How to Become a Teacher: Everything You Need To Know

7 months ago

Did you just graduate and are figuring out what you want to do next? Are you a homemaker looking to make some money on the side? Do you feel passionate about education in Pakistan? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then a teaching job might just be waiting for you.

With the right mindset and the correct preparation, you can land a teaching job easily. And to make this process easier, we’ve broken down the process of landing a teaching job into five stages and help you through each of them.

Stage 1: Finding your Forte

Now that you’ve decided you want to teach, you need to think about which subject, what grade you want to teach. This will depend on multiple factors, some of which are:

Years of Education:

If you have 16 years of education and little to no experience, you can still teach higher grades. However, if you have 14 or less years of experience and are just starting out, it’ll be easier to get a job teaching primary or middle school.

Educational Background:

Ideally you would want to teach something you’re familiar with. So, if you have a degree in economics, it just makes sense to teach economics. Having said that, just because you’ve studied economics, does not mean you have to teach economics. You may teach more generic subjects such as English, Social Studies, Geography, Islamiat, etc. as well. The best teachers are teachers who are genuinely interested in what they teach.

Experience:

Trust us when we say this, you can become a teacher even if you have no experience. You’ve taught the neighbor’s kids? That’s experience. You’ve taught your younger siblings or nieces and nephews? That’s experience. You just need to be able to sell that to the school.

Specialized Training:

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned teacher, getting a certification or two from a reputable institute will always be helpful.

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While there are many generic trainings that will help you no matter what subject you teach (like the 5E Model training above), there are many courses available that are specific to your subject or your teaching level. For instance, you can take the Montessori Training if you’re looking to teach younger children or Cambridge International Teaching and Learning if you want to teach the Cambridge syllabus to older kids. Such training especially comes in handy if you don’t have prior experience in teaching because it shows your interest and willingness to grow.

Your Resume:

Now that you’ve decided what you want to teach, it’s time to create your CV. Your CV can really help you stand out, even if you don’t have any experience. Highlight any other experience you may have had, for example, volunteer work, teaching the help at your house, giving tuitions to the neighborhood kids, etc.

Moreover, add hobbies and activities that might be relevant to what you want to teach. Add reading for it will show your interest in learning. If you like writing, even if it is your diary, mention that.

Remember that the addition of a teaching course that you may have taken recently will increase your chances of getting a teaching job because it will show your dedication to the profession and your seriousness towards pursuing it.

Stage 2: Looking for a Teaching Job

The easy part is over. Now you actually need to put your plan into action.

The Right Time to Apply:

The best time to drop your CV is when the new term starts in August or when the second term starts in January. This is when most schools are looking to hire teachers.

Check Your Network:

Check if someone from your existing network is working at a school. Reach out to them and ask them about vacancies. Don’t be hesitant because a reference can really up your chances of getting a job.

Expand Your Network:

If you don’t have anyone in your circle to refer you, attend workshops and engage with professional organizations like All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) to connect with fellow educators. Attend events like the National Technology Conference arranged by APPSF, and see how other teachers network. Try to initiate conversations with those who have been in the industry for a long time, as they have a plethora of anecdotes and teaching experience to guide you regardless of your field. You might even be able to leave the event with a potential mentor to help you on your journey.

Dropping the CV:

Make sure you personally go to drop the CV so the school administration can put a face to it. If possible, interact with them to find out what they’re looking for and put in a good word for yourself. Also, we would suggest you dress up professionally and have a tidy look.

Stage 3: Waiting for an interview

While you’re waiting for that interview, here are a few things you can do to learn and demonstrate during that interview.

Be Open to Non-Traditional Possibilities:

While you are waiting to get that call, explore online opportunities to teach as well. Virtual classrooms can open doors to being able to teach different age groups, in different countries too! Moreover, online tutors are in high demand, especially near exam season. Use these timeframes to polish your CV and gain practical experience.

Learn How to Create a Harmonious Classroom:

Master effective classroom management techniques tailored to your students’ cultural backgrounds and learning styles. If you’re looking for teaching resources, the internet really is a gem full of free content. Learn from the top online Pakistani teachers. Take notes of what they do that makes so many students choose them as their favorite online resource.

Practice Crafting Engaging Lesson Plans:

Once you become a teacher, you will be expected to please both the administrators of your school and your students. The lesson plan you create must cover the syllabus you are required to cover, but it must also be created in a way that will make it engaging and fun for your students. Look for courses online, and practice rearranging their topics with interesting activities.

