Introduction
Education, from the perspective of an elementary right of every individual in the present scenario, is a liberating force to render confidence, human values, integrity of character, equality, happiness, and peacefulness. Though it is a significant fact for all of us, the role of grooming and teaching a child plays a key role in the global democratization of education. So, every child should have the fundamental right to access of education. And, in this direction, many countries of the world have made it obligatory too. So, when a child is sent for schooling, he/she goes into an environment which is diverse in culture, language, and social background, and they are brought up. Under such circumstances’, children learn many things through the nature of exposure of the class curriculum, and they get adapted to the emerging circumstances in the classroom.
Analysis
Teaching is a challenging but noble profession where a single teacher has to fulfill the needs of many children who are from different socio-cultural, economic, intellectual, and linguistic backgrounds. These varieties pose a great challenge to all the teachers. One such challenge was faced by Mr. Smith, who was an English teacher, and had a privilege of having a Japanese girl - Kimi - in his class. He was not only a capable teacher but also had a well-planned curricular activity to suit to the student’s benefit. But, to cater the needs of this Japanese girl in a foreign land and academic environment, there is a need to modify the curriculum and teaching philosophy in order to meet the individual need of such a child. In this background, it is understandable that Kimi needs a special attention, grooming, and care so as to make her psychologically and academically comfortable and strong. This approach will help grasp things quickly. Further, it is also important to note that the curriculum must include some interactive sessions wherein students are made to discuss certain topics based on their understanding. So, this rational approach in teaching and learning makes me feel that Mr. Smith's decision to keep his curriculum the same was unacceptable and demotivating.
Keeping the challenges of diversity in student’s background encountered by both the teacher and the student, Kimi is not familiar with many terms or words that are used in the English language classroom. She needs a translation for some of the primary words, so that he could get started with the language. So, it is important for the teacher, Mr. Smith, develop a customized approach towards this kind of child. In addition, he needs to devote some extra time towards Kimi for interpretation and explanation. Further, it would be good if she is made to sit with her class students who are sound in English. Having this peer exposure among friends in the classroom will help her hold confidence and mastery in language learning. Furthermore, making her friends with some students of the class would make her comfortable and bridge the gap that she has with other student of the class. It is to be borne in mind by the teacher that Kim is a young girl, and her mind is good enough to learn anything that she is exposed to, no matter whether it is science, art, mathematics or any language. All that she needs is the support and care by the teacher and her friends in creating a healthy exposure of learning.
Keeping the aforesaid facts and challenges of learning and teaching, it is true to believe that there are many opportunities that Kimi’s presence can render to the entire class. It is paramount to note in this content that Kimi was brought up in a Japanese environment and now she has an environment alien to her as far as language or method of teaching is concerned. Thus, exposure in life offers different opportunities. And, what one is today is the result of exposure that has been learnt unconsciously. So, her presence is a great opportunity for her classmate, teachers, and other friends to learn various tips of language, behavior patterns, culture, and social values. This is a great privilege for all her classmates and the teacher to have a foresight into the culture of Japan by somebody who has been native of that place. If taken positively in the right spirit of learning and language acquisition, her presence in the class could be made fruitful, educative, and accommodative. Further, it would be a great chance wherein the sharing of two different cultures could help in establishing a global mindsets of students and teachers. In order to create such a healthy atmosphere in the classroom, Mr. Smith could make her class representative for certain tasks or activities. And also, a single lecture could be dedicated to share the cultural diversity. This methodology will make Kimi comfortable and help her come forward to learn more about the curricular and extra-curricular matter.
Conclusion
In the light of the above-said scenario and circumstances, it makes good sense to conclude that education is a necessity and to educate is an art. A child’s mind is a plain canvas where the different colors of knowledge and learning get painted on this canvas. Therefore, since teaching is a solemn art, it has to be designed and imparted in such a way that the needs of every student can be fulfilled. Now, I am confident that both teacher and a student respect each other’s sentiments and academic needs for the purpose of engineering a mature and pragmatic relationship for developing a happy, healthy, and globalized outlook of human mindsets.
References
- Arnold, K. (2011). Purdue Signals and Learning Analytics. Presented at the LAK11 MOOC, Retrieved on 26 November 201, from https://sas.elluminate.com
- Arthur C. and Gamson, Z. (2006). “Seven Principles for Good Practice,” AAHE
- Bogdan, R. and Biklen, S. (1992) .Qualitative Research for Education: An Introduction to Theory and Methods. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
