UNLOCKING THE SECRET: DISCIPLINE TOOL IN THE SCHOOL

                  UNLOCKING THE SECRET: DISCIPLINE TOOL IN THE SCHOOL

SABITABRATA MANDAL

 

I still remember the day when I joined a private school in Dhanbad as an assistant teacher for teaching biology. Mugma is a small place where this large school was located. I have just come out of the university campus. There was an overconfidence that I could change the whole world. I was excited and eager to positively impact my students' lives and the degenerating coal belt. After a slow start, I was able to communicate well with all the stakeholders of the society. And being popular among students, teachers, and parents, I felt confident I could handle any situation.

However, things took a different turn when I started receiving complaints about a student named Sumit Singh. He was known for being disruptive in class, fighting with other students, and not listening to any teacher. As a young and ambitious teacher, I decided to discipline him.

During the tiffin break, I confronted Sumit and taught him a lesson one day. I took out my cane and started beating him. But to my surprise, he showed no signs of pain or fear. I was exhausted, but Sumit stood there as if he was numb to the beating. It left me confused and triggered my ego as a teacher.

The next day, in the staffroom, all the teachers in my class complained to me about Sumit's behaviour, blaming me for being unable to control him. I couldn't help but feel frustrated and embarrassed, which made me even more determined to discipline him harder.

But as time passed, my anger cooled down, and I started to reflect on my actions. Why was Sumit not responding to the beating? What was causing his disruptive behaviour? I decided to talk to some of his classmates and neighbours.

They revealed something that shocked me. Sumit's father was physically abusive towards him. He would beat Sumit mercilessly for every little mistake or misbehaviour at home. This information left me in a state of shock and guilt.

The next day, I approached Sumit again during tiffin break, but this time with a different approach. Instead of using physical punishment, I gently placed my hand on his shoulder and asked him why he was causing problems in class. He broke down and told me that all the teachers blamed him for everything, and he couldn't handle the pressure.

At that moment, I realised my mistake. I was a young teacher with a poor understanding of the complexity of relationships and emotions. My ego and desire to control had blinded me, and I failed to see the root of Sumit's behaviour.

I spent some time consoling him and listening to his problems. He opened up to me about his troubled family life, and I could see the pain in his eyes. My heart went out to him, and I realised he needed not punishment but love and understanding.

From that day on, I consciously tried to be patient with Sumit and understand his struggles. I often talked to him after class, boosting his confidence and telling him he had a better brain than he thought. I encouraged him to work hard and showed him that he can achieve great things despite difficult circumstances.

 

Slowly but surely, I saw a transformation in Sumit's behaviour. He became more attentive in class, stopped getting into fights, and even started participating in extracurricular activities. The other teachers also noticed his change and praised me for controlling him.

But it wasn't just about controlling Sumit but understanding him. It was about showing him love and compassion instead of punishment and anger. As a teacher, I learned an important lesson that day – that discipline does not always mean physical punishment or control. It also means understanding the underlying issues and helping the child overcome them.

What caused Sumit's disruptive behavior in class? How did Sumit's father's abusive behaviour affect Sumit's behaviour in school? What was the long-term impact of the teacher's approach on Sumit's academic and personal life? These questions may have different answers for every other child. Going technically is the best way to address these issues in the school, but a shortcut is patient hearing and a loving gesture to the children.

In today's fast-paced world, we often forget the power of love and understanding in disciplining children. We are quick to judge, punish, and control without taking the time to understand their struggles. However, as adults, we are responsible for creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow without fear or pressure.

Psychologically, physical punishment can hurt a child's mental and emotional well-being. It can cause them to feel fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to aggressive behaviour and a lack of trust towards authority figures.

On the other hand, showing love and understanding towards a child can positively impact their psychological development. It can make them feel valued, supported, and understood. It can also build their self-confidence and improve their relationship with authority figures.

In my experience with Sumit, I learned that every child has a unique story, and our teachers must understand and support them. We must remember that love, patience, and understanding can go a long way in disciplining children and shaping their future.

Looking back on that incident, I am grateful for the lesson it taught me. Sumit is now in his final year of school, and I am proud to say he is one of the top students in his class. But more importantly, he has grown into a confident and compassionate young adult.

So let us all remember that we should show them love and understanding instead of beating children to make them disciplined. Let us create a nurturing environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential. Because, in the end, it's not about controlling them; it's about helping them become the best versions of themselves.