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Stage 4: Interview Preparation

Great news! You’ve just been called in for your interview! How do you prepare for it? Here’s how:

1. Talk About Your Passion for Teaching:

Share personal stories demonstrating your enthusiasm for teaching and commitment to student success. Mention an old story of a teacher who showed you the beauty of learning new things, or perhaps talk about how you love your field so much that you want to share your knowledge with the next generation in hopes that they will love it too.

2. Research the School:

Familiarize yourself with the school’s values and educational approach, emphasizing how your teaching philosophy aligns with theirs. Show your interviewer that you are thoroughly prepared.

3. Highlight Your Experience:

Provide examples of how you have overcome obstacles and how you possess the quick thinking that a teaching job requires. If you have any previous teaching experience, talk about any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. An example would be how you took the time to patiently help a student understand a topic that they found particularly difficult.

4. Practice and Prepare:

Engage in mock interviews to refine your responses and seek feedback from peers or mentors. Even if you think you know the answers, practice saying them out loud. Try to sound as relaxed and confident as possible.

5. Demonstrate Professionalism:

Wear an appropriate outfit and show active engagement during the interview, demonstrating your professionalism. Let your potential employers know that you are ready for the responsibilities that a teaching job entails.

Stage 5: Preparing for the Demo Lesson

If your interview goes well, you might be asked to come in for a demo lesson. These are made to check your teaching skills in a practical setting.

Be Prepared:

No matter how many times you have rehearsed your lesson plan, always be prepared for any hiccups. Once you have decided on the topics you want to teach in your demo lesson, keep a set of notes handy, and keep your references nearby just in case you need to brush up on some topic. If you plan on using any forms of multimedia, remember that technical issues can happen even if you think you are prepared. Keeping these setbacks in mind will help you overcome such challenges with confidence. If your PowerPoint presentation starts glitching, switch on over to the whiteboard until someone from the IT department can come help.

Keep it Engaging:

Start with a captivating introduction and incorporate interactive elements to keep students actively participating. You could include fun icebreakers if there is enough time for that in your lesson plan. You could play a fun game of science-based 2 truths and 1 lie – share three scientific statements with your students, and let them guess which one is a myth. A trip to the computer lab might not work for a demo lesson, but you could pitch an idea for a future lesson where students are given access to educational computer games, where they can engage in some healthy competition to see who gets the highest score (These games ask students math questions and players are rewarded based on their speed, etc.).

If none of these other interactive activities feel like they would fit well as a part of your lesson plan, then you could stick to the basics; ask your students questions and let them ask you questions. An environment that fosters healthy conversations is the best gateway to an interactive classroom.

If you’re unable to come up with any activities relevant to your demo class, take help from AI. Ask ChatGPT for suggestions and see which ones make sense.

AI in the Classroom: Strategies and Tools for Educators

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Set Expectations:

Establish clear classroom rules so your students know what they can or cannot do. Communicate clearly, and let your students know what will be expected from them for your lesson.

Encourage Collaboration:

Encourage open communication to create a supportive learning environment. Teach at your students’ level, keeping their age group and their interests in mind. The examples you give in class should be relatable. You could use popular meme formats to add some humor, or you could use an element from a popular cartoon movie to explain a scientific concept. Take some time out to discuss the physics of Superman’s flying powers. This will encourage your students to ask questions. The next question they ask could be how Harry Potter flies so fast on a broom. Encourage students to engage in group discussions after your class. They will probably come up with even more innovative ideas and questions together.

Challenges and Opportunities

Nothing worth having comes easy. Teaching in Pakistan opens avenues for becoming a part of a larger cause. You’ll be at the frontline of fostering positive change. You’ll interact with students and find that there is so much that you can learn from them. But there are also many challenges that you might have to face. Some days might feel longer than others, and you might occasionally encounter a student that has absolutely no interest in the subject you are teaching. But that’s all a part of the journey.

Remember, teaching is more than a job—it’s an experience that requires patience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for education. As you start your journey in the education sector, cherish every “aha” moment and lean on your fellow educators for support.

In the words of Haya Saboor from Froebel’s International School, Islamabad,

A career in education is a dynamic and fulfilling journey. Well-timed humor can transform moments into engaging adventures. Celebrate small wins, and cherish your professional community; your fellow educators can provide invaluable support.

Haya Sabor, Froebel's International

Embrace the journey ahead with confidence, knowing that each day brings new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students and build a brighter future for Pakistan.

Just ChatGPT hacks you wish you knew sooner.

8 months ago

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We’ve all been there—frustrated, overwhelmed, and drowning in a sea of information. But what if I told you there’s a solution that could turn this daunting task into a cup of chai?

