Lecturer training: ‘You need more than knowledge to teach’

GCU vice chancellor gives talk on positive body language.

LAHORE:

A special training programme for lecturers continued at Government College University Lahore here on Tuesday with a talk from Vice Chancellor Prof Khaleequr Rehman about the importance of a positive body language.

Addressing the trainees, the vice chancellor said that it was a teacher’s job to inspire students. A teacher needed not just to have knowledge, but also the communication skills and character required to pass on that knowledge. Body language, he said, was a very effective communication tool.

“Strong, positive body language can be a great tool in helping you to build credibility and interact with your students in an effective way,” he said.

Prof Rehman said that teachers must constantly assess their own behaviour to make sure they weren’t sending negative signals. “Always ask yourself before saying anything to anyone, ‘Is it true? Is it harmful? Is it necessary?’ Besides, you as teachers should always keep promises, spread smiles, have a forgiving nature, consider criticism as an opportunity to improve, cultivate a positive sense of humour and practice empathy,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2011.