Fostering Resilience in Students

In the midst of humanity’s biggest crisis in history, children in India exhibited an inspiring level of resilience. A joint study by Child Rights and You (CRY) and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) found that despite the pandemic lockdown, students in India had coped remarkably well. Their resilience is a testament to their spirit and a beacon of hope for the future.

Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. It is the toughness or the ability to bounce back. It involves mental, emotional, and physical vigour in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or any other sources of stress.

Resilience has been a cornerstone of human survival and progress throughout history. The epic of Mahabharata, for instance, is replete with instances of resilience. Characters like Pandeva’s, who despite numerous adversities, never gave up and eventually emerged victorious, serve as timeless examples of resilience.

Psychologists emphasize that it’s not just about bouncing back from a difficult situation, but it’s about learning from the experience, becoming stronger, and using that strength to cope with and overcome future challenges.

“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” — Nelson Mandela

So, how can teachers impart Resilience — a critical skill to students?

Firstly, we need to inspire our students. We need to share stories of resilience, both from history and from real life, to show them that it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges. For example — first president of South Africa — Nelson Mandela or one of the greatest cricketers from India — Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Teach students various coping strategies to handle stress and adversity, such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills and mindfulness practices. This is particularly useful for students dealing with personal issues that may affect their emotional well-being and academic focus.

Encourage a growth mind-set, helping students see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This mind-set can be beneficial for students with learning difficulties who may face additional challenges in their educational journey.

As teachers, model resilience by sharing own experiences of dealing with stress and overcoming obstacles. This can be helpful for students dealing with issues like bullying, which can significantly impact their resilience.

Foster a sense of community in the classroom — unity and inclusivity, teaching students the importance of empathy and being a good friend. This can be particularly helpful during transition periods, which can be stressful for students.

Help students set realistic goals and celebrate their progress, no matter how small. This can boost their confidence and resilience, especially when dealing with academic pressures.

Address the issue of peer pressure and help students navigate social challenges. This is especially important in a society where body image can impact a student’s self-esteem and resilience.

Create a safe and supportive classroom where students feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their mistakes. Providing opportunities for success, such as class projects or leadership roles, can enhance self-confidence and foster resilience — pushing them out of their comfort zones.

“It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.” — Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Lastly, we need to remember that resilience is not a destination, but a journey. It’s not about being unbreakable; it’s about learning to recover and to bounce back. And as teachers, we need to guide our students on this journey, to support them, and to celebrate their successes along the way.

Remember, resilience is not something that can be taught in a single lesson. It’s a lifelong skill that takes time to develop. In a nutshell, resilience is not just a skill, it’s a way of life. It’s the key to overcoming adversity, to turning challenges into opportunities, and to transforming dreams into realities. And as teachers, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students embrace resilience, overcome obstacles, and achieve their full potential.

So Empower students to rise… to shine… and to conquer … any challenge …

Citations:

• https://sites.edb.utexas.edu
• Pandey A. & Mishra P.C. Pursuit of resilience: International Journal of Indian Psychology

About the author: Gayethri Mote is a Teacher Educator and an expert on Learning Skills at Innerscore