Kohima: The Department of History at Kohima College recently wrapped up a new guest teaching initiative. This program gives postgraduate alumni a way to build teaching experience while they prepare for future careers. Seven former students stepped in as guest faculty from August 24 to September 24.
These alumni taught both undergraduate and first-semester postgraduate students. Each participant clocked at least 21 contact hours in the classroom. Dr. Eunice Alinger, the department's associate professor and postgraduate coordinator, noted that job hunters often struggle without a track record in front of students. "Consequently, Post Graduate students with strong academic potential and the ability to teach may find themselves disadvantaged in securing teaching opportunities simply because they lack prior classroom experience," Alinger said.
The department utilized a unique peer-teaching model for this project. One alumnus took the lead as the teacher while another observed from the back of the room. This observer then provided feedback to help the teacher refine their methods. Faculty also recorded short videos of every session to ensure quality and track progress. The department claims this is a first-of-its-kind initiative for postgraduate institutions. It bridges the gap between finishing a degree and landing a professional teaching role.
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