by Marossa Fernandes
MUMBAI, AUG 2, 2017: The staff members of Don Bosco High School, Matunga, alongside staff from Don Bosco International School, attended a seminar on the 'DBWAY' 
which was conducted by Father Peter Gonsalves in the Bianchi Hall on July 19.
Father Gonsalves used videos, cartoon strips and film clippings from films like 'Taare Zameen Par' and 'Stanley ka Dabba' to put forth his point on educating students with love and compassion. There were group discussions to emphasise how the DBWAY could aid teachers in efficiently dealing with school-related hurdles.
DBWAY essentially encapsulates Don Bosco's preventative system of education, which is a student-centered education based on a combination of prevention and expression, assisting in the process of self-actualisation and social participation. Don Bosco believed the system helps a teacher build positive rapport with the child and can help a teacher become a nurturing and motivating figure.
"Being good to students doesn't mean we pamper them; you need to be firm with them too. Do not be sarcastic, rude, nor lecture while correcting; be reasonable," Father Gonsalves said.
The teachers also shared their valuable class-management techniques using the preventive and expressive methods of education learnt from their personal experiences. "I always wondered why God sent me to Don Bosco High School, Matunga and today I know the answer and that I am in the right place," Jansi Dharamraj, teacher at Don Bosco High School, said.
Father Crispino D'Souza, Rector of Don Bosco High School, Matunga and Director of Don Bosco International School, Matunga, also shared his experience of changing a child's heart by winning his confidence and trust with love. "If you deal with your problems (with boys) using violence, boys learn that violence is the only way out when they face a problem," he said.