Some students believe that few lucky among them are accustomed to big smiles and back-patting from teachers. While others are often overlooked. But do teachers indeed have favourites? And is it bad for classroom management?
A good number of students pointed out that favouritism among teachers is an open secret and it creates friction in classroom. “Most teachers are biased towards certain students probably because of their academic brilliance or magnetic personality. But this creates a class system—where a few gets treated differently from the rest. This causes serious heartburn and friction in the classroom. It could also possibly lead to bullying,” said a vociferous Fatema Kinkhabwala, class IX, Podar international school, Mumbai. Another student claimed that “To see certain students given extra attention can be psychologically upsetting specially for those who have a shy personality. They feel even more isolated.”
Benefits reserved for favourites: Good marks and no punishment
A study released this year by Department for Education in the UK, found that teachers allow “bias” and “personal feelings” to influence their marking. The study further said that teachers could be subconsciously biased according to factors such as a pupil’s gender, ability, social class or behaviour in lessons. A team of German researchers also found that “Teachers' pets are more likely to get higher scores.” Some students agree with these findings. “Teachers give special consideration to their favourites while marking their answer sheets,” believes Rajlakshmi R, class X, DAV Public School, Thane.
There are others who argue that this step motherly treatment also gets reflected in how students are punished and reprimanded. “While awarding punishments the blue-eyed students get away with mere warnings. But for others even a minor mistake can land them in principal's cabin. This blatant favourtism is demotivating and shatters our confidence,” lamented a student.
A section of students said that “teachers at the end of the day are humans and they will have their favourites. But what can they do is not to practice favouritism —whether implicitly or explicitly— in front of class.”
Teachers: We are impartial, but we need to be extra careful
“Teachers do their best to treat all kids fairly. With that said, we are only human and do respond differently to different children. But it doesn’t mean we are showing traits of favouritism. We try our best to be seen as impartial. But I agree that we need to be more careful while interacting with students. For example, when I pick students for various tasks and activities, I make sure that everyone gets a chance,” said a teacher.
But what about the charge that teachers show leniency in markings to their favourites. “It’s a misconception. We are mature enough to understand our duties and responsibilities. If few students have pointed out this anomaly, it could be an exception rather than the norm,” clarified Padmaja Limaye, teacher, Fr Agnel’s School, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
It goes without saying that in order to create a conducive environment for learning, teachers must establish trust with their students. Playing favourites makes this an impossibility.
(With inputs from Sugandha Indulkar)
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