This semester, I saw how this one big family has transformed and changed universally because of the strategy used in teaching. It was a pull strategy, to push them upwards to greater challenges. It means inculcating the values of self-discipline and self-respect into each and every endeavor they undertake, beginning from being seated in class a few minutes before it starts. It means empowering them to stand up and speak out about their research assignments and to share their knowledge with their peers. It means to care that they learn qualitatively. It entails tremendous fortitude to want to succeed in learning.
I am in awe of the professor. He is merciless and relentless in conveying the essence of learning in every session. He reinforces it consistently. I saw the pay-offs! The students transformed indeed. It is a true story. I am inspired by them. I saw enthusiastic voluntarism, pride and eagerness to share knowledge. Fear of speaking to a class became history. In fact, it develops into confidence. I saw creativity through presentations on out of course materials. The amount of laughter and knowledge we gained from these presentations is out of this world. Seriously, would anyone be motivated to do things without being rewarded? How often do we want or feel like indulging in creative work for ourselves? Creativity requires tremendous efforts which few are willing to make.
This brings me back to my favorite quote: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." The students' mind is constantly challenged to a quick realization that "I don't know much!" Just by this realization, we can either fan our inner flame to deepen our knowledge or let it dissipate and compromise our potential to be a better learned human being while traversing our journey on this earth.
