Simplicity and Trust - Ruchi Chaudhary


Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things." - Isaac Newton Simplicity is a lovely idea, but in reality, it is often challenging to achieve.  
Being a different person in different situations may mean we do not accept who we really are. If we take our weaknesses and strengths and love ourselves, we are more likely to draw people and situations that are pleasing to us.
Simplifying our lives may be the best starting point to grow into better loving ourselves and others, leaving the unnecessary clutter behind. A teacher should be good at keeping things simple. He/She doesn't overcomplicate material and presents it in a very easily understood way.  

In today's world, simple has come to mean old, outdated, and not 'best practice'. Simple has come under fire because it isn't flashy enough and cannot be packaged and marketed for a profit. Unfortunately, I believe we're getting away from simple and replacing it with methods that clutter the mind and ultimately decrease knowledge retention.  

Simplicity is becoming a lost value in the classroom, and our students suffer.
I remember one of my teachers whose overall appearance was straightforward, simple and charming. Her appealing look must be due to her deep knowledge and always being approachable to the students. I always wanted to be as simple as she was.
Nobody loves to open up to a complicated person because it can make more tangles, but the scope to speak freely to someone solves all the hindrances. I find simple nature has become handy to manage difficult situations and remain in demand whenever there are some adjustment clashes. Not just the younger generation who need help but even the senior members use such person's service to solve any issue without dispute.
For me, simplicity is the most expensive ornament anyone can wear throughout life, and I cherish its reward by garnering genuine respect and love like my teacher has earned from all her students. One or two teachers would be so dear to every student because they made the teaching accessible and understandable.
Classroom Activity: Students can show simplicity in the classroom in many ways, including having students simply turn to one another and discuss a topic. The purpose of these techniques is to engage students and encourage their own knowledge construction. I just ask students to think about something for a few seconds, obviously something germane to the topic we're covering. Then, I have students pair up to have a sounding board for their ideas. Ultimately, I want them to come up with a well-developed response they can share with the class. After this activity, I showed them I was proud of them.
Always remember, Praise effort, not "smartness"! 
Trust
Trust is a two-way street earned over time through merit and based on actions. There is no singular action that will lead to developing a trusting relationship but multiple steps over an extended period to earn that trust. Building trust and establishing meaningful, cooperative relationships with your students will ultimately make your job easier.
Take the time to discover what your students like to do and incorporate their interests into your lessons. Establish a rapport and connection with them to engage them in class and show that you care about them beyond their performance in school. Always be willing to listen to your students. Be your students' biggest cheerleader. Never tell them that they cannot do anything. Help them accomplish their goals by familiarizing yourself with their specific needs and setting them on the path to success, gently nudging them in the right direction if they need it.

Ruchi Chaudhary Mussoorie Public School 

Happy Teachers JOL Cohort 2022

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