Child Psychology at the Heart of Learning

By Rayees Ahmad Kumar

Hailing from the picturesque Boniyar Uri village of Baramulla, a settlement surrounded by lofty mountains and valleys of striking beauty, Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi has built a reputation that straddles both the classroom and the literary world. A committed academician by profession and a prolific writer by passion, Qureshi has carved a niche for himself through his meticulously crafted columns and essays that frequently appear in widely read dailies, weeklies, and literary magazines. His writings, marked by clarity and artistic expression, traverse themes of education, morality, social reform, and the economic challenges of Kashmir. Occasionally, he turns to fiction, penning Urdu short stories that hold up a mirror to society, exposing its ailments and contradictions.

Recently, his work as an educationist earned him recognition when the Postal Division Baramulla honoured him on the eve of National Teacher’s Day for his distinguished contribution to the teaching sector. The award came at a fitting time, coinciding with the release of his new book, Understanding Child Psychology in the Teaching Learning Process, published by GNK Publications. The book, extending across 182 pages with a carefully designed cover, is both a scholarly and practical resource for teachers. Dedicated to his parents and mentors, the author opens with a heartfelt appeal to both parents and teachers to work in harmony, creating an environment conducive to nurturing young minds. He reminds readers that between 90 to 95 percent of a child’s brain development occurs in the early years, making this stage critical for laying the foundations of learning, behaviour, and health.

Qureshi’s insights are not theoretical musings alone but drawn from nearly two decades of classroom experience, where his encounters with diverse groups of children and teachers shaped his conviction that effective education is inseparable from child psychology. The book is divided into 14 chapters, each examining a key area of child development and pedagogy. The opening chapter, Introduction to Child Psychology in Education, discusses the scope of educational psychology, its definitions, and methods, while subsequent sections delve deeper into themes such as cognitive development, learning theories, and emotional intelligence. Drawing on the work of thinkers like Jean Piaget, he explains the stages of cognitive growth, while also weaving in perspectives on culture and information processing.

Other chapters move into practical terrains: Motivation and Learning outlines theories of motivation and their relevance in the classroom, while Individual Differences in Learning stresses the importance of addressing varied learning styles through auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and reading/writing approaches. In Language Development and Literacy, he highlights the stages of linguistic growth in early childhood and provides strategies for fostering literacy. Similarly, Assessment and Evaluation explores how well-designed evaluations not only measure but also improve learning outcomes, encouraging teachers to involve students in self-assessment.

Qureshi does not shy away from some of the toughest challenges facing educators. In Classroom Management and Discipline, he reviews behavioural, cognitive, and humanistic approaches to maintaining order, while in Special Education and Inclusive Practice, he examines the policies and practicalities of including children with special needs, situating the discussion within the framework of the Right to Education Act of 2009. He also devotes a chapter to Technology in Education, reflecting on how smart devices, the internet, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the teaching landscape. His message is clear: judicious use of technology can revolutionize classrooms if guided by sound pedagogy. The later chapters on Cultural and Societal Influences on Learning and Professional Development for Teachers underscore diversity, adaptability, and lifelong learning as essential attributes of modern education.

Beyond the book, Qureshi continues to contribute to Kashmiri intellectual and cultural life. Last Sunday, his latest work was formally launched at a grand literary event at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, organised by the Care Foundation and Charitable Trust in collaboration with the Dudpathri Cultural Forum, Budgam. The gathering was a reflection of Qureshi’s growing stature, graced by senior JKAS officer Dr. Ab Hafiz Masoodi, Tehsildar Boniyar, award-winning educator Javed Abdullah, writer M.Y. Shaheen, poet Shabnum Vijpari, columnist Rayees Ahmad Kumar, Chairman of the Private Schools Association G.N. War, JKECC Chairman Shah Fayaz, and several others. The event was moderated by noted literary figure and teacher Nazir Qureshi Ibni Shahbaz, whose presence further elevated the proceedings.

With a pen that is as committed as his chalk, Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi stands as an example of how educators can extend their influence beyond the classroom. His latest book is more than a scholarly contribution; it is a practical guide for teachers, a heartfelt message to parents, and a literary offering to society. In bridging academic rigor with cultural sensibility, Qureshi has established himself as both a torchbearer of education and a voice of social reflection in Kashmir’s intellectual landscape.

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this newspaper