Tuesday 28 October 2014

Boredom

Boring or Boredom

In recent times, one of the most frequent word , I am hearing, especially from children is – I am Bored, I have nothing to do, its Boring, etc.,. Even from adults also , who are retired , or when they have holidays for a couple of days , continuously. Children always say, its boring, if they get a couple of hours free time, at home . In their free time, they are invariably ,on the computer or TV or go for a movie, with friends.

Actually , what causes boredom in individuals? When you, see the definitions, it is an emotional state experienced when an individual is left without anything in particular to do, and not interested in their surroundings. Or Boring is feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one's current activity.

In a learning environment( children), a common cause of boredom is lack of understanding; for instance, if one is not following or connecting to the material in a class or lecture, it will usually seem boring. However, the opposite can also be true; something that is too easily understood, simple or transparent, can also be boring. Boredom is often inversely related to learning, and in school it may be a sign that a student is not challenged enough, or too challenged.

Has the schools or society (Family)  failed our children, miserably, in igniting their minds towards creatively engaging them,  in learning ? Now a days , most of the children, do not show interest, even  in physical games. They can sit hours together and play virtual games on computer ! Is it our failure, i.e., family, society, school?  Or is it that we/I are/am over reacting!  Where are the fault lines situated? Parents are busy , with their own problems of self, office / business etc., and almost, all the families have become, nuclear now. No back up from grandparents etc., as was in the past. Most ,Schools are teaching the subjects, in a mechanical way, without creating or igniting interest in the subjects , they teach to the chidren!

One of the main problem, I see is that , most of the time , we imbibe in the minds of our children , from childhood, to think about the future. All our schools, colleges, families always drive the point from childhood, that , if you study well and get good grades, your future will be bright. Like, you will get good jobs, get good salaries, and can live luxuriously, etc., if you do well in studies. So , children always , have in  their minds,  the future, and they forget to live the moment and enjoy the process of learning. Instead , they see , it(learning) as a means to achieve greater things in future. And ,thus ,  it becomes a burden and a bore. Most of schools and colleges are making or turning the children as  ‘zombies’ or “machines” coming out of “factories”  ! Their is no more,  excitement in learning!

What can we do? Encourage, children to have a hobby of their choice—like art, music, dance, chess etc. Encourage , children , atleast to play one outdoor game. Encourage, children, to Think and create an environment , to develop thinking abilities, on their own, with a little bit of guidance. Encourage children, to live the moment and enjoy the process of learning , not studying. And you too can create and add to the list and help , Banish the "Boredom" from young lives!

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