Kids... BEHAVE!!!

Teachers often complain that kids nowadays are just not like yesteryears. It is said that kids just can't sit still and pay attention in class. Lots of abusive names like monkey, moron, stupid, dirt bag, good-for-nothing etc..., were uttered simply to quench the anger and frustration within. If one has no joy in their undertaking, how can one be effective in it?

I guess the problem underlying the situation above is in the understanding of kids. First of all, kids are not supposed to just sit still and pay attention in class. For those kids that do sit still in class periods after periods are definitely not normal psychologically. Kids are supposed to be actively engaged with the elements of their surroundings. They are curious, active, lively and noisy. Though they can sit still but their attention span will not last as long as most teachers would like them to.

With that said, it is the job of teachers to engage kids in their teachings in class. There are times when kids are expected to sit still and pay attention on the blackboard and there are times when kids should be allowed to participate in the learning process through meaningful activities. When the lessons in class start to arouse and satisfy their curiosity, when the lessons in class start to become fun and engaging, when kids start to look forward to their lessons in class, then and only then will teachers win over their kids in class to 'sit still' and pay attention. Do you agree? Please comment...

Ah... KIDS!!!

A teacher stormed into the staffroom, complaining and cursing as she slammed her books onto her table. Obviously, she was infuriated. The kids in her class must have caused her extreme anger. After her anger subsided, she asked herself if it is worth her effort to continue teaching those brats. This question got me thinking as well. Is it worthwhile teaching kids?

By looking at it, the word 'teach' should not be the focus. Basically teaching is not effective until a child is influence with the wisdom gain from lessons, may it be for the good or for the bad. Therefore, with this shift in focus, it is an extreme honour for someone to have an opportunity to influence kids in their growing years. Anyone, may it be a school teacher, a student leader, a religious leader, a coach, a relative or even a parent, who is given the honour to instil a rightful influence into a kid should treasure the opportunity. This may be the single most important contribution anyone can have for the betterment of humankind. Do you agree? Please comment...

Unteachable Kids

Is it true that there are indeed kids that are unteachable? The teaching profession is constantly being reminded that there are only teachers who do not know how to teach. Personally, I have witnessed many teachers struggle to hammer in new knowledge into kids under their guidance. Some are successful with certain kids but never have I notice any particular teacher that is successful with every kid.

There is a saying in Chinese that if a cow refuses to drink, no one can force its head down. Applying this into our classroom, if a kid does not want to learn, no one can force him or her to do so. While this is correct in some way, I feel that the main challenge in teaching any kids is not in teaching itself.

The main obstacle or to put it in a better perspective, the main catalyst in teaching any child is how to motivate learning so that when teaching begins, the will to learn is ready to tap in. Therefore, unteachable kids are simply kids that are not motivated to learn. How then, can kids be motivated to learn? Is motivating kids to learn the sole responsibility of teachers? Please comment...