Session 1: Podcast Reflections

My ideal effective school environment is depicted in the book Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. What inspires me was the uncoventional headmaster who seek to recognise the students' strengths and qualities, and develop them. He created a safe and happy learning environment despite the physical constraints he faced. Moreover, World War 2 was going on at that time. There was a sense of empowerment because the child decided on his/her pace of learning and chose what they would like to learn daily. Headmaster and teachers heaped praises and encouragement on the students. Everyone is treated equally. There is no discrimination because in this book, the physically disabled students are regarded with equal importance. How I wish I am there with the author! Learning would be so meaningful. It would probably be more of a 'want' than a 'need'. :)

On the other hand, I suddenly recalled a tutor in Junior College. I was the worst student in terms of academic performance in the subject. She would be very sarcastic with her remarks and she did it openly in front of my peers. She had no respect for my feelings. This was one of my worst learning experience. My self-esteem needs were not met, based on Maslow's hierachy of needs. In the class, I was 'mute' and felt like wearing an invisible coat, so that she would not notice me. I dread going for her tutorials.

Based on these two examples I have given, I feel that teachers play an important role in shaping a conducive and effective learning environment. Effective learning environment makes one desire to learn but an ineffective learning environment can disable a learner.