Thank You, Class!

With just two more days to go, it'll be the end of another semester.

This is also the time when lecturers dish out forms to students who will evaluate our teaching effectiveness. It's all part of the process to ensure that we're kept on our toes throughout the semester. To put it bluntly, we've to earn our keep.

I mean, there must be a reason why we've left the corporate world to join the education industry right? If not to "inspire young minds" - as what a young colleague loves to chant - then what?

My greatest satisfaction is when my students "blossom" i.e. they start off with almost zero knowledge or experience but throughout the semester, they slowly build up their think-tank and mature in their approach towards learning. The projects they submit prove that they've understood my lessons and my (constant) nagging, and hopefully they've developed a love for the subjects I love teaching.

I usually leaf through the evaluation sheets (which are completely anonymous) to read their comments about my teaching. I get the usual "She's very encouraging and engaging", "She conducts lessons in an interesting way by giving examples in real life", "She always makes sure that we understand the topic well", "Gives very valuable feedback that motivates me to do better for future assignments" etc.

But I've NEVER receive a comment that touched me so much:

"Good teachers discipline. Great teachers import knowledge. The best inspires an interest in the subject taught; and equip learners with tools to gain a deeper understanding. That's what Ms Teo does."

That's my greatest reward - knowing that I've made an impact on someone's academic journey. At least I know that my students recognise my efforts. It really warms my heart when I receive such compliments.

To my former students (yes, I know some of you read my blog), I want to thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to share with you my experiences which I hope have taught you little lessons that can't be found in textbooks.

And if you found my classes enjoyable, it's largely because you make it enjoyable to teach you. Because a good teacher is only as good as the students she gets. :)