The Importance of Balanced Teaching: Recognising Positive and Negative Behaviours in Students
Different teaching methods have been used for a long time to help students learn better, and these strategies are continually evolving and often play a huge role in determining their impact on learners. Some people believe that the best approach is to focus on positive actions and ignore negative ones, but I mostly disagree with this viewpoint for two main reasons. Although I concede that praising the right actions can have positive consequences, there are important nuances to consider..
Firstly, receiving praise from a teacher or authority figure usually makes students feel successful, which can motivate them to repeat those actions. However, determining what constitutes a positive action is highly subjective and depends on the teacher’s personal opinions and perspectives. For example, in the 1800s, when slavery and racism were at their peaks, a slave owner would have been proud of their children for continuing to assert dominance over the slaves. Acknowledging this behaviour might have encouraged the kids to commit even more inhumane acts towards the workers. It is important to acknowledge biases and prejudices and recognise how easy it is to project our own ideologies onto children’s behaviour..
Additionally, it is essential to address problematic behaviours in children because ignoring them would deprive them of learning the right lessons at the right time. While ignoring disruptive behaviour during a lecture might be acceptable, indifference to bullying or physical assault is dangerous. In such cases, the teacher should intervene and take the necessary steps to halt the behaviour and reinforce corrective measures in the students involved. Studies have shown that learning from mistakes through accountability is more effective than merely having a theoretical understanding of something. It is necessary to acknowledge and address problematic factors in a child’s personality before they transition into adulthood..
Although praising positive actions can be useful, it is essential to avoid an “all or nothing” approach that ignores negative behaviour. Students want validation from adults, and positive reinforcement can motivate them to repeat good behaviour. However, ignoring violent or destructive acts by children is not a suitable approach..
In conclusion, it is important to adopt a more balanced approach when determining the best way to teach. This approach should consider both positive and negative aspects equally to bring out the best in students..