QQC AS ON 19.9.14 AFTER THE SESSION OF QQC IN DETAIL

BY-RADHIKA BAGDAI

Q1. What was the striking quote and explain why?

Teachers are protective and defensive of their students

and their work. This quote was very striking for me as it

is very true for me as a teacher and as a mother. Arent

we all very defensive about our students when they are

scrutinized by others? I feel most of us are but if I talk

about myself, I was defensive. My only intention behind

being defensive was Mere student ka self esteem shake

na ho jaye. Being a pre primary teacher I know that my

babies self esteem is is in developing mode and if it is

broken, he/she might not attempt to do that same thing

again. And if at the base level some incident as such

happens then it might affect their whole life. So I use to

be defensive but another quote which changed my

perception was It is through their own work that their

self esteem will grow.

Q2. Would you recall incident that connects to this quote or

situation? Describe the incident or experience.

Its a recent incident that I could connect with both the

above quotes. I had planned painting with crumpled

newspaper for our play house babies. It was their first

intervention and we had planned to work in groups. I had

parents with us for full day observation on that same

day. I tried to explain and instruct in best possible way for

hassle free activity. But kids are kids they messed up their

painting sheet and except for few everyones work was a

mess. Parent who was visiting us was also a part of this

activity and she was observing everything but dint say

anything. First reaction from my end was going to be

defensive by saying this is their first intervention so such

things do happen but then Ethics of Excellence yaad aa

gaya and I instantly changed my approach. What I did

was, after kids washed their hands I asked them to

observe everyones work and decide whose work looks

best and when put up on display whose work will be

appreciated? They all pointed to the neat painting done

by few kids. So then I got the opportunity to explain them

that if we want everyone to appreciate our work then we

have to give our best. This approach helped kids in

understanding their mistake and parent who was

observing also understood why such messy work is also

welcomed with a smile. Next day when we took same

activity kids did it beautifully and it was put up on soft

boards for MLV display. Parents appreciated that

particular display and I smiled with pride without

revealing the story behind it

Q3. What is your learning from the experience?

My learning I have made it visible through the incident

that I have given.

Q4. What is my fierce wonderings and explain.

My fierce wondering: Will parents and teachers stop

being defensive? Will we let our babies self esteem grow

by making, knowing and then learning from their own

mistakes?