We have to understand teaching process. That is something I give but has no meaning to you unless you accept it. Everything you learn is not teaching, you have learned most important things on your own. Did someone teach you to cry or sit down or walk or talk? You learned these activities on own. After initial learning, you were taught by your parents and teachers to use your skills by refining them by the way of education.
There were things you had to simply learn “by heart” like names and identities. There are no logical reasons why something is known as it is. Then there was number system which converts into processing. We learn number system in different manner. In spite of being illiterate, a labourer can count his income. Some animals can count up to some numbers. As humans, we have learnt referencing system. This permits us to reduce load on our memory.
Early humans first started talking with sign language then with sounds. Later on language was formed. However when they faced obstacle of limitations of the memory, they started using sign language for writing. For example China, Korea and Japan still use characters (mini drawings) as script. In our parts of the world, written script was developed. So we all have to learn spellings and a common language like English.
You need to address all issues to absorb KNOWLEDGE and convert knowledge into UNDERSTANDING. Along with understanding you need ability to demonstrate your “understanding of the issues”. And that is what you need to be a successful PROFESSIONAL.
Professional education is different from school and college learning. Over here there are no options in syllabus. Knowledge has to be with you all the time. Lack of knowledge shall hurt you in your career and personal life. Knowledge will give you confidence in your life and make you happy.
Part of your syllabus is pure “Learn by heart word to word”, some part is processing and rest is referencing to find out where to look for information. What you are doing is combination of all to become a top class professional.
This is a big challenge for young minds and believe me, all of you are special. Else you won’t be here. Brilliant mind of yours can easily tackle these challenges.
My suggestions are
- Concentrate and pay full attention in class room, this will avoid unnecessary struggle in the hostels and save you free time.
- Discuss and revise whatever you learn in class to find out gaps in learning and teaching. Get your doubts cleared.
- STUDY in groups. Peer learning is very important aspect of Education.
- Some subjects like ROR and Signals need daily revision and practise. Form group and practice ORALS (VIVA).
- My job is to HELP you to INTERPRET your reading from the books. After all, henceforth you are on own charting your path in life. At the best, I am a signboard guiding you. You are a matured person needing minor guidance and definitely not guided teaching like primary school student. Please learn to gain knowledge directly from the books and publications.
- Tune yourself as an Officer and be honest with yourself. You are over 18 and voters of this country. Behave of your age (Don’t be “over mature” or like a small child) and maintain your dignity as a young professional in making.
- Take TESTS as required. Your mistakes are taken as weakness in TEACHING and not learning. Analysis of mistakes will allow us to correct misunderstandings in learning before they affect understanding process.
- TEST results DO NOT reflect your PERFORMANCE, they address issues in learning.
- Take TEST immediately after learning a topic and repeat it after about 1 month. Repeat till you get full marks.
- NOTES are for reference, however I suggest that you also refer to TEXT / REFERENCE books and INTERNET for knowledge and revision. There are many fine websites to gain more knowledge. Of course, everything on Internet is not true but you will learn to filter information. There is no syllabus for life. You need a very strong foundation to make tall building.
- To gain understanding, please read, discuss and revise it in mind by asking questions. You also need to refer to other materials on net. Remember that Professionals do not accept information without cross checking and satisfying themselves about authenticity. Please develop this habit. Gather information, read, understand and apply it.
- I am placing this site on net so that you make use of it anytime and anywhere by using computers, tablets and phones.
- My best wishes are always with you like your shadow.