I mean, you know the drill: you’re up against a deadline, and you need to deliver a standout presentation that will leave a lasting impression. It’s not just about the data; it’s about telling a story that resonates.

And this is where ChatGPT-4 steps in.

It helps you sift through mountains of data to find those golden insights, and then, with a touch of AI magic, it assists you in creating visuals and narratives that turn dry facts into compelling stories. Whether it’s generating a sleek graphic for your slide deck or scripting a short video to explain a concept, ChatGPT-4 helps you do your best work when it counts.

[Note: While ChatGPT-4 aims for accuracy in its responses, it may prioritize precision over speed, resulting in a slightly slower response time. However, this trade-off is often worth it for the enhanced precision it provides. Please also note that the video demonstrations in the article have been sped up for brevity and clarity.]

Still not convinced? Let me show you some examples.

It can communicate in Urdu

In the video below, ChatGPT-4 effortlessly crafts content in Urdu on breaking the habit of procrastination—‘التوا کی عادت سے چھٹکارا پانے کے لئے تین طریقے کیا ہیں؟’

Watch this ChatGPT hack as it delivers the response, showcasing its accurate content generation. It’s a testament to the AI’s versatility.

See? In just a couple of minutes, ChatGPT-4 delivers a precise and insightful explanation.

And that’s just the beginning.

It’s Simple. Efficient. Revolutionary.

ChatGPT-4 offers a myriad of functionalities to assist users across various tasks and applications. Let’s explore some scenarios:

If you’re a researcher, instead of spending hours combing through dense publications and databases, you could use ChatGPT hacks. It swiftly synthesizes information, covering everything from market trends to historical data analysis, boosting productivity.

If you’re a marketing professional, you can use ChatGPT-4 to quickly come up with engaging social media content. It can help you craft catchy titles and interesting posts that captivate your audience and set you apart.

It can analyze documents.

Furthermore, ChatGPT-4 isn’t limited to text-based interactions. It seamlessly integrates with other media formats. For instance, users can upload documents and receive instant summaries.

To show you, I uploaded a lengthy PDF document and requested a summary. In no time, ChatGPT-4 provided a concise overview, saving me hours of reading.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. ChatGPT-4 excels at a multitude of tasks, including extracting key points from piles of data and simplifying complex concepts into easily understandable explanations.

And the innovation doesn’t stop there.

It can create images

With DALL-E3 GPT, you could effortlessly translate your ideas into captivating visuals. Describe your vision in simple terms, and watch as DALL-E3 brings it to life with stunning precision.

See it in action: The video demonstration below takes you through the process from concept to final image, then refine it along the way. This showcases the impressive integration of ChatGPT-4’s text-based versatility with the visual creativity of DALL-E3.

By marrying the strengths of ChatGPT hacks with the artistic prowess of DALL-E3, you’re not just working efficiently; you’re creating with style. Whether your preference is oil painting, watercolor, or 3D art, DALL-E3 caters to your unique style. Your creations are yours to utilize—print, share, or even turn them into stickers – the choice is yours!

However, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of DALL-E3. Like any technology, it may interpret prompts in unexpected ways at times, necessitating refinement of results. This is a natural part of the creative process when collaborating with AI.

For example, when I asked DALL-E3 to add a cat to an image, it produced a cat that didn’t quite match my expectations. The cat looked a bit unusual, which can happen when the AI tries to blend new elements into an existing context.

To improve the outcome, being more specific in your prompt can make a significant difference. For instance, instead of saying “add a cat,” try “add a realistic-looking domestic short-haired cat sitting down.” Providing clear, detailed instructions can help guide the AI to generate an image that aligns more closely with your vision.

Remember, success with DALL-E3 hinges on iteration. Embrace the opportunity to refine prompts and explore different phrasings. Each attempt presents a chance to collaborate with AI and unlock the full potential of your creative expression.

It can create videos too

InVideo GPT is another game-changer. It can generate a video for you within minutes. Go to Explore GPTs and select InVideo. Now mention what you want and watch as ChatGPT-4 generates the video for you.

Here’s how ChatGPT hack works:

But that’s not all. ChatGPT-4’s prowess extends beyond text. Its multimodal capabilities mean that images can be used as inputs, too, opening up a world of possibilities for visual learning. These features are invaluable for educators looking to enrich their lessons with innovative visual aids and for professionals seeking to enhance their presentations.

