Harsh is involved in a wide range of ELT activities through the many different roles and responsibilities he has in his current job. He began his career as a literature teacher but, after attending a programme on linguistics and ELT decided to move into language teaching. An important influence on his development as a teacher was the book: ‘Pedagogy of the oppressed’ which he feels transformed his approach to teaching. Harsh strongly believes that the role of the learner is more important than the role of the teacher and he tells a story which illustrates very aptly, as well as humorously, the importance of a learner centred approach for effective teaching and learning.
Reflection
- What are the learners' roles in your classes?
- How do learners' roles help or hinder learning?
- Do you agree that teaching has to be seen from the learners' perspective?
Tell us your story
Have you been influenced by a teaching colleague? How? Add a comment below and tell us. Teacher trainers – use this interview in a development session and feedback to us.
You can download the audioscript below from the Attachments box below: right click on the file and save to your computer.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Audioscript for this interview | 37 KB |
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Comments
Dear Harsh,
I had the pleasure to listen to and read the audioscript for your Interview. I confess I also share your views when it comes to teaching(not just language teaching).
We might do / introduce activities we think are appropriate (sometimes trendy...) but if our learners haven't been involved enough / committed with the tasks, and haven't learnt what was supposed to, there's no chance for the teacher to feel happy. This just happens when they provide us a positive feedback in terms of what has been learnt effectively.
We also believe that positive teacher attitude (along with scientific knowledge) can boost learning levels enormously!
Thank you very much for your nice, useful stories!
Best wishes,
Maria
Dear Maria
Thank you very much for your feedback. I am happy to know that you agree with me that teachers' attitudes are very important. I am also happy to know that you have liked my story. In fact, I always use stories to make a point. People often ask me about the source of these stories. I won't say I 'create' them, but I adapt stories, anecdotes to suit the occasion. Of course, the stories have got be relevant to what you are talking about.
If you use this recording for your teacher development programme, please write about your experience.
Harsh5
Dear Sri Harshvardhan Kadepurkar
I listened your talk after I got its reference in one of the pages of Traienrs Notes I got from British Council's (BC). BC is Knowledge Partner with BCCL for a CSR initiative of BCCL - Times of India.
I totally agree that teachers muct put on the learners' hats to understand their mindset - limitations as well as expectations. My heart goes when I get to hear.." Kkaaash, aaj agar angrezi thodi achchi hoti to interview ban jaata...' (i. e. If only I had little better English, I could have done better in my interview today...) In fact I did overhear such conversations not once; many times in my career with business management education..
Unfortunately, as you have also given a hint, teaching English is either too academic or too commecialised.. I would like to have your suggestions if I plan to devote more time in this area.. because the youth needs help.. My email is arvindcares@gmail.com
Best regards
Arvind Agrawal, navi Mumbai