Each teacher embodies a certain teaching philosophy and beliefs which are reflected in his/her own style of teaching. And though Teaching Statement is documenting the same, giving it a personal narrative, it is important to note that it is an intimate part of the teacher which cannot be detached and worded. It is the portrait of the teacher which is apparent in the class rather than just on documents.
Today undue stress is given on the documentation, evidence and proofs reducing the teaching profession to a mere mechanical exercise. During my graduation days, by and large I attended lectures of just a couple of professors, a practice which I continued right through my post graduation. This is not to belittle the other professors or that I had better things to do but more so because I made a conscious choice of attending. This was purely on observing the Teaching Statement unfolding in person in the class.
Of the many teachers who accompanied me on my academic journey, only a few come to my mind. There was one teacher who made subject related witty cracks, there was another who brought in a personal touch to the subject by sharing his own stories, which were genuine and moreover relatable. There was a lady teacher who taught us a foreign language the take away with it, was always accompanied by free lessons on etiquettes, which sort of polished us beyond the prescribed syllabus.
Our all time favourite was an Economics professor, who took us on a verbal virtual tour of the national and at times international socio-eco-political happenings. This normally happened at the start of the lecture. Back then, we had to rely on the television, newspapers and a few magazines to update us. But, he seemed to have the updated right gup-chup, which the conventional sources failed to supply.
What I particularly liked about him was he would be neutral and unbiased in the presentation of the facts. Looking back, he could have easily influenced us with certain ideologies which he refrained and I’m thankful. And though many of the teachers had pets and favorites here was one teacher, who was an exception. He was weary of the worldly petty discriminations and seemed to be an evolved soul of sorts. I do miss his teaching ways rather than him per se.
Keeping with the changing times, teachers (that includes me as well) express themselves on the social media at times making strong statements. Be it social-political or relating to the mundane. Recently, I received a friend request from a teacher from another State. Briskly going through her timeline, I realised the contents made me uncomfortable and I thought over it. The more I thought the more undecided I was.
Obviously, there were many youngsters, probably her students who were her friends and followers and she appeared to be evidently at ease with her style of functioning. Not intending to be judgemental I accepted the request in spite of the fact that we were clearly on different planes. I probably hoped to learn a thing or two…
‘To each his own’ is a philosophy I believe in my personal and professional life. I need not document that. Like my predecessors, it gets documented in the minds and hearts of those we touch.
