1. Tell us more about your experience as an educator.
To be an Educator is a bliss. Being born in a teacher's family, from my early years, I had a great fascination for teaching. Deep inside me, my passion for teaching was taking a form, and I initiated my journey towards this goal. For the last 20 years, I have been getting the satisfaction of instructing pupils.
Education taught me many lessons, and the most important one is that all human beings are students. We learn till the end of our life; it is a never-ending process. Learning and teaching made me realize that life is much more delightful than we believe.
To be in a class full of young minds is nothing but satisfaction. Teaching is a skill, and it requires a lot of effort to improve on the teacher’s part. The highest compliment that I ever received is, "Sir, whatever I am now, it is only because of you."
The smile on the student's face is the most valuable thing for me. Although I have explored many things in this fantastic field, I have miles to go to become a good teacher like my ideal teachers.
2. What is your opinion of the Indian education system, and how would you like to change that?
The Indian government has approved a New Education policy. It is a good step, but we will have to wait for its results. Developments in the education structure are the need of the hour. The curriculum of the colonial era needs to be altered. There ought to be more flexibility and employ-ability in the education system.
2. What is your opinion of the Indian education system, and how would you like to change that?
The Indian government has approved a New Education policy. It is a good step, but we will have to wait for its results. Developments in the education structure are the need of the hour. The curriculum of the colonial era needs to be altered. There ought to be more flexibility and employ-ability in the education system.
For better employ-ability, skill-oriented courses must be introduced. We rely exclusively on exams and numbers. So, we need to change the examination system. Assessing students on their marks is the biggest mistake we are doing. Education is understanding, learning skills, and knowledge.
In my opinion, students should be evaluated on their practical and application knowledge. According to Worldwide Education for the Future Index 2019, India ranked 35th on the overall index. Many poor children in India still cannot afford to go to school. At least there should be equal opportunity in education, and till 12th standard, every child must get education for free.
3. What changes in teaching methodologies have you seen in recent times?
New methods in teaching commenced with the rise of the internet and mobile. The traditional way of explaining a point with the help of the board and chalk is replaced with digital classrooms. The use of Google, Gmail, YouTube, Whats App, PowerPoint presentation has increased.
3. What changes in teaching methodologies have you seen in recent times?
New methods in teaching commenced with the rise of the internet and mobile. The traditional way of explaining a point with the help of the board and chalk is replaced with digital classrooms. The use of Google, Gmail, YouTube, Whats App, PowerPoint presentation has increased.
The blending of traditional teaching methods and advanced technology has been practiced in many places in India. The classes have begun to stretch beyond the classroom and are becoming more virtual.
We are observing a drastic change in the field of education because of the Corona pandemic outbreak. The world is changing, so are schools and colleges also. In this challenging situation, artificial intelligence has emerged as an essential tool in education. Voice to text, plagiarism checkers, Siri, and Alexa, are good examples of it.
We, as teachers are also evolving. Education is becoming more student-centric in its approach, and we take into account the individuality and personality of the student while teaching them. There are more discussions in the classroom, and the teacher and student interaction beyond the classroom have also increased. So, overall, the education system is progressing, and there isa gradual change in teaching-learning dynamics.
4. How does education help students do well in their careers?
Education leads us in the direction of our aspirations. We should adapt or change ourselves according to the situation. In this corona pandemic outbreak, to keep on teaching, teachers require the skill of conducting virtual classes. In any profession and at any stage of our life, additional abilities make us more secure and safe.
We are observing a drastic change in the field of education because of the Corona pandemic outbreak. The world is changing, so are schools and colleges also. In this challenging situation, artificial intelligence has emerged as an essential tool in education. Voice to text, plagiarism checkers, Siri, and Alexa, are good examples of it.
We, as teachers are also evolving. Education is becoming more student-centric in its approach, and we take into account the individuality and personality of the student while teaching them. There are more discussions in the classroom, and the teacher and student interaction beyond the classroom have also increased. So, overall, the education system is progressing, and there isa gradual change in teaching-learning dynamics.
