Celebrating teaching and the joy of learning
Published: 04:12 PM,Dec 23,2024 | EDITED : 08:12 PM,Dec 23,2024
Graduation day is a new beginning - for the students, for their future, and for the legacy of teaching strategies
Graduation day at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) celebrates achievement, growth and the boundless potential of young minds. This annual event is a milestone for students and a poignant moment for educators like me.
It is a time to reflect on the profound impact of teaching and the joy of witnessing the fruits of one’s labour in the form of capable, inspired graduates ready to contribute to society.
This year’s ceremony was particularly special as several of my former students, dressed in elegant graduation regalia, approached me to share how they are applying my teaching strategies in their classrooms. These moments of connection and gratitude are among the most fulfilling aspects of my career.
One of the most heartwarming things my ex-students shared was their embrace of active learning. Active learning, which emphasises student engagement, interaction and participation, is a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy.
I have always believed that students learn best when they are not merely passive recipients of information but active participants in the learning process. It was gratifying to hear that these graduates, now educators themselves, have adopted this approach in their teaching. They shared how they encourage their students to discuss, debate and explore topics collaboratively, making their classrooms lively spaces for intellectual exploration.
By integrating active learning, these new teachers are fostering an environment where students are not afraid to ask questions, think critically and take ownership of their education.
Another teaching philosophy my students have carried forward is what I call the joy of learning. For me, education is not just about delivering information but about igniting curiosity and passion in students.
I often design activities that make learning enjoyable and rewarding, breaking the monotony of traditional lectures. Whether it is through interactive games, storytelling, or using humour to explain complex concepts, my goal is to ensure that students look forward to coming to class. Hearing my former students describe how they now strive to make their classrooms spaces of joy and enthusiasm reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of positive learning experiences. Joyful learning not only enhances academic performance, but also leaves a lasting impression, encouraging lifelong learning.
Creativity has always been another essential component of my teaching.
In a rapidly evolving world, fostering creative thinking is as crucial as imparting knowledge. I often challenge my students to think outside the box, encouraging them to find innovative solutions to problems and approach tasks with a fresh perspective. Knowing that they now inspire their students to embrace creativity - whether through project-based learning, imaginative assignments, or fostering open-ended discussions - fills me with pride.
By nurturing creative minds, these young educators are equipping the next generation with the skills needed to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Relating academic topics to real life is another teaching strategy my students have found valuable.
As an educator, I have always sought to bridge the gap between theory and practice by showing students how academic concepts apply to their everyday lives and future careers. Whether it is using real-world examples to explain abstract ideas or engaging in solution-oriented brain-storming activities to demonstrate practical applications, I aim to make learning relevant and meaningful.
Hearing from my graduates how they now use this approach to engage their students - connecting classroom lessons to real-life scenarios - is a testament to the enduring value of contextualised education. This strategy not only enhances understanding, but also helps students see the purpose and significance of what they are learning.
Graduation day is a moment of pride for every teacher. It is a reminder of the ripple effect that education creates. Seeing my former students carry forward my teaching philosophies and hearing their stories of success inspire me to continue refining my methods and investing in the future. It is moments like these - when I see the next generation of educators making a difference - that reaffirm my passion for teaching.
As these graduates step into the world as educators, leaders and changemakers, I am filled with hope and confidence that they will continue to light the path for others, just as I have tried to do for them.
Graduation day is not just an ending; it is a new beginning - for the students, for their future and for the legacy of teaching strategies that will continue to evolve and inspire.
It is a time to reflect on the profound impact of teaching and the joy of witnessing the fruits of one’s labour in the form of capable, inspired graduates ready to contribute to society.
This year’s ceremony was particularly special as several of my former students, dressed in elegant graduation regalia, approached me to share how they are applying my teaching strategies in their classrooms. These moments of connection and gratitude are among the most fulfilling aspects of my career.
One of the most heartwarming things my ex-students shared was their embrace of active learning. Active learning, which emphasises student engagement, interaction and participation, is a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy.
I have always believed that students learn best when they are not merely passive recipients of information but active participants in the learning process. It was gratifying to hear that these graduates, now educators themselves, have adopted this approach in their teaching. They shared how they encourage their students to discuss, debate and explore topics collaboratively, making their classrooms lively spaces for intellectual exploration.
By integrating active learning, these new teachers are fostering an environment where students are not afraid to ask questions, think critically and take ownership of their education.
Another teaching philosophy my students have carried forward is what I call the joy of learning. For me, education is not just about delivering information but about igniting curiosity and passion in students.
I often design activities that make learning enjoyable and rewarding, breaking the monotony of traditional lectures. Whether it is through interactive games, storytelling, or using humour to explain complex concepts, my goal is to ensure that students look forward to coming to class. Hearing my former students describe how they now strive to make their classrooms spaces of joy and enthusiasm reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of positive learning experiences. Joyful learning not only enhances academic performance, but also leaves a lasting impression, encouraging lifelong learning.
Creativity has always been another essential component of my teaching.
In a rapidly evolving world, fostering creative thinking is as crucial as imparting knowledge. I often challenge my students to think outside the box, encouraging them to find innovative solutions to problems and approach tasks with a fresh perspective. Knowing that they now inspire their students to embrace creativity - whether through project-based learning, imaginative assignments, or fostering open-ended discussions - fills me with pride.
By nurturing creative minds, these young educators are equipping the next generation with the skills needed to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Relating academic topics to real life is another teaching strategy my students have found valuable.
As an educator, I have always sought to bridge the gap between theory and practice by showing students how academic concepts apply to their everyday lives and future careers. Whether it is using real-world examples to explain abstract ideas or engaging in solution-oriented brain-storming activities to demonstrate practical applications, I aim to make learning relevant and meaningful.
Hearing from my graduates how they now use this approach to engage their students - connecting classroom lessons to real-life scenarios - is a testament to the enduring value of contextualised education. This strategy not only enhances understanding, but also helps students see the purpose and significance of what they are learning.
Graduation day is a moment of pride for every teacher. It is a reminder of the ripple effect that education creates. Seeing my former students carry forward my teaching philosophies and hearing their stories of success inspire me to continue refining my methods and investing in the future. It is moments like these - when I see the next generation of educators making a difference - that reaffirm my passion for teaching.
As these graduates step into the world as educators, leaders and changemakers, I am filled with hope and confidence that they will continue to light the path for others, just as I have tried to do for them.
Graduation day is not just an ending; it is a new beginning - for the students, for their future and for the legacy of teaching strategies that will continue to evolve and inspire.