Love Learning vs Hate Learning

Learning Forward Saturday, March 28, 2026, with Brinda Ghosh and Sandeep Dutt

Today’s session was deeply thought-provoking, focusing on the emotional journey of a student who struggles academically. The passage highlighted how stressful and painful the waiting period for results can be, especially for students who lack confidence in their abilities. The line “The two months… had been sheer torture” clearly reflects the anxiety and fear students experience.

What stood out to me was how the student actually knew some answers and had put in effort, yet the rigid evaluation system failed to acknowledge partial understanding. This made me realise how important it is for teachers to appreciate students’ efforts, rather than just focus on final results.

The session helped me understand that many so-called “weak” students are not incapable, but often discouraged by the system and a lack of support. As a future teacher, I feel it is important to create a classroom where mistakes are valued as part of learning and where students feel encouraged rather than judged.

Overall, the session was insightful and reminded me to be more empathetic, patient, and supportive toward every learner.

Ankita Mishra

The reflection on ‘Love learning and hate learning’ resonates deeply. In this context, the role of a teacher is crucial. They can nurture the love for learning by creating a supportive environment, celebrating small wins, and making learning enjoyable. They can also help students navigate the struggles by providing guidance, scaffolding challenges, and fostering a growth mindset. By doing so, teachers can help students see learning as a journey of growth rather than a source of stress.

Monika Ojha

Today’s session was thought-provoking, highlighting the emotional struggles of academically weak students. The line “The two months… had been sheer torture” clearly showed the anxiety they faced. It made me realise that students often put in effort, but rigid evaluation fails to recognise it. I learned that “weak” students are not incapable; they are just discouraged. As a future teacher, I will focus on being empathetic and supportive, and on valuing effort over results.

Neha Pandey 

Today’s session gave me a deep insight into the emotional challenges faced by students who struggle academically. The line “The two months… had been sheer torture” strongly conveyed the stress and frustration such students go through during their learning journey.

It helped me understand that many students make genuine efforts, but traditional assessment methods often overlook their progress. Being labelled as “weak” can lower their confidence and motivation. In reality, these students are not less capable; they simply require more guidance, patience, and encouragement.

As a teacher, I want to adopt a compassionate and understanding approach. I will try to create a classroom environment where every child feels safe, respected, and encouraged to learn. 

Jyoti Pandey

The distinction between “loving ”and ‘hating’ learning is a powerful one. It highlights why the teacher’s role is so vital; by fostering a supportive environment and celebrating incremental progress, educators can transform challenges into growth opportunities. When teachers provide the right scaffolding and encourage a growth mindset, they effectively shift the student’s perspective from stress to a genuine love for the journey.

Jyoti Mishra

Reflections from the 2024 Masterclass - Ankit Verma

What makes a school?
A school is more than just a building with classrooms; it's a place where dreams are nurtured, and personalities are shaped. In the context of the book Wanted Back Bencher and Last Ranker Teacher, a school is defined by its diverse students, each with unique strengths and challenges. The story highlights how a supportive teacher can turn the so-called "Back-Bencher" into a star, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and understanding in education. A genuine school is a space for growth, where students and teachers learn from each other, overcoming obstacles and celebrating achievements together.

War vs Peace 
A school is more than just a place for academic lessons; values are instilled, friendships are formed, and future leaders are shaped. In the context of the book Wanted Back Bencher and Last Ranker Teacher, a school is portrayed as a space where every student, regardless of rank or behaviour, has the potential to thrive. The story focuses on the transformative journey of a "Back-Bencher," often overlooked in a classroom, and how an understanding and patient teacher can spark a change. The teacher, who is willing to go beyond textbooks, believes in the unique capabilities of each student, fostering a sense of worth and belonging. This relationship is at the heart of what makes a school truly special. A school is not just about grades; it's about creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

Love Learning Vs Hate Learning 
Love and hatred towards learning can shape a student's school experience. When students love learning, they are excited to explore new subjects, ask questions, and engage in discussions. This enthusiasm fuels curiosity and helps them succeed academically. In contrast, when learning is hated, it feels like a chore. Negative experiences, like boring lessons or lack of encouragement, can lead to disengagement and low motivation. In a classroom, a teacher plays a vital role in nurturing the love for learning by making lessons interactive, relatable, and fun. Students who feel supported and inspired will likely embrace challenges and enjoy their educational journey. A school environment that fosters a love for learning helps students excel academically and equips them with the skills to continue learning beyond the classroom. A positive mindset makes all the difference in the world of education.

