Like vs Unlike and Teenage Challenges

Learning Forward Saturday

To read and discuss Chapter 5, Like vs Unlike on understanding and guiding teenagers, from Wanted Back-bencher & Last-ranker Teacher by Kavita Ghosh Key Takeaways Teenagers define identity through possessions (e.g., Apple, Prada) due to societal messaging (“you are what you own”), using brands to establish status and belonging. Peer pressure is driven by fear of isolation. Saying “no” risks exclusion and the painful loss of shared experiences, which can be more damaging than the negative behaviour itself. Adults can build connections with teens by listening, asking guiding questions, and setting a personal example, rather than lecturing or fighting their battles. Peer pressure can be transformed into “peer strength” by empowering students to take ownership of projects, turning collective influence into a force for high-quality work. Topics Teen Psychology: Materialism & Peer Pressure Core Driver: Identity Formation Teenagers use possessions to answer the question, “Who am I?” This focus on brands (e.g., True Religion, Rolex) can overshadow ethics and relationships. Peer Pressure: Fear of Isolation The primary driver is the fear of being excluded from the group. The pain of isolation and missing out on shared experiences is often a greater deterrent than the negative behaviour itself. Positive Transformation: Peer Strength Peer pressure can be channelled into a positive force. Example: A teacher’s class won a bulletin board competition three times by giving students full ownership of the project, which transformed peer pressure into a drive for excellence. Adult Strategies for Connection Listen: Create a safe space for teens to be heard without interruption. Ask Guiding Questions: Help teens find their own solutions by asking questions that prompt critical thinking. Example: “Do you think your friends are always right?” Set a Personal Example: Model healthy friendships and values to inspire teens. Don’t Fight Their Battles: Empower teens to solve their own problems by offering guidance rather than intervention. Chapter Context: Roma’s Personal Life The chapter opens with a phone call from Roma’s ex-fiancé, Ravi, who is resentful of her decision to adopt a child. Ravi’s derogatory comments about the child and the birth mother reveal a fundamental conflict in values. Roma ends the relationship, stating she cannot be with someone who disrespects women, upholding a core principle. This personal conflict provides a backdrop for the professional discussion on teen behaviour. Next Steps All Participants: Write a reflection on personal experiences with teenagers (at home or school) and how the chapter’s insights might have changed past approaches. All Participants: Share reflections next Saturday for group discussion. FATHOM AI-generated notes.

Like Vs. Unlike - Ankit Verma

Like vs. Unlike: A Student's Perspective

In Wanted Backbenchers and Last Ranker Teacher, Kavita Ghosh highlights the struggles and triumphs of students who are often ignored or misunderstood by the conventional education system. One key takeaway is the difference between students who are “liked” by teachers and those who are “unliked” or overlooked. This contrast significantly shapes a student’s learning experience, self-esteem, and future success.

The “Liked” Students

In most classrooms, some students are naturally liked by teachers. These students are often:

Academically Strong: 

They score well in exams, complete assignments on time, and participate actively.

Disciplined and Obedient: 

They follow classroom rules, respect teachers, and maintain a good behaviour record.

Confident and Outspoken: 

They ask questions, engage in discussions, and express their thoughts clearly.

Teachers' Favorites: 

Due to their performance and behaviour, they receive praise, extra attention, and opportunities to represent the school. While these students deserve appreciation, the danger lies in an education system that prioritizes only this group, leaving others feeling neglected or unworthy.

The “Unliked" Students

The book emphasizes that many students who sit at the back of the classroom or struggle with academics are often seen as “unliked” by the system. These students may:

Struggle Academically: 

They may have difficulty understanding concepts or face personal challenges affecting their studies.

Be Introverted or Disengaged: 

Some students hesitate to speak up due to fear of judgment.

Challenge Authority: 

They might question traditional teaching methods or resist rigid rules, making them appear defiant. Have Hidden Talents: Many so-called “unliked” students excel in creative fields, sports, problem-solving, or entrepreneurship but go unnoticed.

Bridging the Gap: A Teacher's Role

Kavita Ghosh's book reminds us that every student has potential, whether liked or unliked in the conventional sense.

As educators, we must: Recognise Individual Strengths: Encourage students beyond academics, appreciating their unique talents.

Adopt Inclusive Teaching Methods: Engage all students through creative, interactive, and student-friendly approaches.

Build Confidence in Every Learner: Provide opportunities for students to participate and shine.

Move Beyond Labels: Instead of seeing students as backbenchers or toppers, recognize their individuality and nurture their potential.

