1. Tell us more about your background and your experience as an educator.
A wanderer of the Indian landscape, my childhood was painted with vibrant hues and flavors from countless states. From Punjab to Assam, West Bengal to Odisha, each transfer of my father gifted me with diverse experiences and a network of lifelong friendships.
Immersed in the tapestry of cultures, I found solace in participating in cultural and sports events that nurtured my creativity and competitive spirit. Though numbers were an enigma, I defied societal norms by choosing Humanities over the predictable path of Science.
Passionate about the power of language, I embarked on a journey of linguistic exploration. With a B.A in English and the distinction of being a University Gold medalist from Sambalpur University, my thirst for knowledge led me to pursue an M.A. in Linguistics at the prestigious English and Foreign Languages University in Hyderabad. Despite the challenges that marriage brought, my husband's unwavering support enabled me to complete my course with utmost efficiency. His silent motivation propelled me forward, resulting in my selection for an MPhil and PhD program.
Driven by the pursuit of knowledge and fueled by the support of my loved ones, I proudly hold a doctorate in philosophy. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with academic rigor, I persevered to achieve my goals. Recognized as a UGC JRF-SRF Awardee and UGC NET qualifier, I am passionate about sharing my expertise through teaching. Currently engaged in imparting knowledge at K L University, Hyderabad, I am dedicated to nurturing bright minds and fostering a love for learning. Now, armed with a unique blend of passion, hard work, resilience, and curiosity, I'm ready to explore the world through my own lens.
2. What is your opinion of the New Indian education policy changes?
The new education policy startled me in a good way. The NEP gives kids the freedom to choose their own path in school as opposed to following predetermined guidelines and expectations. With an emphasis on digital and research-based learning, it also moves in the direction of international standards. I could talk about a lot of changes, but I'll limit my discussion to those that really catch my attention. Like, academic and extracurricular activities, as well as science and the arts, should not be separated.
Physics can teach you about fashion, and chemistry can teach you about history. Everybody should be taught all types of art, music, and literature. Multidisciplinary, or a graduating system with several entry and departure points is another thing that is excellent. After a year, obtain a certification, a two-year diploma after completion, a three-year Bachelor’s certificate completed four years of undergraduate research to add to the system of the bank of credits. For every lesson you finish, you will receive credits, which will build up. This, to me, is the finest part.
Globalisation of Education is another good takeaway. Reputed International Education institutions can now establish campuses in India, while reputable Indian educational institutions can expand internationally. Naturally, there will be costs associated with this, but perhaps it will also force Indian colleges to compete with the best in the world. This will contribute to the curriculum's globalisation by exposing gifted Indian students to a wider range of courses and subjects. Spending 6% of GDP on education, I hope this comes to pass. It has been said aloud.
Let's examine the distribution and use of the funds. Still, it's a positive indication. The most valuable resource a nation can cultivate is education. Overall, I feels, India's new education policy for 2023 is a positive move in the direction of updating the nation's educational system. It seeks to increase inclusivity, equity, and accessibility of education. The goal of the policy is to give everyone access to high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
3. What changes in the teaching methodologies have you seen in recent times?
Over time, there have been major changes in education. Education used to be mostly about teaching students how to memorise facts and transfer knowledge from teacher to student. Technology has played a crucial role in the evolution of teaching methods, which have moved away from the conventional, teacher-centered paradigm and towards one that is more student-centered and stresses the application of knowledge to real-world issues.
An additional significant shift in pedagogical approaches is the heightened emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This change acknowledges that individuals have different experiences and backgrounds and that instruction should be customized to fit the requirements of all students, not simply a chosen subset. This could entail giving pupils the chance to investigate and appreciate their own identities and cultures, as well as introducing a variety of viewpoints and cultural allusions into the curriculum.
These days, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork are given increasing emphasis in school.
Modern education has benefited greatly from technology, which has made it possible for innovative methods of instruction including blended and online learning. Nowadays, a lot of teachers use technology in the classroom to give their pupils access to a wealth of knowledge as well as fresh approaches to engaging with and presenting the curriculum. This makes learning individualised possible and offers a variety of interactive learning activities and learning styles.
Previously, pupils were supposed to commit facts and statistics to memory. Students are now urged to apply critical thinking skills to the material they are studying as well as creative problem-solving.
Previously, students did the majority of their work alone. Working together on coursework and projects is now encouraged for students. Students benefit from one another's knowledge and gain valuable collaborative skills as a result.
Previously, there was little to no use of technology in classrooms. These days, technology plays a crucial role in schooling. Students interact with one another, obtain information, and finish homework using technology.
More student-centered methods, like project-based learning and inquiry-based learning, have gained popularity in recent years. With these methods, the teacher acts as a facilitator and guide while the students take centre stage in the learning process. These approaches emphasise the application of information to real-world situations more and foster critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
4. Why did you choose this profession?
A few of the benefits of teaching as a profession include changing students' lives, sharing knowledge and passion, fostering lifelong learning, creating lasting relationships, and providing job stability and work-life balance.
