The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘Turn schools into happy places of learning’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 17, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘Turn schools into happy places of learning’

BANGALORE: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Nagarjuna Vidyaniketan, Yelahanka, celebrated its 12th annual day, “Journey through time”, at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall recently.

K.V. Ravindranath Tagore, Commissioner, Information Department, who was the chief guest at the senior section celebration, said that there is an urgent need to turn schools into happy places of learning.

Mr. Tagore remarked that in an education system only children must matter and not the overloaded curriculum.

“A school must be a place where children shape their own learning in consultation with teachers. Children are not empty vessels waiting to be filled by teachers. I agree that testing and a rigorous examination system are vital components of modern education. Radical alternative approaches to testing in the classroom are needed,” Mr. Tagore said.

Mathoor Krishnamurti, Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, who was the guest of honour, said that Indians are second to none and produced anecdotal and statistical evidence to support his view. “I was in Britain for 25 years. Every year, students of Indian origin excelled in the public examinations conducted there. Many a times, they have come first in those examinations,” he said.

Principal Shobha H. Bhat pre-sented the school report. Children presented a dance drama on the evolution of mankind. Deputy Conservator of Forests Vanashree Bipin Singh was the chief guest at the junior section celebration.

Presentations

The primary section (Montessori to Grade 5) class presentations, in which every student is an active participant and puts up his or her best performance on stage in front of a select audience, of National Public School (NPS), Koramangala, were held recently.

These presentations were not run of the mill cultural shows but were events geared to ensure that the speaking skills and confidence of every student were brought forth.

The students were honed to overcome inhibitions of facing an audience and were encouraged to deliver the lines or roles assigned to them with poise and self-assurance.

Hence, not surprisingly even the six-year-olds went up on stage and spoke well with courage and composure.

Vice-principal Lakshmi Balan spoke.

The Hindu NIE Team

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News Update

Stories in this Section