Ms. Pallavi Surgonda Patil is a teacher of Science and Math at New English School in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. She strongly believes in strengthening concepts to enhance learning outcomes among students.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been passionate about becoming a teacher. It is a source of joy and inspiration to me. I love spending time with kids and understanding their perspective. Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher. My favorite subjects as a student were science and Mathematics, both of which I currently teach. I like to make my classes interactive, so I prepare PowerPoint presentations for the same. It is my constant effort to make my classes as innovative as possible so that I can get the best learning outcomes by involving my students. I also like to read, but because of personal and private commitments, I don’t get enough time to spare these days. I try to compensate for the same by listening to audio books.

What is your most preferred way of teaching?

As previously mentioned, I try to make my lectures interactive by engaging students in activities and experiments. I strongly believe that basic fundamental knowledge constitutes the building block of every learning process. I use both lecture method and audio-visual tools for teaching along with engaging children into group activities. I try to engage students in brainstorming exercises, which further enables them to process new information and relate it to their existing knowledge. One must really enable kids to blossom by stimulating their minds. They get excited when they believe that they have created something new out of their knowledge. Constructing new ideas through basic understanding is a great approach which has worked with my students. This is better than rote learning.         

What motivated you to become a teacher?

Both my parents and extended relatives come from a teaching background. This really encouraged me and boosted my confidence. From the very beginning, we were provided a conducive environment to learn and grow. Our house used to be filled with books and everyone around us showed enthusiasm for this profession. My teachers in school also inspired me to pursue this profession. Seeing them teach children in such wonderful ways acted as a catalyst for my future choice of this career.

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

There are many beautiful incidents to choose from. But, I vividly remember this day. It was Makar Sankranti and the school organized a celebration for the same. As soon as I entered the main event, my students, on seeing me, got so excited and elated that they came running to me to exchange greetings and share some sweets. It was a really overwhelming and heart-felt moment.
Another special day is teachers' day. Students make an effort in their own respective ways, which truly makes you feel good and happy about what you do. This makes you wonder what imprint you leave on these young minds that value you so much. The joy you experience when you see their delightful and contented faces is unparalleled. It inspires me to be a better version of myself as I feel appreciated.

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

It caught my attention when their team visited for a for a workshop. I received one lakh rupees as a scholarship. Through that scholarship, I have been able to get resources and get myself enrolled for my future studies. It has helped me immensely. I am so grateful that I got to know about this organization which has enabled me to improve my teaching skills and pursue my dream of academia.

What is your favorite section of Gurushala and why?

Gurushala was an integral part of my learning process, especially during the lockdown. I was actively engaged with their modules during that period due to availability of ample time. I really like the courses available; they are really diverse and relevant. Some of their courses like the ones on hygiene, gender equality and mental health are amazingly curated. These modules have helped me to think outside the box and be more aware of new concepts. I have also shown these modules to my daughter. Gurushala is incredibly beneficial in terms of pedagogical approaches and materials. Despite providing so much, Gurushala keeps on motivating us through their aids and scholarships. This is a wonderful aspect of this organization.

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

Gender equality, hygiene, stress management, to name a few, are themes of modules which I have seen on the platform of Gurushala. I share these with students as well. These are common everyday topics that often go unnoticed and neglected despite being acknowledged as major issues that need immediate attention. So I am highly grateful to Gurushala for making these available to us. It has acted as a guide and friend to us by providing us such rich material which can prove to be beneficial for one and all.

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

Gurushala has played a vital role in my teaching process. I have had the chance to attend their modules, webinars, lectures and workshops. Through Rayat Sikshshan Sanstha, we have been actively engaged with Gurushala. I have taken immense support of Gurushala during the Covid-19 lockdown by using their resources provided on the Gurushala platform.

What according to you is a 21st Century Teacher?

I believe that a 21st century teacher should rather be a facilitator that allows children to blossom in their own unique ways rather than impose one idea on them as it hampers their growth. One really needs to understand that each child is one of a kind and one size does not fit all. It’s high time that teachers acknowledge this and act as facilitators.
It is imperative that teachers take responsibility and make classes interesting and fun so that school is not seen as cumbersome and boring, as then children lack interest and lose the urge to learn. Teaching methodologies should be reformed and made more conducive for the growth of students by attending to their curiosity and questions. Change is constant and inevitable. Thus, it is time to change the redundant processes and be more open to betterment.
Learning is beyond books, and it is all inclusive of values. The value system must be strengthened.
The onus of making this happen to some extent lies with the teachers. They can steer the learning process in any direction, so why not make it right?

What is your life motto as a teacher?

I wish to be a person who is compassionate enough to instil confidence in others. Students or co-workers, I hope that I allow that free space around me so that people can freely discuss issues with me without hesitation. I hope I can be there for my dear ones in times of difficulty as a friend and guide. I remember my teacher, who is dearest to me to date, and I wish I could be like her for my students.

How do you wish to bring change in the society?

Society desperately needs a change. I feel superstition and dogma are the root causes of many evils. In my opinion, education is one of the most powerful tools that can act as a harbinger of change. Being a teacher of subjects like science, I believe rational and logical thinking is important for the development of society. We should be educated and responsible beings who are open to learning new things and enhancing our knowledge. Change starts with students of today, as they are going to be citizens of tomorrow. As teachers, we should constantly try to plant seeds of change and reform in them. We, as guides, should empower them to choose better paths in life. I try to educate my students on contemporary issues of the environment and gender equality.

About the author