Dr. Chikhosale Thingo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce and Management, Tetso College. She has completed her Ph.D in Management from Tezpur Central University, Assam and has also cleared NET (Management). Prior to joining Tetso College, she worked as the Marketing Manager, and Research & Development Manager at Entrepreneurs Associates (EA), Kohima, for almost three (3) years.
Her stint at EA helped her understand the intricacies of how markets in Nagaland function, especially when it comes to developing and creating a sustainable market ecosystem. At the same time, the importance of educating the society, especially the youth, about promoting businesses and entrepreneurship is also an area that sparks her interest. She has worked and interacted with farmers and SHGs at the grass-root level in projects related to livelihood enhancement, helped conduct studies on women street vendors in Nagaland as well as assisted in the creation of market linkages for the local farmers and entrepreneurs.
3T: Tetso College has recently adopted the hybrid system of learning. Do you think that it is an effective mode of learning?
Chikhosale: Hybrid/blended learning was not a concept we would have given much thought to, had it not been the pandemic that compelled institutions all over to rethink and restructure themselves. For Tetso College to be able to adapt to this sudden change, is laudable. This new method of teaching and learning is a process that we are still trying to refine through trial and error, in order to identify best practices that will benefit both students and teachers. I will not disagree with the fact that both parties may be struggling to adapt to it at present. But then again, with the ‘new normal’ that’s happening around us, it necessitates creation of such hybrid systems that cannot be ignored but become part of the teaching-learning process.
3T: How did you adapt to the change in environment while studying out of Nagaland?
Chikhosale: To be honest, the first few months were always the hardest for me – to adapt to the new surroundings as well as the people. I remember crying buckets of tears the first time I had to leave home and Nagaland. Moving out of our comfort zone is something most of us dislike, right? What made the transition easier were the individuals who gradually turned into friends. For me, the circle of friends we build is something that impacts our ability to adapt to new environments. Apart from this, your mindset is also an important factor that comes into play, in the sense that, once you open yourself to new experiences, your resistance will slowly turn into acceptance allowing you to enjoy and learn.
3T: Everybody has good and bad days. As a teacher, how do you motivate yourself on bad days to impart knowledge to your students without fail?
Chikhosale: On bad days, the one thing that helps a teacher stay motivated to teach is that bunch of students every class has – I am talking about the ones who, come rain or shine, always have that zeal and enthusiasm to learn. You know, no matter how bad your day may be going, when you encounter individuals who look forward to learning, who are interactive, it really helps your teachers to forge ahead.
3T: Do teachers have it more rough or do students?
Chikhosale: I can neither say that teachers have it more rough or students have it more tough. As teachers and as students, each party has their own responsibilities to perform. For teachers, we are required to prepare our lesson plans, ensure that each student is able to catch up with what is being taught, ensure good results, take care of attendance, discipline, etc., apart from additional responsibilities that we are asked to carry out. For students, from your end, you are required to learn, to prepare notes, prepare for tests and exams, be on time for classes, etc. The scales may lean a bit more towards the teachers, as teaching is not just about completing the syllabus but ensuring all round development of the students too.
3T: Having been a student yourself, is there any mistake that you committed as a student that you don’t want your students to make?
Chikhosale: Oh… there were quite a number of mistakes I made. But the thing I regretted most was my timidity that always stopped me from asking questions and clearing my doubts during lectures. I guess as students, we sometimes tend to worry whether the questions we ask are stupid and this hinders us from learning and developing the practice of critical thinking. This, I will say, is a mistake I do not want my students to make.
3T: What is one stereotype about Commerce stream that everyone thinks it’s true but it isn’t?
Chikhosale: When we say Commerce, I guess the first thing that comes to mind are ‘accounting’ and ‘banks’. Now people, mind you, Commerce is not only about accounts and banks but a combination of interesting subjects and job prospects. You get to learn not only how to handle finances and make profitable investments, but also how organisations function and survive, how markets operate, how to start your own businesses, how entrepreneurs are created, and many more. You get the opportunity to experience what it is to work through internships and thereby also learn the skills of networking. So, although banks and accounts are a part and parcel of commerce, this stream also offers numerous scope for students to challenge and upgrade their knowledge and skills.
3T: Top 3 things in your bucket list.
Chikhosale:
- Have my own personal library in the near future.
- Learn how to drive (without ruining the gearbox or being a danger to any living creature!).
- Maybe, one day, visit Finland.
3T: Do you have any struggle that every teacher faces that you wish students knew?
Chikhosale: Be it any profession we choose to work in, there are bound to be challenges. If I may repeat, as teachers, our task is not just to complete the syllabus but to also ensure that our students actually take interest in the lessons being taught and gain from it. We often ask ourselves as to ‘What more can I do to motivate my students? How can I guide them better? How can I ensure that students are not distracted but enjoy the learning process?’. Being a teacher, we realise the importance of our role, since we impact a certain period of our students’ lives. I have seen the dedication with which many of my colleagues work and also witnessed the disappointment when students underperform despite the efforts we have put in. Such lackadaisical approach that some students have towards learning tends to negatively affect your teachers.
3T: Is there any quote that you live by?
Chikhosale: No any such quote, but at times when I feel like I am stuck in a rut, I often tell myself ‘Let’s make the best of this situation and learn from it.’ Because you know, every experience has its own lesson to teach us.
3T: Describe Tetso College in 3 words
Chikhosale: Young + Dynamic + Progressive.
3T: An advice you’d give to your younger self.
Chikhosale: Hey you, be a little more brave. Don’t be scared to move out of your comfort zone. Rest assured, you are going to turn out to be a fine one! 🙂