Interactive learning for creativity
The Centre for Youth Development and Studies (CYDS), Bharathidasan University, has evolved an innovative course based on interactive learning methods that ensure participatory learning and facilitate creativity among students.
Interactive learning is not only a process in which learning is attained by doing things together, but also a method of knowledge-sharing between the teacher and the students, and among the students.
Besides facilitating a learner-friendly environment, interactive learning can be crucial to overcoming the existing structural rigidities in a formal education system.
The CYDS conceptualised interactive learning by organising participatory workshops, designed in tune with the requirements of the current social and academic environment.
The designing of the course itself is a result of a process of social learning — an outcome of social construction process in which different ideas, techniques and interests of various stakeholders are pooled.
The recent two five-day residential workshops on `language and social skills for college students' at the university saw the participation of students from12 affiliated colleges — 10 government colleges and two aided colleges.
A total number of 86 students, including 57 girls, participated in the workshops.
Most of the participants hailed from rural areas and were first-generation students of higher education. The course content of the workshops varied from Yoga to Mathematics. Students practised yoga in the early morning facilitated by a trained master. English language learning through exercises grabbed the attention of the participants. The students acquired effective communication techniques from lectures and applied their knowledge by making written presentations.
They were keen on learning life skills, which exposed them to the nuances of planning life and managing time. Participants also learnt basic mathematics, particularly numerical methods, to equip themselves for competitive examinations. They were exposed to higher study courses offered by nationally renowned institutions and informed about career options.
Participants were introduced to creative and innovative writing, and literary criticism.
Understanding media
Understanding media was another important element in the workshops. Lead sessions and discussions were organised on newspaper and cinema. Renowned movies such as `The Children of the Heaven' (Iran), `Mr. and Mrs. Iyer' (India), `Swash' (Marathi) and `Ayisha (Tamil) were screened. The screening was followed by discussions.
Besides helping the participants obtain a first-hand knowledge about the resources and opportunities available for higher learning in Bharathidasan University, the workshops encouraged the students to realise their potential for creativity and innovation, prompting them to write poems and short scripts. Students prepared and used poster dictionaries, which have proved to be an effective means to master vocabulary. The academic and personal freedom inherent in the course is what makes it unique.
The Vice-Chancellor, C. Thangamuthu, has plans to prevail upon affiliated colleges to draw experience and resources from the CYDS and have its `interactive model' as a touchstone for conducting similar workshops.
S. Iyyampillai
(The writer is coordinator, CYDS, Bharathidasan University)
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