Empathy goes a long way with children
I think some teachers really lack empathy (“Don’t suspend students. Empathise”, Gulf News, September 6). I feel it is very easy to comment on a situation you are not involved in. Often, children do not talk about how they feel and all their boxed-up emotions make them react or do things they are not proud of. Being patient and understanding goes a long way. Often, suspending children for bad behaviour can have negative implications. They might start having self-esteem issues, as they are being reprimanded for something that’s not their fault. I know teachers are busy and have other important things to do, but in such cases, a school psychologist should step in and understand the situation. I think bridging the gap between a child and the teacher is important. It is important to get children to understand their behaviour and help them reason out what is right and wrong in a situation. When we scold them for their behaviour, we are not helping fix the problem, but making it worse.
From Mr Aman Lamba
Dubai
Think of other alternatives
Some teachers strongly feel that they need to suspend students in order to inculcate good discipline and etiquette. But research shows that students who are given stringent punishments like suspension, will likely to harbour negative and bitter feelings, lose interest in studies and break the law. Suspension is a counterproductive disciplinary tool that actually makes students misbehave more in the future. Educational institutions need to think deeper and adopt positive disciplinary protocols to manage their students. Adopting research-based, effective approaches would definitely make a positive impact on a student’s life.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
Be more inclusive
When schools suspend children, and prevent them from returning to this place of learning, it gives out the message: “You are not good enough, please stay out.” That, in turn, makes students believe they really do not belong, and that they really are not worth it. Slipping self-esteem and a rebellious attitude are enough to create trouble, and expelling or suspending students just aids in that process. Instead, I feel schools should be more inclusive, create a sense of belonging and help all its students through their struggles as they grow up. Trained faculty and non-judgmental support programs would help.
From Mr Taha Rasheed
Abu Dhabi
Work of art
I was so excited to read about the upcoming opening of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi (“Louvre Abu Dhabi to house 600 words”, Gulf News, September 7). I have always dreamed of visiting it in Paris but now it’s coming to my city! The UAE is such a great place, with new facilities opening up every other day. I’m looking forward to seeing the artefacts, and other works, especially from this part of the world. This is a good opportunity to showcase Middle Eastern culture.
From Mr Riaz Baig
Abu Dhabi
Safe and sound
I agree with the survey conducted by Dubai Police (“Residents feel safe and secure in Dubai”, Gulf News, September 5). I feel safe and secure when going out with my daughters, whether it’s day or night. We see police patrolling everywhere, which gives us a sense of security. However, this is not a new phenomenon in the UAE. It was safe even decades ago. It is like a second home for most of us. The UAE is a great example of a country where more than 180 nationalities from different cultures stay together in complete harmony. Everyone has the freedom to do everything they like, within the bounds of the law. This credit goes to its great leaders.
From Ms Niamat Karmally
Dubai
No way out?
Circumstances created by the family seem to have led to their suicide (“Sisters who survived family suicide in recovery”, Gulf News, September 6). They were on a visit visa, and as reported earlier, stayed in a hotel and accumulated hefty bills. Perhaps they felt there was no way out.
From Mr Ifteqar Mir
Indiana, US
Facebook comment
Evolving with time
Everyone is familiar with Leonardo DiCaprio’s versatility when it comes to movie characters. We have seen him evolve. He’s played characters like Jack Dawson in Titanic in 1997 and Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013. They were both very different roles and movie genres, but were flawlessly executed by the same person. He is everyone’s favourite and I’m sure it will be a delight to watch him in his upcoming role as the Joker from the Batman movies.
From Ms Aqsa Adil
Sharjah
High hopes
Leonardo DiCaprio is a fantastic actor and has done some pretty amazing roles. He has many feathers in his cap and I think this role will be another one. The Joker is a wild character and has a lot of room for actors to improvise. Even though DiCaprio is very poised and reserved in his acting, seeing him in such an avatar would be very interesting. I loved Suicide Squad and I think Jared Leto did a phenomenal job. I wonder how he would prepare himself for the part. I’m looking forward to this.
From Mr Arjun Khanna
Sharjah
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