The Real Essence of Learning.

                                      

‘Learning’, we all have been listening to this word since childhood. We have our own different perspective towards it. For some, it is the learning of lessons while for others it is the learning of facts. But how many of us do know the real essence of learning?  

Learning is not only about the academic syllabus that we come across in schools and colleges but also about the morals and ethics of life. It is a constant practice to expand our knowledge and polish our skills. Learning is the training of mind to think. It is a process of etching the knowledge, skills, and ethics in the mind of an individual through instructions, training and communication to bring out formative changes. It is these changes that reflect an individual’s behaviour, actions and reactions in the society.

Learning is a never ending process. It starts right from the childhood and continues throughout the life of an individual. Whether it is learning the way to speak or be it learning the school lessons or learning the ways of life, we continue to learn new things at every point of our life.

Learning is boundless. It helps us to explore the facets of life. Domains like facts, concepts, money do not bound learning. A person who is illiterate at books may be literate at behaviour and actions. A person who is not good at reading may be good at understanding and helping. A person may be poor in context of money but may be rich and righteous at heart. So, Learning is not defined by any materialistic domain. It is a realistic practice.

For an individual, learning comes to its real form when he starts going to school. There he learns not only on academic grounds but also on social grounds. Apart from the customized syllabus, he also learns the way to behave, to act, to cooperate and most importantly to be with his classmates.

To be a better learner, we all need a person in our life. A person who, instead of telling us the difference between right and wrong, can tell us how to differentiate between right and wrong.A person who can stand by us in our worst times.A person who, instead of letting us down, can boost our morale to start up afresh.A person who will not show us the way but who will inspire us to create our own way. The person I am talking of is none other than our Teacher. A teacher is a blessing in disguise. A teacher is the only person who will always support us in our every step.

More precisely, in my opinion learning is a two way process. It requires the efforts and dedication of both, the learner and the teacher. A teacher can help a student, if and only if, the student wants to help himself as the quote says it about God. The student needs to realize that a teacher will not dig the path for him. He will only give the means to do so. It is him, who has to do the efforts. The teacher must also need to understand what is teaching actually. He must know when to encourage the students and when to support them. He must not create the students of his image instead he must develop the students who can create their own image. He, instead of training them, must train their mind to think beyond the limits, to explore beyond the boundaries and to imagine without fear.  

Both, the teacher and student need to know the true sense of learning. We all learn one or the other thing from one another. Learning should not be misinterpreted with mugging up. It is something that we continue to get through daily interaction and experience. We must know that Knowledge without learning is incomplete and it is high time teachers and students realize this fact.

Learning is a never ending process and we must know its worth.

Written by: Shalini Chauhan

Read More

7 Things to Avoid Before Exams

Exams are necessary for a student as it brings out the best in them. Many students manage to stay calm and therefore they are able to give their best during the exams but many of them get nervous. A student should work on his/her management skills during exams to get rid of the stress. Here are the 7 basic things that a student should avoid in order to reduce the anxiety and stress levels.

Distraction

It is very easy to get distracted when one is trying hard to concentrate. Everyone wants to do a group study but those are fortunate who really achieves the target called “group studies”. Group studies before examination is only beneficial if you have those friends who let you concentrate in your studies and not last night gossips. If you have such studious friends then go for group studies otherwise just study on your own.

Social Media

For a student, nothing should be important than studies and career. Social media was made for fun, to pass the time and to stress out your mind. Social media could play an important role if it is used in an efficient way and that efficient way could be like taking regular online assessments, quizzes, using educational app etc. but if you are addicted to social media then you would notice your 15 minutes study break turning into 30 minutes or even more. My advice to the students who are using social media is to switch off your gadgets and other devices installed with the social media apps while studying.

Long Notes

Students are advised to make short review notes that they can review in less span of time. Making long notes that takes longer time to review is not beneficial for students because the notes’ length would further increase confusion in their mind especially when his/her mind is occupied with the deadline of the date sheet of exams. Rather a student should try jotting down only the keywords for a topic which he/she can just go through before an exam.

Avoid Empty Stomach

No one can win a race with an empty stomach. Never sit to study if your stomach is empty. But if your stomach is empty then it will start gossiping with your mind about the delicious and yummy foods that you always desire to have. Also, here one should note that eating large quantities of trans fat food or junk food may also lead to slow processing of brain which will affect your learning power and eventually increase your stress levels.

