This is the 15285th most frequent Russian word.
послушных
Obedient.
In this sentence, 'послушных' is used as a predicate adjective describing a desired trait of the children, aligning with the educational context.
Детей нужно учить быть послушных.
Children need to be taught to be obedient.
Here, 'послушных' functions as an attributive adjective describing the noun 'учеников' directly, emphasizing their commendable behavior.
Учитель похвалил своих послушных учеников.
The teacher praised their obedient students.
In this case, 'послушными' is used as a descriptive adjective in the instrumental case, especially in context where pride or relation is expressed.