Dear Diary...

My Random Thoughts...

Everyone in this world is born with a purpose. Most of us do not know what our purpose (duty) is. For enabling the knowledge of our life’s purpose, a teacher’s assistance is taken. Such is the importance of a teacher that Guru is placed before God as per ancient Indian literature.

Being a teacher was never my idea. When my counterparts found their bread and butter in the glamorous corporate world, the secure Navaratnas and the elite civil services, it was natural for me to choose one of these options and follow the bandwagon. However, destiny had something else in store for me. I was granted a research fellowship from UGC and voilà, I could become a University teacher in a go! No experience in teaching, but just a fellowship had enabled me to get an enviable post with a handsome salary. I thought who would be the victim of such an untrained and inexperienced teacher- the students, whose interest for the subject and conceptual clarity depends to a great extent on the teacher or the University, which boasts of best quality education!

Within months things became quite clear. The students, though initially, found it absurd to recognize a teacher who is possibly a few years older to them, began showing interest in the teacher as well as in the subject. Sending friend requests on facebook, questions on my age and marital status were strictly put off. I was never a top one percent student though I tried my level best to reach there. Later, I realized that learning was not enjoyed because I could never find an interest. The reason for most people to fail or probably score less in a paper is because they lack interest. And this interest can be cultivated in that subject if one finds a useful purpose of that knowledge. A mention of a cricket match or the latest movie brings a lot of cheer and unusual enthusiasm on the faces. But these same cheer and energy is less visible when a new topic is introduced. I questioned the reason for such an indifferent behavior to myself. Anyone would be interested in something which they are familiar with or something they think would be quite beneficial for them. So, a teacher’s task would not be just imparting knowledge but also inculcating an interest among the students on the subject.

 While introducing a subject, a teacher has to draw a linkage between the students’ interest and the objective of the subject in question. If he/she is able to do so, then half the work is done.   I tried this with while introducing the subject of Auditing to the students. First, I asked them if anyone knows what auditing is? Though, some vague answers poured in, I continued with my list of questions. Then, I asked them if anyone is familiar with the name of A Raja, and then there came a flood of answers relating to the 2G Spectrum Scam. And  when asked who exposed that, the students answered correctly- CAG. It was the CAG, who exposed the scam. So, what is his (her) work like? His (Her) work is verifying and certifying the revenue and the expenditure statement of the Government. Since, he (she) does it for the whole of India, hence the name Comptroller and Auditor General of India. If such service is catered to a company, he (she) would  be known just as an Auditor and his (her) work would be known as auditing.  Thus, the students had an idea what auditing was about and was able to relate it to a popular event. Their enthusiasm was sustainable even though the subject ‘Auditing’ was taught at micro level as compared to the responsibilities of the office of CAG.

Similarly, students had a great problem in understanding the functionality of Logarithm.  Irrespective of the medium of instructions, things could not just get into their heads. The riddling logarithm and anti-logarithm tables added glory to their confusion regarding its purpose. After a few moments of thought (I admit it was instantaneous), they were asked to calculate 1000^th root of 320*455*65*345*213*123*34. This seemed impossible using simple calculators. Here, logarithm comes handy. But how? A story was, hence narrated. There is a real world of numbers and a logarithmic world of numbers. In real world, you do all complex calculations but in logarithmic world you have to do only simple addition, subtraction and the like. When things get really complex in the complex real world of numbers, you have to take resort in the logarithmic world.  You convert the numbers in the real world into numbers of the logarithmic world and do simple mathematical functions, derive the answer and finally reconvert this logarithmic answer back to the number of the real world. For converting, one needs a code which can be obtained using the logarithm table and for re-converting, another code is obtained from the anti-logarithm table. Though, this is not all about logarithm, it communicated a fair idea about the idea behind logarithm. 

Gradually, I began seeking the tricks of the trade. Valuable inputs were given by one of my teachers, who was elated to know the change of my direction towards the teaching arena. In order to brave the challenge of the curiosity of my students, I began reading more and more. Also, attempts are being made to infuse vigor into the students to read not for examination but for awareness, empowerment and finally enlightenment.