Know Your Teacher: ‘Consider failure as an opportunity to do better next time’

Unlike a 9 am to 5 pm job, teaching is a very demanding job – physically, emotionally, and mentally. But at the end of the day, for some, it’s a treat to see the smiles on the students’ faces as they work and play in the classroom you have set up for them. So, after completing her MSc, BEd, and Central Teacher Eligibility Test that is administered by the Central Board of Secondary Education, and qualifying for Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test, Divya Chopra decided that teaching is her calling.

“Kids come into your classroom excited to learn when you make lessons more fun and enjoyable, and there is nothing better than seeing your students eager to learn. Moreover, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life,” Chopra said, who has been teaching since 2021 at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg.

In an impromptu interview, this primary teacher who teaches classes for II to V, talks about the advantages of concept-based education today.

What is the most rewarding aspect of a teacher?

Each day is a chance to work with young minds and teach new things. However, being a teacher, you always learn something new every day from your students as well. You discover your creative potentials that you didn’t even know existed. It is so rewarding to go to work and be surrounded by love all around you!

You teach Science. How do you make the classes interactive?

Science is a subject based on observation and learning by doing. I try to be as practical as I can by showing them real-life objects or by performing simple experiments. Also, no two children are alike. For this, I try to incorporate different integration into the subject like art, sports, music, dramatics, and ICT. In this way, I target the multiple intelligences of the children.

Some students struggle with this subject. How do you motivate underachievers?

Encouraging students and motivating them to do well is a great way to improve their performance. I always take time to praise them and tell them that they can do anything when they put their mind to it. In addition to this, I try to engage them in the class by asking questions and involving them in activities.

What is the benefit of concept-based education now?

Concept-based learning encourages kids to think creatively and critically about the world around them. This can lead to improved academic performance and better long-term outcomes. Through collaborative activities and group discussions, concept-based learning helps kids develop important social skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. Moreover, it engages students on a deeper level and instills a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

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“The parent-teacher link is important in influencing academic achievement and fostering emotional well-being. Good communication has to be consistent. Providing regular feedback to parents and addressing their issues is an essential part of a child’s learning”

–Divya Chopra, Science Teacher, Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg

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What are some ways that parent-teacher interaction can be improved?

The parent-teacher link is important in influencing academic achievement and fostering emotional well-being. Good communication has to be consistent. Providing regular feedback to parents and addressing their issues is an essential part of a child’s learning. At Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, we have a Parent Partnership Programme to strengthen communication with the parents.

How has your journey been thus far?

It’s rightly said that learning is a lifelong process. Being a teacher you have to be a learner too. In my journey till now, I have learnt a lot from everyone around me and day by day I am constantly evolving as an effective educator.

How and why did you join Apeejay?

Owing to its prestigious reputation and years of excellence in education, Apeejay was the first institute in my mind when I decided to begin my career in education. I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to teach young minds here.

A message for students.

Never give up. Consider failure as an opportunity to perform better than before. Be diligent towards your dreams and you will reach there soon enough!