Stop Comparing

It is very easy to get drained mentally by comparing yourself with others. If a student is only concentrating on his/her preparation then it will further boost the confidence level which will eventually help in tackling with the examination pressure and stress.

Unfavorable Environment

If a big test is coming your way then you should find a favorable environment around you where there exists some peace. Peace in the environment would ultimately calm down the hustle in your mind and it’s a fact that hustle free mind is a great learner.

Mugging Up

Sometimes it is advisable just mug up the topic to which one is dealing with for the very first time. But often it leaves the student in stress. A student could either deal with his/her stress or with the examinations. It is my advice to every student out there to give plenty of time to study which is only possible if the student starts studying much before the examinations.

Other than adopting these 7 points one can also prefer doing some yoga and breathing exercises as they are helpful in making your mind stress free and calm. These 7 things plus some yoga and breathing exercises could make you a good achiever and would definitely help you in increasing your grades.

Written By: Shoryabh Srivastava

                                                                                              

                                                                                                   

Read More

A Letter to a Teacher!

To,

The Third Parent

5th September 2017

Today, I was sitting on my desk and a random thought crossed my mind. I was remembering one of the mischievous moments I lived in my school life. I recall how my teacher was just chilled about the whole scenario. It forced me to introspect. I was an extremely naughty student and the teachers would still excuse my behaviour in class.

Teachers are those beings who don’t ask for anything in return. They would care for you from the bottom of their hearts. Whenever you failed in a subject, they’d scold you initially, but eventually, they will help you recover your grades and also, your lost confidence. Whenever you would be disturbing them in their respective classes, they’d be mad at you but when you would bump into them during lunch break, they’d crack a joke at you, pat your back and would tell you that you can overcome any obstacle you were facing at that moment.

Teachers can be present anywhere on this planet. They could vary from being your school teacher to your private music tutor or even the person who guides you with your passions and aspirations. People say that every person in your life is meant to teach you something valuable. Maybe, they could give you an advice on a small issue, or they could even leave a huge lesson in life, for you. But nonetheless, it is a blessing to be surrounded by different kinds of teachers. Today, through this open letter, I want to thank every teacher that’s ever been a part of the life of every student.

Today, when we face real issues, we don’t have much problem in pulling ourselves together and facing those obstacles with a strong attitude, which is attributed to the lessons we got from our teachers. They have made us strong. They have made us what we are today. Why do some teachers look like, they only want to show us down when they actually don’t intend to? That’s because similar to every being, they also get worried when we stumble for too long. I realized, today, that all of my teachers were my greatest friends, who unconditionally loved me and wanted me to succeed. Their success lied somewhere in our success.

Today, I miss my teachers a lot, be it my dance teacher or my private tutor. Their support makes me strong and I feel invincible by their belief that I will be successful in my life, irrespective of the number of times, I fall. Their lessons that will last lifelong, and will always help me overcome any situation in my life.

Wherever my teachers are now, I just want to let them know that I’m happy and I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot, only because they stood by my side, when I myself doubted that I could do well in life, and reach the sky. Teachers are a gift from God. You can tell so by looking at how they love each of their students equally and uniquely. They make you feel special and will always be next to you, when you need them.

Thank you teachers, for your constant support and belief in us!

                                                            HAPPY TEACHERS’ DAY!

Written By: Anamika Jakhmola

Read More

5 DIY GIFT IDEAS FOR TEACHERS’ DAY

                                     

Hey folks!! A very short span is left for Teachers' Day to arrive and I know that each one of us would like to surprise our teachers with interesting gifts. But are you all just panicking to go with the idea just at the thought of money? Of course, being students we cannot afford expensive gifts for our teachers but you need not do so? Here are some very cool DIY ideas that will not only make your teachers go all happy and gay but also give you the satisfaction of gifting them a memory for lifeline.

DIY Title Satchel for Teachers’ Day

Every teacher has a quality in them that shines amongst the rest. Some are extremely beautiful, some carry extreme wisdom, some are stone strict and some are like sugar pies! As students, we all admire that one quality and entitle them with a name common among all the students. So why not this Teachers’ Day, crown our teachers with interesting titles embedded on hand made satchels and make them feel unique among the rest.

