5 Young Malaysians Tell Us About Their Students And What It's Like Being A Teacher Today

When I was a student: Students being students, I was always looking forward to skipping classes for other school activities. I didn't like language subjects so I always dread English and especially BM classes. Ironically, I'm an English teacher now.

What my students today are like: I have different range of students. I have students who are like me - competitive, nerdy and diligent. I also have those who are average but very respectful - they may come and "salam" you if they know they made you upset, those who are weak but hardworking, those who are hyperactive and usually drain your energy the most, and lastly, those who are always lying their heads on the table and don't even care that you're in front.

On the differences between students now and students back then: Kids these days have really short attention span, mainly because of the advancement of technology as well as the fast-paced lifestyle that we are living in. Most students cannot focus for more than 10 minutes in class and that is why teachers are trying really hard to change their approach in conducting a lesson. We call this 21st-century learning, where there should be more hands-on activities for students instead of teacher-centered lessons.

Some students are more well-behaved than the others. I would also say that students these days are influenced by what they are exposed to from the media and social platforms. My students are obsessed with WeChat, "selfies" and "hashtag" language. They would talk about these things in class everyday.

Students now are also mostly bright. Despite having low literacy, most of my students are able to come out with practical ideas. They are moving towards to real-life applications rather than students back then like me.

Most memorable student-teacher moment: A boy in my class, A, had just come back from a very long holiday and had missed out on one whole chapter. As I was rushing to complete the syllabus in the limited amount of time I have with them, I decided to ask for help. One of his friends, B, immediately volunteered for the task. B is one of the boys I had problems communicating with, he's always giving me the "Why are you teaching me this? Pfft, I already know this it's so easy!" look. But he showed me that there is a good side to students like him - a side that shows friendship, humanity, kindness, and love that needs to be polished and nurtured. #cikgustories #hope #grateful

The most rewarding things about being a teacher: Seeing changes in your students, not only in their achievements but also their behavior. Seeing how they have grown in maturity and being invested in their studies. Seeing how they know what they want in life and grow to love what they are doing.

How my own teachers have inspired me: There are a few teachers I still keep in touch with. They taught me how important student-teacher relationships are. I admire how they can deal with kids like us last time and still "survive" until today!

My English teacher from secondary school gave me some truly valuable advice when I first started teaching - communicate with the kids based on what I truly believe in and give them the space to work around with the belief. Guide them whenever needed. I've learnt how important it is for a teacher to believe in their kids by giving them space of their own to work and develop understanding, skills and sense of ownership on their own.

Another teacher who inspired me is my lovely Math teacher, whom I admire for her positivity and efficiency. She had great relationships with most of us an she's one of those teachers who will never stop working for her kids.

These two teachers made me who I am today. They have set a figure of what a good teacher would be like. I thank God for sending these Angels to me. They reminded me of even how tough a teaching job could be, there will be kids who remember them. And appreciate them from behind.

When I was a student: I would describe myself as a hyperactive kid. I guess I was also the joker of the class; I made so much noise it probably annoyed the h--- out of everybody! But I had fun and didn't mind being a pain in the a-- as long as we all had fun.

What my students today are like: They're alright. Pretty decent and respectful towards me, even though they are aware of the fact that I'm very young and still doing my practical. I appreciate that a lot actually. In fact, due to the tiny age gap, they feel comfortable with me and share their stories. I won't say we're "tight" but sometimes, if they see me around the school they would simply scream from the other side and greet me! :D

On the differences between students now and students back then: Back in the day, we know our limits. We have our moments but we know when not to cross the line. But students nowadays, man, they are fearless! They know teachers today can't simply lay hands on them so they seem to take advantage of that.

Also, there's this thing called the Internet that plays a huge part in shaping students' mentality. Back then, when we were in school, we pretty much would just take in whatever our teachers taught us. But now, students will question the credibility of your lessons with Google, like, "But teacher, Google says it's like this!" or "The Internet says otherwise!". As teachers, you gotta do your research and know how to tackle their questions because your students are WAY ahead of you.

Most memorable student-teacher moment: A few months back, I asked a boy in my class to read or pay attention, I don't really remember. Out of nowhere, he yelled, "Kejap ah!" in a very rude manner. The whole class gasped in shock. I thought he had mental issues, so I asked his classmates, who told me to leave him alone. I reported the incident to the discipline teacher. To my surprise, the boy came to see me and apologised. Apparently, he just didn't want to learn English.

The most rewarding things about being a teacher: The satisfaction of seeing your students understand and grasp whatever you teach. I appreciate it very much when they actively participate and not give me the zombie face in class. Also, when you see students coming back to school before they go off to college to thank their teachers, that's something too. We might not remember all of their faces, but seeing them doing well, knowing that we have changed and affected their lives in shaping who they are today... it's an accomplishment.

