Admitting the mistake
Teacher’s Diary -Episode 7 -Ragab Kamal
Dear readers,
In the previous article, we discussed some of the common barriers that take place during the educational process. if you miss that article, I recommend that you read it first ( Here). ,
Apart from the educational process, we always try to give and share educational manners with the learners, especially the young ones. Every teacher has got his/her own most important manners. But I believe we all try our best to show them how honesty. Being a teacher takes you a bit further than who you are, you wouldn’t like to share with your learners what you would like to say to your close friends. Being a teacher means that you are always observed, your actions, words, and even manners in and outside the classroom.
Although teachers always try to give the impression that they are solid, they are the learner’s mentors, etc. But it gives you - as a teacher - more sense of your self-esteem when you show more of your feelings, and some of your humanity, showing them that none is perfect. That definitely shows the students that it is okay to make mistakes, and increases their self-esteem and even self-confidence. I believe the best way to teach in an educational manner is by counting on the golden advice “Show don’t tell”. Instead of we keet taking all day to give the learners advice, we could show them that practically in ourselves as examples. For example apologize when you make the mistake, when you say something wrong and you believe that you shouldn’t have done that. It could be difficult to admit it but believe me, it builds up bridges in the relationship between you and the learners,
One day, a 16-year-old student came to my office before the classroom starts, and he asked to talk to me privately the dialogue went as below:
He: Hello “Sir”, How are you doing?
Me: Everything is going well, Thank you dear, how can I assist you?
He: Sir, My mom and I have read the study plan for the next week that you have sent to us via email last Friday, and actually we have watched the attached video that you have send more than one time to make sure we understand it properly. And actually, my mom insisted to come over to talk to you personally, but I rather first talk to you personally.
Me: Wow, it seems like it is an important matter dear, but I still don’t get it, would you please explain a bit more?
He: Sure Sir. The attached video with the Weekly plan, it takes about extremism in Islam, and yes I appreciate the video. But at the second half of the video, sets an example of some extremist thoughts in Pakistan.
Me: Yes dear, but the video is not about Pakistan, besides I didn’t make it specifically to show or to cover these extreme thoughts in Pakistan. Moreover, If you watched the whole video, you would have got the meaning of it, which is it explains that extremism has nothing to do the race, religion, or a specific region. It is merely about education. And Pakistan is just an example, and this happens all over the world.
He: Yes sir, I can understand what you mean. But Pakistan is my country, and I have gotten offended. How would you feel if someone talk the same about Egypt - your country? I myself don’t appreciate that video.
Me: “Thinking about it for a while. But I decided just to be more honest and clear” I, saying: “of dear, I’m very sorry, I admit that i shouldn’t have sent that video, you are right I believe. Apologizing was enough to fix a such hard and tough situation that could have affected my teaching career, or at least ruin the relationship between me and my learners.
He: “Taking a deep death and smiling” as he has waited for me apologizing saying “ Actually my mom was really angry, and she wanted to come over to the head of the school. But we appreciate your nice words.
Me: Thank you dear for talking to me, my office is always open for you, and if you don’t mind, you could ask your more if i can call her to share with her my thoughts and apologize to her personally.
Which is what he and she did, I believe they both appreciate it pretty much, and I say that I’m happy that i managed to be out of a har situation a such.
You can share with us in the comment section your experience with the Inclusive Pedagogy you had, and how it helped you during your lessons.
Yours Sincely
Ragab Kamal
