My school my students...
By kiran8
@kiran8 (15348)
Mangalore, India
August 24, 2010 6:46am CST
[b]Since I am now working part time in the same school I had worked a few years ago, I have some very interesting interactions with my students.
I teach English and Sociology/history/economics ( social sciences) to high school students..My classes have been alloted the time between 12 pm and 3.30 pm , after which the school closes.I find that this is the trickiest time for any teacher,because when I begin my class at 12.10 pm it is the last in the morning session after which the students have a lunch break. They are all hungry and are unable to concentrate on any of the subjects that require descriptive teaching like mine are.
And after lunch again they are never in the mood to listen after the first hour and mine are mostly the last 2 hours....yesterday when we had economics for the last period for the 10th standard , the students just dint want to listen to me.They wanted me to have something fun to do instead of economics ... So I raked my brains and came up with something unique for them .I gave the notes that I had prepared on the subject , and asked one of the brilliant boys to have discussions, on what he thinks fit on the subject with other students, a free for all where I would watch the proceedings and may be guide them and put in my own comments ...it worked very well, and they really taught the subject themselves and even after the last bell rang they went on and on LOL ...But I cannot afford to do this every day ..[/b]
3 people like this
15 responses
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
24 Aug 10
Hi Kiran,
Isn’t it sad that one cant do things like this everyday? As a teacher, don’t you feel that senior students as in Class X/XI/XII need to have such interactive classes at least once or twice a week? In a few years time, they would become professionals in a very cut-throat competitive world where only theory knowledge will take them nowhere…ability to articulate that theoretical knowledge properly is equally important, so I think apart from the fun part, you also helped your students a lot in speaking properly about their subject.
With due respect to all teachers, this discussion brings to mind my own school days…just as you mention, we simply wished away the classes immediately before and after our lunch break, though it got no better later in the afternoon as then we all were so eager to hear the last bell LOL
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
24 Aug 10
Hullo Kiran! It is a good decision yesterday and your students would have loved you for it.As Sudipta pointed out , such interactive classes make them more interesting and especially in such tricky hours. Go ahead and do it once a week or once in 2 weeks Kiran! It would be much more effective and the results may be even more productive.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
24 Aug 10
Yes Kiran! I agree that the headmistress is outdated but we must also blame our examinations and their valuation methods.What board is the school affiliated to?
Even while I was writing the initial response I felt that you would have trouble because the rules of the school would stipulate a regular pattern of lectures and they would frown upon new methods.THis problem gets elimiated when you are on your own.I used to conduct 'fun' classes once in a while and my students loved it.I could stipulate my own rules .
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
24 Aug 10
It is so kala, and I have had trouble with the same headmistress in the past regarding punishment, spanking students and I had left after that. Now I was surprised when the correspondent offered the job back to me , as a fill in for 3 teachers who are on maternity leave...I accepted and am now treading carefully. But I must admit that the students more than make up for such an attitude by the HM...
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
24 Aug 10
Kala,I too feel it was good for the students to have something different instead of the dry lectures and question answer sessions that is part of our curriculum.The problem is the head mistress who at best can be described as a stick in the mud, honestly kala , she is so very rigid in her thinking.Thanks for the suggestion though, wish the HM had similar ideas lol - have a great evening kala 
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
27 Aug 10
Hi cher, once the teachers are able to make a positive impression on the students it becomes much easier for them to take lessons and make it interesting for the class.If there is any dislike for a teacher then the student looses interest in that particular subject...All the best and have a great weekend 
@yugasini (12836)
• Anantapur, India
25 Aug 10
hi kiran madam,
nice thing you have done in the school,that is also like a debate means interaction in between students about the subject,am i correct madam,till now i have not participated in such interaction,there is no scope for me also,now i have forgotten all my subjects,because you are a teacher you are preparing for your classes,so you are capable and supervise their interactions,any how conducting such interaction classes insted of wasting of time jokes and other things,this might be some useful to students,hats of to you,have a nice day
,have a nice day@yugasini (12836)
• Anantapur, India
26 Aug 10
hi kiran madam,
thanks for the response,there is no time either to me or to you in these days,so once again studying is difficulty,this is also a study to us,but you are teacher by your profession that,you can spend more time in the education,if possible i wish to visit you and your place in my life time,but everything should be written in our fate,have a nice day
,there is no time either to me or to you in these days,so once again studying is difficulty,this is also a study to us,but you are teacher by your profession that,you can spend more time in the education,if possible i wish to visit you and your place in my life time,but everything should be written in our fate,have a nice day@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
25 Aug 10
Hi yugasini, thanks a lot for the response yes it was a very lively debate and there was good participation all round .See thats what I mean , when you say that you do not remember what you have studied, the same here with me. So what is the use of education if we are not able to implement them in our lives...have a nice day
yes it was a very lively debate and there was good participation all round .See thats what I mean , when you say that you do not remember what you have studied, the same here with me. So what is the use of education if we are not able to implement them in our lives...have a nice day 
@Picquarian (724)
• United States
25 Aug 10
I remember high school. It was almost impossible to pay attention, especially the class before lunch and the last class of the day. Good luck to you!
