Experiences- Grades 6 to 12 by Smita Pise

balavaishnavi — 2025-10-03 05:00:08 UTC

My experiences with learners have been enriching—each one brings unique strengths, curiosity, and perspectives that make teaching a continuous journey of growth and discovery - Vaishnavi Bala

Knowing My Learners

sabasayed2 — 2025-10-03 05:00:31 UTC

For me .....Using breakout rooms for collaboration, visual aids to simplify complex ideas, and regular check-ins to maintain connection. I feel doing a mix of activities , building trust and keeping communication open are keys to keeping learners motivated and involved. - Saba Sayed

sakshisehgal2 — 2025-10-03 05:00:31 UTC

One of the learners in my Grade 9 Literature class used to keep her camera off most of the time during sessions. However, as we introduced more interactive activities like Think-Pair-Share, I noticed a wonderful change. She began switching on her camera more often and actively participating in class discussions. Watching her grow more engaged and confident brought me genuine joy — it’s moments like these that remind me of the power of creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

madhuriyadav1 — 2025-10-03 05:00:37 UTC

I noticed that one of my learners was very shy and hesitant to speak in class. During the breakout room activity, I invited her to stay back in the main room with me. I engaged her in a gentle conversation, listened patiently, and created a comfortable space for her to share. When she responded, I appreciated her answers, which helped her feel valued and encouraged to participate more confidently.

As a Math facilitator, I have noticed a wide range of abilities—some grasp abstract concepts quickly, while others need step-by-step scaffolding. This has taught me the importance of differentiated instruction and multiple strategies for the same concept. It is rewarding to see learners who once hesitated to participate gradually take ownership of their ideas, explain solutions, and support peers.

suchitrak1 — 2025-10-03 05:00:40 UTC

Interaction with Afghan learners

marysebastian — 2025-10-03 05:01:12 UTC

Two years ago, when we first met the Afghan learners, we saw how important it is to understand a learner’s background. Many of them were quiet and unsure at first. We began by listening to their stories. We created safe spaces where their voices mattered, and slowly, those quiet learners began to speak. Today, we no longer see them as silent learners —we see them as confident authors, ready to share their words with courage and pride.

This reminds us all: every learner carries a story. And when education respects that story, learning transforms into hope.

Mary Sebastian

Social Science

kavitapradeep — 2025-10-03 05:01:43 UTC

I have always shared my personal experiences and connected with my subject.

This has helped me as a facilitator ,to connect with my students and they love to study social science. I have always had a one to one connect with my students to share their problems.

Build bridges, one plank at a time

2025-10-03 05:03:09 UTC

Learners of all age groups and cognition levels understand and appreciate genuine empathy. Making them feel loved and cherished makes all the difference.

Class Experiences

2025-10-03 05:03:44 UTC

Lifelong relationship with my learners is what I cherish. I have always tried to establish with parents that their children are as precious to me as to them in the first PTM. It has worked for me most of the time.

Alka

2025-10-03 05:04:39 UTC

My experience with learners has been deeply rewarding. I enjoy understanding their unique strengths, guiding them patiently, and watching them grow with confidence. Each learner teaches me something new, making the journey truly fulfilling.

The Know Your Learners session was very insightful and engaging. It helped me understand the diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and needs of students more clearly. I particularly appreciated the focus on identifying learners’ strengths and challenges, as this will help me plan more effective teaching strategies.

2025-10-03 05:04:48 UTC

srilathasuresh1 — 2025-10-03 05:04:49 UTC

I totally agree with such type of training where we learn how to deal with our learners and make the classroom with empathy and feel loved.

My Experience

danishkhan7 — 2025-10-03 05:05:26 UTC

As a COTH facilitator in the online setup, I really enjoyed teaching Python. I guided learners through coding projects, and interactive exercises, keeping them engaged and confident. Despite being online, it was rewarding to see their creativity and problem-solving skills grow.

2025-10-03 05:05:54 UTC

For me the one on one connect has always worked. This comes in specially handy in this online setup. I do love the parent connect very much , but I love doing what I call a learner connect better. There are so many aspects of our learners that I wish to know.

Academically using a mix of activities, visual aids, hands on experiments have definitelyb helped. But most important thing which shows results for me is trust building.

Bhawna Srivastav

naazhafiz1 — 2025-10-03 05:06:06 UTC

Naaz

Learners are very perceptive and can see thru us.I bring authenticity and genuine warmth which makes them trust me.Learners need role models and want us adults to show out true self.During feedback they generally write that they feel I am one of them.I think that defines my way of dealing with most class issues

Knowing my learners better

monishakhindria — 2025-10-03 05:07:14 UTC

As a facilitator, it is important to create a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. In my experience, setting clear ground rules and actively encouraging quieter members to participate helps foster engagement. I have also found that using open-ended questions and listening actively ensures everyone’s voice is heard.

One of my learner from Grade 9 labelled her as a weak learner in the Economics subject. I kept telling her without exploring her potentials she should not reaffirm this statement. I saw her gaining confidence over the period of time. Now during her SA1 I see a drastic change in her responses. The constant positive reaffirmation brought the change in her understanding of the subject.. Basudha

basudhabhattacharya1 — 2025-10-03 05:07:24 UTC

Experience with a SEN learner.

