Guest Lecture

KALKA INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND ADVANCED STUDIES

ALAKNANDA, NEW DELHI -110019

WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS (2022-23)

Guest Lecture on Teaching Methods and Their Importance

Venue: Kalka Institute for Research and Advanced Studies

Date: September 20th, 2014

Kalka Institute for Research and Advanced Studies organised a guest lecture on the subject of Teaching Methods and Their Importance for B.Ed. students of the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) on September 20, 2014. Dr. Dhananjay Joshi, Associate Professor at the University School of Education, GGSIPU, was the

key note speaker.

• Dr. Joshi holds a B.Ed., M.Ed., M.A. in Political Science, and Ph.D. in Education from University of Delhi. He has been teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students for the past 12 years.
• Dr. Tandra Sharma, Principal, Kalka Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (KIRAS) welcomed Dr. Joshi onto the stage.
• Dr. Joshi shared his experiences as a renowned professor; and how he had achieved his desire of teaching. Once aspiring to be a part of the defence services, his dreams were brought to a standstill when he could not qualify for the same. However, with determination, grit and a ceaseless passion towards education, Dr. Joshi secured an admission into the Education Department of Delhi University and never looked back at the setbacks he'd once faced. He realised serving the role of a teacher, an educator, is what his purpose of existence was.
• He emphasised on the fact that a profession as noble as teaching can often be regarded as 'one's last resort.' Many young and skilful individuals who have the potential and capability to become great educators are lured by the glamour and glitz of other professions.
• The difference between teaching and other professions, according to Dr. Joshi, lies in the underlying fact that in other professions, people work as Creatures; while an Educator is the Creator, shaping the future of not only his students but the whole country.
• "An institute is not made by its infrastructure; rather by passion, faculty and students," Dr. Joshi said.
• He also stressed on the significance of an efficient teacher-student relationship, and the way it has changed dramatically over the years. He encouraged pupil-teachers to not only play the role of an educator to their students, but become their mentors, guides, philosophers and, most importantly, friends. Bridging the gap between a teacher and a student brings down the barriers and allows a healthy relationship.
• Another pressing issue addressed by Dr. Joshi was about teachers "selling their souls to private institutions." This, the esteemed speaker sympathised, was largely due to the credit that they deserve, but unfortunately do not receive; in return, they resort to more lucrative avenues where they get the fruits of their labours. Dr. Joshi expressed his concern regarding the problem of teachers being given insufficient salaries, but also said that they should learn and imbibe the importance of self-satisfaction.

Conveying his sentiment with a doha by Kabir,

'Go dhan, gajdhan,vajidhan, aur rattan dhan khan, Jab aye santoshdhan, sab dhandhurisamaan,'

Dr. Joshi expressed his belief to the audience how all the wealth in the universe is of no value in comparison to the treasure of contentment. Addressing the pupil teachers, he said that a teacher should always motivate their students to widen their horizons and develop their own thinking; and should never discriminate or think less of a student. Furthermore, a teacher should discourage practices that dampen or tarnish students' creativities, and should always strive to work for enhancing their imagination and innovativeness. They should always keep in mind that a child is the best judge of the teacher.

With regard to the methodologies that teachers can adopt, Dr. Joshi said that a platform where the students can best utilise their skills can help enhance their interest towards the subject being taught. Other than the development of self activity and initiative, using an interactive and fun approach contributes majorly towards the stimulation of good judgement on the part of the pupil.

To elaborate on this, Dr. Joshi discussed a number of practices with the audience, including the story-telling method, lecture method, project method, unit method, problem-seeking method, discussion method, socialised method, supervised method, inductive and deductive method, text book method and laboratory method. Story-telling method, according to Dr. Joshi, is most fruitful and helps in developing an interest in the child. Other than instilling in the student the power to think out-of-the-box and working towards enhancing their imagination, this particular method is also useful in inculcating values and virtues and aids in clarification of concepts as well.

The speech given by Dr. Joshi was highly informative and enriching. The concerns he expressed regarding how the profession of teaching is viewed in today's world are not only pressing, but require an analysis and evaluation. Moreover, by adopting effective strategies and methods highlighted by Dr. Joshi, a teacher can bring about a positive change, one from which both the teacher and the student can benefit, within and outside the classroom environment; thereby guiding the youth who look to enter the noble profession of teaching on a constructive and progressive path.

In addition to our full time and part time faculty, eminent speakers and renowned professors from different Universities and corporate sectors are invited to address the students on a regular basis. The guest speakers bring with them not only long years of experience and knowledge but also the latest trends in the educational field and corporate sector. Students benefit a great deal by these interactive and highly stimulating sessions.