Belgrade, Serbia – A recently resurfaced interview with the revered Serbian poet Desanka Maksimović is sparking renewed discussion on educational philosophy, highlighting a compassionate approach to teaching that many argue remains relevant today. In the segment, Maksimović, reflecting on her time as a teacher, articulates a profound belief in patience and understanding over strict adherence to immediate performance. "I never rejoiced when I had to give a failing grade, and I didn't give them," Maksimović states in the interview. "Instead, I would let the student say what I had assigned the next day or the day after. One doesn't have to know knowledge today; they can know it in three days." Her philosophy extended beyond academic expectations, delving into the personal lives of her students. Maksimović emphasized the importance of empathy, recalling instances where a child's struggles at home could impact their learning. "Someone's mother is sick. Someone's father went for surgery. Someone was beaten in the morning for not brushing their teeth," she explained. "And how will he speak nicely to me? I would wait for all those domestic troubles to pass, and then I would teach him. In that regard, I was not lenient, but normal." This perspective, shared decades ago, resonates with contemporary debates about student well-being, mental health, and the need for educators to consider the broader context of a child's life. Educators and parents alike are sharing the clip, praising Maksimović's progressive and humane stance on education, suggesting her wisdom offers a valuable lesson for modern pedagogical practices.
Desanka Maksimović, dobra vila naše književnosti, bila je satkana od emocija. Nežni stihovi besmrtne srpske pesnikinje pravi su melem za dušu, a leko…
