The Learning Curve: Kosha Shah

‘I never let schooling interfere with my education’
—Mark Twain

As a freelance lecturer, I had the privilege of teaching media and communication-related subjects at various colleges and institutes in Mumbai. On the one hand, this option requires me to sharpen my teaching skills, but, on the other, it throws open a whole new spectrum of learning opportunities. It is a win-win situation for me as I gain lessons of life while sharing my subject knowledge.

Adaptability: There is no doubt that the environment in which I have grown as a student, without the digital platform, and the time now is completely different. The biggest learning for me is to see how the students adapt through changing technology. It is one thing to learn a new technology and be tech-savvy, but the more difficult part is to fine tune all aspects of lives, be it communication, relationship, education, emotional maturity or money management. And I would say most of them have phenomenal adaptability and they are a great inspiration for me. On a lighter note, my Facebook account was opened on insistence from students, my WhatsApp is functional thanks to them, and my web surfing skills have improved only after reading their webliographies!   

Resilience: For the young adults, with each passing year, the threshold to prove themselves (be it in examinations, internships, project submissions or placement interviews) has gone up. The examination dates get postponed or brought forward, the syllabi changes at the last minute, there is reservation playing at every step. While I encourage them to face these challenges and guide them on how to emerge successful, I do believe it is easier said than done. I admire their resilience; how they look in the eye of competition, corruption and uncertainty. Acceptance of these things seem better for a grown-up of my age but for the students who are beginning to grow as confident individuals handling these things require a lot of maturity.

Enthusiasm: Majority of the students I cross roads with know to multitask. Apart from their regular study they either pursue their hobbies or do part-time jobs. Their enthusiasm for doing what they like to do is amazing. Their hobbies range from the normal dancing, singing, travelling to adventurous sports, collecting feathers, coins or even quaint essentials like buttons, acting, film-making, photography, gardening, landscaping and taking care of pets. Many do jobs to sustain their hobbies, many work to get practical training in their field of study, many prepare for entrance examinations for further studies. I get a lot of motivation to be on-the-go. My oldest student was of my father’s age, making me realise that positive utilisation of time is so important. My most accomplished student so far is a prominent playback singer. When I recall her attitude in the classroom I feel she deserves every bit of success she has got.

Going by Mark Twain’s words, my schooling has stopped but my education hasn’t.

(The writer is a guest lecturer in media colleges and freelance writer)