Anil Pandurang Patil is a Math and Science teacher at New English School Kamothe, Raigad in the state of Maharashtra. He teaches the middle and high school classes and holds an experience of 15 years. Over the years, he has researched and developed strategies which can help students learn Math and Science with a more pragmatic approach.

Tell us about yourself

I have done graduation in (Bachelor in Science) and Bachelors in Education as well. I have been teaching since last 15 years. As teachers, we are on the front lines and have the greatest effect on children. It’s an amazing opportunity and responsibility one that I will always be willing to accept. I feel so happy to see a child’s progress and growth and shape their future. I help students build self-esteem and believe in themselves and their ability to learn, no matter their background or abilities.

What is your most preferred way of teaching?

I use methods like Lecture Method Audio-visual tools such as videos, images and use different visualisation method along with showing practical examples. For example, in Maths class I was teaching about surface area and volume and I showed a cuboid and asked the students what they can see some said its rectangle and some said cuboid and like this all of them got an idea.   
    

What motivated you to become a teacher?

When I was in college the neighbouring kids used to come and ask me to solve their Math questions and concepts they found difficult. It was that moment when I realized I was quite good at teaching concepts and slowly it turned into my passion. After completing undergraduate degree, I realised that teaching is the career that I want to pursue.

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

Back in 2007, when I was teaching in remote areas of Maharashtra, it was difficult for the students to learn new topics and concepts. Then I thought that I have to work hard for them so I researched and invented few simple mathematics formulae that was easy to understand for weaker students. This gave me recognition in school and I was famous for my unique approach. These formulae were published in Math magazine in State level and I had also sent these to NCRT. So, that is a memory I can say even now I have contributed in Math.

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

I came to know about Gurushala by Rayat Sikshan Sanstha. They had conducted a seminar in Raigad District, we were explained how Gurushala work nation-wide and how we can teach the students differently in different standards and help them to achieve their goals. It focused on teacher and students bond with interactive sessions.

What is your favorite section of Gurushala and why?

I really like the methodology of it and their easy to learn contents. I did online tasks as well. My most favourite is their short 4 - 5 minutes of animated videos which illustrated the problem of teacher while teaching then he was guided by the principal and other teachers and later he applied that to his students so I really felt that this video is very relatable to me as I had been facing the same issue but Gurushala helped me to come over it.

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

I got trained by Gurushala and also attended few webinars. It really helped me during the pandemic as we were unable to teach them physically online classes helped to reach out to the students.

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

Yes, recently I participated in video making that was held for 40 days. It showed how to make post card, how to remove background, video editing and making contents for the class. I also participated in many quizzes.

What according to you is a 21st Century Teacher?

Now-a-days teacher should be future planed. Like I teach students of class 9 and 10 but they are going to apply the concepts after 5-6 years when they will start working so theoretical knowledge is not enough, they require more than that. When a student will join Engineering college their Maths is based on Trigonometry which they studied in class 9. Therefore, teacher should do their best for student career.

What is your life motto as a teacher?

I have two favourite subjects that is Maths and Science, I want to make children understand how Maths is easy and enjoyable to learn. According to me, they should focus on the steps taken to solve a mathematical problem. I always suggest my students to follow appropriate steps while solving math problems to arrive at the accurate result. I also ensure that they are focused on science and they should realise how important Science is as in near future since there is a huge demand for it.

How do you wish to bring change in the society?

Today’s children are going to be part of tomorrow’s future. I can’t teach every child in the world but I teach almost 50 students in each class so I try to motivate them to make difference in the world. The impact I have on their lives can stay with them throughout their years of schooling and beyond. These children play an important role in the development of the nation.

About the author