Dealing with Challenging Students
Think of two situations where you as an educator were faced with (preferably natural)/ might face the challenge of dealing with:
A fearful student
An impatient student
Q. How did/will you deal with the student?
A) If it was a real-life situation, were you successful in helping him/her overcome their problem?
B) What is your advice to educators who want to inculcate these values in their students?
Situation 1: A fearful student
There was a student who was very dull and a slow writer, it was really hard to even make her utter a single word. The teacher was facing a troublesome time while working with her.
So after many counselling sessions, it was found that the child was being abused and threatened by her parents for being a dull student. They were using all sorts of strictness on that 7-year-old girl for not being a bright child. Once her palm was all tortured with a pencil tip and she showed it to her teacher and told her everything.
The teacher talked to her parents and made them understand that not all students are perfect score holders and that their methods are unjust and cruel. They need to be patient and loving towards her if they want to see her perform well.
The violence had made her submissive. They understood everything and felt very guilty. After that, they stopped forcing her and showed her affection. Both teachers and parents started praising her for every little thing she accomplished.
The results were all fruitful. After some time, she gradually improved and did better in her academics. She was finally feeling safe and appreciated as every child should.
Situation 2: An impatient student.
According to us, there are many situations we all have faced in our teaching journey. Here are a few examples of when we have witnessed impatient students:
•When they're waiting for their exam results.
•When they're waiting for a friend who's running late.
•When they're stuck in traffic and running late for school.
•When their computer or phone is taking too long to load or download something.
•When they're waiting for a package to arrive and it's taking longer than expected.
•When a student is waiting for the bell to ring at the end of the day but it's taking too long.
•When a student is waiting for their teacher to grade their assignment but it's taking longer than expected.
•When a student is waiting for their turn to speak during a class discussion but other students keep interrupting them.
•When a student is waiting for their school's sports team to win a big game but it's a close match and the outcome is uncertain.
•When a student is waiting for their turn to perform in school programs but they're nervous and anxious.
A) If it was a real-life situation, were you successful in helping him/her overcome their problem?
Yes, we all were successful in helping these students in overcoming such situations by -
• Trying to understand the motives for their impatience and finding ways to help them manage their frustration.
• Encouraging them to take a step back and consider the situation from a different perspective.
• Suggest some mindfulness exercises to help them stay calm and focused.
• Trying to find ways to make the waiting process more engaging and enjoyable for the student.
For example, listening to music or reading a book while they wait.
• Reminding them of the benefits of being patient and encouraging them to stay positive.
B) What is your advice to educators who want to inculcate these values in their students?
Create a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Teachers should be patient, understanding, and compassionate toward their students. They should also provide opportunities for students to practice facing their fears in a safe and controlled setting. Additionally, educators can use positive reinforcement to help build students' confidence and self-esteem.
Avighna @RPK Moradabad, India
Ritika, Shwetank Singh, Evon Anthony, Neeru, Saymeen, Swadha, Deeksha