Changing teacher student relationship in schools

The Guru-Shishya parampara, meaning the teacher-student relationship, has been the hallmark of Indian culture since ancient times. A Guru, was the rightful preceptor of knowledge — from academic, to moral and spiritual grooming of his pupil. During this ennobling association with the Master, the pupil considered the Guru as his ‘all’ – friend, philosopher, guide and parent.

Times have changed, and society’s construct and emotional bearings have radically altered too. From campus shootings, to instances of physical abuse by teachers, greater interference by parents, and a more self-pleasing social paradigm have together contributed to weaken this most noble relationship between a student and teacher.

While great institutions of learning still do retain their age-old values – spate of incidents show a growing disrespect for teachers. While the debate on corporal punishment still rages on, on what defines as being stern and in the interest of a child’s well-being – schools are now making a rightful effort to delineate these areas of conflict and find practical solutions. Psychologists and counsellors are being roped in by certain schools to look at any underlying emotional problems that both the child and teacher might be facing in their daily life, and which is adversely affecting their performance.

Again teachers themselves are being urged to keep the channels of communication open with every child. Be it issues with performance, behaviour and attitude, peer pressure or relationship with parents – they are donning the role of effective counsellors themselves. After school hours, for example, are often being utilised to assuage matters that a child might be facing with a teacher or vice-versa.

Today’s scenario of teacher-student relationship is no longer that of a lopsided onus thrust on the student where he has to accept a teacher’s ruling or get punished for his mistakes. Leniency is really the rule of the day and schools are going out of their way to make sure that no child feels unwanted or left out.

Given the complex social environment we dwell in — where more and more people are in need of emotional guidance — it makes perfect sense to study the psychological milieu of both the student and teacher. Thus it is not surprising why leading institutions often conduct psychometric tests for teachers to evaluate personality.

A critical aspect to the student-teacher relationship is the parent who influences a child’s disposition. Schools these days are extending a helping hand to parents and their children who show any form of emotional disturbance.

A teacher student relationship is among the most cherished bonds that one cements during one’s lifetime. Teachers are our mentors, coaches, friends and anchors for life. The stronger is the bond, the more enriching will be its experience.