DIY Customized Mugs for Teachers’ Day

Customized mugs are in trend these days and at the same time serve dual purposes. Be it your morning coffee, your evening tea or a pen-stand, mugs can be put to use in multiple ways and are not a slave to time. Also, they are pocket-friendly. So, why wait! Just rush in to gift your teacher a beautiful one.

DIY Wrapped Book for Teachers’ Day

Books can educate all teachers and students. There is no end to gaining knowledge, so gift your teacher a book they would love to read in their free time. But make sure that you showcase your creativity in covering the book with an interesting DIY cover. You could write notes on the cover and style it in your way. Teachers and books go hand in hand and so this according to me could be the best gift one could ever have on teachers’ day.

DIY Stationery for Teachers’ Day

If a book then why not a bookmark! Gift your teacher amusing stationery stuff and that too hand crafted this teachers’ day. Spend some hours making a beautiful pen-stand or a creative bookmark, notepad or any other useful stuff that could be appreciated and is worth the efforts.

DIY Classroom Décor for Teachers’ Day

Decorate your grey and dull classroom with the help of your classmates and plan a surprise for your teacher. Make hand-made flowers, blow balloons, prepare some fun stuff and enjoy the day with your teachers. What would be more happiness for a teacher to see all her students putting in an effort together to celebrate her day? Also, a yummy chocolate truffle cake would not do much harm!

So, what are you still waiting for? Just hurry up and decide which DIY idea suits you the best and if you are still confused then just visit our Talent4Assure page, tag a picture with your favorite teacher, tag the teacher too and we will let them know how much you adore them!

                                                                                                               Written By: Anamika Jakhmola

Read More

Why Celebrate Teachers' Day?

 So as I sat to pen-down my thoughts on “Why Teachers’ Day should be celebrated?”, I tried to figure out what in general a “teacher” was to me and then I had this epiphany: When you first cuddled in the arms of your parents, you were born a layman in every aspect of life. As time flew you were taught to walk and to talk. That was the first time the role of a teacher came into play in your lives in the form of your parents. Then gradually you went to school, where you came across an individual who was friendly, cooperative and inspired you to learn more. That entity was none but your teacher. Further you continued your education in colleges, universities where again you came across a figure who guided you in the most difficult phase of your life and nurtured you to what you are today. A teacher has played a prominent role in every aspect of our lives so why hesitate in devoting a day to tell them that they have always been your life-saver and helped in shaping our lives and believing in us when we ourselves did not! Though I do not feel the need to discuss the reasons why teachers’ day should be celebrated as all of us value the importance of this day, let me bring into light some of the many reasons to celebrate this day.

# In respect to Dr. Radhakrishnan

To genuinely understand the origin of Teachers’ Day, we are required to look at, what is history today. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a reputed philosopher and believed in the power of education. He himself was a teacher and this is the reason why Teachers’ Day came into existence. Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the 5th of September every year because on his birthday in the year 1965, Dr. Sarvepalli’s students hosted his birthday celebration for him, when he expressed his desired to celebrate “Teacher’s Day” instead on his birthday. And so every year we celebrate “Teachers’ Day” on 5^th September to pay tribute to Dr. Radhakrishnan.

# To appreciate the efforts of every teacher

There are millions of teachers in this world and each of them through their efforts and imagination, have inspired students to reach beyond their horizons. So why not take this day as an opportunity to appreciate our teachers who selflessly have helped us figure out our future course? I know you might be thinking why find an occasion to thank our teachers on this particular day when this can be done any day. But on “World Teachers’ Day” it just makes our teachers feel more special, after all it’s their day!

# Teaching is an endless practice

Neither teaching nor learning can ever be sufficient. Good teachers ensure that we, as a society, have knowledgeable and erudite people who together can take the reins of educating the society in their hands. Teaching is an important source of development in an individual and it cannot be underestimated. Then how can we underestimate teachers who are the sole sources of teaching? Just imagine a world without someone who could teach you! Would not the world be full of nincompoops?

