The Progressive Teacher Vol 06 Issue 01

CREATING A CULTURE
RASHMI JAIN BAYATI
A positive teacher student relationship can do wonders.
It only gives a chance for holistic development of a child
but also a sense of responsibility and belonging.
‘They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’. It is not clear who coined
this phrase, but it is very relevant in today’s education system. Teaching can be effective and fruitful
when students find connection with the teacher.
In the era of technology, where knowledge is available at a finger touch, students can learn at any time,
anywhere and at their own pace, but still no technology can deny the part or role of a teacher. Positive
teacher student relation helps in maximizing the learning potential and promotes a sense of school
belonging. Teachers assist students with motivation and goal setting, and students can turn to them for
advice and guidance.
At the present times, guru shishya traditions are lost when guru used to sit on high aasans and
students or his disciples used to sit down. Democratic environment is applied in all schools. In such
a scenario, students just don’t need a teacher full of knowledge, they need a patient listener who can
listen to their queries and understand their emotions and dilemmas.
With changes in teaching trends in India, and constructivism theory emerging as a new trend
in transmitting knowledge, role of positive, caring, motivational, innovative, compassionate
teacher cannot be erased. If teacher student relationship is positive, the theory of constructivism
does wonders as children with the help of teacher can explore their knowledge and creativity
to the optimum level. Teachers should respect the individuality of a child and should believe
that each child has something special that can be built upon.
To build a positive relationship with students, the teachers should imbibe some qualities
and let go of ones idea of supremacy. Instead of imposing things, should seek cooperation.
They should teach with enthusiasm and passion. Have a keen listening ear and be patient.
Teachers need to be open-minded and receptive and accept children as they are. All
teachers should believe that each child has a potential and will learn at her or his own
pace. Teachers should believe in affirmations and not criticism. They should respect
individual difference and try to teach students to be responsible of their actions.
The teachers should have a conducive, healthy learning environment where the
students are free to ask, question and share their thoughts and feelings. Teachers
should be kind, gentle and be empathetic towards students.
A positive teacher student relationship can do wonders. It not only gives a
chance for holistic development of a child but also a sense of responsibility
and belonging.
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