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
26 Aug 10
Hi Picquarian, I can imagine so you will realise how difficult it is to hold the attention of a whole class that is hungry and waiting for the lunch break, it is a herculean task to make them pay attention, understand and absorb - Thanks a lot for the response , have a wonderful day
so you will realise how difficult it is to hold the attention of a whole class that is hungry and waiting for the lunch break, it is a herculean task to make them pay attention, understand and absorb - Thanks a lot for the response , have a wonderful day @Picquarian (724)
• United States
26 Aug 10
I think it's great that you are trying to be creative when teaching lessons, though. I wish my teachers would have thought to do that!
@ynahh1 (454)
•
31 Aug 10
i treated my students as my own children,i know that am their second mother inside the class,i enjoy teaching my students especially when i know that they learned the lesson.when i see progress in them i feel the fulfillment.i feel sad whenever they feel sad.i treat them as my own family.
@GardenGerty (157674)
• United States
24 Aug 10
Very good, you are a creative and imaginative teacher. Of course you will not do this every day, but it has gotten them engaged with the subject matter and they will want to be prepared should you do the same thing again. Another thing going against you is having the time after lunch. When I was in college I was so sleepy then it was hard to learn anything.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
24 Aug 10
Hi, Yes I have been given the worst possible periods.In fact I am planning to bring it to the notice of the committee when we have the next meeting.Ideally you need to have a creative lesson like maths or chemistry during those difficult times of the day especially just before lunch and the last hour.In fact I would suggest something light altogether for the last hour so that the students look forward to it...
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Aug 10
Hi Kiran!
Do not laugh or mind, if I tell you that I was not aware that you are a teacher and teaching part time to class 10th students. The method you adopted to involve your students in the 'subject' is commendable and praiseworthy. Had you taught them, through the usual method, they would not have paid attention, as they did while going for 'group discussion. I loved your idea. Keep it up.
Do not laugh or mind, if I tell you that I was not aware that you are a teacher and teaching part time to class 10th students. The method you adopted to involve your students in the 'subject' is commendable and praiseworthy. Had you taught them, through the usual method, they would not have paid attention, as they did while going for 'group discussion. I loved your idea. Keep it up.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
26 Aug 10
Hi Deepak, I used to teach in the same school 4 tears ago and then had to leave because we moved to Bangalore.Now that I am back, I really had no intention of going back, but the correspondent called and asked me to fill in since 3 teachers are away on maternity leave and I obliged...they want me to continue since they are under staffed...I like teaching and interacting with students , but sometimes it takes all your patience to make them listen to you and absorb what is being taught..Thanks deepak, have a nice evening
@thedailyclick (3017)
•
24 Aug 10
I am glad you managed to find someway of getting them to work, rather than just counting minutes, I know I use to be very lazy during afternoon classes.
