Featured Teacher
Anitha Sanal Kumar
A catalyst for innovation among colleagues and students
(L-R) Anitha Sanal Kumar, Subject Specialist with Principal
Asma Gilani and Head of Science, Suma Koshy.
T
hey say that students are
inclined to remember what
they learn a lot easier when
the teacher is enthusiastic
about the subject. Anitha Sanal Kumar
Pandalanghat is one such educator.
She not only brings her enthusiasm to
the classroom; she shares her passion
for teaching and learning with the
entire school.
Anitha has been an educator for
fourteen years and currently works at
Our Own English High School Sharjah
(OOS), in the position of Subject
Specialist & Activity In Charge Senior
Faculty Home Science.
Why did you choose to
become an educator?
While
required,
classes
have
mandated curricula that teachers are
expected to follow. It is the teacher
who decides what will happen in the
classroom each day. Teachers teach
their curriculum in very different
ways depending on their knowledge,
personality and beliefs. Not many jobs
provide an individual with so much
room to be creative and autonomous
each day. Moreover, adolescents are
both easily amused and very amusing,
so working with them provides many
opportunities for laughter. A day of
30 | May - Jun 2016 |
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teaching when you do not laugh at
least a couple times is quite rare. This
is also a process where I become a
learner, to be real for my students, to
be authentic, to make mistakes, to be
passionate, to geek out, and to get
very serious when I need to be.
b) Foster the development of strong
beliefs that more accurately reflect
their abilities in these subjects.
Who/What inspires you most?
How has Maker Day helped to
foster students’ creativity and
innovation?
My main inspiration is the realization
that every individual has boundless
potential and unless and until the
effort goes into grooming, refining
and sharpening their skills, it would all
go to waste.
How do you stay abreast of
current trends in science and
technology?
I read blogs and magazines written
by people who are into innovation,
through google alerts and Ted radio
hour. We also have our school IT
experts who inform us about the
latest apps which can be utilized in the
teaching and learning process.
Share three strategies that
you use to encourage girls to
love science?
a) Teach students that academic
abilities
are
expandable
and
improvable. More of a brain based
approach.
Class Time
c) Create a classroom environment
that sparks initial curiosity and fosters
long-term interest in exploration.
Maker Day provides an informal, nonstructured environment of learning
and making, where the child is at the
center of their own learning journey.
It has enabled them to tap into their
natural powers of imagination and
creativity.
What is the best advice that
you have received and how
has this helped you?
“There is no failure, only outcomes. You
have to make things happen, whatever
it takes, and find opportunity in any
situation.” These are the words my
mother would often reiterate whenever
I experience disappointments. She
would say, “You can’t give up just
because you can’t see what’s behind
the corner.” These words of wisdom
have always had a rejuvenating effect
on me and help me forge ahead.