424. When the Student Became the Teacher

"Sir, in yesterday's class, you discussed Friedman's Monetary Theory. I have some questions about it. I would like to get some detailed explanations about certain aspects of that theory. If I were to ask my questions in the class and get the answers from you, other students might feel that I am taking up the class time for getting my doubts clarified. That is why I thought of meeting you at your cabin and asking you about it. Hope you won't mind my intrusion!" said Pachchiappan.

Professor David looked at Pachaiappan with interest and said, "Tell me."

Prompted by the professor, Pachaiappan asked his doubts and David clarified them.

"You spent half an hour clarifying my doubts. Thank you, sir!" said Pachaiappan.

"Clarifying the students' doubts is always a satisfying experience to us, the teachers. But my grievance is that we don't get this opportunity often!" said David, smiling. "As you had mentioned, if I had given these clarifications in the class, several students would have felt that I had wasted their time!" he added. 

"Yes. sir. That was the reason I had to disturb you outside the class."

"As I said, catering to the student's curiosity is something that gives me satisfaction. I also have a question for you. The clarifications sought by you pertain to the deeper aspects of the theory. These are not a part of your syllabus. Your textbook doesn't discuss these points, either. That's why, in the class, I had confined myself to giving an outline of this theory. What prompted you to seek a deeper understanding of this theory?"

"Sir, listening to you discuss this topic in the class created an interest in me to go deeper into this topic. The syllabus requires us to learn only an outline of this theory. So, I thought that it won't be appropriate, if I sought more details about this in the classroom. That was the reason for me to seek answers to my questions from you, in private" said Pachaiappan.

David looked at Pachaiappan with admiration and told him, "I want you to do something for me."

"Please tell me, sir!" said Pachaiappan, enthusiastically.

During the next class, David told the students, "In the last class, I discussed Friedman's Monetary Theory. One of the students approached me seeking answers to some questions he had, on the deeper aspects of the theory. I answered his questions. He would now share to the class the points I explained to him."

He then looked at Pachaiappan.

Pachaiappan got up reluctantly, came forward and stood facing the class. David took a seat among the students.

After stumbling for a while, Pachaiappan began to speak with confidence.

After Pachaiappan had completed his presentation, David asked him to return to his seat. He then came before the class and said:

"My dear students! Each one of you should cultivate an attitude of gaining a deeper understanding of anything that you hear from others. If you cultivate this attitude, your learning ability will begin to grow. You should also develop the ability of explaining your knowledge to others, in a clear and intelligible manner. This ability also requires the right attitude. This attitude is needed not just for education, but for anything, in general. This ability is needed not only by a teacher but also by every one. I observed that Pachaiappan had the aptitude to learn things deeply. But I felt that he needed to cultivate the ability of explaining what he knew to others. It was with a view to make him understand the importance of developing the ability to convey what he knew to others that I asked him to explain what he learnt from me to the class. I am sure that through him, you also would have realized the importance of developing the ability to convey your knowledge to others. I know it is not easy. Pachaiappan! This is a good beginning for you. Today's experience should help you develop your skill. In future, I will give this opportunity to other students also"  

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 43
Wisdom

Verse 424 (in Tamil):

eN poruLa vAgach chelach chollith thAn piRar vAy
nuN poruL kANbadhu aRivu.

Meaning:
Wisdom consists in explaining what one wants to convey to others in a way they would understand clearly and comprehending the complexities in other's speeches.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'mANavan eduththa vaguppu' by the same author.)

Verse 425
Verse 423