Ms. Seema Gupta teaches the Upper Primary School in Raseedpur, Kaneta based in Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh. She ensures that her teaching methods are as holistic as possible by incorporating various methodologies.

Tell us about yourself

The only activity that keeps me going and gives me happiness is my profession itself. Teaching provides me comfort and joy. It is one of those parts of life which has given me many beautiful moments to cherish. I never feel tired while taking classes and I believe it is the love for this profession that keeps me going. My favourite subject is English and it gives me immense pleasure to know that my students can understand the technicalities of that language through my guidance. Spending hours with students, understanding their thoughts and enjoying my time with them are some of my favourite activities.

What is your most preferred way of teaching?         

I use a variety of teaching methods in the class such as, group activities, Audio-visual aids, Practicing of lessons and textbook reading. I consistently endeavour to make my teaching techniques as holistic as possible by incorporating various methodologies. Encouraging students to learn the basics of a subject through the play-way method, group activities and discussions are some of my preferred ways of teaching. It is very imperative to include students in the learning process by allowing them to solve questions by themselves while ensuring that they receive ample guidance throughout this journey.

What motivated you to become a teacher?

The inspiration to become a teacher sprouted at a very early age in me. I used to observe my teachers and enjoyed the whole process of learning and getting involved in classroom activities. When we were kids, we used to spend time playing a game in which we enjoyed acting like a teacher and to copying their mannerisms. Perhaps that's when I realised that I will enjoy this profession in the later stages of my life. Thus, here I am today.

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

Some of my most memorable moments as a teacher have been the ones related to the times when my students have shown gratitude in innocent ways. As teachers, we don't need much in terms of appreciation. At times, little acts of kids give us the joys of a lifetime. I remember kids of the 8th standard making a beautiful card for me on my birthday even after they passed out from the school where I was teaching. Two things moved me at that moment. One was the feeling of being surprised over the fact that they remembered me as a teacher even after leaving the school and the second was their effort to make a card for me. How many times do you see kids in rural settings thinking about making a card for their teachers? It might be a very common thing for urban areas but kids here have a hard time with the opportunities of being creative when even basic amenities might feel like a luxury to them.

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

I was introduced to Gurushala through a science teacher in my school. Pratham and Gurushala organised a few events in my school. When I discussed their activities with my colleagues, it made me curious about their programs. Finally, I decided to browse through the website of Gurushala and found myself liking the material and modules that they have provided over there. The training modules, talk sessions and learning materials have been very interesting and helpful to me. It was during the period of lockdown that I got the time to explore more on Gurushala and today I am grateful that my colleagues introduced me to it.

What is your favorite section of Gurushala and why?

There are many aspects of Gurushala which have helped me over time. I enjoyed their training modules a lot during the time of lockdown. It not only expanded the horizons of my knowledge but also boosted my confidence. I could feel the progress while undertaking their lessons and watching different PPTs. Gurushala also helped me understand and learn the basics of computer and online based teaching by clearing concepts related to Microsoft Office. This helped me to optimize my techniques of teaching via electronic devices.

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

Gurushala has helped me a lot, specially during the period of the pandemic by providing quality material that guided me to use online tools and techniques to teach. It helped me learn ways of creating online-based content which has helped me to teach and learn in a better manner. I would like to thank Gurushala for bringing such quality resources to teachers and students. They serve a great purpose.

In what activities/ events of Gurushala have you participated in?

I have participated in many activities which have been conducted by Gurushala. I used to take tests and quizzes which were organised by Gurushala. Apart from those, I enjoyed my time attending webinars and talk-about sessions. These activities were not only fascinating but also enriched my knowledge to a great extent.

What according to you is a 21st Century Teacher?

A 21st-century teacher should not shy away from using new ways of teaching. Owing to pandemic and the growth of technology, teachers must be well equipped with their knowledge related to ICT. I believe technology can help teachers a lot by exposing them to new ways and methodologies of teaching that can improve the overall outcomes. Another crucial quality for a 21st century teacher is their ability to understand students well and support them like a friend while acting as a guide. Students can get scared easily and might have a hard time opening up to their teachers which bring a lot of communication gap. That is not healthy for their growth. Students should be provided with a conducive and friendly environment to put their thoughts and dreams in open. Being interactive and understanding can go a long way in helping students learn faster and better.

What is your life motto as a teacher?

I strongly believe that one should strive to become a good example for their students. Being disciplined and honest as a teacher helps in setting the right kind of example for their students. It is not a surprise that teachers inspire students in many ways every day. Students consider their teachers to be role models. Thus, I believe in trying to be the best version of myself through honesty and integrity, to motivate my students in the right direction.

How do you wish to bring change in the society?

To bring positive changes in the society, we all must strive to be honest with ourselves and our profession. If we are given the chance to serve people and the nation, it should be our primary goal, to be honest with our efforts. Everyone should use the resources that have been provided to them in the best interest of society. I believe by being honest and sincere, we can do a lot for the development of our fellow beings. Rules and regulations aren't enough to ensure quality. Human conscience has to be pure and positive to bring real changes.

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