Sir,
Over the past some time,there have been reports of children being thrashed and beaten mercilessly by some of their teachers and in some cases,by parents for various reasons such as failing to do homework, commiting spelling mistakes or other such reasons. There is no doubt that punishment and reward are the two basic components of educational system.Children, especially, in the early stages of development, need to be dealt with in a loving and affectionate manner in accordance with the principles of Child Psychology.They ought to be rewarded and appreciated for their good work and made to realise their mistakes in a manner that they donot feel hurt or in low esteem.In no case should they be subjected to corporal punishment.They have impressionable minds at this stage and any harsh words or physical punishment has undesirable long term effect on their minds, which affects their emotional and physical development.Excessive regimentation is not a solution to their delinquent behaviour.They need to be treated in a psychological and loving manner both by parents and the teachers.It is in the warm company of their parents that hey feel secure and when parents themselves start abusing and beating them, who should they go for security and protection?
Similarly,the job of the teachers is to ensure their holistic development with focus on their emotional and social development in a manner that children go to them for advice, guidance, solution of their without any fear and hesitation.The more emotional quotient children have, the more focussed they will be in their study.Education is not the process by which a student memorises a few facts and definitions; it is,in fact the development of problem solving skills and realisation of one’s strenghths and weaknesses so that the children may be able to adapt themselves to the changed circumstances and develop the required skills to cope with the new situation and challanges, besides developing curiosity for knowledge.Therefore, the Education Department should conduct frequent refresher courses for the teachers of both Government schools and Private institutions to aquaint them with the main principles of child psychology and paedagogy so that the children are imparted education in a proper and psychological manner.
Yours etc….
Ankita Sharma
Udhampur
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