What is the problem with Indian teachers? We need to remove the word Indian from this question for a while. Now the question is, what is the problem with teachers? This will enable us to understand the real problem.
To begin with, let’s understand whom we call a teacher. Somebody who has learned something and shares it with others in order for them to learn the same thing; can be called a teacher.
Another question is, why does someone become a teacher? As many answers as this question will have, we will see the pros and cons of a teacher. Let’s try this with a few answers:
- I chose to teach because I needed money:
If we notice, the main reason for them is generating money. They consider teaching as a means of income. If the person is entirely focused on making more and more money, the quality of education will definitely suffer and so will the students.
Also, we should not ignore the fact that we live in a world where money does act as fuel to our survival, but a teacher should know how much fuel they really need. I have personally been with such teachers.
On the contrary, I have also been with those who focus more on practical learning. If you check our French Language page of Callens Institute, you will notice how teachers are helping students understand not just the language and grammatical concepts but the culture, leaders, history and background which enables students to feel what they are learning. This way they will be able to retain their knowledge for a long.
- I chose to teach because I wanted to do something for society:
Ha! This sounds good but the question is do these teachers know their subject well. It has been noticed that one day or another they feel their desire to do something for the society coming to an end because out there is a very low percentage of returns.
I chose to teach because I this or because I that, this conversation will keep on going, so let’s discuss what one of my teachers said. “I am not a teacher, I am a learner, I am in love with learning, so I feel love when somebody learns something either from me or from somebody or from something else.”
Well! Well! Well! Hold on for a moment. In love with learning? Yes, this is what is required to be a teacher. Actually, a good teacher is a good learner who’s in love with learning. All categories other than this will have some pros and cons but love is just love.
Now, India is a developing country where teaching as a profession is easy, safe and respectful, in some cases risk-free as well. Most people become a teacher because of good payouts. That’s acceptable up to a level, but it creates a chain. If I teach something that I don’t love, how will my students fall in love with it? And this will go on and on.
In countries where people are financially secure and can explore what they love, they become great teachers. And it doesn’t mean we Indians do not have those teachers. Have you ever imagined how much you would enjoy your maths classes if you somehow got to learn from Srinivasa Ramanujan? Not because he was a good teacher but because he was in love with maths, he was in love with learning.
Always try to ask with due respect to your teacher why they chose to teach as a profession. You will get your answer.
Now tell me, are you in love with learning?