And for those eager to explore more possibilities, head to the Explore GPTs section to discover a wide range of additional tools:

Additionally, it’s noteworthy that you can share the chat with your team members or create your own GPTs.

Tip: If you prefer talking over typing, ChatGPT-4 is all ears. Discuss strategies, gain data insights, or plan a trip from Karachi to Lahore— just turn on voice chat and start the conversation (Note: Voice chat is only available on mobile version).

Limitations

While ChatGPT-4 is a robust tool, it’s important to acknowledge its cost and limitations:

Accuracy Trade-off: While ChatGPT-4 prioritizes accuracy, it may result in slightly delayed responses. Nevertheless, this emphasis on precision often proves worthwhile.
Data Training: ChatGPT-4’s responses are based on information available up to April 2023, and it can only generate responses based on the data it has been trained on.
Messaging Limit: There might be a limit of 40 messages per 3 hours.
Cost: ChatGPT-4 costs $20/month that roughly converts to Rs. 6000/month which might be a little steep. But pro tip, try to find other people who need it and share the cost. Because the benefits outweigh the cost by a long shot.

So, whether you’re a professional streamlining workflows, an educator enhancing teaching methods, or an individual seeking creative solutions, ChatGPT-4 is at your service.

In addition to its practical applications in various professional fields, ChatGPT-4 also serves as a versatile tool for casual conversations and personal interactions. Whether you’re exchanging ideas, gaining insights, or simply enjoying friendly banter, ChatGPT-4 is always available for a chat.

Think about it—when was the last time you created an image in mere seconds or made a video in just a minute? That’s the kind of efficiency we’re talking about. It’s such a convenient avenue for collaboration, brainstorming, and communication, all while enhancing productivity. So why waste time and energy when you can make use of AI to boost your productivity? You could achieve so much.

So go ahead and explore its capabilities today! Trust me, you’ll love it.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to chat with Chat GPT about our favorite Pakistani cricket moments. It’s this personal touch that makes ChatGPT-4 more than just a tool—it’s a companion for work and play.

8 Tips to Develop a Growth Mindset

9 months ago

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Picture this: you’ve dedicated countless hours to a project, pouring your expertise and effort into every detail.As you finalize your submission, there’s a sense of satisfaction, a belief that you’ve delivered exceptional work. Yet, when the feedback arrives, it’s not what you expected – instead of praise, there are critiques, and the outcome falls short of your expectations.

In that moment, a familiar pang of disappointment sets in, accompanied by the nagging thought, “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this.” It’s a scenario many professionals encounter in their careers. But here’s the twist – what if that feedback wasn’t a setback but an opportunity? What if, instead of feeling defeated, you saw it as a chance to learn and grow?

This shift in perspective is at the heart of a growth mindset, a concept coined by psychologist Carol Dweck. It’s the antidote to that initial discouragement, offering a mindset where failures are not seen as dead ends but opportunities for improvement.

You see, instead of viewing feedback as a final judgment, a growth mindset sees it as a pathway for professional development. It challenges the idea of fixed abilities and invites us to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. In this context, constructive criticism becomes a catalyst, propelling us towards greater achievements and fostering a culture of continuous learning and advancement.

Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset

A growth mindset empowers you to believe that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This belief provides a sense of freedom, enabling you to confront challenges with confidence and perceive setbacks as opportunities for improvement. The essence of this mindset lies in fostering a love for learning, where the joy of acquiring ‘ilm’ intertwines with the belief in limitless potential. So, if you’re a teacher, you would want to take teacher training courses. If you’re a programmer, you may want to take a machine learning course.

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On the flip side, a fixed mindset pins your abilities in place, making it tougher to rebound from failures and limiting your ability to explore new opportunities. Embracing a growth mindset isn’t just about unlocking potential; it’s about breaking free from self-imposed constraints, paving the way for continuous learning and personal development. It’s the key to navigating life’s twists with resilience and an optimistic spirit.

Practical Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset

Now that we’ve explored the fundamental principles of a growth mindset, let’s go into practical steps that empower you to actively shape and enhance this mindset.

#1 Believe in Your Capability, Tell Yourself ‘I can do this’

Start by cultivating a strong belief in your ability to develop a growth mindset. Utilize daily affirmations or similar tools to reinforce your belief in your abilities. For instance, say, “I am capable of learning and growing.” Visualize success, imagining yourself overcoming challenges and achieving your goals. Consistently remind yourself of positive outcomes.

To illustrate the power of a growth mindset, you want to the story of Usman Asif, founder and CEO of Devsinc —a poignant illustration of the potential embedded in a growth mindset, especially when confronted with adversity.

