Rethinking Education: The Shift from Teachers to Mentors

  •   Tue, Oct 22 2024
  •   By Disha C Shetty

October 22, 2024 

Look at this clock—notice something odd? The hands may be turning, but it’s as if the numbers forgot how to count. Every position is the same, making it utterly useless in its purpose. Now, let me ask you: isn't this strangely similar to the state of traditional education? 

Lectures today are the "numbers" on this clock, repetitive, redundant, and often serving little purpose beyond checking off curriculum boxes. We keep moving around the circle, covering the same content, year after year. But where’s the guidance? Where’s the inspiration? 

Here’s a thought—what students need today aren't mere lecturers. They need mentors, guides who help them navigate not just through a subject, but through life. A favorite teacher shouldn’t just be someone who delivers information well, but someone who cares. Someone who makes an impact beyond textbooks. 

Why is it taboo for a teacher to have students who seek them out beyond the classroom? Institutions often limit these genuine bonds, boxing both students and teachers into sterile roles that leave no room for mentorship or authentic guidance. And let’s be honest, it’s this very system that holds back so much potential in our students. 

Let’s stop treating professors like this clock—stuck in old, useless patterns—and start acknowledging their potential to be real mentors. Let them guide, inspire, and lead students beyond just what's on the syllabus. Because, at the end of the day, isn’t that how great success stories are made? 

If we truly want to make a shift from the outdated, lecture-driven education system to a mentorship model, here are some practices institutions can adopt to nurture a culture that encourages meaningful teacher-student bonds. 

Revive the Gurukul System 

In the age of specialization, we’ve forgotten that education is holistic. We need to practice a form of mentorship similar to the ancient Gurukul system, where learning wasn’t limited to subjects but extended to observing, imitating, and living the teacher’s lifestyle. Subconscious learning happens when students look up to their mentors—not just for their expertise, but for how they carry themselves in life. I remember mimicking the way my teachers spoke or dressed—it was a subtle, yet profound form of learning.

Encourage Bonds Beyond Classrooms

Real growth happens when the teacher-student relationship goes beyond the lecture hall. Whether it’s a casual coffee chat or a deep dive into career guidance, these bonds foster personal development. When a student seeks help, it should be seen as a privilege, not a burden—an opportunity to impact a life. 

Conversations Beyond Curriculum 

Education shouldn’t be confined to the syllabus. Create environments that encourage discussions on topics outside the subject matter—be it life lessons, personal growth, or career challenges. These are the conversations that truly shape future leaders. 

Practice Impact Education 

Rather than just focusing on information delivery, educators should aim for impact. Focus on creating experiences that leave lasting impressions, not just imparting knowledge. Show students how to apply what they learn to the world beyond their textbooks. 

Promote Dialogues, Not Monologues 

Education should be a two-way street. Encourage debates, discussions, and even disagreements in the classroom. It’s these moments that push both students and teachers to grow. A teacher should never be too proud to learn from their students; after all, education is a collaborative experience. Accept that yesterday’s experiences may not always hold the answer to today’s problems. The speed of change in the world today requires both students and teachers to evolve together. 

Embrace Exceptions as the New Routine 

Consistency has become the exception, and exceptions have become the norm in the rapidly changing world we live in. In this environment, what worked yesterday may not work today. Don’t let anyone undermine your approach by using the shield of “experience.” Experience is valuable, but only when it evolves to meet today’s challenges. 

Joint Growth: Learning Is Mutual 

Institutions should foster an environment where both students and teachers grow together. The teacher's experience and the student’s fresh perspective create a perfect balance between foundational knowledge and innovation. This collaboration leads to impactful education, which is more about building frameworks of thought rather than rigid answers. 

Personal Experiences: A New Approach in Action 

From personal experience, when I started teaching at 24 to students barely two years younger, many questioned my ability to be effective. But I’ve seen firsthand the power of mentorship. Today, I have students who seek my guidance not just in academics, but in navigating workplace challenges. The gratitude they express by returning to visit and seek advice is the truest testament to the success of my approach. It’s not about age, but about connection and guidance.

 

 

 
By Disha C Shetty
Disha is an educator, corporate trainer, and a socio-culturally active professional. She holds an MBA in HR and has worked as a faculty member at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Mangaluru.
To submit your article / poem / short story to Daijiworld, please email it to news@daijiworld.com mentioning 'Article/poem submission for daijiworld' in the subject line. Please note the following:

  • The article / poem / short story should be original and previously unpublished in other websites except in the personal blog of the author. We will cross-check the originality of the article, and if found to be copied from another source in whole or in parts without appropriate acknowledgment, the submission will be rejected.
  • The author of the poem / article / short story should include a brief self-introduction limited to 500 characters and his/her recent picture (optional). Pictures relevant to the article may also be sent (optional), provided they are not bound by copyright. Travelogues should be sent along with relevant pictures not sourced from the Internet. Travelogues without relevant pictures will be rejected.
  • In case of a short story / article, the write-up should be at least one-and-a-half pages in word document in Times New Roman font 12 (or, about 700-800 words). Contributors are requested to keep their write-ups limited to a maximum of four pages. Longer write-ups may be sent in parts to publish in installments. Each installment should be sent within a week of the previous installment. A single poem sent for publication should be at least 3/4th of a page in length. Multiple short poems may be submitted for single publication.
  • All submissions should be in Microsoft Word format or text file. Pictures should not be larger than 1000 pixels in width, and of good resolution. Pictures should be attached separately in the mail and may be numbered if the author wants them to be placed in order.
  • Submission of the article / poem / short story does not automatically entail that it would be published. Daijiworld editors will examine each submission and decide on its acceptance/rejection purely based on merit.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to edit the submission if necessary for grammar and spelling, without compromising on the author's tone and message.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to reject submissions without prior notice. Mails/calls on the status of the submission will not be entertained. Contributors are requested to be patient.
  • The article / poem / short story should not be targeted directly or indirectly at any individual/group/community. Daijiworld will not assume responsibility for factual errors in the submission.
  • Once accepted, the article / poem / short story will be published as and when we have space. Publication may take up to four weeks from the date of submission of the write-up, depending on the number of submissions we receive. No author will be published twice in succession or twice within a fortnight.
  • Time-bound articles (example, on Mother's Day) should be sent at least a week in advance. Please specify the occasion as well as the date on which you would like it published while sending the write-up.

Leave a Comment

Title: Rethinking Education: The Shift from Teachers to Mentors



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.