The Gurukula parampara of yore just got very modern. Far from shishyas going and staying in the homes of gurus, today's teachers are seeking out students — on Facebook and Twitter.
On the occasion of Teachers' Day, some teachers in Chennai shared their experiences with Business Line .
K.N. Satyanarayana, a professor in the Civil Engineering Department at IIT Madras who has been teaching for 20 years, says, “The best thing about this profession is that you interact with the best minds in the country.
“There is no greater satisfaction for a teacher than knowing that you have made an impact in a student's life. When former students come back to visit us and say that they still remember something that was once taught in class, it is the greatest reward for any teacher.”
He also says that his teaching methods have changed with technology. Today, there are better ways of delivering a lecture than just the textbook. There has been a considerable change in the way a student can be taught a subject because of technological advancements.
“Facebook helps me keep in touch with former students and see how well they are doing in life. It is a great boost to see your students achieve the zenith of success and Facebook has made that possible.”
V.K. Raghunathan, who teaches print journalism at the Asian College of Journalism, is popular for his guitar sessions with students. He feels that the student-teacher bond can be enhanced by tapping into the power of social media.
He says, “Facebook helps you connect with students.
A classroom is a formal set up. But once you are outside it, social media help in reaching out to students. The platform helps you understand their problems in a better way. Thus, a teacher's bond with his students gets strengthened.”
He tries to keep in touch with all his former students. He says, “A former student, who now works as a journalist with a leading daily, sent me a text message at 2:30 a.m., saying that he still remembers me telling him not to be lazy and finish work quickly.”
He adds that interacting with students gives the teachers a new perception on life everyday. “It opens a window of communication with students that was not there before.”
Aruna Kannan, Principal, Sir Sivaswami Kalalaya Senior Secondary School, Mylapore, who has been teaching for 21 years, says, “Today, you cannot reach out to students if you don't speak their language. The days of ‘ guru-shishya parampara ' no longer exist. We as teachers have to reach out on the same wavelength. Students don't need idols now.”
She adds that social media help improve the rapport between teachers and students. She also advises students not to restrict themselves to books in order to gain knowledge.
“They can learn from their favourite sportspersons too. Just pick up the good things from wherever you can and imbibe them.”