I want to be that person who gives the students support and affection when no one else does. There are a lot of kids that need it. For the kids in my class, I want to create a safe haven where empathy and teamwork are valued equally as highly as academic success. I really feel that I can assist students reach their full potential by showing them love and understanding. I want to work as a teacher so that I can truly impact the lives of young people. I take great pride in helping young people grow into compassionate, perceptive, and useful adults. I've always been incredibly appreciative of the educational system and my teachers for shaping who I am now. I can foster dreams and assist them in seeing opportunities.
5. Do you think teaching as a profession is viewed at par with corporate jobs?
If monetary, then certainly not. Though, teaching is considered to be the most noble profession, yet when it comes to societal status where mostly earnings decide the level, it is highly neglected. Teachers are paid very less compared to corporate employees. A doctorate also fails here. A fresh B. Tec h graduate’s salary is much higher than his doctorate professor! This is really sad. This is not allowing many passionate aspirant teachers to join the teaching field.
I have been a teacher for the past four years, but my work does not meet the needs of my students who have high aspirations for their careers. There are several reasons to quit a job, starting with a higher compensation than a teaching position. In the industry, you can change jobs at any time, but in the teaching profession, your next employment is dependent on your references. With an industry profession, you can live a more fashionable and exposed life. Even if you were to consider them as a life partner, they would rather work in the industry than as teachers. Teaching is a restricted field, while there are endless career opportunities in industry.
Although the corporate world appears corny, compared to teaching, it would not provide you with the same level of fulfilment or peace of mind.
Make an informed choice as each has their chances and benefits. If you have time, try both and discover which works best for you. Teaching is what I personally would recommend. Due to the large number of pupils in the market, India need qualified instructors.
6. How can we adopt technology to make teaching more effective?
According to recent studies, students' academic performance has significantly increased as a result of the usage of technology in the classroom. Even while teaching in traditional classrooms is still common, more and more educational institutions are embracing technology.
For example, they substitute textbooks with Chromebooks, employ digital whiteboards, and flip classrooms. And who better than educators themselves to provide support to this movement? Purchasing technology for instructors that they do not require is pointless. Are you wondering how to identify what that could be? Inquire. Making IT selections in consultation with educators can help you make the most out of your educational technology investment. Due to their involvement in the selection process, teachers may also become more receptive to implementing the technology.
Try to include questions about what tools instructors are currently using, their main sources of annoyance, and if they wish they had access to any particular technologies in your survey. Using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis in a survey is also an excellent way to get a comprehensive understanding of your instructors' current technological proficiency.
If you start small, teachers might be more receptive to using current technologies. If the instructors and students aren't prepared for it, there's no use in overhauling the classroom and providing tablets to every student. Try one or two new technologies at a time and let teachers become accustomed to them before introducing more, rather than jumping into experimenting with them all at once. Choose tech that is easy to utilize.
Teachers are individuals with diverse learning styles just like their students. When you combine it with hectic schedules and varying levels of technology proficiency based on things like age, education, and interests, to mention a few, you'll discover that the most user-friendly technologies are ideal for educators.
Most people ride their bikes with training wheels before they learn to ride, and when you throw somebody in a position where they have to use some new instrument or skill without any proper training, it's probably not going to work. Ensure that time for preparing teachers, using the new technology correctly, and keeping up with its functionality is created in advance, over some time or after its introduction.
One practical way to encourage teachers to adopt technology is to set up a space for modern technologies in the classroom. At the end of the day, teachers want their students to succeed, and if you can show them how modern technology can help them do that, they'll be more likely to welcome you and actually use you.
7. Why does India need more educators like you?
Historically, teachers in India built a firm legacy of education on the crests and troughs of their country. They continue to be a major indicator of economic development. This pandemic has given us a real look at this because teachers across the country have adapted to digital technology so that learning can go on. Converting their homes to Internet-standard classrooms, helping students adapt to a new learning environment, and turning them into learners themselves have made them the key catalysts for change.
Education is the key to your success and prosperity. Education is crucial to both our personal lives as well as the next stages of our careers. Prosperity and success could only have been aspiration ideals, if it hadn't been for dedicated teachers. Teachers make a significant contribution to the achievement of many people.
The next 25 years will be decided by how well we teach our people, thanks to the combination of skilled teachers, technology expertise, and a centuries-old culture for celebrating teachers. Teachers can make a big difference in increasing the number of learning opportunities if they are digitalized.
Teachers have been a fundamental pillar of the nation, teaching minds and skills to new generations; all other professions are possible through their guidance in training doctors, engineers, lawyers or entrepreneurs. Computers and the advent of Artificial Intelligence brought this revolution, where every day a fresh learning experience is offered to anyone who wants it. It is necessary to train the child in a forward and optimistic attitude towards growth.

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