Teaching...a noble profession

Entering into a classroom full of students who are inquisitive, bright and smart, it becomes x times tougher for a professor to teach. It is not just the concepts but also the knowledge needs to be UpToDate and sharpened like the tip of a pencil. The students should never feel bored or sleepy. They should be given a feeling that you are safe and in the right place. I treat students like my own child. We give our children the best of everything and at the same time correct their mistakes whenever and wherever possible. So, as a professor  it is my duty and responsibility to learn and teach the children as accurately as possible and help them understand the difference between right and wrong. 

This profession has helped me a become better person day on day.  You have to be well prepared otherwise the students start doubting your capabilities and the trust breaks. Teaching is not just about presenting from one side and listening from the other side. It is about interaction. Conversations that can make the student feel connected to you. It is not about questions and answers or giving and writing tests. It is more about story telling. Presenting facts in a story format. When it is told like a story the listener goes into that world and starts imagining as though it is happening in front of him/her. 

But the funny and interesting thing is the subjects that I handle are economics, statistics, derivatives, investment management. Economics is boring for the listener that is the student. They sometimes tend to sleep. As a professor we can feel it. The joy lies in when I teach this in practical format like making role plays. Sometimes we make a market of the class and discuss demand and supply. It slows down the syllabus!!! But its the only way out as students enjoy such theme based learning. 

As for the practical subjects which is a huge responsibility.  In these subjects, I personally feel that solving the problems on the board doesn't solve the problems of the students. Going to each bench, each student and seeing to it that they solve the second problem on their own makes me feel happy and satisfied. Students are scared of these subjects as they involve numbers. But removing that fear from the student's heart is a teacher's job. I try to do my best. When they solve the homework (in college it is difficult for all students to get the homework problem solved 😉) it brings great joy as I feel at least they tried. I my classroom I applaud the students because I feel even if it is wrong they need to be encouraged to work. That is important!!! No one can attain perfection in a day. 

I laugh when they laugh, cry when they cry, pamper them, a friend to them but also a mother when they make mistakes. It gives great joy when they call and tell about the exams, when they thank you for all the encouragement - it feels like nothing is better than that. Not even the best teacher award. 

This write up is dedicated to my students who are are fuel to the fire within me....

Thank you.

Namitha