When a teacher steps into class what is her intention? What is her goal or purpose? The quickest answer would be — to teach! Yes, but teach what?
Does the teacher wish to teach content? This means she/he would study the chapter well, as it is in the text book, and convey that content in simple and easy to understand language to her class.
Does the teacher wish to make the class interesting? She would set questions to enable better comprehension. She would plan a quiz and suggest some projects.
Does the teacher wish to be encouraging? She would divide the available time between delivering content and giving opportunity for discussion of matters more diverse. Most teachers do this, as friendly counseling is an important part of class atmosphere.
The role of a teacher is far more than all this. I would like to suggest that the purpose of teaching is far beyond content and encouragement.
In the words of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam:
Teaching is the very noble profession that shapes the character, calibre and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher that will be the biggest honour for me.
Every teacher must somehow equip her class for a successful adult life — it does not matter if the class is primary, middle or high school. What does an adult need for a successful career and happy life?
· A spirit of inquiry,
· passion for learning,
· ability to be independent,
· affinity for hard work,
· empathy and concern for others,
· willingness to share credit and blame,
· and a willingness to accept responsibility.
This lockdown has forced teachers to rethink the teaching — learning process. We had begun to believe in student-centred learning experience. But our strides towards that end were confused and faltering. With online classes the teacher has no way of knowing whether the student is looking at her, is paying attention, or sometimes we don’t even know if they are even in their seat or not! We know what a bundle of energy our kids are! And now they are confined to homes and locked into dispassionate screens!
The teaching changes!
The teacher must now design a lesson plan that has activities that trigger a spirit of inquiry
The teacher’s own passion for the subject must be so compelling that students become curious and are eager to learn on their own.
The assignments must be planned so that the students are writing an answer or an idea after every 7 to 8 minutes of listening to the teacher. This takes away the monotony and reinforces learning. It makes the child independent; and hopefully hard-working!
Mistakes are okay! There is too much emphasis on getting it right. Students are afraid to try. This is a sad situation. Nobody must be penalised for trying. Students must know that what is not OK is not trying. Let students do their own research however incomplete or shoddy! Rather than blindly copy perfect notes and be done.
Every teacher is a storyteller. No matter what subject she teaches, she can use the topic on hand to comment about everyday life and the solutions to the problems that arise. Thereby she makes her students strong and brave.
Online teaching is a challenge. But perhaps this is the push WE (teachers, students, parents) needed to move fast in the right direction? Let us equip the child with an ability to think rather than an ability to learn. What say?
Would you like to read about my experiences in online teaching? Would you like to make fast strides into better communication? Do grab my book on AMAZON.
