Teaching and Learning

Ever since my student days, I was always the go-to person for helping my peers with their studies. I thought I was a natural teacher - I explained things clearly and had all the patience in the world. This year, volunteering was at the top of my bucket list, so when I saw an ad on social media for tutoring, I was thrilled. Tutoring felt like second nature to me, and I’d been wanting to give back in this way for a long time.​

So, I began my teaching volunteer program. But I quickly learned that teaching is a whole different ballgame. That first month was pure chaos. I struggled to simplify my explanations to match the kids' level of understanding. Every student had different needs, and I had to adapt my teaching methods accordingly. And then there’s the challenge of keeping kids focused. They get distracted so easily, tire out after just a few questions, and constantly ask to go to the bathroom. To top it off, other students would interrupt our lessons, and I had to handle those who liked to talk back. The most disheartening part? Seeing my students struggle with their tests despite all my efforts. It felt like my words were falling on deaf ears, and I began questioning why I was even there. That’s when it hit me - teaching is not for everyone, especially someone with a temper - like me. The respect I have for teachers has skyrocketed. 

Did all of this get me down? Absolutely. My motivation took a nosedive. I no longer looked forward to teaching; it seemed like none of the students were grasping anything. Preparing lessons felt like a chore, and creating assessments became a headache.

I questioned whether backing out was the right choice, but what is growth without its share of pain. It’s through these challenges that we truly develop. My supervisor always reminds us at the end of our session: teaching is also a form of learning, and ​ I've learned a great deal about patience and adaptability. I started incorporating more interactive activities to keep the kids engaged. Seeing them respond positively to these new methods was such a highlight. My students began to participate more actively, which was incredibly rewarding.​ 

Recently, new volunteers joined, including two who are now co-tutors with me, which is a great help to me. Seeing them go through the same challenges I faced just a month ago has really made me think about my own journey. It’s a nice reminder of how much I’ve grown. I’ve also noticed how effortlessly I’ve bonded with my students over time, so much so that the progress felt almost invisible. It’s pretty cool to see how far I’ve come. 

This three-month journey has really taught me patience and how to connect with people outside my usual circle. I can’t wait to keep making a difference, one lesson at a time!