What do Effective teachers love?

?Inspired by ‘Teaching Methods for Inspiring the Students of the Future | Joe Ruhl | TEDxLafayette’?

LOVE is a term that we hear so often that one wonders how meaningful is that. Is love for a fellow human being the same as loving a pet, or loving an ice cream on a hot summer afternoon?

It is no wonder that the Greek viewed eight different concepts of love, in humans and they’re all still relevant today.

Love as the Greek see it

The eight different types of love, according to the ancient Greek, are:

1. Eros (sexual passion)
2. Philia (deep friendship)
3. Ludus (playful love)
4. Agape (love for everyone)
5. Pragma (longstanding love)
6. Philautia (love of the self)
7. Storge (family love)
8. Mania (obsessive love)

So what is each type of love and what do they all mean?

1. Eros (sexual passion)

Greek God Eros represents this kind of love. (the equivalent of Cupid in Roman mythology).

This is a fiery, intense form of love which arouses sexual and romantic feelings. People may let go of their self-control and give in to their libido. This love doesn't necessarily last long. It might just last between six months to two years, depending on the relationship. For some people, this intense attraction might fade out and the relationship might end, or it may transform into a deeper or different type of love.

2. Philia (deep friendship)

This love is a love between equals, love connecting with the mind. The great philosopher Plato represents this and that is also why it is often called Platonic love. This love is based on the belief that physical attraction need not be a part of love.

3. Ludus (playful love)

You experience this love when you have a crush on someone or when you're first getting to know them. It can also refer to the playful affection between friends and between children.

4. Agape (love for everyone)

Very often it refers to the selfless unconditional love for others and love between God and humans. Great philanthropists experience this. One of the people in modern times who exhibited this love is Mother Teresa.

5. Pragma (longstanding love)

Pragma sounds more pragmatic which is practical. This love focuses more on staying?in love, rather than just falling in love.

6. Philautia (love of the self)

Self-love is a concept that existed way back in the time of the ancient Greek. However, the Greek knew that there was a negative type of self-love too, in the form of self-obsessed?narcissism. Self-love without the negative side is an essential aspect of meaningful existence.

7. Storge (family love)

Storge refers to love between family members, like the love found between parents and children, between siblings, or between old friends that feel like family. Familial bonding is the basis of this love. This can extend to identification with the team, patriotism etc.?

8. Mania (obsessive love)

Mania can be a jealous and obsessive kind of love. Manic behaviours may be a symptom of an?unhealthy?or toxic?relationship.

Each of us experiences love in our way.

Clinical psychologist Bobbi Wegner, Psy.D. says, ?"What we do know is that there is a difference between lust, attraction, and attachment, which combine to what I define as love."

A couple must go through deep interpersonal connection but also doubts, disillusionment, and ultimately a decision about whether to stick it out, all before experiencing true, wholehearted love.

But the Greek did not think of the 2 loves that I am going to speak about now.

1.?Teachers love and passion for their subject

2. A teachers love for her / his students.?

The year 2004 I took over as a principal of a reputed ICSE school in North Mumbai known for its path-breaking practices. We scrapped the textbooks and taught the children. Known to unknown, concrete to abstract, experiential learning, discovery method?- you name it and we did it. Children remember the antiques and the fun they had in learning. When a teacher breaks through the shackles of completing the syllabus, the teacher becomes inspiring!

Teachers' Love for the kids is a genuine, decisional love that comes from putting the other person first kind of love. It is the Agape love and is not emotional.

Airtight Lesson Plan is important, technology-based lessons are important, and Maintaining discipline is important, but don’t let these things stifle your creativity and passion for teaching. If you can close your eyes for a moment and try to recall your favourite teacher, you would realise all that I said so far is TRUE. The most important lesson to my mind is to practice Maslow’s hierarchy before you practice Blooms' taxonomy! This would enable a teacher to love all kids because there is no emotion involved and there are no naughty kids! Spread the love.