#MENTAL_HEALTH_MATTERS #ROLE_OF_EDUCATORS I recently had the privilege of conducting an entire session in Hindi, which turned out to be a delightful experience. What made it even more enjoyable was the active participation of the diverse group of educators who joined in, generously offering assistance when I encountered challenges with translations. These educators hailed from various corners of the country, including places where the concept of Covid-19 was relatively unknown – the interiors of Assam, West Bengal, Andhra, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and more. They are educators affiliated with Serve India Aspire '25, a flagship program by Serve India, supported by Thanal Kerala. Their presence spans twelve states across India, with a noble mission of making healthcare and education accessible and affordable for all. In our session, we delved into the question of how to motivate our students effectively. Here's a brief overview: Know the WHY: Discover the underlying motivation for your students attending school. Is it for the midday meal, an escape from home, or due to external pressures? Equally important is understanding why you, as an educator, want them to come to school. What's the purpose behind teaching a particular subject or topic? Valuing their existing knowledge and learning from them is equally essential. Know the WHAT: Get insights into what happens in your students' lives before and after school. Acquire knowledge about your students – their homes, backgrounds, parents, circumstances, and daily experiences. Know the HOW: When planning your lessons for the year, tailor them to the unique characteristics of your class. Flexibility in your teaching methods is key. Make the examples you use in class more meaningful in the context of their lives. To keep parents motivated to continue sending their children to school, encourage students to take home something new every day. Consciously summarize the day's key takeaway, something they can share with their parents. Group students differently each time based on their skills. One child's strength can be another's challenge. Begin by exploring what each child can do before addressing what they cannot. Build upon their existing strengths. When students make mistakes, remember the essence of "Shiksha" – educate, not "Shiksha" – punish. When they express emotions in ways that may be harmful, utilize the RULER approach: Recognize the emotion, Understand the trigger, Label the emotion, Find alternative expressions, and Regulate the emotion. Establish daily methods for emotional regulation. Support students in dreaming without questioning their identity or dignity. Our role as educators is to demonstrate what is possible and assist them in making informed choices. Every job has its own dignity, and we should offer them options and let them choose. Our mission is to facilitate learning, not dictate it. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sharafudheen Kadambot for providing me with this invaluable opportunity.