# The profession needs a standing ovation

 If not the teacher then teaching predominantly! Well! It is next to impossible that a teacher has never inspired you or changed the course of your life and if it is so and you have no firm reason to celebrate Teachers’ Day then respect the very act of teaching. Respect the individual who took up the profession to refine the lives of other people. For in a world where people do not even spend seconds to help someone, a teacher on the other hand devotes his entire life to shape the lives of their students.       

# To let teachers know their worth

After working diligently for 365 days of a year, who would not want a moral boost! Let your teachers know that you still value them and even if you are the naughtiest in the class, you still respect them. You respect their endless efforts and always will.

If Shakespeare has defined the 7 stages of a human life then I personally believe that these 7 stages are impossible to survive without a teacher!

Written By: Anamika Jakhmola

Read More

A step by step guide to improve your Study Skills.

Struggling to be a good student? Not to worry at all, it isn’t any magic. It only requires consistent efforts, little hard work and complete dedication. No one is born a perfect student. Everyone just follows a simple methodology of constant practice. This practice involves some steps:

1. Prepare a Time Table

A timetable is a must to start an effective learning. It helps one to organize the subjects properly. With the help of a timetable, one can balance the subjects and can denote equal time to all the subjects.

2. Discover your Learning Style

One should be able to identify one’s level of knowledge and understanding. The perfect way of studying should be clear to a student.

3. Inculcate Reading Habit

A student must develop the habit of effective reading. Reading helps to increase the word power and enhances the vocabulary too. Effective reading builds imagination and broadens the mind. Thus, reading is one of the most important aspects of developing skills.

4. Improve Notes-Making

Apart from reading, one should also note down important points and must ponder them. This will help in revising a topic quickly and precisely.

5. Improve Listening Skills

A popular quote says,”If speech is silver, silence is gold.” This is a worthy point to think. Sometimes, it is worthy to be quiet. It helps to grow one's understanding. If we speak, we only say what we know but if we listen we will come to know what we are unaware of. A better listening contributes to better understanding.

6. Improve your Communication

Good communication skills attract the people towards us. Our ideas and the way we express them introduce our true self. The more intellectual we are, the more influential we become. Thus, it is very important to socialize and communicate with people of good intellectuality.

7. Self Assessment

One should also take a regular revision test on the basis of his understanding of the topic. This will help the student to assess his learning. Online tests and quiz portals are helpful for this assessment.

8. Avoid Distraction

In order to become a good student and an effective learner, one should avoid distractions. They may be internal or external. There should not be any second thoughts at the time of learning. These may include television, games, computer, mobiles and also diversion of thoughts.

9. Take Refreshing Breaks

You all might have heard,”All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This follows in learning as well. Continuous studying can make anyone dumb. So, breaks are necessary to relax the mind and give it a refreshing exercise.

These simple steps can help you to not only become a good student but also an effective learner. So, get started today and revise your plans and take a step towards excellence.

All the Best to all!

Written by: Shalini Chauhan

Read More

Why we love Study Material. (And you should too!)

What will be the first thing you do when you start studying? - A search for the perfect study material. Now what exactly is study material and how does it different from books?

Books are the combination of every minute detail and a long explanation of each and every topic whereas the study material is basically the study notes and the short and important explanation of the topics. Students can go with books when they have plenty of time and the purpose of studying is to enhance the knowledge. But if students are just left with few days before exam, they must go for study material or study notes.

Why study material is useful?

Study material is useful because now students want short and easy explanation of everything which they can learn and understand easily. Many techniques are used by the sellers to make their study material attractive and understandable. They even use flow charts and diagram. There is a fact that students can learn quickly and for longer time with visual images as compared to theory. So those who make these notes idea, they should focus on the diagrams, charts, graphs, images to explain the topic.

With the help of these study notes for classes, students can easily attain good marks in exam. He/she just need to understand things properly. A good study material for exam can replace a teacher if it is made in proper manner.

What are things that keep in mind before making study material?

It is made to make things easy not complicated and the main purpose of the study notes is that student do not need a teacher to make things simplified for himself/herself. So they should be made in the manner that student can just read the topic and it remains in his/her head. He/she do need to do cramming. Cramming and learning can make things worse for student because only learning can make student to forget the things in few days. But if he/she focuses on understanding the topic with the visual images, he/she remembers things even after exams and for longer period.

 A proper understanding of the topic is compulsory to get good marks.  And a proper understanding needs a proper study material

Read More