Born into challenging circumstances and persistently told by a bully that he was ‘destined to remain poor and insignificant’, Usman defied these limitations. Instead of a fixed mindset, he embraced “audacious” (as he likes to put it) dreams, setting a seemingly unrealistic goal of earning $7.2 million at just 15 years old. Despite substantial financial setbacks and downsizing from 50 to six engineers at Devsinc, Usman persevered. Undeterred, he demonstrated resilience, even acquiring 50 more chairs for an office that represented his ambitious vision.

By 2017, he not only met but surpassed his financial goal, prompting an early retirement. Usman’s story highlights how a growth mindset transforms adversity into opportunity, proving that believing in yourself can yield extraordinary success.

#2 Cultivate Curiosity

Acknowledge that there is always more to learn. Whenever you encounter something unfamiliar, ask questions and actively seek additional information. The more you explore, the more you open doors to new possibilities and perspectives. With online learning platforms like ilmX available today, you can feed this curiosity easily and even develop skills that may help you professionally.

#3 Take Ownership

Recognize that you are in control of your responses and actions. Instead of blaming external factors, take responsibility for your choices and learn from setbacks. Whenever you face a setback, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Use failures as building blocks toward improvement, moving forward and fostering a growth mindset.

Moreover, learn to take ownership of your tasks and teams at work as well because that is what differentiates a good leader from a great leader.

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#4 Shift Your Perspective

Shift your mindset to view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, challenging the conventional view of failures as negative. Every stumble holds a lesson waiting to be learned.

#5 Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Personal growth happens when you stretch beyond what’s easy. Challenge yourself by trying things that feel a bit intimidating. Or, think of it like exploring new places – that’s where the exciting things could occur. So, even if it feels a bit weird, just do it. There are many online courses in Pakistan that you can take to find techniques that will help you learn better. Seekhna Seekhain, an adaptation of Coursera’s best-selling course Learning How to Learn is just one example.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic of personal growth unfolds. So, take on challenges, learn by doing, and see what happens!

#6 Apply Ilm to Real-Life Scenarios

Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge to real-life applications. Whether it’s tackling projects at work or contributing to community initiatives, engaging in practical experiences enhances the relevance of your learning journey and fosters meaningful personal and professional growth.

#7 Celebrate Choti Jeetain

In a culture often fixated on grand success, shift the focus to celebrate “Choti Jeetain.” When you put in sincere effort, take a moment to acknowledge it. Give yourself a pat on the back. Embrace self-praise not as boasting but as a means to bolster your motivation and uphold a positive mindset for ongoing growth.

#8 Khud Se Dosti

Imagine facing a challenging situation – perhaps a project that didn’t go as planned. In these moments, treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Replace self-doubt with affirmations, acknowledge your efforts and be compassionate. Everyone experiences ups and downs. This practice supports the development of a resilient and optimistic mindset, urging you to befriend yourself and cultivate a positive outlook.

Bonus Tip: Kuch Bhi Mumkin Hai

Believe that anything is possible. This encourages a limitless mindset, reminding individuals that their potential is boundless when approached with dedication and perseverance. With this outlook, challenges become opportunities, and each effort contributes to personal growth. Embrace the idea that possibilities are endless. Fuel your motivation to tackle goals with confidence, knowing that with determination, there are no limits to what can be achieved.

Dr. Amjad Saqib’s story proves this. He shifted from thriving careers in medicine and bureaucracy to founding the Akhuwat Foundation, exemplifying the boundless possibilities unlocked by a growth mindset. His courage to redirect his path toward personal fulfillment and societal contribution reinforces the idea that, with dedication and a belief in the infinite possibilities, the world of opportunities expands when approached with unwavering determination.

Let’s take another example. Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh, the visionary CEO behind Axact and BOL Media Group, firmly believes,

“There is no power in the universe that can halt me to fulfill my dream for Pakistan.”

His transformative journey from a one-room office to leading Pakistan’s IT industry with a net worth of $20 billion showcases the resilience and boundless potential that a growth mindset can unlock. Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh’s story is a testament to the incredible possibilities that unfold when one embraces continuous learning and determination with a positive mindset.

Developing a growth mindset is not a trait you’re born with. It’s a skill you can learn, especially with all the online courses in Pakistan available. By following these steps, you can boost your confidence, take control of your learning journey, and turn challenges into opportunities for becoming a better you. So, go forth, believe in your capability to evolve, and remember, it’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and improvement. Embrace each step with curiosity and determination, and witness how every effort adds to the remarkable story of your personal and professional success.