Teaching is a Relationship

I met Ms Dhanya Ramachandran a few years ago at one of the centralised evaluation camps of CBSE. Then we met again every year for the same purpose until I retired from teaching officially. I’m not sure whether it’s her Mona Lisa smile or her commendable efficiency with the job that drew my attention more to her.

Last week I came to know that Dhanya (let me take the liberty of calling her so) received an award for her contributions to the cause of education. I wished to bring her to a wider audience for the cause of education and hence requested an interview. What follows is the result. Since it is an email interview, it has its limitations. Nevertheless, Dhanya comes alive here. Over to the interview.

Tomichan: Hi Ms Dhanya Ramachandran, please introduce yourself for the sake of the readers of this blog.

Dhanya: Hello. I am Dhanya Ramachandran, a passionate educator with diverse background. My career journey began in journalism, but life took me on a different path, leading me to the fields of teaching in 2011. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching students from classes I to XII, including children with unique abilities and learning needs. This journey has not only allowed me to impart knowledge but also to learn invaluable lessons from my students. Currently I serve as the Coordinator and Head of the English Department at my school [Darussalam Public School, Kerala] where I continue to nurture young minds and foster love for learning.

Tomichan: In a rapidly changing world, innovative methods in teaching matter a lot. Tell us about some of the methods you employed successfully in your classes, especially since you won the recent award for the Best Innovative Teacher.

Dhanya: In rapidly changing world, as a teacher, I employ a range of strategies to engage my students and make learning fun and accessible. I use experiential approach, which helps students develop critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities and collaboration. I also incorporate technology assisted learning strategies to enhance student engagement.

Another aspect of my teaching methodology is connecting the lessons to real world situations. As an English Teacher, I find it easy to relate the lessons to everyday life, making it more relevant and interesting for my students. I also draw from personal experiences and anecdotes to illustrate the lessons, which helps grab the students’ attention and makes the learning experience more memorable. So, by using all these techniques I aim to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs and abilities of my students.

Tomichan: Do you find it challenging to deal with the present generation in the classroom?

Dhanya: The present generation is tech-savvy, independent, and having shorter attention spans. But as a teacher, I realise it is essential that I need to be adaptable, flexible and open to understanding the needs and perspectives of my students. Moreover, I believe that building strong relationships, establishing trust are essential in creating a positive and supportive learning environment. There may be challenges but we inspire and respect each other and I also love to learn from my children.

Tomichan: What has been your greatest challenge? How did you cope with it?

Dhanya: One of the greatest challenges I faced was when I had the opportunity to teach a student with autism in 2015 & 2016 in my previous school. Initially it was difficult for me to understand the child’s needs and communicate effectively. However, I was determined to provide the best possible support. I began by researching autism, its effects on learning and strategies for teaching students with autism. I collaborated the special educator to develop a personalized learning plan. I developed a deeper understanding of the diverse needs of my student and gained valuable skills in differentiating instruction and I must say that the experience was transformative, and last year the child was successfully completed his tenth grade.

Tomichan: What is your suggestion to teachers who struggle with the rapidly changing attitudes of students?

Dhanya: As teachers, we must build a strong relationship with our students. We have to be approachable, empathetic. In addition, we must be updated on current events happening around us, even the changing trends and technologies. We should incorporate the technology-assisted teaching methods with innovative strategies. Help the children to develop their emotional intelligence and critical thinking. These strategies will help the child to develop his/her essential life skills which enable the child to face the ever-changing world.

Conclusion

Teaching is a relationship. That’s what I have noticed about Dhanya’s working style. I believe that’s what makes her a successful teacher in the end. As a person who has been in the profession of teaching for four full decades now, I know that the best innovation a teacher can bring to the profession is the ability to establish that relationship. Dhanya has achieved that in her own unique way making use of whatever methods and technology available, and kudos to her for that.