2025-10-03 05:09:38 UTC

I had the opportunity to teach Eunteak, a 13-year-old student in Stage 6. He is a SEN student with autism, and initially, he often behaved rudely toward his classmates and sometimes even the teachers. Language was also a challenge, as he is Korean and not comfortable speaking in English; he could only use broken English. From the very first day, I began speaking with him and gradually built a friendship. Attending to him became part of my daily routine, and over time, he started listening to me and to his teachers. His behavior toward his peers began to improve, and he also started learning basic-level mathematics. I understood that listening to the learners was so important.

mohammadu1 — 2025-10-03 05:10:06 UTC

I love being around children and share a strong connection with them, and I use this as a strong tool to bring Excellence in Teaching and Learning. I believe that our ability to bring excitement and hope in the classroom is highly dependent on our interest in each other, listening to one another, and acknowledging each other’s presence.

2025-10-03 05:12:39 UTC

One of my 8th grade learners was initially very shy and hesitant to speak or switch on his camera in class. After a parent connect and a personal meeting, where I addressed his and his mother’s concerns and reassured him, he began to feel more comfortable. He now keeps his camera on and participates in class discussions, showing steady progress in confidence, smiles more often. Connecting with learners and assuring them that their presence is valued can make all the difference. It helps them slowly crawl out of their shells and break down the walls they’ve built around themselves.

P. Neeraja

pneeraja1 — 2025-10-03 05:15:00 UTC

The Know Your Learners session was both enlightening and interactive. It gave me a deeper understanding of students’ varied backgrounds, learning preferences, and individual needs. I especially valued the emphasis on recognizing each learner’s strengths and areas for growth, as this insight will enable me to design more personalized and effective teaching strategies.

Classroom Experience Reflection

2025-10-03 05:18:02 UTC

In one of my classes, I had a learner who often kept her camera off, remained silent, and hesitated to share his thoughts. In the same class another learner, he also expressed concerns that others were not allowing him to speak. This situation required both motivation and appreciation without a judgmental mind. Even their small efforts needed to be noticed and encouraged, so they could feel valued.

To address this, I began individual discussions with learners to understand their perspectives and concerns. Alongside, I emphasized the practice of Habits of Mind (HOMs) - especially Listening with Empathy, Managing Impulsivity, and Thinking Before Acting.

Gradually, this approach created a positive shift in the class. Talkative learners started noticing the quieter ones and made efforts to include them in group discussions. This peer motivation not only boosted confidence for the shy learners but also helped others reflect on their own way of communication.

Now, learners are more mindful about expressing themselves openly while respecting each other’s space. With consistent practice of HOMs, the class atmosphere has become more inclusive, empathetic, and balanced.

Key Takeaway: Small steps of motivation, recognition, and HOM practices can make a big difference in helping every learner feel heard, respected, and confident.

Prabha Nandakumar

2025-10-03 05:36:28 UTC

Getting to Know my learners Explore Through Science + HOM/ATLs/Reflections: While conducting simple experiments /Group investigations in class, I ask learners to write or draw what they discovered, how they solved problems, and what they found challenging. Peer sharing: Let them present their experiment results—this shows communication skills and creativity. Facilitator observation: Take notes on learners’ behavior, collaboration, and curiosity during activities.

Science and Technology

snehalathahs1 — 2025-10-03 05:55:48 UTC

As a Science facilitator, I have observed that learners engage with concepts in diverse ways—some connect instantly through real-life applications, while others need hands-on experiments and visual aids to grasp the idea fully. This experience has highlighted the value of inquiry-based learning and the need to present the same concept through multiple approaches. It is fulfilling to watch learners who were initially hesitant to experiment gradually develop confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and collaborate with peers to design explanations and solutions.

2025-10-03 06:21:50 UTC

Thank you for enriching session. I feel connecting one on one will work magic connect

K.VIJAYA The Know Your Learners session gave me useful insights into students’ diverse needs and strengths, helping me plan more effective teaching.

kondlepuvijaya2 — 2025-10-03 06:56:30 UTC

samanvithaithal1 — 2025-10-03 08:16:50 UTC

In the classroom, I could connect with many of the points discussed. For example, by observing students more closely, I have noticed how each one responds differently—some prefer hands-on activities, while others engage better through discussion or visuals. Simple practices like check-ins and informal conversations have also helped me get to know them better and build a more comfortable environment

Tamil

2025-10-03 13:48:17 UTC

I would like to share my classroom experience with one of my learners. He was my student in Grade 6 and at that time he was very punctual and sincere. After a year, I met him again in Grade 8, but I noticed many changes in him. He was often late to class and did not submit his work properly. One day, during a breakout room session, I spoke to him and reminded him of how responsible he was back in Grade 6. From the very next class, I could see a great change in his behavior. He has once again become the same punctual and sincere student I knew in Grade 6.

Narmatha P

2025-10-04 06:46:02 UTC

Wonderful session! I believe one-to-one connection with my learners works like magic in online teaching. It allows us to understand each learner’s strengths and weaknesses better.

basudhabhattacharya1 — 2025-10-08 06:20:23 UTC

Instructions

Think about today’s lesson and what you learned
Choose one word that best captures your key takeaway
Add your word as the subject of your post
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