Insightful Encounters with Diverse Students in the Classroom
Teaching is a profession filled with unexpected and memorable encounters. Among these priceless moments, some stick out for their remarkable emotional depth and the lessons they impart. Here are a few of the most interesting encounters I have had with students:
A Picky Six-Year-Old Typist
Once, I had a little six-year-old boy in one of my touch typing classes. The exercise was simple: the kids had to place their fingers on the home keys while their eyes were closed. Pats on the back signified correct placement, and those on the head meant a typographical mishap. It worked flawlessly until I noticed one particular boy flinching at the pat. Curious, I decided to keep a closer eye on him.
One chilly winter evening, I noticed the boy wandering down the streets in shorts and a singlet. Deep down, I knew something was wrong. The next school day, I made a conscious effort to approach and talk to him as much as I could, hoping to understand more. Mid-year, I delivered a pat on his shoulder. To my surprise, his chest swelled with pride, and he beamed a huge grin. For the first time, he had achieved a correct placement and experienced a moment of triumph.
Breaking Down a Bitter Student
Another student, an exceptionally gifted mathematician who impressed with a Mathematics assessment, experienced an immense setback when the Victoria Certificate and Assessment Board (VCAB) issued a lower grade for her exceptional work. Even after a thorough grading and my own verification, the board persisted that too many high grades were being given. When I tried to challenge this decision, the principal advised me to stop my inquiries or seek another job. The student, who was aiming for a medical career, felt her spirit crushed. Instead of pursuing her dream, she decided to become a lawyer.
Empathy in Times of Sorrow
In my first social studies class, I faced a seasoned antagonist who seemed determined to make my life miserable. However, this antagonism changed when a student in the class tragically passed away from anorexia. While it was a challenging moment for all, I noticed a specific girl's reaction. Referred to as Miss 5 x 5 for her size, she rushed to my side and hugged me, shedding tears on my shoulder. From that day onward, she became a model student, undoubtedly affected by the compassion shown in her time of need.
The Humiliating Yet Fortifying Experience
My career began in a private school where I was tasked to teach Social Studies to Class 10. I had no prior knowledge in the subject, and the preparation time was scant. Despite the tension, the headmaster expected me to deliver the class immediately. I entered the classroom with just a borrowed book, completely anxious. With 10 minutes left before the bell, I decided to ask about the discovery of the sea route to India. To my horror, a student correctly identified it as Vasco Da Gama, while I believed it to be Columbus.
Feeling humiliated, I sheepishly announced that I was testing their confidence. They believed me, and I managed to save myself from embarrassment. That experience became both the first and the last class I taught without proper preparation, fueling my commitment to thorough lesson planning for the future.