Conclusion

The distinction between “liked” and “unliked” students is often created by the education system rather than being an inherent reality. Every student has something valuable to offer. As teachers, mentors, and even classmates, we must look beyond labels and create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued.

Wanted Backbenchers and Last Ranker Teacher teaches us that sometimes, the most overlooked students can become the most extraordinary individuals—if only they receive the proper support and belief.

Ankit Verma 

Sunbeam School Varuna 

Like vs Unlike- Smriti Tiwari

 

Let’s talk about something simple yet powerful—Like vs. Unlike. Every day, we scroll through social media, clicking “like” on posts, photos, and videos. But in real life, what does it really mean to like or unlike something?

Why Do We Like Things?

Liking something is natural. We like:

• People who share our interests

• Subjects that excite us

• Music, movies, and activities that make us happy

When we like something, we feel connected. It motivates us, makes us curious, and adds joy to our lives.

Why Do We Unlike Things?

On the other hand, there are things we dislike. Maybe a subject feels difficult, a task seems boring, or a person’s behavior doesn’t sit well with us. But does disliking something mean we should ignore or avoid it?

Sometimes, what we dislike can teach us the most. A difficult subject can challenge us, a tough situation can make us stronger, and people who think differently can give us new perspectives.

The Balance Between Like and Unlike

We don’t have to like everything, but we should be open to understanding.

• Instead of avoiding what we dislike, we can explore why we feel that way.

• Instead of judging differences, we can learn from them.

• Instead of just clicking “like” online, we can appreciate real-life experiences.

Conclusion:

Life is not just about like or unlike—it’s about learning, growing, and understanding. Whether we like or unlike something, every experience shapes who we are.

So, let’s not just focus on what we like. Let’s also find meaning in what we don’t. Because sometimes, what we “unlike” today might be what we appreciate the most tomorrow.

Smriti Tiwari

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Like vs Unlike

                    

LIKE VS UNLIKE

Everyone is born unique and special. We all have different things we like and don't like. Some of these choices come from within us. Others we learn from people around us. Let's explore what shapes our preferences.

Let me express each point in detail:

Personal Choices Matter: Our personal preferences are like fingerprints of our personality. When someone chooses to learn piano over guitar, read science fiction over romance, or prefer solitary activities over group events, these choices reveal deeper aspects of their character. For example, someone who consistently chooses creative hobbies might have a strong imaginative side, while someone who gravitates toward analytical activities might have a more logical thinking pattern. These preferences aren't just superficial - they form the building blocks of our identity and influence how we see and interact with the world around us.

Influenced by Others: Our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our likes and dislikes. Consider how food preferences often reflect our cultural background, or how our music taste might be influenced by what our friends listen to. This influence can be direct (like parents encouraging certain activities) or indirect (like social media shaping our fashion choices). Sometimes, we adopt preferences to feel part of a group - like a teenager getting interested in a particular sport because their friends play it. These influenced preferences aren't necessarily inauthentic; they're part of how we grow and connect with others.

Changes Over Time Our preferences are not set in stone - they evolve as we do. Someone who disliked vegetables as a child might become a vegetarian adult. A person who never enjoyed reading might discover a love for books later in life. These changes often come through exposure to new experiences, changing circumstances, or personal growth. Being open to such changes is crucial because it allows us to adapt and discover new aspects of ourselves. Think of how many people discovered new hobbies or interests during the pandemic, showing how circumstances can lead to unexpected preference changes.

Impact on Decisions Our likes and dislikes: act as an internal compass guiding our choices. On a daily basis, they influence small decisions like what clothes to wear or what show to watch. But their impact extends to major life decisions too. Career choices often stem from our interests - someone who loves helping others might become a nurse, while someone passionate about technology might pursue software development. Even relationship choices are influenced by our preferences, from the type of people we're attracted to, to the kind of lifestyle we want to share with a partner.

Respecting Differences Understanding and accepting different preferences is key to harmonious relationships and social interactions. When we recognize that someone's different preferences don't diminish their value as a person, we create space for more meaningful connections. This respect is crucial in various settings:

In families: Accepting that children might have different interests than their parents

At work: Acknowledging different working styles and preferences among colleagues

In relationships: Understanding that partners don't need to share all the same interests

In society: Appreciating how diverse preferences contribute to cultural richness

By respecting these differences, we create an environment where people feel comfortable expressing their true preferences without fear of judgment. This leads to more authentic relationships and a more inclusive society where diversity in tastes and choices is celebrated rather than criticized.

Ankit Khare

Sunbeam School Sarnath