Ahead of Teacher’s Day, professor creators speak to us about dealing with Gen Z, social media and respect (AI image for representation only)
Because you don’t necessarily have to write a research paper every time you want to understand something, that has been a very interesting learning experience for me.
They often ask what opportunities, exposure and growth they can get by entering this field. ” Taruna Tokas, assistant professor at Delhi University, agrees, saying, “Seeing students in a classroom is very different from understanding them as individuals. That said, as a female teacher, there are students who will try to test the boundaries. Echoing a similar sentiment, Rajanandini says, “I believe the balance comes through clearly defined boundaries.
If you thought content creation on campus is for students only, think again. These professors are turning their college experience into mini vlogs, tips and tricks, sharing their side of life in academia. Ahead of Teacher’s Day, they speak to us about dealing with Gen Z, social media and respect. For many teachers, social media is offering new insights into student behaviour beyond academia. Rajanandini Yadav, assistant professor at a private university in Noida, shares, “It has helped me understand students’ interests, communication styles and the changing digital environment they are part of. I have interacted with students who are actively creating content. Social media, however, can blur some boundaries, and professor creators have noticed the shift too. For young professors, navigating the dynamic with college students can be tricky. Drishti Kalra, assistant professor at DU, notes, “Being online has not changed the student teacher equation as much as people assume. Only the setting has moved from offline to online. ‘Ma’am, coffee pe chalein? Ma’am, can we be friends? In response, one keeps the line thick and visible and does not respond to everything. I enjoy connecting with my students, but I ensure that the professional relationship is always maintained. Ishita adds, “Seeing me engage on the same platforms as my students made them more comfortable around me. It doesn’t erase the teacher-student gap, but it softens its edges. A student who thinks you might actually understand their world is more willing to let you into it, even just a little, and that matters for learning. ”
I posted a vlog the very next day and it got millions of views in a day. ” Ishita Arora, professor of Mass Communication at a private university, says, “It’s a fair concern in a profession like teaching to be apprehensive about being “visible” online. Primarily, because being a content creator does not “suit” the image of a teacher and the profession requires a certain formality. Sonal Chauhan, assistant professor of English at Delhi University, was inspired by a chef who shared a day in their life. “The way I found myself interested in knowing what a chef’s day looks like, someone might have similar curiosity about an assistant professor’s life. The stereotype was that we are meant to be private, a little mysterious. I did not feel the need to conform to that. There was a slight awkwardness at first, but then one day, a fellow faculty member mentioned my content and appreciated my efforts. the overall response was good Although a few of them did pass some sarcastic remarks. Keeping the student-teacher balance
