LET’S SPREAD THE LOVE
Quality is a very relative term. It refers to the standard
of work delivered either by an individual or by an organisation. This can
include the quality of task completion, interactions and deliverables. It is
important for every individual to get a clear picture of his quality – only then
will he be able to surpass himself.
Quality Management ensures that a person is in
constant pursuit of excellence. In all sectors, it is important for people in
key positions to continually develop themselves. This development needs to have
a positive implementation – only then will the subordinates follow. Replicating
this in the scenario of a classroom, the teacher is the undisputed pivot. He/she
continues to enjoy this key position in the teaching-learning process. Thus it
is of paramount importance that a teacher must demonstrate a work of a certain
standard and strive to be better with each passing day.
Acquiring academic skills is the most
important quality of the student. Ability to read comprehensively, to
write effectively, to speak fluently, and to communicate clearly are the key
areas in which a student must be proficient. However, a good student would want
to look beyond that. He should draw inspiration from his educator and collect
regular feedback on his quality of work. A student, if able to take constructive
criticism in a positive way, will be able to evolve and mature with time.
In this regard, it will be pertinent to share the
experience of an Economics teacher who has chosen to teach in an interesting
way during the period of Lockdown. She assigns several thought-provoking
activities to her students and by chalking out hypothetical scenarios and asks
for feedback
from the students. She uses these examples and feedback during
the class to explain the concepts. Thus, every class turns out to be in an interactive session and the pupils have a feel of sharing a common space
together. In one such session, the teacher divided the class into two groups. The
first group represented the migrant workers/daily wage workers who are finding
it hard to make both ends meet due to outbreak of the pandemic and the other
group represented the well-to-do business class who, although are facing a
slowdown but are not as severely affected. Both the groups were asked to
discuss the challenges that they faced and how the second group could help the
first one.
The children came up with humane solutions thus emphasizing
the importance of important value systems which makes us human. This
session was indeed a life-skill learning experience which is what Quality Education
refers to in its true sense.
For the educational experience to be premium, the bond
between an educator and a learner is very important. Teachers have to don many
roles – that of a parent, a guide or even a friend. In the words of Brad Henry,
a good teacher is one who can "inspire hope, ignite inspiration, and
instil a love of learning". The love expressed by a teacher towards
her students is powerful enough to gain a lot of respect. It creates an
everlasting relationship that remains throughout their whole lifetime.
One day Arnav, a student of Grade 6, came to his Grade
1 teacher and told that he is leaving the school. His sight triggered a wave of
nostalgia - she remembered that he used to sit on the first bench as he was
very slow in writing. Though a naughty child, he used to listen to the teacher.
Years passed by and he grew up and went to different grades. Despite having a new
teacher, he used to come and meet her during recess and share his tales. Hearing
this news, she became sad. After a few days, he returned to her and gave a card
that he had made for her. It read, “Ma’am even though I am joining another school,
I will always miss you and can never forget you. Thank You for everything!” Both
became very emotional – the teacher hugged him and couldn’t stop her tears. She
still has the note with her and they are in touch.
Such tender and lovely relationships are most
cherishable – these keep a teacher going. It also happens that the students
prove to be the ones inspiring a teacher - they are the ones who follow their
dreams and make a teacher beam with pride and comfort. A teacher who loves her
students receives respect, admiration, care and, most importantly, love in
return. Let us all choose to spread a little love.
Super 7 @ Billabong High
International School, Thane
-
Sayantani Mukherjee, Dimple Awasthi, Ritu Chitnis, Manjusha Saji, Jyoti
Ramdhave, Vijaylaxmi Ramesh & Sumati Muthukumar