How my own teachers have inspired me: I was very much inspired by the teachers I look up to because of the human connection and emotional bond we shared. They went beyond the subject matter they have to teach, they get involved with and care about their students' lives. Sometimes what I notice is that students just want you to listen to them and talk just about anything and everything. Get to know their world and not simply teach just for the sake of finishing syllabus. They want to hear your stories and how silly can you be.

When I was a student: I was a very good student, haha! I always listen to my teacher, although I lose attention sometimes. But I always hand my homework in on time.

What my students today are like: Because they are primary school students, they are very innocent and always believe everything I say. They are very curious... about everything!

On the differences between students now and students back then: Students now are a lot more demanding than the previous generations.

Most memorable student-teacher moments: There was this student who was from a poor family who bought me keropok when he got his angpow. Some even called me with their parents' phone after I left their school.

The most rewarding things about being a teacher: When your students learn something new and show their appreciation.

How my teachers have inspired me: I had teachers who are very positive and are like friends to me. That showed me how important a teacher is to their students.

When I was a student: I was a school prefect, I would say that I’m a serious person, but hopefully likeable...? :D

What my students today are like: They’re really good at what they do, but they need the drive. They're lacking in motivation and most of the time, they are not able to see beyond what they’re supposed to do in class. The good thing is, they are eager to please. They try their best to do something, even if they initially think that they can't achieve what has been set out for them. As a teacher, you have to show them that you believe in them.

On the differences between students now and students back then: I think students nowadays and back then are pretty much the same, except that we won’t dare to answer back to our teachers and we are a lot more obedient when it comes to listening to our teachers' instructions. Also, most of my students have very short attention spans, they like to do activities and more hands-on stuff.

Then there are those who talk back and ponteng all the time. Back in our time, if anyone gets caught skipping out of class, they won't go through with their plans. But I've encountered kids who just run away when I catch them in the act.

Most memorable student-teacher moments: On two separate occasions, I ran into my former students who actually came up to me, asked if I remember them, and told me about what's going on in their lives. It makes me really happy, because even though I don't really remember them (I'm sorry, guys!), they remember you! Even though they behave like they don't like you in class, but outside of school, they remember and recognise you! They respect me as a teacher as that really warms my heart.

Most rewarding things about being a teacher: When students have their "A-ha!" moments, when they FINALLY understand the point you've been trying to get them to understand. When they get it right and you see their confidence level go up, that's when you know all the sweat and tears you've poured in are worth it. When they are called on stage for something you've helped them achieve, it makes me very proud. But most of all, when they smile and thank you at the end of each lesson.

How my teachers have inspired me: When my teachers found out about me becoming a teacher, they gave me a lot of advice on how to handle students and stuff like that. The one I remember most is this - "YOU are the teacher. Yes, you may not know it all, but in class, you are the students' everything. Teach them the knowledge you are supposed to teach, but also life lessons and manners. Whatever you do in class will affect them in some way, including your attitude." Oh, and another one - "You are not here to fix everything. That might sound selfish, but you are one teacher vs. the entire world. Touch as many students' lives as you can, and pray that God will lead them to greatness one day."

When I was a student: I was obedient but I was also a smart a--. I was a cocky kid, feeling a certain need for the teacher to prove his/herself to me in order for me to respect them, and I think it should be like that. I should make my students feel that I'm worthy to be their teacher.

What my students today are like: A majority of my kids are boys. Very boisterous and always up for some trouble. We have a huge vandalism and gansterism problem at my school. However, once I've become their teacher, they're just misunderstood kids and deep down, I know they're just sweet kids.

On the differences between students now and students back then: Thanks to social media, your kids can do a full background check on you. It sucks when you're trying to build that 'teacher' status with them, because they're so nosy haha! But if somebody asks me what's my WeChat id one more time, I will flip a table. I'm pretty sure I'm super garang (fierce) but they still want to talk to after school hours?! When I was a student, talking to my teacher after school hours was the last thing I wanted to do!

Most memorable student-teacher moment: Okay, this is pretty recent. It was mid-terms, and the last paper was English. Then I got a text from a student asking me who got the highest score for the paper in his class. I told him he will get the results after the school holidays. He asked me why and went on to say, "Are you saying you haven't marked the papers?" I had to explain to him that teachers have other jobs aside from teaching them. It's cute to think that with kid logic, you are just their cikgu. They can't even fathom that you have a life outside of the classroom. What's sad is that, I think that's what teachers should be in their kids' eyes and just focus on teaching them instead of doing clerical work.

The most rewarding things about being a teacher: The pure joy you feel about your students' success. I think teaching is the only job in the world where you can experience that feeling.

How my teachers have inspired me: I had a lecturer in uni who challenged a lot of my views and basically opened up my world. I want to help others experience that feeling when your world just opens up.