I am still a student, in my postgraduate study, and as a doctor I know I will continue being a student for a very long time (for my residency, for my research). On the other hand, I also teach, which I only started very recently, which gives me great pleasure and a fresh perspective on students and teaching.

From what I experience, I know that still being a student can help me learn how to be a good teacher. I observe my own teachers, learn what is for me an exciting and great learning experience. I love it when my teachers stimulate me to think and answer questions in the class instead of just bombarding me with information because it helped me form my pattern of thinking in a logical way. I love it when they can capture my interest and award me with extra information. I love it when I realize that after a class I gain new knowledge and insight. I love it when the teachers engage personally with us and interested in what we have learned so far. I love it when the teachers give feedback about our assignments and our efforts in working on those assignments. I love it when the ultimate goal is to help us understand the subjects. I love it when they have time to teach us even though they are very busy, and focused on us during the class. I love it when they are interested and enthusiastic about what they teach, because it makes us understand the importance of learning them. I love it when they appreciate me and my efforts. I love it when they inspire!

I only very recently started as assistant lecturer. And when I have discussion with my students, I know that I ask them to do “at least” the followings. I want them to be focused in class. I want them to be prepared before meeting me, because then we can engage more in the discussions. I want them to understand the fundamentals: why we think in certain ways, why certain things are very important, what is the “big picture”, what’s the underlying principle and philosophy of the things we learn, what I want them to learn specifically for the exams and also what they still have to remember for the rest of their lives as doctors. I want them to be able to learn how to think, and what to think about. I want them to start a class with focus and attention because there’s new information I’d like to share with them. I want them to do their assignments and do them well because I also prepare myself to give feedback on their assignments. I want them to read, because I also read and there are items in the reading material that I’d love to discuss with them. I want to share new things with them, because I don’t want them to be bored with the learning session. I want them to share their opinions, their questions and answers. I want them to be interested and to always want to do better.

And for me, this quote has always been an inspiration, "Docendo disco, scribendo cogito"; I learn by teaching, I think by writing. 

So, what do you expect from your teachers?

– AjengMD