Lessons Beyond the Textbook: Moments That Define My Classroom

Lessons Beyond the Textbook: Moments That Define My Classroom

In the process of teaching English to the ninth and tenth grades, one aspect was illuminated: the most significant teachings do not necessarily come from the textbook. They are rather the small, unanticipated happenings in the classroom that are less noticeable. For instance, when a previously timid classmate at last puts a hand up, a mistake is made but the person learns to laugh it off, or a discussion about a book chapter morphs into a talk about life—these are the moments that actually influence learning.
Cooperative learning reveals abilities that tests do not show. The silent ones take over while the bold ones acquire the skill of listening and everyone gets to learn something new about themselves. There are times when even a story or a poem can touch the entire class so profoundly that no one in the room is heard, and students start to look at the world through a more compassionate lens.
I am a teacher but I still learn from my students. Their inquiries and viewpoints remind me that teaching is not only about providing answers—it is about collective growing. The textbook gives the framework, through these daily moments, however, the real meaning is conveyed. If after class my students have clearer minds, more self-assured feelings, and a better understanding of life, then the real lesson has been imparted.

Shweta Chaubey 
TGT(English)