Teaching as a profession has undergone a sea change in the last few decades, not just in Delhi, but also other parts of the world. Unchecked growth of materialism, social media explosion and degradation of the environment have brought humanity at cross roads. It becomes imperative that education also takes the onus of tackling these challenges and create a win-win situation for all. Teachers on their part are being hailed as change makers with super powers, who can usher in a new world.
But, how can we do all this when we keep our classroom doors locked for each other, don’t seek feedback or in-service professional development in earnest. Do we ever get some moments to pause, step back, and reflect on our own and others’ best practices and the skills we need to acquire in this fast-paced world? In short, do we peer and self-assess. (NEP, 2020) The answer is a resounding ‘NO’. Not surprising, because it’s hard to be objective; we are neither aware nor trained to do so. The workload at school is overwhelming; there is little scope for planning, reflection and assessment. Teacher’s diaries are written by a few, copied by many. Everything is centralised, from syllabus to assessment. I could go on with a litany of complaints, but would rather pause here and come back to the main point, ‘Pen is mightier than the sword’.
As a first step to knowing ourselves and others professionally, let’s begin to write.
For Example, Write…
- About your students (connect, interaction, observations, learning styles, strengths, areas that need to be strengthened, etc.)
- Lesson Plans (may be one in a day/week; how did it go, did it require last minute changes or had to be completely altered, etc.)
- List of useful TLM/ Resources (keep adding as you find more…), your own and from others.
- Experiences of trying a new methodology, refining an earlier one, designing your own, etc.
- Associated feelings (jubilation, accomplishment, sadness, frustration, helplessness, etc.)
- Challenges (lack of subject knowledge, resources, planning, interest, motivation, guidance, skill, etc.)
- Exceptional Moments, AHA! (successful collaboration, a new resolution to an old/existing problem, initiative, leadership idea, etc.)
- Takeaways from meetings, discussions, trainings, etc.
- A brief write-up (5-10 lines) on how the day was, what was unforgettable, etc. These suggestions are by no means exhaustive, nor do they reflect all the aspects of the teaching profession. A teacher may write as she wants; articles, reports, action research/ research papers, questions for further exploration, etc., whatever is feasible/ possible.
We can begin writing as we think and feel, online or offline, in a blog/ journal/ diary/ notebook or even loose sheets, just ‘let the thoughts flow…’. It’s up to us if we keep it to ourselves as record of work or share with others, seeking their opinions, feedback and comments. Here, I am reminded of keeping a ‘Dialogue Journal’, an idea I formally read about in the Forum Magazine article, ‘The Dialogue Journal: A Tool for Building Better Writers’ by Sara Denne-Bolton. A teacher may note down her thoughts and let a colleague/ mentor/ expert/ go through them to add another perspective. Writing may even prove therapeutic for some. So, folks, pick up your pens/ sharpen the pencils/ hammer away at the keyboard to ‘be the teacher you have always striven to be’. Happy Writing! MONIKA JAGOTA About the writer- She is TGT(English),Mentor Teacher at SKV No.1, C-block, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058. She has 20 years of teaching experience in DOE and has worked as Master Trainer in British Council’s Cascade Program. She is a team member in Online Capacity Building Programs at SCERT and above all she is a Fulbright TEA fellow 2020. She has recently co-created a YouTube channel ‘Engdom’.
Can be contacted at…
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