The Progressive Teacher Vol 04 Issue 03

motivation
–Dr Shayama Chona
In spite of the rigid examination
system our teachers make
every effort to establish
a rapport with the students.
However there is certainly a
paucity of quality teachers.
Unfortunately, teaching has largely
become a profession for women.
One of the reasons for this could
be the remuneration. Though there
certainly has been a change after
the seventh pay commission but,
still the best of students especially
the males do not take to teaching
as a profession and it has become
one of the last choices.
There was a time when a teacher
was considered to be a Guru. His
respect in society was supreme;
the students worshipped the
teachers and sought blessings
every single morning. Today it is
a pity that parents discuss their
children’s teachers with them
indiscreetly which takes away the
necessary awe and respect of the
previous era.
Teaching is more of a passion
than a qualification. Above all
every teacher must love his/her
profession as well as the children.
For a teacher, communication
skills are as important as his/her
subject knowledge. You could be a
doctorate but if you cannot deliver
in the classroom then the students
lose out on their interest as well
as on their love for learning.
Other than possessing good
communication skills, it is
essential for a teacher to be child
centric and have the ability to
adapt, evolve and change to
cater to the needs of the child in
terms of 21st century education
to enable the child reach his/
her highest potential. A quote
by George P Schutz beautifully
summarizes the above ‘Use what
works and throw away that fails
the child - this simple maxim
presents a compelling measure
of the need for change, for to
follow it would amount to a
revolution.’
To develop such a culture in
a school we would need the
following:
• Access to the best resources
and access to the accessed
• Empowerment of teachers
• CHANGE should be the driving
force of the schools
• Education for life-‘Life long
learning’
• Teaching tomorrow today –
‘Technology’
It would be interesting for the
Principals of all schools to involve
themselves in teacher training.
They can play a paramount role
in uplifting the quality of teachers
in the school. I still remember
a game I used to play with my
staff at DPS where we used to
THE ROLE OF TEACHER
I would like to honour the work our teachers do. They must be saluted
for the sacrifices they make and applauded for their commitment to our
children. The progress of our nation depends on our education system.
Unfortunately, our system is still based on rote learning in which there is
very little interaction and discussion between the teacher and the taught.
brainstorm the requisite qualities
of a teacher and discuss on how to
imbibe and inculcate them in our
daily life. Following is the A to Z
of some of these qualities.
A
Aware
Adaptable
Ambitious
Articulate
Attentive
Aptitude
Analyser
Atmosphere:
Establish a learning atmosphere
in which students will want to
participate and learn by forming
a good rapport with students
and helping them overcome
anxiety as an obstacle to
learning.
B
Being human (men and women of
character)
Brilliant
C
Competent
Creative
Communicator
Collaborator
Critical Thinker
Class apart
Charismatic
Caring
Curious
Composed
Confident
Calm
Compassionate
D
Decisive
Dynamic
Direct discussions on important
topics which incorporate students’
needs and interests
Dr Shayama Chona, is the former Principal of Delhi Public School, R K
Puram, New Delhi; Founder President of Tamana (NGO for physically &
mentally handicapped children); Founder of Anubhav Shiksha Kendra
(a school for the under-privileged); she has been a member of 96
Advisory Boards and Committees; she has been nominated to Managing
Committees of 46 schools and other educational institutions; she has
been named in the Limca Book of Records 2007. She has been awarded
the State Award for Services in Education 1993, National Award for
Services as a Teacher of Outstanding Merit 1994, National Award for
Outstanding Performance for Welfare of People with Disabilities 1997, Padma Shri 1999, Padma
Bhushan 2008, and 49 other awards. She lives at C10/8, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057. Email:
shayamachona@gmail.com, tamanapresident@gmail.com
16 The Progressive Teacher Jul/Aug 2017