Our concept of Education
In today's global village, there is no limit to the knowledge one acquires. The more knowledge one absorbs, the better is one equipped to handle the ups and downs of life and this knowledge is what I term 'Education'. We are not philosophers; but learners ourselves - learners with more experience than those whom we teach - so we do not wish to call this our 'philosophy' of education; we are more comfortable calling it our concept of education.
Education is that tool - or should we say weapon - that each one of us must possess to fight our way through the myriad of hurdles that life throws in our path. Education can be termed as the driver of change in society. When we speak of the learners of today as the managers of tomorrow, we realise how crucial it is for them to be educated in the right sense of the term. And, this is where teachers play a pivotal role. Though the child's preliminary education begins at home, it is only the teacher who can mould the child and prepare it to occupy its rightful place in society.
If we are to mould the child, then what are our roles in the classroom? Our roles begin with entering the classroom with a specific plan and a target for what we intend delivering and completing in that period. Preparing a healthy atmosphere in the classroom, conducive to learning; is the next step. Many a times, a lesson can be made more interesting by introducing it with a small activity that grabs the attention of the class and ensures one hundred percent participation. As the class progresses, our concern will be to check whether the students are on the same wavelength as we are. This can be ascertained by asking questions from time to time and evaluating the response. Being aware that each student is different in cognitive learning, we employ differing teaching styles, thus ensuring that all our students learn and apply concepts in our subject.
Apart from helping students gain proficiency in Academics, our goal is to help students figure out who they are. A good teacher inspires students - making them believe in themselves. We believe in gently awakening students to their responsibilities to Society and the larger role in life that they need to play. We both believe in the old English adage "Practice before you Preach" and we are confident that none of the students whom we are currently teaching will ever say that Sandeep sir and Urmila maám only preach! This now leads us to touch upon the qualities of a good teacher.
To begin with, a good teacher needs to be fair and unbiased. He understands and accepts differences in others; analyses and deciphers student response and adapts himself to the situation. A good teacher is a role model to his students - an epitome of knowledge, patience and good demeanour.
Finally, a teacher needs to stay updated about the latest trends and techniques of teaching; and incorporate the same in the classroom.
- Sandeep and Urmila Palekar
Nashik, INDIA