It is possible that there might be students belonging to marginalised sections…
2024
It is possible that there might be students belonging to marginalised sections in your class. So, when you are talking about the notion of marginalisation, which of the following things should you keep in mind before introducing the topic?
(a) Taking names of particular communities might cause discomfort to those belonging to those communities.
(b) Such issues need to be handled with sensitivity.
(c) Some students might feel shame in talking about their experiences of discrimination.
(d) Students should be forced to share their experiences.
Choose the most appropriate option:
Answer: C. (a), (b) and (c) — Classroom discussion of a socially sensitive theme such as marginalisation must follow the principle of sensitive, learner-centred pedagogy: a teacher builds…
- A.
(a) and (b)
- B.
(a) and (c)
- C.
(a), (b) and (c)
- D.
(a), (b) and (d)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Classroom discussion of a socially sensitive theme such as marginalisation must follow the principle of sensitive, learner-centred pedagogy: a teacher builds awareness of social exclusion while safeguarding the dignity and psychological safety of students who may themselves belong to the affected group. This means avoiding anything that could single out, embarrass, or coerce a learner, and anticipating the emotional weight the topic carries for some students.
Applying this principle to each of the four statements in the question:
Statement | Verdict | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
(a) Naming particular communities | Keep in mind | Explicitly naming a community while discussing marginalisation can make students from that community feel singled out and uncomfortable, so a teacher should avoid it. |
(b) Handle with sensitivity | Keep in mind | This is the governing principle itself: any classroom conversation about exclusion and discrimination must be conducted with care and empathy. |
(c) Students may feel shame | Keep in mind | Learners with lived experience of discrimination may feel embarrassed to speak about it, so a teacher must anticipate and be prepared for this reaction. |
(d) Force students to share | Set aside | Compelling a student to disclose a personal experience of discrimination overrides consent and contradicts the very sensitivity the topic demands; sharing must always stay voluntary. |
Because (a), (b), and (c) all describe considerations a sensitive teacher must actively keep in mind, while (d) works directly against the sensitivity principle in (b), the complete set of things to keep in mind is exactly (a), (b) and (c).