Gurushala

Stories of Indian Classrooms

Ways of dealing with adolescent students: Story from Maharashtra

By Gurushala

| 04 Dec 2021

Most of the teachers these days are understanding the importance of teaching through practical examples and daily-life instances. Sonali Sagar Tikle is one such teacher. She is a secondary school teacher from Maharashtra. She was born in Madhya Pradesh and later shifted to Maharashtra after her marriage. Apart from her teaching experience of 10-15 years, she also has interest in the business marketing and networking sector. It helped her learn about the use of technology, social media and some platforms such as Canva, Poster making etc. She uses all of this knowledge in her teaching as well.

Let’s get to know her and her teaching methods more!

What motivated you to become a teacher?

My elder sister first started her career as a teacher. I have seen her taking classes since I was a child. Gradually, I started liking it. Science is a demanding and an important subject. So, I decided to apply for a Bachelor for Education degree and this is how I ended up in the teaching profession.

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

The first lecture I took in an English medium school was one of the most memorable days of my teaching career. Principal of that school took a demo class on that day. Also, many memorable instances are connected with students. As we all know adolescence is an age where kids sometimes make mistakes. One of my students got involved in a similar situation which would have impacted his future. I discussed the situation with his parents and collectively we guided him back to the path that would be beneficial for him. Such instances give me a feeling of pride and satisfaction.

I would like to tell this to anyone who is dealing with adolescents- the most important thing is proper education. When we talk about sex education to the kids, we should know how much content should be accessible to the teenagers as today most of them have smartphones. Guurushala has also helped us in dealing with this challenge. They introduced us to the lock and password system in smartphones and ways to protect students from going on the wrong track and focussing on their studies.

How has Gurushala helped you in your journey as a teacher?

On my first day in Lokmanya school, one of my colleagues told me to engage with Gurushala. One sir motivated me and I attended a few seminars and programs of Gurushala. I like all the sections of Gurushala especially where they bring any expert of their respective field and talk about the topics. I also enjoy the quiz and competitions section. I try my best to attend as many events as I can. I have attended the Canva webinar and the one where they teach DIB. I have also used it in my classes with my students. Also, the video of awareness about COVID, that too I have shared with my class.

Gurushala has helped me in many ways. I have seen some teachers who are a bit shy and lack confidence. So, Gurushala encourages us to face the camera and also to speak in the meetings. Gurushala's team is so supportive. Whenever we couldn't find any program, they personally message us and support us.

What is your life motto as a teacher?

My motto as a teacher is- students who learn under me do something good in their life, not in terms of finance but also as a good human being. No one should suffer because of them in any way. Employment is important but with that I wish them to become a good human and a good citizen.

How do you wish to bring change in society?

As we can see, there is a lack of ethics and lack of attachment in today's world. Earlier people were more attached with their family and neighbors. We cannot see this now, especially in big cities. So, children often feel alone and it also affects their development, they often get annoyed by small things, argue, and suffer from depression as they are always on their mobile. We should do something about that. Now, it is becoming more difficult as everything depends on the internet and even study is online.

This pandemic situation has taught us a lot. We have some students from underprivileged backgrounds. Overall I think we all should learn that, “We don't know what will happen in the future so, we should always be well prepared in terms of our financial condition as well as health.” So, we can face any unforeseen situation. My message to every teacher who is reading this is to always work and learn from your students. To my students, I would like to say that respect your teachers, they don't have any personal issues with any children, they only want the best for their students. Teachers feel proud when after years they see their students doing good.