Keeping a record and evaluating your work
I teach meditation at school. I’m here to help kids with their mental health. I love this job and I’m proud of myself. How can I do well? The importance of finding peace of mind in each student cannot be overstated.
I started recording what I do about three weeks ago. After class, I wrote down my impressions and feelings. On my computer or phone, I wrote the children’s reactions after meditating.
‘I don’t like meditating, teacher.’
‘It’s boring to meditate. I can’t concentrate.’
The negative reactions are recorded as they are. During the course of the week and as the class progresses, the children’s behavior changes. Even kids who couldn’t concentrate quietly closed their eyes and meditated. I asked the children who have changed.
‘Hey, how was your day? I liked how you concentrated today.’
They said it was easier this time. Meditation is still hard for some students, though.
Here are the changes I make as I keep taking notes.
My first change was observing the kids and getting closer to them. I used to sit in the instructor’s waiting room during breaks and look at my phone, but now I can talk to my kids or give advice to those who need it.
I can also observe myself objectively as a meditation teacher. My focus before taking notes was on presenting myself to students.
‘What should I wear today?’
‘What’s a good way to explain it today so the kids don’t get distracted?’
What’s the best way to get students who don’t care about the class to concentrate?’
It wasn’t out of genuine concern for my students’ mental health or a desire to help them solve their problems that I acted this way. It’s a self-centered attitude that only thinks about the teacher’s authority.
In class, I’m focusing on meditation. Also, kids are getting better at concentrating. In my job, I don’t care about how I look to my kids, I only think about them,
What can I do to help?
What can I do to change the minds of children with a lot of negative thoughts?
I wanna hear about troubled kids.
As a result, my thinking and behavior have changed. I keep track of every mistake I make. Make a list of things I should have done but didn’t. I make up for the shortcomings by preparing and executing a better class next time.
How did it go?
Meditation worked for the kids. They’re more comfortable, happier, and have clearer consciousness. As for me, I just did my best, not caring if I was a good or a bad teacher.
I can’t be the only one going through this. Also, I shared my observations and notes with my colleagues. It was even more surprising than I expected. The changes I went through are also happening to my colleagues. Their effects and results were better than mine. My fellow teachers showing their gratitude to me makes me grateful for their success. It was gladly accepted and implemented.
Positivity is contagious. Positive minds are the exact opposite of egocentric minds. My fellow teachers and I are incredibly productive.
Make a record of your day or your work and evaluate it. You can change yourself if you evaluate yourself objectively.