Affection vs Rejection 
Affection versus rejection plays a crucial role in shaping a student's experience in the classroom, as highlighted in the book Wanted Back Bencher and Last Ranker Teacher. Affection in a classroom environment creates a sense of belonging and motivation. Even struggling students feel valued and empowered to improve when teachers show care and encouragement. On the other hand, rejection—whether through neglect, harsh criticism, or indifference—can profoundly affect a student's self-esteem and willingness to participate. The story of the "Back-Bencher" and the "Last-Ranker" emphasizes how affection from a dedicated teacher can transform these students, helping them rise above their challenges. In a school, fostering an atmosphere of support and empathy is essential, as it encourages students to open up, engage, and develop their potential. Affection nurtures growth, while rejection stifles it, making a difference in a student's journey.

Ankit Verma 
Sunbeam School Varuna

Masterclass 2024 Cohort

Love Learning vs Hate Learning - Deepti Sharma

Michelle, a child of destiny, could not hear or see. Her unimaginable condition made her emotionally distraught and ill-behaved to the extent that her father considered putting her in a mental hospital. But then her life took a turn when an ‘eccentric teacher’ entered her life.

The teacher taught her to ‘Never Give Up’.With her guidance and coaching, Michelle earned her graduation degree although it took her 19 years of failing before she could wear that graduation gown. But as life came to a full circle, a few years later Michelle's teacher was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and that's when Michelle held her teacher's hand and taught her to "Never Give Up" and helped her teacher to navigate her remaining life.

I believe that Michelle and her teacher were the luckiest student and teacher duo, to have found each other at the right time to do their part. If I can bring even a small change in my student e.g. brushing the teeth before bed or Respecting Women around, I have done my part. 

To me, the definition of a successful teacher is when her student carries a bit of her everywhere he goes. Love is an emotion of giving, caring, and never giving up. Love is an essential component of continuously trying. Just like a painting is beautiful with bright colours. The efficiency of the human brain can be enhanced with positive emotions as they affect the cognitive process of learning. 

Emotions are like an On/Off switch for learning. Emotions like joy and confidence have the power to motivate the learners whereas emotions like anger, frustration, and embarrassment are negative emotions. They can actually make the learning journey more difficult. An emotionally distorted class can be controlled by the power of positive emotions and the controlled body language of the teacher. 

Learners respond differently to the same stimuli on the basis of their emotional state of mind. Being aware of and managing one’s emotions may not be the easiest thing to do. Teachers are Superheroes in the life of learners who are juggling with complex emotions. I, being a happy teacher, facilitate ‘Super Heros’ realising their ‘Super Powers'.

Deepti Sharma 

Gyanshree School, Noida

Happiness and Tolerance - Ashtalakshmi RPKM

Image copied from www.dreamstime.com

Dealing with hate and intolerance in the classroom is a crucial issue for teachers, as it can negatively impact the learning environment and the well-being of all students.

Teachers should establish clear expectations and guidelines for behaviour in the classroom, including a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech or discriminatory behaviour.  

Address incidents promptly: When an incident of hate or intolerance occurs, it's essential to address it promptly and directly with the students involved. This can be done privately or in front of the class, depending on the situation.

Encourage dialogue and understanding: Teachers should create a safe space for students to have open and respectful conversations about sensitive issues. Encouraging dialogue can build empathy and understanding among students.

Model respectful behaviour: Teachers should model respectful behaviour in the classroom and avoid making insensitive or discriminatory comments themselves.

Involve parents and school administrators: In severe incidents of hate or intolerance, it may be necessary to involve parents and school administrators to provide additional support and resources.

Addressing hate and intolerance in the classroom requires a proactive and ongoing effort from teachers, students, and the wider school community. By promoting respect and understanding and responding promptly and appropriately to incidents.