Funnily I didn't like it when a teacher would basically open up the room to open discussion as I was one of the quiet kids who liked to just listen to what the teacher said and learn from the books rather than being put in the uncomfortable position of being expected to contribute in an open vocal manner. Then again that was many years ago (shockingly a quarter of a century) and I know today I am more than comfortable contributing in an open discussion although I still tend to avoid doing so.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
24 Aug 10
Hi tdc, I enjoy interacting with the students more than teaching them.there are a few shy students in my class like you were , they do more of listening and absorbing than the ones who are more open to conversation and discussions. I think most introverts tend to be that...I have a student who hardly speaks even when he is addressed , just mumbles.But sometimes he surprises me by coming out with something brilliant and at times witty...Have a nice evening
, they do more of listening and absorbing than the ones who are more open to conversation and discussions. I think most introverts tend to be that...I have a student who hardly speaks even when he is addressed , just mumbles.But sometimes he surprises me by coming out with something brilliant and at times witty...Have a nice evening
@kawalnarang (1095)
• Trinidad And Tobago
24 Aug 10
Great plan,, yes it could be done off and on,just to change the monotonous life,I remember one teacher in our school,Miss David,,she used to tell us "today is story day",, wow everyone used to be so glad.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
24 Aug 10
Hi kawalnarang, it was liked by the students and they are hoping that this would be a regular feature ...You know I too had a good English teacher in high school who would understand the mood of the class and never imposed things on us...have a nice evening
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
24 Aug 10
Yes me too....I am not a methodist when it comes to teaching, though I do follow my curriculum etc etc; I feel that there should be a certain amount of flexibility where students are concerned especially high school students who are all teen agers and having their own growing up stress..thanks a lot for the response , have a nice evening
@Professor2010 (20162)
• India
24 Aug 10
Hi kiran you are doing a nice job for the students, please try to do this atleast twice a week, you know i retired in 2006 april as the principal of a degree college, from 2001 to 2006 i was in this capacity, but i used to take one class daily from +2 level to BSc hons, if i don't teach i will feel as if i missed my food..even now students are welcome to my home to clear their doubts.. free..
Many coaching centres in the city invite me, offer high remuneration, pickup from home, but i have humbly declined..
Thanks for sharing.
Welcome always.
Cheers.
Professor
Cheers.
Professor
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
24 Aug 10
Hi Professor, thanks a lot for your response It is nice to hear about your experience as a teacher and a principal.I am sure once you get into this profession it is always with you...I am doing many things subtly so that it does not draw too much of attention from the HM who is a rigid , autocratic person...All the best and have a nice evening
It is nice to hear about your experience as a teacher and a principal.I am sure once you get into this profession it is always with you...I am doing many things subtly so that it does not draw too much of attention from the HM who is a rigid , autocratic person...All the best and have a nice evening 1 person likes this
@manbir84 (134)
• India
26 Aug 10
You are doing a great job my friend.Yes it is right that your teaching time is tricky one as your students are not able to concentrate in your class.You have to give oxygen to their brains by creating little bit of humor.you should do this in patches never strict with your studentit may be not in your nature but you can do that because we all know how to create humor.We all creating humor in ours daily lives.You have to become friends of your students.This will work.Just make try.I hope this will reduce your stress.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
26 Aug 10
Hi manbir, thanks a lot for the response I try to do the best I can.Taking the time factor into consideration I have to be innovative to keep the attention of my students...Mondays and school after holidays are the worst, they are never in the mood lol..all the best and happy mylotting
I try to do the best I can.Taking the time factor into consideration I have to be innovative to keep the attention of my students...Mondays and school after holidays are the worst, they are never in the mood lol..all the best and happy mylotting
@lostgirl201 (102)
•
25 Aug 10
that was nice..sometimes we really need to give them what they want just to fit in to their like because sometimes if we push what we want, they got uninterested and in the long run, they will never listen to you..maybe sometimes you can give some ice breaker that everyone would participate..Great job! God bless!
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
25 Aug 10
Hi lostgirl, thanks a lot for the response I agree that trying to pressurise anyone into learning will not help, have to make it interesting enough for them to absorb it and retain it which is even more important...Have a nice day and happy mylotting
I agree that trying to pressurise anyone into learning will not help, have to make it interesting enough for them to absorb it and retain it which is even more important...Have a nice day and happy mylotting @Picquarian (724)
• United States
25 Aug 10
It's hard to concentrate in school. I remember those days. Good luck!
