The term good student stands for good learner, one who is hard-working and puts in complete devotion to work and duty. A good student becomes a good citizen through cultivation of the habits and duties that denote an ideal citizen. Being a good student, involves being a good citizen and a model for others. Hence, a student’s life is viewed as an indication of the dutiful and responsible citizenship that a country deserves. Here, I would like to put forward certain qualities of a good student.
There are many ideals one aspires to and for which we have our own opinions and views. Society has specific beliefs on what it feels is the ideal husband, the ideal wife or the ideal Christian. We also bracket people of certain tribes and certain characteristics like being very cunning or aggressive. This week we bring out the characteristics of an Ideal student from the eyes of one of our Commerce teachers.
A boy or a girl may identify himself as a student by the uniform he wears and the books he carries but a true student is much more than simply that. There are certain virtues and values he/she must possess. A student is a combination of 3 D’s: ‘Duty’, ‘Devotion’ and ‘Discipline’. ‘Duty’, as in a task where students are required to act both morally and responsibly; ‘Devotion’ - a strong feeling of support and great love for education and their teacher; and ‘Discipline’- an implicit obedience of the rules of the institutional authority while inside the campus. Without discipline, no amount of pushing and support by others can help one to fulfil one’s goal in life. The popular saying, “Work is worship” is true to life as there is no such thing as any type of work being undignified. If we approach our responsibilities, our books and our professions with this kind of attitude, our lives and society as a whole might just be a happier place to live in. Adhering to this policy, an individual can acquire the qualities that are necessary of a good student. Students, first of all, need to concentrate on their studies, which is also one of the chief qualities of a good student. It requires them to complete their assignments on time, putting more effort in their class-work, taking their exams and tests seriously, etc. Fulfilling the above requirements will boost their confidence and assure them hope for a successful life.
A good student will always think about his or her responsibilities. They have ultimate power to motivate others to be successful. Motivation comes in different forms and directions - from class-mates to teachers, parents and friends. Every teacher’s dream is to have students who are motivated to be successful as it is difficult to connect to students who are unmotivated. Likewise, students who lack motivation are the ones who are often in trouble, and eventually drop out of school. The ones who are inspired to learn are those who enjoy learning and eventually become successful in life. A good student will always think twice before making a big decision. An ideal student will possess the ability to solve difficult problems and thus become a problem solver with true problem solving skills. Those students who do enjoy true problem solving abilities are rare gems that teachers love. They can be used as a resource for helping and developing other students into becoming a capable learner.
An individual who acquires the quality of a good student/citizen will always think for the betterment of the society and give respect to all. A good student need not necessarily be the smartest student but one who also participates in all activities, as it increases one’s level of confidence and aids in academic success. Most institutions provide extra- curricular activities that students can perform and participate in. These activities provide so many learning opportunities that a traditional classroom education cannot always account for. It also helps the students to work with others as a team, in order to achieve common goals.
Karl Marx was a very good student during his time. He had attained lot of degrees through his hard work, skill and potential. After his graduation, he did his Law from Bonn and Berlin and then he wrote a Ph. D thesis in philosophy, campaigning the view of Democratic and Epicurus. He later evolved into a radical thinker and inspired various schools of thought with his Marxist theory. His ideas not only went on to establish himself as master of economist theory, but also gave the world a comprehensive understanding of politics, business, and education.
There are plenty of students who are blessed with natural intelligence and confidence but lack the discipline to love that confidence and intelligence. The hardest working students will ultimately be the most successful in life or future. Therefore, in order to become a qualified and responsible member of a society (a good student), one should inculcate the qualities mentioned above in order to become a fruitful citizen. It is said that only the responsible citizens of a country can cultivate or motivate good qualities and become a lesson for others.
“Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. For feedback or comments please email: admin@tetsocollege.org”.
