Know Your Teacher: ‘Holistic development important to shape students into global citizens’

After completing her honours in English from the University of Delhi and a master’s in English, Raisa Kandhari, a PGT English at Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, Sector 21-D, went on to qualify for the advanced diploma in French from DU and DELF A2 from Alliance française de Delhi.

“At present, I am teaching English to secondary and senior secondary students and French to the middle school. I have been teaching for the last 10 years. At Apeejay, I have been teaching for two years now. While challenges are there, they are the driving force for which, as a facilitator, I need to be well-versed with diverse strategies to balance learning outcomes,” Kandhari said, who opines that holistic development is essential to shape them into global citizens catering to technological advancement.

Excerpts from an interview.

What is the most inspiring aspect of being a teacher?

I would like to quote Helen Caldicott who said: “Teachers are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the earth”. Teaching has always been a demanding profession, as we hold the responsibility of morphing a society, nation, and earth. Each day comes with new challenges, new teachings, and learnings. I don’t just teach a group of students sitting alone but work on grooming their overall personalities. I feel like evolving with them.

Teaching comes with challenges. How do you overcome them?

Yes, certainly every day comes with new challenges since each day different mindsets, varied learning styles, and fluctuating interests need to be catered to. These challenges are the driving force for which as a facilitator I need to be well-versed with diverse strategies to balance learning outcomes. I ensure more activity-oriented teaching learning to engage all my learners. I strongly believe that if learners are constructively involved in learning activities the majority of challenges can be easily sorted. However, in case of extreme conditions, I ensure a guided plan.

How do you make classroom teaching interactive?

No two minds are alike. I try to adopt different approaches and techniques to cater to different kinds of learners; I also adopt engaged learning programmes to reach the desired level of learning.

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No two minds are alike. I try to adopt different approaches and techniques to cater to different kinds of learners; I also adopt engaged learning programmes to reach the desired level of learning

–Raisa Kandhari, PGT English at Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, Sector 21-D

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How can a teacher build trust with her/his students?

The teacher-student relationship is one of the vital human relationships that help to build an engaging and important learning ecosystem. It is helpful for both teachers and students to elevate the education level. Improving academic performance is the ultimate goal of a teacher. Therefore, I aim to provide personalised training to the students. A positive relationship aids me in a better understanding of the intellectual level of each student and customise lessons for them. I try to create an atmosphere where they can openly share their opinions and discuss their problems to make them feel safe.

What is the advantage of having a good parent-teacher relationship?

Positive teacher-student relationships strengthen parent-teacher relationships also. When teachers have cordial relationships with their students, they can better understand their mental state. This, in return, will help teachers to provide insightful reports to parents about their kids’ performance. Moreover, teachers can coordinate with parents to create more enjoyable and productive learning strategies for students.

How do you make classroom teaching interactive?

No two minds are alike. I try to adopt different approaches and techniques to cater to different kinds of learners; I also adopt engaged learning programmes to reach the desired level of learning.

Is it important for teachers to be learners as well?

Learning is a never-ending process hence, teachers need to be learners as well. Adding something new to our professional and personal growth helps to polish, progress, and evolve. A teacher’s yearning to learn may engage more readily in self-determined learning than others. The technological revolution is making it easier for teachers to learn in the comfort of their space and time.

Why did you choose Apeejay?  Under the tutelage of our Founder-Chairman Dr Stya Paul, Apeejay holds a long legacy of education. The curricula at Apeejay focus not only on cognitive development but social, emotional, and physical well-being as well. Broad and balanced in its approach, it focuses on experiential faculties along with academic rigour.

To be associated with Apeejay is not only a privilege but also a promising growth for my career. It has offered me a conducive environment for learning and growth. My principal, Ms Priti Wason is a wonderful leader; she supports and nurtures a spark in each teacher to be a better version of themselves professionally, personally, academically, and emotionally.