Inonge is not doing very well at school. Although she is bright, her homework is often poorly done, or not done at all, and she often feels tired in class. The principal and the majority of teachers in this school see school and home as separate – a view that is generally held in this community as well – so that little is done to build bridges between the two. Inonge’s own class teacher has never enquired about her home circumstances. He is an authoritarian teacher who rules the class very critically and strictly. Thus, a common pattern that has developed in this class is for the teacher to be critical of the students, and the students to be critical of one another. Because Inonge is criticised for her poor scholastic performance and wants to make up for it, she takes on the role of ‘teacher’s helper’ whenever she can. Unfortunately, the teacher often exploits this. It has also not helped her in her peer relationships. The class of 45 children is more or less evenly divided between boys and girls, who are seated in separate rows. The boys and girls tend to have separate friendship groups. The boys tend to dominate and are especially critical of the girls. Because Inonge is quiet and unassertive, the other girls are also critical of her and tend to boss her around. Also, while most other children have friends from around their homes in the class, she has had little time to make such friends, so she tends to be quite isolated in the class.

Question

Inonge is not doing very well at school. Although she is bright, her homework is often poorly done, or not done at all, and she often feels tired in class. The principal and the majority of teachers in this school see school and home as separate – a view that is generally held in this community as well – so that little is done to build bridges between the two. Inonge’s own class teacher has never enquired about her home circumstances. He is an authoritarian teacher who rules the class very critically and strictly. Thus, a common pattern that has developed in this class is for the teacher to be critical of the students, and the students to be critical of one another. Because Inonge is criticised for her poor scholastic performance and wants to make up for it, she takes on the role of ‘teacher’s helper’ whenever she can. Unfortunately, the teacher often exploits this. It has also not helped her in her peer relationships. The class of 45 children is more or less evenly divided between boys and girls, who are seated in separate rows. The boys and girls tend to have separate friendship groups. The boys tend to dominate and are especially critical of the girls. Because Inonge is quiet and unassertive, the other girls are also critical of her and tend to boss her around. Also, while most other children have friends from around their homes in the class, she has had little time to make such friends, so she tends to be quite isolated in the class.

1. Mention and discuss two factors in Inonge’s home and class that make her situation difficult

Answer 1

One factor in Inonge's home that makes her situation difficult is the lack of support and involvement from her family in her education. It is indicated that her homework is often poorly done or not done at all, which suggests that there may not be anyone at home to help or encourage her with her schoolwork. This lack of support can create additional stress and barriers to her academic success.

Another factor in Inonge's class that contributes to her difficulties is the authoritarian teaching style of her class teacher. The teacher's critical and strict approach can create a negative and unwelcoming classroom environment, which can impact Inonge's motivation and self-esteem. Additionally, the lack of inquiry about Inonge's home circumstances by her teacher further highlights the disconnect between school and home, making it difficult for Inonge to receive the support and understanding she may need in order to succeed academically.