Rethink the techniques of teaching
K.N. MURALI SANKAR
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Lessons can be made more interesting if a little creative thinking goes into it.
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PHOTO: RAJU V.
POWERFUL PRESENTATION: C.V. Sarveswara Sarma
A student can only learn 25 per cent of his/her education from school, while the remaining 75 per cent can only be learnt from the family, society and the media, says C.V. Sarveswara Sarma, a popular author of various science textbooks and president of the Konaseema Science Parishad.
As he points out, many parents feel that their children will learn everything from school and teachers will take the entire responsibility of the academic requirements of their wards. "It is a misconception among many parents that they do not have to intervene in the studies of their wards. But the role of parents is much more important than that of the teachers in moulding the careers of children," Mr. Sarma says. At a discussion on "How to make science and mathematics interesting", organised by Arunodaya Concept School, Vidyadharapuram, Mr. Sarma said that society and media too played an important role in the upbringing of children, as they would come to know of different issues from their friends and through newspapers and television channels. Newspaper reading was a good hobby, which could be inculcated among children from their schooldays. This hobby would help children update their knowledge. Relatives and friends were better source of information for children, from whom they could learn many things.
"Some parents complain that they can't teach their children at home, as they can't enjoy it. Can't they try to teach differently?" he asked. Parents could spend their leisure time by playing with their children and incorporate lessons in the games. They could even tell success stories of prominent persons to their children.
"Boredom is the mother of creativity. H.G. Wells penned his novels while undergoing treatment in a hospital. Jawaharlal Nehru authored many books during his imprisonment," Mr. Sarma said.
He advised parents to update their knowledge by reading books and magazines, so that they could get rid of boredom. "Learning is an enthusiastic process. Once you begin learning new things, you can't stop it halfway," he said.
Bust fear
Mr. Sarma said many children generally had a fear for mathematics and science subjects, and would complain that they wee unable to follow classrooms lessons. But the subjects could be taught in a simple manner and in an interactive method.
"If parents say that mathematics and science are difficult, children develop fear among the subjects. Instead of creating such a negative opinion, parents can teach the basics at home," he suggested.
Both parents and teachers should allow children to ask their doubts and then clarify them. Children would get doubts in a particular subject only when they had some interest in it, he pointed out.
Mr. Sarma wondered why parents and teachers would beat children, which was the worst way of bringing them up. "Children are known for being mischievous. Before beating children, elders should keep in mind the fact that they too played mischief in their childhood," he said, bringing smiles on the faces of many parents.
Instead of beating children for committing a mistake, parents and teachers could explain to them the consequences of that mistake and ask them not to repeat it.
"Teachers can attract children to classrooms through their lessons, but not by any other means. If the teacher knows the technique of teaching, students will not leave the classroom even for lunch," he said.
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