In the education sector in Nagaland, a lot of factors affect the quality of education students receive. Challenges such as good infrastructure, strong management, an efficient system, positive learning environment and qualified teachers have a bearing on the type of education that is imparted to children. However, one of the most primary and key factors for the success of any institution or organization for that matteris a motivated and dedicated workforce. In the education scene, like a domino effect, the success or failure of a student is heavily dependent on the morale of the teachers, and their sincerity to help students discover their full potential. This article caters to both the employee and employer in working together to help make that happen.
Motivation as a Motto
I am sincerely thankful for all those teacherswho prepare good notes and do intensive preparations for classroom explanations. It is not an easy job and especially not for private sector teachers. At times teachers working in private institutions may feel discouraged when they compare their salary and workload to those working in schools and colleges run by the government. But it is also a question of job satisfaction – how much one is learning, experiencing and growing. In spite of the difficulties, teachers give their best to produce a good result. Hats off to all these dedicated teachers.
As teachers we get so involved in our work that we forget one of the most important ingredients of teaching and learning, something which can make our work easier- ‘Motivation’! Terrell H. Bell, who was the Secretary of Educationin the Cabinet of former US President Ronald Reagan, has said,“There are three things to remember about education.The first one is motivation. The second one is motivation. The third one is motivation.”
As teachers, we go to great lengths to force our students to study. In the end only a few of them really study wholeheartedly. If we put a little more effort and try to motivate our students to learn then it will be like the much needed greasing in machines as it makes the functioning smooth. Neither they suffer nor we.
To support my point let me share one story:
A man had purchased a cow. He had never rearedcattle before and so he was trying to drag the cow by pulling its horns. The cow was very resistant. She wanted to go to her home, she wanted to go to her old owner.A Sufi mystic was watching. He said to the man, “It seems you are very new; you don’t know how to deal with cows. This is not the right way.”
The man said, “I am not that strong. What should I do? The cow is stronger, she is dragging me with her.” The mystic gave him some lush green grass and told him, “Leave her horns. You take this grass and just move ahead of her. Keep the grass very close, but don’t allow her to eat it. As she moves towards the grass, you go on moving towards your home.” And it worked. The cow came because the grass was so close and so green and so fresh. She forgot all about her old owner. The immediate problem was how to get this grass. Since the man moved ahead slowly, the distance between the cow and the grass remained the same. In the end she entered into the shed of the new owner, and he closed the door giving her the grass.
As teachers or parents we should also do something like this. Just think, why we try to become good and do good deeds? Because we were motivated by preachers or we read from holy books about Heaven. We do good deeds expecting a good reward. Similarly, if the employer promises better incentives or a bonus, the employees will definitely become more productive. Similarly,we shouldtry to find ways to motivate our students. We also should not forget that today’s students are more advanced. It’s not easy to motivate them with traditional methods.
Most of the students know what to study, how to study, and when to study. Not only this, they know if they do not study today,they will regret it. They know the meaning of discipline, punctuality, obedience, and hard work. To become doctors, engineers, CAs, IAS and IPS officers, lawyers, army officers, they need to study and pass their examination. So, ultimately the question is, why are they not studying? What is missing?
Most parents and teachers blame the students, but we should also ask ourselves are we really doing our part?Students are not experienced like us. Therefore, ultimately the responsibility falls on the experienced people because only they canfind a better solution.
In the private sector, there is a need for themanagement to also look into the grievances of the employees. It does not merely have to do with monetary benefits, but there are other ways that can be used to motivate employees. Non-monetary incentives can be given to the teachers to boost up their morale.Management should plan out a good strategy to motivate teachers, and once the teachers are motivated,students also get motivated automatically. Everything falls in line.
I end my article with this quotation of William Arthur Ward, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” So, which category do we fall under?
“Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. For feedback or comments please email: admin@tetsocollege.org”