The Hindu : Kerala News : Attitudinal change in schoolchildren

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Thursday, Feb 14, 2008
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Kerala

Attitudinal change in schoolchildren

Sangeeth Kurian

Majority of students express a friendly rapport with their teachers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Student-teacher relationship in government schools across the district is in for a paradigm shift with a majority of the students expressing a friendly rapport with their teachers.

More than ever, students are comfortable in opening up to their teachers and sharing personal issues with them. “The equation between students and teachers in schools has changed for the better,” said. Dr. Nithyanand, project director, Humanity Trust of India, an organisation offering counselling programme for students.

The organisation, in association with the General Education Department and the State Police Women’s Cell, is currently conducting ‘Kowmarasangamam’ (teenage get-together) among students studying in class VIII to XII at various government schools across the State.

The two-hour session, held separately for boys and girls during class hours, gives an opportunity for students to share their concerns and grievances with a team of five qualified counsellors in private.

“Ever since the programme was launched, nearly two months ago, we are yet to receive any complaint from students against their teachers,” said Mr. Nithyanand, who covered 12 out of the 102 schools in the Thiruvananthapuram Educational District till date.

According to him one possible reason for this attitudinal change is the decision to do away with corporal punishment by most of the schools.

“The new curriculum which focuses on a student-centric approach too has contributed to the positive change,” he said.

The get-together begins with a motivating session, during which students are told about inspirational stories and anecdotes from the lives of eminent personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi and the former President A.P.J. Abdul kalam.

“The sessions have a magical effect on students with most of them expressing their concerns without inhibition,” said Mr. Nithayanand. Students identified by teachers are also offered personal counselling.

Yet, some of the common problems associated with the teenage population continue to be on the rise. It was estimated that nearly 20 per cent of the students have psychological disabilities such as depression and anxiety.

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