Motivational Techniques for Teachers

Prakash Srinivasan

(Prakash is a student of Swami who did his B.Com(Hons) in Brindavan campus and then his MBA and PG Diploma in Indian Culture and Philosophy in Prashanthi Nilayam. During his student days, Prakash had the good fortune of being a Mandir bhajan singer and has enjoyed singing for our Lord many times. A passionate lover of music, food and nature- Prakash is currently heading the European system operations for Hewlett Packard(HP) from the Bangalore office. His enthusiasm, humour and cheerfulness are contagious. In this article, Prakash shares his insights on cinema and how movies can deeply affect our daily life).

Teachers play a very important role in the growth of a child and they need to motivate the children continuously to ensure the children enjoy the learning process. A mechanical teaching process serves no purpose at all. Here are some pointers which can help teachers to teach with all the motivation so that they can make teaching an interactive process:

School Updates- Independence Day Celebrations

SHARAVATHI SCHOOL UPDATE

The 66^th Independence day of our country was marked with celebration and festivity at the Sharavathi Kannada Higher Primary School. The programme began with assemble of the students and marching which was followed by the flag hoisting and singing of the National Anthem.

All the students from the school between classes 1-10 participated in various cultural programmes highlighting different aspects of Indian culture. The themes varied from freedom struggle and patriotism, to the glorious culture of India and its stress on human values.

Each class had prepared 2 items in the form of a skit/ dance/ drama/ musical recital/ speech. The children were dressed in colourful attires and performed with great rhythm. The teachers of the school had paid special attention in training the children for this day and it was the outcome of this dedicated effort that the programme exceeded all expectations.
The function was attended by many dignitaries and guests from Lions Club of Jayanagar and the members of Sai Krushna Charitable Trust. Pictures of the programme may be seen below and will also be available in the gallery section of the website in greater detail.

Scholarship for an alumnus to pursue higher studies: One of the students of the school, Mr Sathish who passed out of the 10^th grade of the school last year was also give a merit cum means scholarship of Rs 1700/- only to pursue an ITI Technical training course in the nearby government college. Sathish has been a rank holder throughout his high school and was about to enter construction profession after the 10^th grade to support his family. His family had been struggling financially after his father had left them and it was up to Sathish , his brother and sister to help their mother who makes an income by selling flowers. Considering the financial constraints and the keen interest and potential of Sathish, a decision was taken by Sai Krushna Charitable Trust to provide a scholarship for his future education

The Independence day function concluded with a tree plantation (Van Mahotsav) programme. The children of the school planted various kinds of trees like Neem, drumstick and some fruit bearing trees along the boundary of Sai krushna Mandir site. The trees were also protected with bushes and thorny plants to keep animals away. The children have been regularly watering the plants and tending them with care.

Significance of Teacher's Day

By Vijayalakshmy Krishnan
(Vijayalakshmy has been in the field of education for over 24 years. A former High school Teacher at DBMS English School, Jamshedpur , she started her teaching career from primary school and went to become the High school coordinator. She has been a very active member of the school's social and environmental activities. She was also a prominent member of the Jamshedpur Sathya Sai Seva organization. Known for her loving and caring nature, she served as the city's Bal Vikas Co-ordinator besides involving herself with activities such as poor feeding, Grama Seva etc and has experience in counseling juvenile delinquents. Currently, she helps with the educational development at the Sharavathi School.)

Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwara Guruh Saakshath para Brahma Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha

5^th of September every year is celebrated as Teacher’s day by all. It is also the birthday of Dr S. Radhakrishnan. The importance of this day is not clearly understood by all. Teachers are the pillars of any institution who help the child to face the world and discover its true identity.

They help the family by guiding the children to rediscover who they are and the purpose of their birth. They bring out the latent values in the child and assist the children in developing their skills. Children are so full of love. They are innocent and their minds are impressionable like a clean slate. The ideal teacher understands how to use this wonderful slate to elicit the true and highest values which eventually remain etched in the hearts of the child.

Such ideal teachers are never forgotten by students. The true love and care, understanding and encouragement from the teachers are permanently embedded in the minds of the children. It is these teachers who have shaped and moulded the young impressionable minds to become good citizens, great thinkers and above all humane, wise individuals whose hearts are filled with compassion to render selfless service for the well being of their brethren.

Lord Rama and Vashishtha, Arjuna and Dronacharya, Shivaji and Samartha Ramdas, Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, Sachin Tendulkar and Ramakant Achrekar: all form a unique duo highlighting how great disciples are shaped by the tender care and stern vigilance of a mature teacher. In all these cases, we can see the role played by teachers. Great teachers can make a tremendous impact in a world torn by corruption, theft, and dishonesty. Good students can only emerge from the training of dedicated teachers.

The dedication of teachers who are committed to their work and have a keen passion to teach and mould them have made big difference to the world.

If we find courageous individuals who can stand up fearlessly against wrongs and fight the evil in the form of corruption and cheating, it is because of good teachers who shaped them. Correspondingly, the absence of wise teachers can leave society in the doldrums and faced with potential doom.

Teaching is not a profession for those who find no other jobs. It is a way of life for passionate individuals who believe that they can play their part in improving the next generation through their loving care and wisdom. Teachers day is a reminder to express our gratitude towards those teachers who sacrificed their comforts and made us whatever we are today. More importantly, it is a reminder to live by the ideals that they set before us. And which better teacher to follow than the Sai Avatar Himself who clearly said “My Life is My message”.