Sunday Special: The Truth

Teacher Talks: The Truth

Why Students Prefer Lenient Teachers Over Strict Ones?

Human psychology is simple:

People naturally gravitate towards those who make them feel good, appreciated, and comfortable.

Students are no different.

They immediately like teachers who are friendly, flexible, lenient, and easy in paper correction. But strict, disciplined, transparent, and firm teachers rarely become “favourites,” even if they are the ones transforming students in the long run.

Why does this happen?

Let’s explore.

1. Human Psychology: Appreciation Attracts

If you talk in a positive, pleasing, and praising tone, people love interacting with you.

But if you're honest, straightforward, and transparent, many hesitate. Truth often hurts, even when it is needed.

Students similarly prefer teachers who match their wavelengths, habits, and comfort zone, even if rigor is missing.

2. Strict Teachers Are Often Misunderstood

Dedicated and firm teachers sometimes become targets for a group of easy-going people.

Honesty is mistaken for harshness, and firmness is mistaken for ego.

But reality is very different.

Real Incidents from My Journey

Incident 1: Grade 10 – The Pressure of Fake Equality

A parent once requested me not to announce marks in class, as the child “gets depressed.”

I respected the request and maintained that strategy throughout the year.

But to my surprise, she was the only one who scored second class.

Why blame the teacher for not “protecting” the child’s fake academic identity?

Growth requires facing reality, not hiding it.

Incident 2: The Case of 18/20 – Popularity vs Reality

One student often scored single digits because his basics were weak and he had shifted from another board.

Next year he proudly told me:

“Sir, now I’m good at maths. I got 18/20!”

Later I discovered that 18 was the lowest, and everyone else scored 19 or 20.

The paper was extremely basic.

It gave popularity to the teacher, but not real learning.

In the board exam, the same child struggled again.

Popularity is easy.

Honest teaching is not.

Incident 3: The 9/80 Blame Game

A student who got 9/80 was instigated by an outside tutor:

“One question was from previous grade. Out of portion.”

Completely false.

It shocked me how easily people protect their dignity by blaming teachers, instead of reflecting on their own preparation.

Incident 4: The Extra-Marks Strategy

A colleague once shared:

“My friend who teaches English gives 1–2 extra marks to everyone.

No rechecking issues, no complaints. All parents are happy.”

Of course.

Who doesn’t like bonus marks?

But is this education or customer service?

My Teaching Principles: Transparency First

Throughout my career I have followed one rule:

If I give marks for a step to one student, then I give the same to everyone.

I encourage students to:

Compare papers

Ask questions

Recheck solutions

Raise doubts openly

I discuss answers before handing over papers.

Students often come to me voluntarily to get marks deducted for a wrong step.

I appreciate such honesty publicly.

Because integrity must be celebrated.

Strictness Is Not the Goal - Clarity Is

Many teachers use strictness to hide a lack of content knowledge.

But I always tell my team:

"Punishment is the least important part of teaching.

Content knowledge is the most important."

If I don’t know an answer, I simply say:

“We’ll continue it tomorrow.”

Teaching is not a performance.

It is responsibility.

Firm, Honest Teachers Are Remembered Forever

They may not be the most popular today.

But they are the ones students remember years later with gratitude.

Popularity can be bought with leniency.

But respect is earned through sincerity.

A teacher must strike a balance:

✔️ Be firm, not harsh

✔️ Be honest, not rude

✔️ Correct mistakes, don’t ignore them

✔️ Teach for growth, not for likes

Conclusion

Some teachers become lenient to save their jobs, especially in environments where management policies are not teacher-friendly.

But true educators stand strong, maintain transparency, and hold the torch of integrity—even when it makes them less popular.

Because teaching is not about being liked.

It’s about making a difference.

Disclaimer:

This blog is written purely for educational, motivational, and reflective purposes. The incidents and observations shared here aim to highlight learning experiences, not to criticize or target any individual, institution, or profession. All examples are shared with respect and sensitivity, only to inspire constructive thinking about teaching, learning, and personal growth. Any resemblance to real persons is coincidental, and the intention is always to uplift, not to offend.

Warm Regards,

Rakesh Kushwaha

Founder – Mathivation HUB

“Where Mathematics Meets Motivation”

Please feel free to provide your open and constructive feedback.