BOOK REVIEW OF IDEAL PARENT IDEAL TEACHER

FACILITATOR: Priya           DOCUMENTER: Arulmozhi                 EDITOR: Vivek

DATE: 13.2.2019. PLACE: Mudaliarpet

ABOUT THE BOOK

The book Ideal Parent Ideal Teacher reflects Sri Aurobindo’s vision pertaining to education. Not only does the book focus on how knowledge should be imparted to children, but it also highlights the impact that education can have on the future of society. In the first part of the book, Sri Aurobindo talks about the value of maternity and the status of women in society. And, in the second part, he talks about the issues that are prevalent in the field of education and how one can be an ideal teacher.

THE FIRST SESSION: READING AND DISCUSSION PERTAINING TO THE BOOK

Sri Aurobindo highlights three principles of education. The first one states that “Nothing can be taught”. How does one understand the significance of this seemingly simple statement when there are so many things—from good behavior to moral values—that need to be taught right from the syllabus? One of the participants felt that a teacher merely plays the role of a guide or a mediator and that the real task was in fact done by the students. Even if a teacher were to teach about different facts and events, it is the student who needs to relate that information to his/her life. Another participant expressed that a teacher can only show the students how to relate the facts to their life, but it is actually the student who has to take the next step of making the connections.

Sri Aurobindo states that a teacher must not resort to violence or scolding while teaching students. If one is to follow that dictum, how is a teacher supposed to control a class where the students are being unruly and disruptive? One participant shared her experience in this regard: she said that, as a teacher, it was natural for her to lose her temper; but when she did, she would simply remain quiet instead of shouting at the children. She further said that what has really helped her is to get her students to do a breathing exercise and meditation before starting the class. Most of the teachers, however, felt that talking to the students is the best way to understand why they behave the way they do, and it also helps the students to realize their mistake and make changes in their behavior.

SECOND SESSION: SHARING OF CLASSROOM EXPERIENCES

One participant shared their students’ perspective regarding gender equality. The students had come up with an illustrated conversation to show how household chores was not meant for women only, but it must be shared equally with the men.

Another participant had given the book Aan pillai yaar? Penn pillai yaar? to the students for them to read. The students were excited about the task owing to the lively illustrations and the easy narration. After having read the book, the students shared their views, which astonished the teacher. One student shared her experience of having whistled in a cinema theatre. To her dismay, her parents had mocked her and had asked her to behave like a girl. However, this made her question why it was inappropriate for girls to whistle while it was alright for boys to do the same. 

Reading a book, reviewing it, taking it to the classroom, gathering students’ responses, thinking about it, sharing it, discussing it, reading another book to find answers: that is the cyclic journey of every reflective teacher.