As a prof, you do not just teach, you learn
The
writer is an Assistant Professor with VES College of Law (Chembur) and also
teaches BMM students in VES College of Arts, Science and Students. He has also
delivered guest lectures on Socio-Political and Legal issues in various colleges
as well to students preparing for Competitive examination
“Don’t you get bored of the routine, don’t you need a break?”, I asked myself.
With
a job that offers one to be at the centre of energetic currents around oneself
and a position of authority from where you direct and channelise the future of
our country, the answer is definitely negative most of the times.
Teaching
may not be my first love, but it is definitely an area of work that I am
enjoying with each passing day. And there are reasons for the same.
As
a student I had always been a six-seven point someone who lacked the right
communication and oratory skills. This coupled with a lot of mischief was never
the right recipe to be a teacher. Nobody, including me, ever thought that I
would be a part of this noble profession.
But
I believe that it is this imperfection that is helping me sustain and enjoy
this career path. Teachers need to look at their students with this lens of
‘nobody is perfect and every student is a gem in his/her own special way’.
Let
us accept that as teachers we were and are not perfect. This fundamental
realisation will make us understand and accept the diversity that exists in
students — the intellectual ones, the creative ones, the curious ones and the
mischievous ones. And all of them are special in their own way.
While
our current academic set-up may not provide enough mechanism to reward
creativity, it is the responsibility of the teachers to spare a word or two of
appreciation for such students.
I
clearly remember a student of second year Mass Media requesting me to be more
appreciative and critical to the minimum for better outcomes. And it worked. I
learnt my very important lesson then. Teaching isn’t about delivering, it’s
also about listening and being receptive to ideas from students.
The
energy with which students execute an idea and covert it into success is
something I have always been in awe of. Their teamwork, dedication and the
‘killer’ spirit enthuses teachers like me to contribute more and more every day
towards creating successful professionals.
As
a professor, you do not just teach, you learn. And the day you refuse to learn
is the day you stop growing. This learning and enriching shouldn’t be just at
the academic level but includes holistic learning. With so much of diverse
talent and skills around me, I feel a constant motivation within to learn a
thing or two from my students.
With
my little experience, I have realised that this profession has lot to offer and
teaches one the virtues of patience, tolerance and offers one a position of
respect with immense job satisfaction.
Source | Daily News Analysis | 20 December 2016
Regards
Pralhad
Jadhav
Senior
Manager @ Library
Khaitan & Co
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