Every experience in your life is being orchestrated to teach you something you need to know to move forward.
-Brian Tracy
I believe that each encounter - good or bad is priceless. We are all aware that experience is the best teacher and I can say this with conviction that teachers have some of the best experiences in their lives!
Would you agree with me if I say that teaching is like travelling? Regardless of where you go, you experience a myriad of emotions before, during and after your adventure: apprehension, excitement, trepidation, joy, adaptability, disappointment, acceptance, appreciation, satisfaction, confidence, sentimentality, pride et al.
I had the privilege, yes - you read it right - the privilege to go through all these emotions and this has been possible since I have spent some of the best years of my life playing the role of a teacher.
Any kind of journey in our lives starts with small steps and the journey of my life as a teacher began with ELTIS way back in 1996, when the institute was in its infancy and still growing. As I indulge in reminiscences, I am reminded of the day I became a part of ELTIS. I was one amongst the four teachers with a class size of six students. Despite the small number, the pleasure of teaching was immense, and this led me to believe that ‘Small is indeed beautiful.’
It was unnerving but at the same time fascinating to interact with international adult learners for the first time. I never knew that a place like Djibouti existed. I learnt that the Thais greet each other with the word ‘Sawadee’ by putting their hands together, similar to our customary ‘Namaste’. It was mind-boggling to wonder why the students from the Middle East say make a party, make accident, make exam without even realising that they are actually making a mistake! And if you ever go to Korea, you must remember that Number 4 is unlucky as it is a symbol of bad luck.
As the days, months and years rolled on, I got familiar with diverse cultures, their accents, some of the words in their languages, festivals and not to forget the attitudes some of the students carried with them from the distant lands.
But what really amuses me even to this day is the way in which these students (especially at the elementary level) communicate with each other with only a smattering of words in English, with inappropriate lexicon and syntax. And what’s more is that they manage to be understood by each other!
Owing to the language and cultural differences between the students and the teacher, I learnt the importance of using a variety of communicative methods. I also appreciated the quality of ‘being flexible’ in my approach to teaching. Above all, I understood that striking a balance between friendliness and authority is paramount.
On one occasion, I recall reprimanding a student from Thailand for coming late to class. As it turned out, someone had sneaked into his room and pilfered his music player and some money. I realised I should not get carried away by my urge to follow rules and must slow down on my reaction time.
My first encounter with students of the BBA course taught me lessons which I will never forget and which, I might add, will never go out of fashion. I was reluctant to conduct a session in a class full of students who thought they were ‘better than the best.’ It was at this time that the mantra, ‘Fake it till you make it’ worked like a miracle. Feigning confidence translated into a feeling of self-assurance in me and I was able to conduct the session successfully and actually enjoy the experience.
One of the most important elements of teaching, in my opinion, is building bonds with students. Bidding goodbye to my maiden batch of students who completed a course of 9 months was disheartening. Now when I look back, I realise that life moves on. Students come and go and leave fond memories behind. I like to think that perhaps I did help them become more proficient in English and they left confident in their own self-worth.
My teaching experience wouldn’t be complete if I don’t mention my co-workers. Tapping into the resources of my colleagues has opened up treasure stores of knowledge and wisdom. Whether it is developing course material, working on a question bank, sharing lesson plans, exchanging activities that one has tried out in classes, writing a script for anchoring important events like the annual day, or even strategies for dealing with difficult students, I have benefitted by working in a team. I have thus realised that teamwork is an incredibly important skill and essential in producing collaborative work.
Recent changes that have occurred in the teaching methodology, the switch from the chalk and talk method to digital teaching tools and attitudes of students have changed my perspective towards the teaching - learning process.
Although online teaching comes with its own unique challenges, one of the secrets to a successful class, in my opinion is emotional openness. I believe it is a great instructional strategy. When I began teaching remotely, I would explicitly ask my students for assistance if I ever faced a technical problem. Reassured that I would support their learning, they would be willing to help.
Here’s to ELTIS then - the place where I had my firstface to face and the first online classroom experience as well. And it’s the same place where I had my first drive (sans my driving instructor) and in fact this is my very first blog post.
As I welcome and rejoice a special day today, I look forward to many more teaching learning experiences (both in the classrooms and virtual) replete with new, meaningful lessons along the journey.
Happy Teachers’ Day to us-teachers!
Cheers!!
-Mala Hinduja Visiting Faculty: ELTIS