“Those that know do
Those
that understand teach.”-Aristotle.
As teachers
our path is to guide. This line has been said many times.
Well, I am
not writing this blog to motivate you or anyone else. My purpose today is to
make the teaching learning process more meaningful and approachable by
demonstrating that it is possible to get good results by taking a few mindful
steps.
Teaching is
a profession just like any other job in the world. What makes it different is
that we are dealing with the next generation. So, we have to make a difference
today to ensure a positive change in tomorrow’s world.
#1 Develop the art of story telling
All the business
houses and start-ups are turning to story-telling to create an impact. From
Amazon to Flipkart, the executives are trying to make sense by putting the
numbers and mind-boggling figures into an interesting story.
They are
using diction, tone, intonation, accents, dialects, etc. to make an impact with
their stories to help them get that contract, or funding or to put their
company on top.
Then why are
teachers not using this basic skill in their classroom where this art was
actually born?
We teachers
actually have a copyright of this activity.
Story telling
can be used to create and leave an impact on the child’s mind. This impact is
termed as ‘learning value’ in the education jargon. This is one of the handiest
of the tools but which is not used by most teachers. It is just because they
feel that the lecture method which is ever prevalent is the best method of all.
Drop
everything and practise storytelling to make the most of your time in the
classroom and allow the best of the learning to happen.
#2 Note down
your classroom victories
Each day
teachers return home with a bundle of frustrations. They wait for their bosses
to appreciate, or notice. Mostly it doesn’t happen because everyone is occupied
with work and their own struggles and victories.
A teacher
should go home, and note down all the victories of the day in a journal.
But honestly
speaking, ‘What are victories of teachers?’
You listened
to a story patiently.
You patted a
back.
You allowed
someone to share the tiffin.
You answered
a parent’s call and gave a satisfactory answer.
You taught a
particular topic very well.
All the
students were smiling or were happy during your class.
The students
raised or put up some amazing and difficult questions.
You assisted
your colleague to complete the attendance work.
You lent a
red pen to a teacher who needed to complete the corrections on time.
You just
showed kindness by speaking gently and softly with the support staff.
The list is
endless. Teachers, go on and record your victories.
Celebrate
you success everyday!
#3 Be
determined to teach
Planning
seems very good on paper. When you start implementing it, you see roadblocks,
you feel tired, you forget to carry teaching aids, etc.
Many things
come in the way of executing a plan. Just remember that plan well but execute
it even better. Mere planning will not bring the results. Or it will not
complete the syllabus on time. But proactiveness in acting out the plan will
make everyone happy.
Don’t mind
the noise, neither the disturbances or the fluctuating power, or the maid who
comes with a circular, or the teacher who wants to ask you something at that
particular time, or the noisy rain, or the grime and the sweat or the chill of
the winters…
Just teach!
#4 Build a
relationship
Invest the
initial classes at the beginning of the year in building a relationship with
the students. Never be in a hurry to teach. Your priority should be to have a
relationship with your students. A good relationship will ensure that you are
able to teach each and every concept with ease.
#5 Mindfulness
Be mindful
of the emotions and the experiences which the students are going through. Look
them in the eye. Talk to them. Listen to them. Give them solutions for their
problems. Hear them out. Be patient. Pay attention to the details. Question,
investigate if a child is sitting with a sullen face or is not in the mood.
Appreciate
and praise if someone has drawn something or is looking up to you for a nod
which says, ‘yes you have done it well’.
In short, BE
MINDFUL in the classroom.
You can pay
attention to all of the above only if you are mindful.
If you get
pre occupied with a lot of records which are to be done, or to be submitted, or
your own workload which seems boggling, you cannot be mindful in the present
times.
You will
miss out on the important emotions, feelings, achievements, failures,
disappointments or wins of your students.
Grab them
all-BE MINDFUL.
#6 Observe
your peers:
If all the
roads seemed blocked, then open your eyes and ears and go into the observation
mode.
Yes, you
heard it right. Stop working and just observe your peers. You will learn new
way to do the same old things. You will learn smarter ways from your
colleagues. Because most of them are working well ahead of their deadlines.
Everyone has
a way of managing and organising their work. If you feel that you are not able
to meet the demands of the profession, do observe how one your colleague who
finishes his work fast and quickly is managing.
What are the
skills and techniques that the teacher is using?
Now
introspect and try to adopt some of the good techniques that you saw or spotted
among the other teachers.
Go
ahead-COPY AND PASTE.
#7 Enter
with a smile
This one is
pretty cool and simple. It is in your hands. It is just a thought that you have
to carry. Just be mindful when you are in class. Wear that smile come what may.
Don’t forget it. be kind to yourself and the class.
Enter the
classroom with a smile.
#8 High energy level
Teachers or
employees who keep up their energy during the day are happier than the other
lot. It goes without saying that they are more productive.
The students
also respond well to someone who speaks loudly and clearly rather than the one
who finds it difficult to even raise a finger to complete the work.
Eat, munch,
crunch, crush or move some muscles.
Do whatever
it takes to carry a happy self to your workplace.
Nothing will
work if you are an unhappy or dejected soul.
