Uncertainties in Professional Development Plan

“All the world's a stage”. Nowhere do Shakespeare’s eternal words ring more true than in the teaching profession. Each time a professor faces his class, it’s a challenge, and it’s a performance. Now sometimes in class I have a tendency to ask trivial questions to make sure everybody understands what I am trying to say. As a result, an estranged silence follows that does not signify the ability but indifference towards answering the question. On the other hand answering difficult questions involves understanding as well as assimilation of the material, and that takes time. The result of such a question is again an awkward silence. The trick, it appears is to ask the right questions which will challenge the students without intimidating them.

Similarly in a big class full of students with a wide range of intellectual abilities, there is often a natural tendency on my part to advance at a rate suitable to the more gifted students. In all fairness, that does not seem the right approach, rather the right speed has to be struck, so that no one is left behind. However I do try to know each of my students by name, but more than that, as persons. I believe it is this personal touch which makes all the difference. Obviously, all this is no substitute for knowledge and the content of the course but I think this creates the perfect friendly atmosphere where everybody can participate whole heartedly.

Also with the best interest of the students in mind, I often challenge my students with all sorts of interesting problems while teaching. And it is gratifying to note that the students could stand up to the challenge making the whole teaching process highly interactive. Interactive teaching has its pros and cons. As students you always have to be on your toes, but that way you really imbibe what you learn.

The most effective method that can be employed in this respect is to help students understand and retain the material discussed in class is through continuous evaluation and instant feedback. In fact every day felt like a quiz – not a formal intimidating quiz, but quite an exhilarating challenge which will help them take interest in the subject and retain as much as possible.