Day 1: Teachers and Teaching
A highly interactive session spun around the moral meaning of teaching and how to be an effective teacher. Mr Husain aimed a provocative question at participants, ‘What makes a person a teacher’? The discussion went on at length about the various aspects of teaching and its variables.
The participants were able to reflect on their understanding of the challenges of the broader social contexts in which they teach. Ideals were discussed to make them certain of their sense of identity and of the fact that they can make a difference in the learningand achievement of all their students. The session further covered ethical and cultural issues of being a teacher. Some of the deeper motivations of teaching were also be explored.
The participants were given insights into the relationship of a teacherwith the child, colleagues and parents in the school community, and societyin general. It was a wonderful experience for participants to know and reflect upon the roles of a teacher. They profoundly enjoyed the discussion and jokes shared by Mr Husain about the roles a teacher play. They were introduced to ways they can collaborate and support the efforts of staff at different levels to create a learning environment in the School.
The most enthralling learning was revelation of ‘raw materials of teaching’. Teaching was the beautiful art of shaping mind of the childwas highly motivating for participants.As Joseph Addisonrightly said: “What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul.”
Mr Husain further enlightened the participants about perceptions of money. Variance between money troubles and money worries was analysed. Mr Husain stated that teachers are over-worked and under-paid but there are FOUR other payments that are almost priceless. They are: flexible time, contribution to knowledge, lifelong regard from students and company of the young. All these aspects were eye-openers to the teachers, creating an awareness in them about the worth and value of their profession.
Day 2: Learners and Learning
Learning is an enhancement of mind and soul. Our children spend a huge chunk of their lives learning skills they can use long after their school years. Mr Husain equipped teachers with variety of strategies, techniques, tools and activities to keep the children engaged. The teachers loved the ideas and techniques they learned to create an interactive classroom environment.
The participants were given seven strategies of teaching to make classrooms learning spaces.The secrets of successful classroom were reflected upon. Under guidance of Mr Husain participants realized a successful classroom is full of eager, enthusiastic students ready to participate in discussion and work together with their fellow classmates to achieve a common goal: learning.
Mr. Husain pointed out that when the teachers use cooperative techniques with proper planning, they will achieve more with less effort. This was the clear lesson the teachers left with on the second day of the workshop.
The participants agreed students can actively use the activities to design and build learning experiences of their own. The participants affirmed their desire to improve their teaching and make classrooms more meaningful to the students while enabling them to give their opinions, like and dislikes.
Mr Husain engaged teachers in activities to help promote critical thinking andengaged them in dialogue. This was anoverwhelming and unique learning experience for many teachers to learn from one of the best in the field of education in Pakistan.
Special thanks to Mr. Abdullah Ferozand Principal Iqbal Ahmed for their support and presence.