Teacher as a Mentor

Whatever our belief on the concept of 'learning', I am sure we all would agree that real learning happens through an emotional connect. If education is about learning, the the teacher as a mentor has to take the approach of transformation of individuals. Mere transition would not help.

The teacher needs to focus on two aspects of the student. Firstly, the behavior and secondly the mindset. Fir the teacher to transform into a mentor, some key traits would be of help:

• Passion for the role
• Concern for individuals
• Intense commitment
• Lead the transformation
• Believe in 'Quantum Leap Theory'

Lets decipher the acronym MENTOR:

• M - Motivate
• E - Engage
• N - Nurture
• T - Thinking
• O - Observation
• R - Responsive

Puffed Up Grades, Flattened Education

A glance at the recent admissions cutoffs at most universities in the National capital would reveal scores not less 100 percent. Time has come for 105 percent or 110 percent, 100 percent is no big deal. If we compare this situation with a few decades back, a 70 percent would be an excellent score. In fact, earlier, 65 percent meant brilliant. Scoring a 99 percent in English was impossible. All of a sudden, the kids are getting more skilled & competitive?

So, college cutoffs are increasing and global standing in Innovation is decreasing. Over 75 percent patents are from either China, Japan, USA or South Korea. India stands 62nd on the Global rankings for skills such as reading, writing, math and science.

What are the reasons for yearly rise in grades and proportinate fall in educational standards?

• A harsh reality, Teachers have traded their sense of responsibility for comfort
• Objective based examinations and evaluation patterns
• Creativity is not appreciated, may be detrimental to grades
• More generosity in marking system, less pressure on the teacher

Hence, good teachers are driven out by bad teachers. The simple approach is, tick the right box, say the right answer, take your marks and run away