‘Parents should value learning over grades’

DR Jyoti Pujara is the Principal of Greenland School, Ludhiana, with over 28 years of experience in education. She speaks to Principal Correspondent Shivani Bhakoo about the role of teachers and parents in shaping young minds and fostering growth.

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n What is your take on the stressful competition in academics? Does it cast a shadow over ‘average’ students?

In my opinion, no child is ordinary. Every child is gifted. I can quote examples from history when ordinary children have achieved extraordinarily such as Abraham Lincoln and Baba Sahib Ambedkar. Stress often arises from parental expectations rather than the competition itself. Parents should give children the freedom to enjoy learning and explore their interests without putting undue pressure on them.

n What is the role of parents in shaping students’ future?

Parents play a vital role in shaping students’ future by collaborating with school and teachers. They should teach their children to respect their teachers. A mother can play a significant role in developing good habits and inculcating moral values among children by sharing inspirational stories and imparting religious knowledge. Parents should spend at least two hours a day helping their children develop self-study habits at home instead of sending them to coaching centres. Moreover, Parents should monitor and limit mobile

phone usage.

n Of late, education has become expensive in private schools. Does it put extra financial burden on parents?

The cost of everything is rising drastically across the world and so is that cost of education. The cost has increased due to rising expenses, technological advancements and staff salaries. Digital panels, ACs in all classrooms, modern labs, robotics etc are the need of the hour and also what parents demand. Parents should understand that school managements have to factor these in while deciding the fee.

n How can we shape students’ future in a better way?

To shape students’ future in a better way, one should focus on their individual growth by imbibing moral values, inculcating discipline and patriotism. Students should understand the value of listening carefully in classrooms. They should learn to understand concepts and apply these practically. It is our duty to help children decide their goal, counsel and motivate them instead of depending blindly on

coaching centres.

n Is the competition for better grades healthy?

To some extent, grades can be considered important, but an overemphasis on marks can promote rote learning. Candidates with average scores generally do better in competitive exams be it judiciary, bureaucrats, scientists, doctors or engineers.