Once, I encountered an intolerant student who often showed verbally and physically abusive behaviour. My classroom's atmosphere was deteriorating because of him. He used to cry whenever I addressed his problem but would not say anything. He used to seek attention. Whatever the situation was, he wanted to be the talk of the class. From my experience, I suspected that he quest for validation and attention from everyone.

Upon meeting his mother, I got to know about his family's condition that his father is suffering from cancer, due to which he's often neglected by his family. He subconsciously chased attention so much that the consequences didn't matter. I started motivating him to give his best and made sure to constantly hear his heart out. Within a few days, he started showing improvement. So, there's always a reason behind everything, and we should pay more attention to the journey and how we can change someone's behaviour rather than just the outcome. The classroom should be a place where each student should feel safe and appreciated.

When talking to an agitated student:

• Introduce yourself if you still need to learn the student.
• Maintain a calm and reassuring voice. 
• Speak calmly, but only do some of the talking. 
• Allow the student to vent.
• Ask questions; this shows that you are concerned. 
• When asking questions, use the student's name.
• Listen carefully to the student's concerns and take them seriously. 
• Paraphrasing what the student says can help show that you are listening.
• If emotions escalate, acknowledge them. "I can see that you're angry about the ..."
• Maintain appropriate eye contact. 
• A direct and uninterrupted stare may feel threatening to the student.
• Be natural in your gestures and speaking tone.

Tolerance Requires Virtue
Tolerance, in and of itself, is not a virtue. If a student tolerates drinking and driving, his tolerance is not virtuous. Tolerance is neutral. Tolerance derives its value from what the student takes and how the student expresses his tolerance and intolerance. This involves character.

When a student uses a racial slur, his problem is not a lack of tolerance but a lack of kindness and a problem with pride (the root of belief in racial superiority). When a student makes fun of a classmate's point of view during a class discussion, his problem isn't a lack of tolerance but a lack of courtesy.

When one student spits on another student because he thinks his schoolmate is gay, tolerance isn't the issue so much as self-control. Proper tolerance is the outgrowth of moral character qualities such as kindness, patience, courtesy, humility, love, self-control, and courage. Even intolerance should be expressed through these qualities.

Students need to be taught that tolerance arises from character. If they don't understand this, they will think they are being tolerant when they are actually only expressing indifference ("whatever") or apathy ("who cares?"), or even recklessness ("Why not?"). Improperly taught "tolerance education" can disarm students of their proper convictions.

When students are happy, they are better able to solve problems, they are more open to critical thought and reasoning, their focus is more in tune, and their ability to retain and recall information is heightened. A happy child is likelier to be motivated at school, collaborate and build friendships with classmates, and troubleshoot and solve social and academic dilemmas. Biologically, happiness and other emotions are critical in cognitive functionality and processing.

Teachers need the knowledge to teach successfully in different areas, for example, feedback and praise, handling mistakes, student questions, and clearly structured lessons. Also, areas reducing anxiety, motivation, humour, and active learning time are essential for teachers.

Praise is most effective when it is sincere and natural. They should use appropriate gestures and actions to accompany them. Teachers should motivate the students so that the students are more likely to pay attention. To be respectful towards the children is also very important. To react positively to wrong answers is a way to teach simply. The relationship between students and their parents is necessary. Students like it when the teacher uses their names. The classroom climate is so important. Creating a positive classroom climate is why children like to go to school and want to learn.

Ashtalakshmi @ RPK School Moradabad
Ritu Goyal, Poonam Sharma, Meenakshi, Sonia Gupta, Tabinda Jabeen, Charu Sharma and Krishangi Sharma.

Helpful Icons: Love Learning Vs Hate Learning

Inspiration from Kavita Bhupta Ghosh, author Wanted backbencher last ranker teacher.
Classrooms are places where stories originate. With every child, a story is associated which runs into the risk of being labelled as good or bad. - Helpful Icons, educators from The Iconic School Bhopal

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• Construct knowledge and develop strategies to overcome challenges and improve educator practice?
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• If you answered yes to any of the above questions, Learning Forward's Academy is right for you.

Connect with Sandeep Dutt our School Improvement Coach by email LF@ebd.in