When I reflect on my classroom experiences, I remember one
interesting episode. The father of my student of class 7 came to meet me. I was
teaching English. I was a bit surprised to see him, as he hardly came to school.
He had a note book in his hand. He appeared angry. I, with my usual smile,
asked what can I do for him. He sarcastically said ‘Don’t do anything for me,
do for my daughter!!!’. He opened the note book and showed a English essay
which I had marked in his daughter’s note book. He pointed towards my remark ‘excellent’,
and asked, ‘Madam, did you go through the essay or just remarked? Her language
is not up to the mark. She has made many grammatical errors. But still you call
it excellent? You have not even underlined the errors.’
I was unmoved by his
confrontation. Again with a cool smile I explained to him. ‘Your daughter’s
favourite subject is English. She loves to write, is the 1st person
to finish any creative writing task. I want to nourish this passion of hers.
Your daughter needs encouragement more than the exact rules of grammar or high
standard language. If I highlight her mistakes and rob her love for the
subject, she will never try to write independently. She may gradually pick up the
rules, but will never regain her love for writing once she loses it.’ As I was
speaking, the frowning eyebrows of the father slowly eased out.
I had realised that the real delight and encouragement are as
much essential for enjoying learning as discipline was.
