Know Your Teacher: ‘A teacher’s success lies in accomplishment of her students’

Before moving to Delhi, she was living in the hills of Uttarakhand. The tenacity and tranquillity exuded by the mountains left an indelible impression on her as it helped her to understand and value Nature.

“I enjoyed my teaching years there and I am happy that I am still connected to my students in the hills who are now sensible adults working towards their goals. I also worked as a freelancer for The Times of India for two years while I was pursuing my master’s degree. I would give credit to my father who always motivated me to write. That experience helped me hone my literary skills and I gained a lot of experience from my brief stint in journalism,” Ambareen Farooquee said, who teaches English at Apeejay School, Saket and added that after she completed her BEd and master’s she has been teaching for the last 20 years which has been a rewarding experience thus far.

Excerpts from the interview.

What are the challenges that come with teaching students in higher classes?
Students in the higher classes are at a very vulnerable stage where they are coping with the demands of adolescence, making a mark for themselves in this competitive, modern world, fulfilling aspirations, pursuing their goals and passion, and learning the ways of the world.  As a teacher, one has to be sensitive to their feelings and be mindful of what they may be going through. A patient ear and appreciation for who they are is what they need. They have to be kept motivated, encouraged and imparted the right life skills before they move out into the world to become successful human beings.

You teach English. How can students improve their vocabulary?
I always tell my students that English must be nibbled every day. Do a bit of reading and writing regularly. It is very important to devote time to enhancing reading ability. Eloquence in the language follows. The habit of reading appears to be declining amongst the students today. It must be attended to. This exercise goes a long way in absorbing new words and expressions, enhancing creativity, and improving cognitive functioning. Students must pen down their thoughts and opinions without worrying too much about making grammatical or spelling mistakes. One learns and improves eventually. Writing diaries, blogs, books, and movie reviews is a good way to start.

How do you build trust with students?
Students need to be respected for who they are. We need to believe in them, understand them, initiate dialogues, encourage communication, and be there as their facilitator and guide.

How tough has it been for students to get back to learning post-Covid?
The pandemic posed a lot of limitations on the vital, normal growing-up years of students. Our students coped with COVID-19 striking their homes and the neighbourhood. Adjusting to the online classes was another big challenge-although it was a good alternative for the learning to go on but remaining focused and attentive to the screen wasn’t easy.

Students became complacent and easy-going with no physical activity and routine in their life. The physical interaction was missed. Last year was a challenge to get the children back to the regime in school, gain confidence in writing tests, and be disciplined. This year hopefully, students will be able to work their way out and do justice to their potential.

What are some things that can be done to motivate underachievers?
They need to be identified and attended to in the class. Tasks and assignments given to them need to be followed up and special help has to be given in the areas where they lack. They must be appreciated for their effort and encouraged to respond in class. Classroom buddies assigned to the underachievers can be a great source of motivation to them.

Why and how did you choose Apeejay?
I was fortunate to join Apeejay School, Saket the year I moved to Delhi on a leave of absence. I consider myself fortunate because I got the chance to meet our beloved Founder-Chairman sir (Dr Stya Paul) twice. After working at another school for two years I was lucky to join this school once again and since then the journey has continued.

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“Teaching young learners boosts my morale because I draw strength from those eager, expectant, inquisitive faces; they are a powerhouse of energy, and each learner is a unique creation of God. They motivate me to become a better version of myself”

–Ambareen Farooquee, English Teacher at Apeejay School, Saket

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How do you remain motivated?
Teaching young learners boosts my morale because I draw strength from those eager, expectant, inquisitive faces; they are a powerhouse of energy, and each learner is a unique creation of God. They motivate me to become a better version of myself. Just as our students learn from us, the students also teach us in so many ways and contribute to our growth as successful teachers. Also, the unceasing love of my students and ex-students keeps me going. It is sheer serendipity to come across an ex-student doing well in life, who remembers you. A teacher’s success lies in the success of her students.

How has technology impacted learning among students?
Technology has enabled students to garner knowledge at the click of a button, it has exposed them to a vast storehouse of information, hands-on learning experiences, and learning new skills. Simultaneously it has impacted their concentration levels and also affected their creativity because everything is available online and copy-paste seems to be the easiest option. It has made students addicted to the screens. Nevertheless, technology is there to stay and it has to be incorporated in the teaching-learning methods for students to benefit from it. They must be taught to use technology judiciously.