I’m working in a college in the remote area of Rajouri, where many of the students come from tribal backgrounds, often with limited exposure to public speaking or formal academic environments. Despite these challenges, I’ve observed that some of these students, especially the girls, are incredibly bright. They write strong, well-argued answers in their examinations. However, when it comes time to present their assignment topics in front of the class, even those who perform well in writing are unable to speak a single word.
To encourage them, I initially allowed students to choose topics of their own interest, hoping this would make the process easier. But the fear of public speaking and lack of confidence still held them back. It became clear that intellectual potential was not the issue; rather, it was the psychological and emotional barrier to speaking in front of peers that needed to be addressed.
Seeing this, I decided to change the way presentations were conducted. Instead of beginning with formal topics, I started by making them comfortable with simple, friendly conversations. I asked about their names, their villages, favourite foods, what changes they wish to see in their communities, how they manage anger, their thoughts about girls’ roles in society, and their personal preferences, like thoughts on marriage.
This small shift made a big difference. I could see them begin to open up, think freely, and express themselves. I believe this approach—grounded in personal connection and emotional safety—can help these students gain the confidence they need for future academic presentations and for life beyond college.
This approach can be described as the Growth Model Strategy: a student-centred, emotionally intelligent teaching method that focuses on building trust, expression, and confidence through personalised engagement.
Foundations of the Growth Model Strategy
The Growth Model Strategy emerges from three key pedagogical understandings:
Learning is holistic – Students learn best when cognitive, emotional, and social factors are all addressed.
Confidence precedes content – For many students, especially those from underserved or marginalised backgrounds, building the confidence to speak is the first step toward academic success.
Connection nurtures communication – When students feel seen and valued, they are more likely to participate, question, and learn.
Why personal questions help
Personal questions are more than just icebreakers. They serve as a gentle introduction to public speaking and build bridges between students and teachers.
Breaks the Ice – Talking about familiar things (like home or personal interests) helps reduce fear and anxiety.
Gives a Sense of Value – When a teacher shows interest in a student’s background, it makes them feel respected and seen.
Builds Communication Skills – Answering simple, personal questions is the first step toward more formal speaking.
Strengthens the Teacher-Student Bond – It makes the teacher more approachable and encourages participation.
When and how to ask these questions
These questions can be used in warm-up sessions, group introductions, or informal rounds before formal presentations. The goal is to build a communication-friendly classroom.
Example Questions:
What is special about your village?
What do you like doing in your free time?
What is your favourite food or colour, and why?
If you could teach us something from your culture, what would it be?
What changes do you want to see in your community?
What do you think about the role of girls in your society?
How do you calm yourself down when you are angry?
What are your thoughts on marriage and personal freedom?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you see the marriage of girls during college periods? Is it good or bad?
These questions not only help build confidence but also create a platform for sharing cultural knowledge and personal wisdom.
Step-by-step implementation of the Growth Model Strategy
Start with Comfort Zones: Avoid putting students immediately into formal tasks. Begin with casual interactions.
Gradual Progression: Move from personal to academic content in a phased manner. For example, after talking about a student’s village, transition to asking them to describe a current issue in that village.
Peer Support Mechanism: Create buddy systems where students practice their answers with a friend before presenting to the whole class.
Visual Aids and Props: Allow students to use photos, objects, or drawings to help them explain their point. This makes abstract concepts easier to communicate.
Reflective Feedback: After each presentation, give positive, specific feedback focusing on growth, not just correctness.
Encourage Storytelling: Ask students to tell stories—from their lives, folklore, or imagination. Storytelling is a natural and culturally rich way to build oral skills.
Benefits of the Growth Model Strategy
For Students:
Improved self-confidence
Enhanced speaking skills
Greater classroom participation
Stronger identity and cultural pride
Readiness for competitive and professional challenges
For Teachers:
Better understanding of student backgrounds
Stronger relationships with students.
More dynamic and inclusive classroom environment
Higher student engagement and performance
Real-Life Impact
One girl from a tribal community, who initially could not say her name aloud in class, now confidently shares her opinions about women’s education and healthcare in her village. Another student, who was once silent, now narrates local folk tales with passion and clarity. These transformations are not just academic; they are deeply personal, social, and emotional victories.
Integrating the strategy into the curriculum
While the Growth Model Strategy is informal in nature, it can be embedded into the curriculum without compromising academic standards. Here are a few suggestions:
Oral Assignments: Replace some written tasks with oral storytelling or community-based interviews.
Classroom Dialogues: Introduce 5-minute discussion slots where students respond to a daily question.
Cultural Exchange Days: Allow students to showcase an element of their culture.
Reflection Diaries: Ask students to write short reflections on their experience of speaking or listening each week.
Challenges and considerations
Implementing this model comes with its own set of challenges:
Time Constraints: Personalised interaction takes time, especially in large classrooms.
Teacher Training: Not all teachers are trained in emotional pedagogy or culturally responsive teaching.
Assessment Norms: Traditional assessment systems may not reward this kind of growth.
But these challenges are worth facing. The long-term impact of building a confident, expressive, and aware student body far outweighs the temporary difficulties.
Final point:
The Growth Model Strategy is not just a teaching technique; it is a philosophy of nurturing potential through empathy, conversation, and courage. In regions where students have been historically silenced—by poverty, by culture, by systemic neglect—this model offers a pathway to voice, visibility, and validation.
Every child has a story. Every student has a dream. But not everyone is given the mic. The Growth Model Strategy hands that mic over, gently but firmly, helping young voices find their tone, their volume, and their truth. And once they start speaking, the world better listen.
Farooq Ahmad Bakloo
fa************@***il.com