Student Beings

Maruf, a diligent student, sat in his room, absorbed in his studies at the University of Moscow. He had moved to Russia from his homeland to pursue his dreams of higher education. It was a chilly morning, and Maruf had an important exam that day.

As the clock struck 7 am, Maruf rose from his bed, determined to make the most of his day. He attended all his lectures diligently, even in the face of exhaustion and freezing weather. He relied on public transport to commute, braving the icy winds and snow-covered streets to reach the university in time for his exams. Maruf had poured countless hours into studying, sacrificing sleep and leisure activities to prepare for each test. He had spent his hard-earned money on pens, notebooks, and even a computer to aid his studies.

Little did Maruf know that the grading system in Russia was unique. The highest score for most exams was 5, but to his surprise, he discovered that if a student failed to answer any questions and handed in a blank exam paper, they were awarded 2 out of 5. This puzzled him, and he couldn't help but question the fairness of the system.

Curious, Maruf approached Dr. Theodor Medraev, a respected professor at the university. With a hint of confusion in his voice, Maruf asked, "Is it fair to give a student 2 out of 5 when they haven't answered any questions? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to give them a zero?"

Dr. Medraev, a wise and compassionate man, smiled warmly at Maruf. He replied, "How can we give a human being a zero? How can we reduce their efforts to nothing? Consider this, my young friend. They woke up early every day, attended lectures diligently, braving the cold. They made it to the exam hall, attempting to solve the questions to the best of their abilities. They dedicated countless nights to studying and invested their resources in pursuit of knowledge. We must respect the fact that they are human beings, deserving of acknowledgement."

Maruf was deeply moved by Dr. Medraev's words. The professor's response had shed light on a profound truth. It was not merely about the questions answered on an exam paper; it was about recognizing the efforts and humanity of the student. Tears welled up in Maruf's eyes as he struggled to find words to respond.

In that moment, Maruf understood his true value as a human being. He realized that a zero score could easily shatter a student's motivation, causing them to lose interest in their studies altogether. Once a zero was marked in the grade book, it was as if the subject had become insignificant to them, leaving them feeling helpless.

Inspired by his own experience and the wisdom of Dr. Medraev, Maruf decided to share his story with others. He wanted to send a message to teachers and educators, urging them to reconsider the education system's approach in their own countries.

With great determination, Maruf penned his thoughts, urging for change and emphasizing the importance of valuing students as human beings. He shared his story on social media, attributing the original message to @Amn Orakzai, and his words quickly spread far and wide.

Maruf's story touched the hearts of many, both students and teachers alike. It sparked discussions and debates about the effects of zero scores on students' motivation and self-esteem. Educators began reflecting on the true purpose of education and the importance of nurturing a student's growth rather than merely grading their performance.

Slowly but surely, the shabby education systems in different countries started to take notice. Reforms were implemented to focus on recognizing and appreciating the efforts of students, fostering a positive learning environment that nurtured their potential. Teachers began to emphasize the importance of encouragement, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a growth mindset among their students.

Maruf's story became a catalyst for change. Educational institutions around the world started adopting a more holistic approach to grading, recognizing that a student's worth extended far beyond their performance on an exam. They realized that by assigning a zero, they risked demoralizing students and hindering their desire to learn.

Schools began implementing alternative methods of evaluation, such as project-based assessments, group discussions, and portfolios, which allowed students to showcase their knowledge and skills in diverse ways. These new approaches not only acknowledged their efforts but also encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

As the education system evolved, so did the perception of students as human beings. Teachers prioritized the well-being of their students, taking the time to understand their individual strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. They encouraged open communication, providing a safe space for students to voice their concerns and seek guidance.

Maruf's story continued to resonate with students and educators worldwide. It reminded everyone that education was not just about grades and test scores; it was about nurturing the potential of each human being. The value of a student was no longer determined solely by a numerical figure, but by their growth, resilience, and the effort they put into their studies.

Years later, Maruf stood before an audience of educators at an international conference. He shared his journey and the impact his story had made. His words reverberated through the halls, igniting a collective commitment to transforming education systems across borders.

In Russia, the grading system underwent significant changes. The emphasis shifted from rigid marks to a more comprehensive evaluation that considered a student's progress, engagement, and character development. Zero scores became a thing of the past, replaced by a compassionate approach that aimed to inspire, motivate, and support students on their educational journey.

Maruf's story became a beacon of hope for students who had once felt discouraged and disheartened. It reminded them that their worth was immeasurable, and their potential boundless. It encouraged them to embrace challenges, persevere in the face of adversity, and believe in their own abilities.

And so, Maruf's journey, from a perplexed student questioning the system to a catalyst for change, left an indelible mark on the world of education. His story taught everyone the importance of recognizing the value of a student as a human being, a unique individual on a path of growth and discovery. From that day forward, educators worldwide pledged to empower their students, nurturing their minds and spirits, and fostering a future where every student could flourish.