Paradigm shift in classroom interaction

Somewhat belatedly but fortunately, the past decade has witnessed a radical shift in the way teaching is managed in classrooms around the world. The focus of the classroom has now become the student rather than the teacher. According to traditionalists, this is not the most effective way to teach. But theres an emerging consensus that students should be encouraged to fully participate in, and assume responsibility for their learning. Under this process each individual student is valued and trusted and teachers must be clear about the fundamentals of innovation. Student-centred teaching is not a magicians bag of tricks; its about attitudes and relationships that need to be built and nurtured within conducive and enabling learning environments. Against this changed backdrop, the role of teachers/ educators has altered as well. Now its incumbent upon them to empower their students to develop thinking and critical skills required to become responsible global citizens. Students should be encouraged to address societal, civic and business issues with sensitivity, to develop the perception to cater to their own needs and of people around them. Modern education has transcended content found in textbooks, and is now a combination of theory and life experiences. Discussions of global issues, books, music, and art are the new imperatives of holistic development. The new wisdom is that the human mind is like a parachute; it works best when it is open. Someone very wise discovered this analogy. Looking back in time to a satisfactory and successful career as an English and humanities teacher in several of Indias most respected schools including DAV Public, Solan, and the American and British schools, Delhi, I prefer to describe myself as an ‘edutainer— a combination of educator and entertainer. Indeed I am fully convinced that it is essential to inject humour into classrooms, and it has to be part of every teachers persona. Humour improves communication and group work; it promotes trust and confidence. Its an acknowledgement that students too have egos that need to be respected. Every opinion matters, and it is our job to reaffirm to every student that she is unique. Teaching in residential schools is a special challenge, as it provides teachers greater opportunity to shape, mould and develop the character and personalities of students who are in our care 24×7. Whether we like it or not, we become role models and have a chance to change or mould the mindsets of students. At the start of my career as a teacher in 1995, a wise mentor told me to leave all my emotional baggage outside the classroom door, as students pick their cues from us. That was — and continues to be — sound advice. Can we honestly wish our students a good morning when our body language suggests otherwise? Can we ask them to smile when we look like the grim reaper? Lets never forget that negativity has a way of permeating every mind and as teachers we dont need it in our classrooms. We owe it to our…