BIS # 4096 THE DON BOSCO WAY TRAINING

by Bis Correspondent

MATUNGA-MUMBAI AUGUST 18, 2014: Teachers from different Salesian schools of Mumbai, congregated at Don Bosco High School, Matunga for training in the Don Bosco Way on August 12, conducted by Fr. Ian Doultan, Fr. Godfrey D'Sa and Fr. Glenford Lowe. Rev. Fr. Ian Doulton spoke on the topic:  'New Look At the Preventive System'. He emphasized the fact that the Don Bosco way is not just a system of education, but a way of life. Fr Ian believes that youngsters should be treated by using the following pedagogy.
1. Pedagogy of Trust: Don Bosco truly said, "There is no education without trust and the child must see in the educator an adult."
2. Pedagogy of Hope: To build hope teachers need to give time and respect to their students. Teachers need to avoid two dangers while dealing with students -a) To treat students as kids and b) To treat students as adults        
3. Pedagogy of Alliance: Fr. Ian believes that it is not what is intended but what is perceived. What matters is not that the young are loved but that they know that they are loved.

Rev. Fr. Godfrey D'sa spoke on the Psychology of the students. There are two boats on their sea of life: Family and School. He explained that earlier times were different, as children loved school but today children do not love school because today the situation has changed and he explained why children did not behave well today. He gave four reasons for it:  
1. Environment: It comprises of family, friends and school. The environment in these places affects the children 90%. 
2. Brain disorder: In such cases proper diagnosis is required.                                
3. Environment and brain disorder: Such cases are to be handled by a specialist.   
4. Unexplained reasons: These need to be found out well.

Rev. Fr. Glenford Lowe spoke on the topic – 'New Paradigms and Perspectives of the Students'.  He started the session by showing a video on the life of Don Bosco through a song. Fr. explained that students are in great trouble when teachers do not listen to them. Their creativity dies when they are not allowed to think.