Prof Cherian P. Kurien, Professor & Director, School of Social Work, at Marian College Kuttikanam, since 2007. He holds a PhD in Social Work from Nagpur University and has worked at many prestigious institutes. He was a Professor, Public Health Management at IIT from 2004 to 2006 and successfully led a joint master's program with University of South Florida. He was Director of Karve Institute for three years before joining I2IT. His interests include Public health, Interventional research, Teaching-Learning methodologies, International traveling, devotional and semi-classical music. And above all, he is a wonderful and soft spoken person. .
Here he answers some questions for The Professor:
What kind of teaching methods do you use to keep students interested in your classes?
My general pattern is to give reading materials to students in advance and as per Course Plan, ask them to come prepared in the class for discussions. Ppts are prepared with the key words to initiate discussions. Sometimes, key questions are prepared in advance and use the same for initiating the discussions. The main goal is not only enabling students in getting well informed about the topics but also to develop critical understanding. Sometimes I use quiz method and sometimes circulate case studies for analysis. Short films are also used to generate discussions. Students are also given topics to prepare and to present them in the class which is followed with questions, clarifications and discussions.
How do your colleagues react to your ideas and initiatives? How do you respond?
They are generally enthusiastic and welcome new ideas. Very few are willing take efforts. I cannot change others but I can change myself. I also encourage everyone to stop using class room time for giving information (notes).
What are the challenges you face from students and how do you overcome them or turn them around?
The main challenge is persuading students to read and come prepared in the class for discussions. Students show interest when they are engaged in the learning process.
What other options did you have when you actually chose to become a faculty? Why did you choose to teach?
After my postgraduate degree in social work, I worked in the field for about two years and the joined as a lecturer in an affiliated college of Nagpur University for three years. Later I registered for PhD as a full time scholar and completed the same within three years. After this, I again went back to field practice and joined international funding agencies (World Vision, India and Lutheran World Relief (LWR), both US based international funding agencies) before going for teaching. I could have continued in fund administration or join some good NGOs in the field of development- certainly more remunerative than teaching.
I chose to join teaching because I love students and I love teaching. It's a wonderful profession, most satisfying and experience continuous personal growth. Further, I realized that the teachers' investment on students will be always going to appreciate. Also, with my research and field experiences, I was sure that I could relate theory and practice much better.
What is your typical day?
I get up by 6 am and spend some time in Bible reading and prayer. Then I make a plan for the activities to be completed for the day. Scan the news paper for important news- news of my interest. I am in office by 9AM after breakfast. I spend a couple of hours every day from 2:30 PM in meeting students- research mentoring, tutorials, field work guidance, social lab meetings, library etc.
After a nice long evening walk and prayers, before dinner, I spend an hour in reflecting on the day's activities and noting improvements needed. After dinner, I prepare for next day's class or check mails, read books etc.
What are the good moments that make you feel good for having chosen this career?
I feel good when I see my students climb ladders of success, achieving heights and become socially useful citizens. Most satisfying moments would be when they recognize me as their teacher.
When do you feel frustrated?
I feel frustrated when I see uninterested, unenthusiastic students and have to engage monologue sessions.
Have you ever motivated your students to become faculty? Why or why not?
Some of my students are teachers today. But I do not know whether they got motivation from me to become a teacher.
Do you think research or PhD is essential to develop oneself? Is it only a formality? Why or why not?
A good teacher has not only to help the students to learn but also responsible for generating knowledge. For this purpose research is essential. Therefore, training in research methods and involvement in research activities is certainly helpful for the teacher for personal and professional growth.
What are your future plans?
For a long time, I was in academic administration. So, in future, I would like to engage less in administration and more in teaching-learning research and practice. I also realize the importance of learning diverse teaching-learning methodologies and practice the same in class rooms.
