with exceptional grades? Oh! Without a second thought, you’d be the teachers’ main attraction —the teachers’ favourite. If a child’s not able to follow what’s being taught in class, the teacher would maybe (just maybe) ask out of concern for the first 2-3 times and then give up, and resort to scolding. The notion that some children might have learning disabilities is never properly looked into. An immediate conclusion is made that they’re dumb and uninterested. So obviously, they won't be taught with extra attention and rather be taunted. It’s no surprise to us, students, that all the attention would go to the ‘smart’ kids of the class, the ‘toppers’, the competitive lot. Instead of adopting different methods of teaching or motivating us, they’d simply blame it on our lack of interest. An easy way out, right?
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Learning Disabilities.
Plural.
“What even are they?” “There’s more than one?” “There’s dyslexia obviously… We learnt that from Taare Zameen Par'' “But there's just that one, right?”
A learning disability is a neurological disorder. In simple terms, a learning disability results from a difference in the way a person's brain is "wired." Yes, there are different types of learning disabilities, and most of you may already know about them. But my question is, do our schools know? And if they know, why do they make it seem like they don’t?
Now, of course, our schools have arranged extra classes for kids with special needs. The child is usually already diagnosed. The school doesn’t really make it their job to worry about that unless they’re handed a health certificate.
However, learning disabilities look very different from one child to another. One child may struggle with reading and spelling, while one may be a complete bookworm but can’t understand Maths no matter how hard they try. And, another child may have difficulty understanding what others are saying or communicating out loud. The problems are very different from each other, but they are all learning disorders.
A learning disability, if truth be told, is not at all related to a child's intellect, brainpower, or even motivation. Kids with learning disabilities aren’t “lazy” or “dumb”. In fact, most are just as smart, or maybe even smarter than everyone else. Their brains simply work differently, and this difference affects how they receive and process information. Of course, teachers aren’t trained to diagnose such disorders, and we aren’t saying that they should be. But the basic expectation we’re putting forward is, to simply recognise that the child does NOT not want to do well and to just encourage them for their small accomplishments, instead of just dismissing it by assuming they’re a ‘dud’. A ‘dud’, because the child isn’t doing well in certain classes.
“What even are they?” “There’s more than one?” “There’s dyslexia obviously… We learnt that from Taare Zameen Par'' “But there's just that one, right?”
A learning disability is a neurological disorder. In simple terms, a learning disability results from a difference in the way a person's brain is "wired." Yes, there are different types of learning disabilities, and most of you may already know about them. But my question is, do our schools know? And if they know, why do they make it seem like they don’t?
Now, of course, our schools have arranged extra classes for kids with special needs. The child is usually already diagnosed. The school doesn’t really make it their job to worry about that unless they’re handed a health certificate.
However, learning disabilities look very different from one child to another. One child may struggle with reading and spelling, while one may be a complete bookworm but can’t understand Maths no matter how hard they try. And, another child may have difficulty understanding what others are saying or communicating out loud. The problems are very different from each other, but they are all learning disorders.
A learning disability, if truth be told, is not at all related to a child's intellect, brainpower, or even motivation. Kids with learning disabilities aren’t “lazy” or “dumb”. In fact, most are just as smart, or maybe even smarter than everyone else. Their brains simply work differently, and this difference affects how they receive and process information. Of course, teachers aren’t trained to diagnose such disorders, and we aren’t saying that they should be. But the basic expectation we’re putting forward is, to simply recognise that the child does NOT not want to do well and to just encourage them for their small accomplishments, instead of just dismissing it by assuming they’re a ‘dud’. A ‘dud’, because the child isn’t doing well in certain classes.
You don't score well. You get taunted. You get demotivated. Repeat.
Realistically, a person isn’t required to have an inclination towards Maths or Science to be smart or socially acceptable. The fact that some kids just have no interest in or aren’t good at the sciences, and that the right side of their brain (artistic and creative side) just may be more developed, isn’t considered a possibility and is most definitely not acceptable. As a hobby? Great, that's amazing. But what if it isn't just a hobby? What if it’s what I want to pursue?
Being a teenager, you’re already confused about your interests and what you can and cannot do. Being brainwashed that you’re just “stupid” because you aren’t good at certain subjects, doesn’t make it any easier on the students. In fact, it just fools you into thinking that you actually are, and eventually just accepting it, instead of figuring it out.
Teachers do care and try to have our best interests at heart, they really do. For instance, back in seventh grade, I was sent to my school counselor to figure out why my grades were so bad. The counsellor made me solve a few general questions and made me learn my RBCs (Red Blood Cells), probably to check whether I could do it or not. But I did it. Mostly because I wanted her to think that I was fine, and as a 13-year old, I felt embarrassed about having to consult her. This process didn't make me second-doubt myself back then, because I knew I hadn't studied for my tests and I knew that's why I scored badly. I had lost my motivation to study because of the constant mockery and maybe because I was unable to shed light on the fact that I had a fear of taking tests.
But when I reflect on it now, all I ponder is why my parents were never informed about it? or, even kept in the loop?
What if I had a learning disability? And I never knew?
It may seem like I'm venting, but only because I have something to vent about. I’ve been given something to vent about. Not just me, but so many other students too. I have personally witnessed a lot of kids being subjected to unnecessary mockery and consequent demotivation. I don’t want to play a blame-game and disregard any of our teachers’ efforts. I’m sure it’s all unconscious to them since they've also been in this kind of environment for a long time. I just want to highlight the inefficiency of the teaching style that is based on the notion, "One size fits all.” This may work for a few. Yet, some just need an extra push, an extra example—an individual approach. Maybe with the help of audio-visuals, or a quick game! Learning should be suitable and fun for everyone.
So teachers, if you're reading this, yes, it's difficult and exhausting. We empathise with you and appreciate your efforts. But while we hear you, do step into our shoes and try to understand our perspective too. Just extend your hand a little further, and encourage us a little more. Sometimes, going that extra mile is all we need to escape the clutches of this vicious cycle.
But when I reflect on it now, all I ponder is why my parents were never informed about it? or, even kept in the loop?
What if I had a learning disability? And I never knew?
It may seem like I'm venting, but only because I have something to vent about. I’ve been given something to vent about. Not just me, but so many other students too. I have personally witnessed a lot of kids being subjected to unnecessary mockery and consequent demotivation. I don’t want to play a blame-game and disregard any of our teachers’ efforts. I’m sure it’s all unconscious to them since they've also been in this kind of environment for a long time. I just want to highlight the inefficiency of the teaching style that is based on the notion, "One size fits all.” This may work for a few. Yet, some just need an extra push, an extra example—an individual approach. Maybe with the help of audio-visuals, or a quick game! Learning should be suitable and fun for everyone.
So teachers, if you're reading this, yes, it's difficult and exhausting. We empathise with you and appreciate your efforts. But while we hear you, do step into our shoes and try to understand our perspective too. Just extend your hand a little further, and encourage us a little more. Sometimes, going that extra mile is all we need to escape the clutches of this vicious cycle.
Well written Ananya … good view on how the teacher student relationship could be improved and how little effort to help a struggling student can go a long way.
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