Igniting minds

She has been teaching for over 20 years, but even now each day brings its own share of ups and downs for Ivy Chakravarty. A primary teacher in a reputable public school in south Delhi, her job is as challenging as it is rewarding. “To teach a relatively large crowd of seven-year-old children is no easy task,” she says. “The early school years are when children are the most impressionable, and this adds to our moral responsibility.”

One of the most noble professions since ancient times, teaching has undergone a sea change. Its essence, however, is the same — to help children become well-rounded individuals ready to face the world. “Teaching may have become a monetary activity today; we do look forward to our paycheques at the end of the month. But it is also about our day-to-day work – how to be creative within the curriculum, learn from feedback and be sensitive to the several facets of young children,” adds Chakravarty.

A teacher has to be inventive with methods of imparting knowledge, as the curriculum seldom changes but new teaching techniques are devised constantly. In other words, the same lessons can be delivered in better ways, and good teachers keep themselves updated on these better ways and use them effectively in the classrooms.

“Learning is a process and teachers are facilitators in such a process,” says Gaurav Monga, who teaches literature in Vasant Valley School. The 28-year-old believes that an aspiring teacher must be willing to have a clear and open mind to avoid stagnation.

“Although in many courses across boards, the syllabus may curb creativity, one should never lose the willingness to contribute to the process (of nurturing young minds),” he adds.

That is also the opinion of Radhika Kapoor, who did an MPhil in child psychology six years ago and now teaches in Strawberry Fields World School, Chandigarh. “The stress-free environment this career promises ensures a natural ambience for creativity among teachers,” she says, stating that her job may still not be very lucrative but is certainly gratifying.

Teaching is now more enjoyable because it is no longer restricted to the classroom. More and more schools are encouraging educational trips, class vacations, adventure expeditions and workshops aimed at cultivating a child’s faculties. The teacher is gradually changing garb from an instructor to a guiding mentor.

Athor: Shubhodeep Chakravarty

Date: 23rd Sep., 2009

 

 

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