As quoted by APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, "Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual." I strongly believe in the above quote and strive to make a difference in students' lives. 

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As an instructor for the composition class, I encourage my students to focus on planning, drafting, revising, and editing their work so that they learn to write effectively and coherently. I believe that to make influential writers, we need to focus on the writing journey and not the end product. I also provide regular feedback and support them at each stage of the writing process. I intend to make my students write with confidence and clarity. 

 

My personal attention to my student's growth reflects my dedication to students' learning. One instance is that when some of my students were struggling to improve their writing skills, I made a peer mentor for each student who was struggling. The mentors gave them assignments, checked their work, and gave feedback like an instructor would. I designed personalised assignments for each mentee keeping in mind their potential. The assignments were handed over to the mentors, who then took charge like instructors and helped their peers through the writing journey. I reviewed the completed assignments once every week and guided the students on a one-to-one basis. Towards the end of the semester, I was amazed to see the improvement in the writing skills of the students. Peer mentoring developed confidence while fostering a sense of belongingness. One of the students expressed appreciation for my efforts and individualized attention given to him. He also pointed out that collaborative learning helped him boost his confidence. The growth of the students matters most, which is why I strive to ensure that no student is left behind in their academic goals.

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I believe that every student has his/her challenges, strengths, and weaknesses. I provide 'individualized instruction' to each one and help them improve their speaking and writing skills. Being patient is one of the most essential traits that a teacher must have. 

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I want to call myself a 'facilitator' rather than a 'teacher' because, as a facilitator, I believe in guiding my students and providing them opportunities to learn independently. I focus on developing a dynamic and student-centered learning environment that goes beyond the traditional 'sage on the stage' model where teachers believe in lecture-based instruction.

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I believe a classroom should be a secure and nurturing community where students have the freedom to express their thoughts, thus allowing them to thrive. This philosophy is in response to incidences that I faced where I felt discriminated against in the class based on my religion. This had left a profound impact on my mind and inhibited my learning. Thus, I want to make my students feel valued and cared for. I was particularly pleased when one student mentioned, "Her class always felt like a safe space for writers who weren't necessarily confident in their skills. She was always very kind and understanding of any kind of problems. I have admired how she goes out of her way to help." 

One scholar who has changed my perception about accommodation is Anne-Marie Womack. She proposes course instruction and design should begin with accommodation as the norm rather than as an exception to the
norm. Her recommendation for flexible due dates and syllabus design has made me rethink my student submission deadlines. 

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I draw inspiration from the works of scholars such as David Bartholomae. 
Particularly his emphasis on the realisation that students face challenges entering unfamiliar discourse communities. He believes that instructors must aim not to "correct" their language but show them options for shaping voice and style within these discourses. His philosophy profoundly resonates with me. 

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I encourage students to engage in close reading and analysis of texts, to develop their voice and perspective, and to engage in meaningful conversation with their peers. 

Moreover, I realize that effective writing is a continuous process of learning and improvement. I provide frequent opportunities for feedback and revision, encouraging students to reflect on their writing process and identify areas for growth.

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One student mentioned about the feedback that I gave in his reflection, "The feedback that I would get from Mrs. Naaz on my essays was helpful and I plan to continue to follow the critiques of the feedback." 

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I frequently reflect on my teaching style and always look for areas of improvement. Staying updated is essential for teachers to provide quality education and meet the diverse needs of the students.