Mindfulness in the Classroom

I have always enjoyed the process of teaching, as it allows me to transfer knowledge and spark growth in individuals. Seeing the potential of students before they see it themselves and then watching them surpass it, sometimes even surpassing me, fills me with joy.

The teaching process is a bidirectional cycle, where the teacher learns every day. Not only when preparing what to teach and anticipating student doubts, but also in the moment of teaching. Although I hadn't had the opportunity to teach a formal class, I had given courses and explained topics to my teams, acting more as a guide showing the right direction and motivating learners to explore on their own.

In this mentorship process, it's essential to listen to the results of each attempt and help the student understand why they failed, without telling them how to do it. After a few iterations, students return with the news that they've achieved their goal, and often their strategy is better than mine. This has taught me that limiting knowledge to what I already know can restrict the student's ability to find new solutions.

Recently, I've had the opportunity to teach a formal class and I've learned to respect and appreciate each of my teachers. I had no idea the work that goes into being a professor. When teaching with the intention of transmitting knowledge and fostering student growth, the teacher must iterate between different techniques and strategies for students to master the topic. This requires constant evolution and reinvention, in addition to daily preparation of activities and content, and evaluation.

Although the process consumes a lot of time, every minute has been worth it. I've seen students interested, learning, and happy. When I see that they've mastered the topic I worked hard to explain, I understand that all the time invested has been valuable.

But teaching isn't limited to the classroom. We can apply these principles in our daily lives, in our personal and professional relationships. We can be mentors to our colleagues, friends, and family members, showing them the right direction and motivating them to explore on their own. We can listen to their results and help them understand why they failed, without telling them how to do it. We can create an environment of mutual learning and growth, where everyone can benefit and grow.

So I invite you to reflect on your own relationships and consider how you can apply these principles in your daily life. How can you be a mentor to someone who needs it? How can you create an environment of mutual learning and growth in your personal and professional relationships? The answer is up to you.

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