Teacher Interviews

Jyothi Nair
Date of joining KPM model school: 8th November 1999

“The teacher-child relationship in our school is something that is above any explanation. The teacher and child are intimate friends who value each other and discuss everything. As teachers, we follow the child's interests, and not the other way around. We may try to divert this interest in a positive direction if we find it going the other way. The other day, many of the boys were building a dam in front of the canteen. They were interested in the overflowing of the water, the breaking of the dam walls and causing destruction. The teacher helped them by pouring water for them. Then it was suggested to put pipes to see how water flowed through the pipes. The boys were interested, and from devastation, the activity changed to a constructive one. They made channels, made pipe connections for water supply, and put in turbines for the generation of electricity. Rainwater conservation was discussed, along with water supply and electricity supply. Books on dams were brought out and shown and discussed. From here, the topic went onto natural dams built by beavers. This activity continued and many other children also joined and it became a mass activity. In this way, the teacher followed the child's interests and slowly distracted it in a positive direction.”

Devi Nair
Date of joining KPM model school: 1st November 2001

“One day when I was on the playground, a child came and complained that an older child was threatening him and said that he would beat him. I heard the problem with great interest and asked the child how it started. I also showed by the expression on my face that I took it as my own problem. I moved with that child for a long time so that he would gain confidence. After some time, I talked to the older child about the matter and came to know that this happened due to a misunderstanding. I also explained the matter to the younger child and he was very happy after I explained everything. Following this incident, the child now shows an interest in me and joins the activities that I conduct and comes and talks to me if he has any problem.”

Ranjini Mohan
Date of joining KPM model school: 3rd June 1993

“The relationship that I have with a child in my view helped her to develop personally and to do well in the subject I taught her. She used to create a lot of problems in the class and she would make silly or irrelevant excuses for not doing the homework and classwork. I used to give her positive guidance and warmth always without pinpointing her fault or ridiculing her. I used to point out her strengths and encourage her. At the same time I gave her positive guidance for rectifying her mistakes. I constantly supported and guided her in her studies, and she did very well in them.”