‘Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that would be the biggest honour for me.’
– A P J Abdul Kalam (1931 – 2015); an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007.
Deep within the recesses of my memories, there exists a cherished relic, a fragment of the past that refuses to be forgotten. Its brilliance, untouched by the passage of time, transports me back to my days in primary school. Amidst the symphony of youthful laughter and whispers, there stood a figure that surpassed the role of a mere educator.
He was my favourite teacher, a beacon of wisdom and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on my being. Although the specifics of his English lessons have faded, their echoes reverberate through my soul. It was not just his words that captivated me, but the essence of his presence and the spark of passion that ignited an insatiable thirst for knowledge within me.
Even after six decades, his influence remains steadfast. Like an ancient tree deeply rooted in my consciousness, his teachings have shaped the very core of my existence. He fostered my curiosity and resilience, planting seeds that guided me on my journey in journalism.
When I reflect on his profound impact, I am reminded of the debt I owe to this extraordinary soul. His influence transcends time, etching itself upon my heart and mind. Join me as we travel back to a time when innocence prevailed and the world was brimming with possibilities. Let me share the tale of my favourite teacher, whose legacy resonates within me. Together, let us explore the enigma of his greatness and discover the profound impact one person can have on a young and impressionable mind.
What made this teacher extraordinary was, not just his knowledge and teaching skills, but his incredible talent for storytelling. At the start of each term, he struck a deal with us, his eager students.
He would say, “Study hard and excel in your exams, and in return, I’ll entertain you with the most amazing stories you can imagine.”
And so, our academic journey intertwined with the enchantment of storytelling. My classmates and I worked diligently not only for good grades but also because we were eager to hear those captivating tales. When we triumphed in our exams, we were rewarded with stories until the end of the term. These tales opened our eyes to the world and helped us understand it better.
Our teacher spun stories of legendary heroes and timeless fables. We learned about Robin Hood, the noble outlaw fighting for justice, which taught us about doing what’s right and being selfless. King Arthur and his knights of valour showed us the importance of honour and noble ideals. Tom Sawyer, the mischievous character from Mark Twain’s masterpiece, revealed the true essence of childhood, its boundless spirit, and unstoppable curiosity. And in the classic tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ we learned to look beyond appearances and find the beauty within.
Using storytelling as an educational tool showcased his creativity and dedication to making learning enjoyable and meaningful. I found that through the stories he shared, he not only taught me about literature and language but also instilled important values like courage, justice, and kindness.
The use of storytelling as a teaching method has proven to be effective and has many benefits. Stories engage students on an emotional level, making the material more memorable and meaningful. By incorporating important themes and lessons, my teacher made ideas relatable and easy to understand.
Additionally, storytelling nurtures empathy and understanding by allowing students to see the world through different perspectives. By exposing us to a wide range of characters and situations, our teacher broadened our horizons and helped us develop a nuanced understanding of the world.
It’s worth noting that the relationship between a teacher and their students can be profoundly impactful, especially during the formative years of childhood. The fact that my teacher took the time to know us and build a connection likely made a significant difference in how we approached learning and how we felt about school in general.
Year after year, our teacher shared literary treasures, weaving knowledge and wonder into our lives. So many years, so many books, each leaving a mark on our memories. As I think back on those days, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the impact this teacher had on my life.
This realization didn’t come to me immediately; in my youth, I was focused on the instant gratification of the stories themselves. It was only later, as an adult facing life’s challenges, that I truly comprehended and valued the immense significance of my teacher’s influence.
Describing the full extent of his impact is challenging as words often fall short when expressing deep emotions and complex experiences. However, the fact that I still remember him fondly after all these years is a testament to his lasting legacy and the profound difference he made in my life and the lives of his other students.
To honour his memory, I strive to embody the lessons he taught me and share them with others. In doing so, his influence will continue to ripple outward, touching the lives of countless others, just as it did for me and my classmates.
When the time for our beloved teacher’s retirement drew near, some of my classmates and I took the opportunity during a social gathering to express our heartfelt appreciation. With our esteemed mentor at the head of the table, we shared words brimming with gratitude and admiration. Our sincerity left him speechless, resonating deeply within his soul.
As he listened to our heartfelt tributes, tears welled up in his eyes. It was a moment of profound connection, and recognition of the lasting impact he had on our lives. In that instant, our teacher realized that he had not only imparted knowledge but had also touched our hearts and shaped our characters.
In his humble response, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to teach and inspire young minds. He shared that it was his passion for education and his belief in the transformative power of storytelling that drove him to go above and beyond in his role as a teacher.
He emphasised that teaching was not merely a profession for him; it was a calling, a vocation to make a positive difference in the lives of his students. The stories he shared were not just tales; they were vehicles for growth, understanding, and deep reflection.
Through his words, he reminded us that education is not confined to textbooks and exams. It is a journey of exploration, self-discovery, and personal growth. He encouraged us to continue seeking knowledge, nurturing our curiosity, and embracing the power of storytelling in our own lives.
As we bid farewell to our beloved teacher, we carried with us the immeasurable gift of his wisdom and inspiration. His influence would continue to shape our lives long after we left the walls of our school. We were forever indebted to him for instilling in us a love for learning, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for storytelling.
Through interactions with my favourite teacher (even years after I left school), and having pondered what he means to me, I have some ideas and opinions regarding what constitute not merely good teachers, but great, effective ones.
Effective teachers possess a combination of qualities and skills that make them great in the classroom. First and foremost, they have a deep understanding of the subject they teach. They know their stuff and stay up to date with the latest developments in their field.
Good teachers are passionate about what they teach, and they show that enthusiasm in the classroom. They make the subject interesting and inspire students to get involved in the learning process.
They are skilled communicators. They can explain complex ideas in a way that students can understand. They listen to their students, encourage questions, and create an open environment for discussion.
Effective teachers recognise that students learn in different ways, so they adapt their teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
Patience is also a key quality of a good teacher. They understand that learning takes time and effort, and they support their students every step of the way.
Being well-prepared is crucial for effective teaching. Good teachers have well-designed lesson plans and clear learning objectives.
Respect and fairness are important values for good teachers. They treat all students equally and create an environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for learning.
Motivation and inspiration are qualities that good teachers possess. They set high expectations for their students and challenge them to reach their full potential.
Good teachers understand the importance of lifelong learning. They are open to new ideas and continuously seek opportunities for professional development to improve their teaching skills and knowledge.
Lastly, effective teachers go beyond teaching the subject matter. They act as mentors and guides to their students, offering guidance on academic and personal matters.
It’s important to remember that teaching is a complex profession, and individual teachers may excel in some areas more than others.
Years passed, and life took us on different paths. We pursued our dreams, faced challenges, and embraced the ever-changing tides of existence. But the lessons and stories shared by our favourite teacher remained steadfast in our hearts.
To this day, I find solace and inspiration in the power of storytelling. I write I share, and I continue to learn, captivated by the magic that words can weave. And as I do, I honour the legacy of my favourite teacher, forever grateful for the impact he had on my life.
So, whether you are a student, a teacher, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a well-told story, remember that the written and spoken word has the power to shape lives. Embrace the gift of storytelling, for it has the potential to ignite minds, foster empathy, and transform the world around us.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
