Education is the pursuit of truth, transforming of knowledge into wisdom. It is a process of caring, nurturing and developing minds and talents. A good educational system must be able to promote activity, co-operation, interaction, diversity and responsibility. Teachers are facilitators, co-travellers in this journey towards enlightenment. They must help in building capacities of the students, encourage spirit of enquiry and creativity.

Students want teachers who are real people, who recognize them as human beings, teachers who care about them not just test their performance. They want to be challenged but not demeaned. Teachers must follow the 3 A’s formula to promote loving relationships –

• Accept – Accept students as they are. Each person is unique. Avoid comparisons and intense competition that can produce anxiety.
• Adjust – Have empathy, put yourself in the pupil’s position, try to understand their point of view, and be flexible to changing circumstances.
• Appreciate – Praise and recognize good qualities; a smile, open heart, and helping hand can do wonders.

To encourage students to become self-motivated, independent learners, teachers should:

• Give frequent, early, positive feedback that supports students’ confidence.
• Help students find meaning and value in the subject material.
• Create an open and positive atmosphere.
• Make students feel they are valued members of the learning community.
• Encourage active participation in learning through problem solving and inquiry.
• Give assignments that are neither too easy nor too difficult.
• Be enthusiastic about their subject and use concrete examples while teaching.
• Set high but realistic expectations to motivate students.
• Focus on self-improvement, not just marks or grades.
• Strengthen intrinsic motivation over extrinsic rewards.
• Vary teaching methods to reawaken student engagement.

Learning must not be imposed but should flow from a friendly contact between students and teachers. Visionary leadership and supportive management can help create a happy learning environment—participative, transparent, and stress-free. Let us learn to be inspired within and inspire others. Kindness, gratitude, humility, generosity, peace, and truth are important sources of inspiration.

Good teachers, understanding parents, and inspiring management can make learning creative, participative, and joyful.