WEEK 10: Time to Say Goodbye

After 18 years spent teaching, I became a student again for 10 weeks. These weeks were hectic, so very demanding but imagine the feeling of satisfaction that one feels after completing a laborious task. I feel it. I feel that the course has helped me in my professional development not only as a simple teacher but as a teacher of the 21st century.                      

Yes, I  really can redefine my teaching methods, shift gradually from the traditional method of teaching to  more learner centered one. Together with my fellow online learners, we have discovered an unimaginable world of possibilities; a new world that promotes learner autonomy, that eases the teacher's life and that encourages the learner to develop an interest in language learning.

Far too many people relegate language learning and teaching to the second position. What's the use? There are more important subjects to learn: the Sciences, Maths and many others. This same line of thought is passed on to the learners. Consequently, as language teachers, we have to finally do our best to keep our class 'alive', fight boredom, passivity, dropouts and many other problems associated with language classes. An unresponsive class has an effect on the teacher too. What now with Web Quests, PPTs, online exercises, blogs, padlets, online forums? We have many tools at our disposal to revolutionize language teaching. And what would be the use of all these if we do not know our learners? Getting to work on a plan to know what type of learners we have, finding the appropriate tools to work with in class is a good start I think. When we are making use of the different tools available, we are bringing ourselves down to the world of our learners. If we remain high up on the ladder due to the position that we occupy in class, it will be very difficult to reach our learners and finally, teaching will not serve its purpose at all. 

I believe in my students. I believe that I can reach them through technology- they are all so very comfortable with all the devices. If I try to pull them up to my level, I will not achieve anything- no learning will finally take place at the end of the day. They will probably end up attending the class just because they are forced to do it, be passive in class and will  certainly develop a strong dislike for the subject. Up to me now to bring the change, get the support of my willing colleagues...

Of course it is now time to say good bye to all of you my online friends. We have been in the same boat for 10 fruitful weeks. We are all so very far away, yet we share the same interests, the same concerns for our learners. I wish all of you best of luck in your teaching career and thank you for all your enlightened thoughts on the forum. Thank you Courtney. I did it with your help, your positive advice (which reminds me that I must always praise my learners- they will be more productive). 

I hope I am not being too stereotyped here but I also wish to thank my colleagues from the English Department who have always inquired about my progress during the course. A 10-week course for some but an achievement for me. As Seneca says: "Life is a play: it's not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters." The acting is also made possible by those who work backstage. My backstage favorite: my sweet family. Your collaboration while I was working on the task made it all possible: omnipresent mum and dad to relieve me of some tasks. My three children who manipulate the computer like all kids of the 21st century: daughter Neha , my 13-year old source of inspiration, Keshav my 10 year old son, my strength at all times and my little cutie pie, soon to be 4 years old son, Aarav, who always wanted to have a look when I was completing the tasks. And I did not forget you dear husband... my support. You have a very busy time table, yet you are always here for me.You are the first language teacher whom I am going to share my new skills with... 

And Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all of you!