Nipun Vinayak IAS

“I am not able to give my best, if I have not prepared the lecture.. or if there are only a few students present.
‘Sometimes, very intelligent students present in the class scare me’. ‘Disinterested students are a demotivating factor ‘.
‘My personal issues at home also have an impact…’
‘The whole environment of the college, the relationship between teachers and students are critical factors’ (Teachers)

‘A ‘difficult subject’ makes me avoid it more’.
‘My parents ask ‘You are a girl … what will you do after studying ..’
‘Partiality by teachers is a demotivating factor’ (Students)

We were talking to a group of teachers and students in Jalna district of Maharashtra. Matsyodri college, Ambad had hosted this discussion, inviting teachers and students from nearby talukas. The topic of discussion was: ‘What factors impact your giving 100% in teaching?’

The factors were discussed one by one.

On preparation before lecture, it was discussed that a teacher, if he/she has chosen this profession and subject out of interest, and is passionate about it, he/she would be always prepared ! And since knowledge has no limit, an openness to new learning everyday, with an attitude of being a co-learner aong with the student may help. This also takes away fear, if any, of presence of intelligent student(s) in the class.

Also, flowing from this, a teacher may identify in students areas of their interest and passion, so that they end up being prepared and interested in their lives and careers!

The teachers also shared means of making a subject interesting – through interactive sessions (‘Active learning’) and practical demonstrations. (The students vetted these as important for evoking their interest). In fact, it emerged, that a more important role of the teacher is to evince an interest in a subject and not focus too much on ‘completing the syllabus’. Once the former is done, the student may himself/herself yearn to learn more about it, which the teacher can then facilitate, as required.

On presence of fewer students in class, we shared the belief of Adam Braun mentioned in his book ‘The Promise of a Pencil’ that ‘ I would speak with the same passion and interest, even if there is one listener’. Opportunity to influence and share with even one person is no less.

Personal issues affect work. While it may be true for all professions, it was discussed whether teachers, being in the enviable position that they are, can try to keep that aside and be 100% with students and teaching when they are in the college. The Principal of Matsyodari college, Ambad shared, how he is conscious of the fact that 4000 students of his college look up to him, and therefore, he has to mind every little behaviour and act of his.

Later in the day we interacted with another set of teachers and students in Jalna Education Society college, Jalna. The topic of discussion here was : ‘What is one thing that you would like your students to go out with when they step- out?’

Teachers mentioned various aspects such as balanced development of the student, employability, etc. It emerged that a holistic development beyond mere employability has to be targeted. This would include aspects like gender sensitivity, high emotional and social quotients, learning to agree to disagree, and physical fitness.

Colleges are taking efforts. Notable are individuals like Dr. B R Gaikwad of Matsyodri Sanstha who are passionately pursuing excellence. The institute has a reputation of being ‘copymukt’ (no cheating) which sadly, according to the institute is weaning away students to other ‘newer commercial-minded institutes’ that turn a blind eye to copying. Dr. B R Gaikwad started around five years ago a “Panchsutri” (Five Principles for Excellence) programme in all colleges run by his Sanstha. The five principles are: Quality education, Communication Skills, Science and IT, Values and Work ethics, and Health. A series of activities have been identified under each of this principle to be carried out by each institute. The activities include debates, science exhibitions, discussion on values each Thursday etc. These are self-evaluted and externally evaluated by a committee of Sanstha as well. Dr. Gaikwad believes that confluence of minds of teachers and students is critical and feels that emphasis on education and health is a key to development.

Individuals like him are doing their bit. A greater push, dialogue, collaboration will help further to enhance positivity in the ecosystem and realise goals of National Education Policy.