4. How does education help students do well in their careers?
Education leads us in the direction of our aspirations. We should adapt or change ourselves according to the situation. In this corona pandemic outbreak, to keep on teaching, teachers require the skill of conducting virtual classes. In any profession and at any stage of our life, additional abilities make us more secure and safe.
New learning creates confidence which is key to our success. Apart from skills, students get knowledge from education. Education makes them aware of their rights, duties and responsibilities. Education prepares them to realize their innate talent.
It explores their natural abilities and helps them to discover themselves. Experience makes them more influential and valuable. An uninterrupted journey of learning sharpens their professional expertise and opens new avenues for them.
5. Do you think teaching as a profession is viewed at par with corporate jobs?
In my opinion, the question should be, is teaching a profession? To some extent, we can say yes because as teachers, we get a good salary. But apart from salary, teaching is an art, a passion, and a noble profession. I do not think teachers select the teaching field to earn money.
5. Do you think teaching as a profession is viewed at par with corporate jobs?
In my opinion, the question should be, is teaching a profession? To some extent, we can say yes because as teachers, we get a good salary. But apart from salary, teaching is an art, a passion, and a noble profession. I do not think teachers select the teaching field to earn money.
We should not compare teaching to corporate jobs. How can we see education from a commercial point of view? Teachers are free to pursue knowledge or any academic degree. They do not have any target to complete. The most valuable thing is they are free from pressures and tensions of corporate jobs.
Now because of 7th pay, teaching is equated with a corporate job, but I do not think that teaching should be compared with corporate jobs.
6. How can we adopt technology to make teaching more effective?
It is indeed a time to change the methods of teaching. With the support of technology, we can make teaching more effective. Already teachers are using audio and visual tools in their classrooms. Combining the conventional teaching method with new means of technology can get the most excellent outcomes.
6. How can we adopt technology to make teaching more effective?
It is indeed a time to change the methods of teaching. With the support of technology, we can make teaching more effective. Already teachers are using audio and visual tools in their classrooms. Combining the conventional teaching method with new means of technology can get the most excellent outcomes.
Technology can help teachers to make their discourses more practical and interactive. However, the live classroom cannot be replaced by virtual classroom. The technology has some constraints; consequently, it cannot change the whole scenario of this field.
Understanding becomes more comfortable with new technological tools such as ppts, Google Classroom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. Now teachers need to familiarise themselves to new technology. Proper training is essential to acquaint teachers with these tools.
It is challenging for the government and institutions to furnish all the necessary resources for teaching. Digital India is a good model, but it should come into practice.
7. Why does India need more educators like you?
To educate students is a challenging task. Nobody is a perfect teacher. Continuous efforts to attain competence in teaching are necessary. There is always a chance for improvement. So, I cannot say educators like me, but India needs more educators who are dedicated to their service.
7. Why does India need more educators like you?
To educate students is a challenging task. Nobody is a perfect teacher. Continuous efforts to attain competence in teaching are necessary. There is always a chance for improvement. So, I cannot say educators like me, but India needs more educators who are dedicated to their service.
Education is the strength of the nation. I am positive that India has the potential to produce many worthy teachers. We need more people who selflessly work and give their time and energy to educate the students. Even people who are outside the teaching profession must dedicate some hours in a week to share their knowledge and experience with young minds.
People from the corporate world, business, entrepreneur, doctors and engineers should interact with students. They should give resources and guidance to choose the right course which suits their temperament. So, we need people from all fields to turn into educators to pass their traditional knowledge and skills to the next generation.
- Dr Ajay Arun Dhawale
Associate Professor & Head, Department of English, T. C. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Baramati
- Dr Ajay Arun Dhawale
Associate Professor & Head, Department of English, T. C. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Baramati
- Interview by - Sanjana Jain
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