Mochi always wants to speak out something or the other. He either likes to ask questions to the teacher or whenever teacher ignores his questions, he is busy chatting with other friends through words and gestures. He is one who uses all forms of communication.. :)
Teacher started her class - "Today we are going to learn about..... Mochi, are you listening?"
"Today we are going to learn about.. Mochi, stop looking here and there."
"Today we are going to see... Mochi can you shut up!"
One more he is going to be out for sure. I wonder why can't my teacher stop talking for the whole class and ask us all to share our thoughts and views. I pity her. She has to speak almost the whole day. So isn't it sensible to allow us to explain what we have learnt, make us think on different concepts. The other day teacher was going on and on about plants and its parts. Mochi turned around to me and said - "I know all this! Shall I ask her if I can explain this!"
I wish he could do that. So I was motivating him to suggest this idea to the teacher.
"MOCHI! are you listening?"
"Yes mam. I was thinking if I could explain this concept to the class. I know this mam."
"GET OUT"
Poor guy the suggestion only landed him outside the classroom but, I guess he had a good time observing the outdoors. In fact after the class he came to me and shared what all he observed. he was talking about the ants going in line, he was talking about the vehicle sounds and so on.
I was happy he had some real learning without sitting in the class! Let me wind up. I need to study the different parts of the plant. I have a test tomorrow.
Brilliant...sad but true! Do you think we can make a 180 degree turn around. We seem to be targetting the affluent section of society more than the Mochi's...so many, lost and lonely in the classroom.
ReplyDeletethis reminds me of what Chitra mailed. Proof of how the school is trying its best to alienate the outside world...
ReplyDeleteAn incident in school...
ReplyDeleteChildren have got tests every month. Like in many schools, our school also have tests, every monday & friday morning first 2 periods. So the whole month 4 weeks, Monday & friday they have tests..
In one of the class, thursday last period i go, and always children request, MA'AM we have test tomorrow so please allow us to study. Monday 3rd period i go to class, & ask, how the weekend was, they say- what weekend MA'AM, we had to study for the test. Like this, goes on almost whole year... Finally month over, test over, marks are out... what's the percentage????
Not upto their own expectations? Why?
When we ask the reason, they say, out of 3 tests best 2 are valid, so we didn't give much importance...
Ultimately what's the gain?
- They didn't enjoy their weekend properly; as pressure was there that they have to study for monday's test.
- Could not study well during weekend, as mind was out of control..
- Knowledge gain didn't happen.
- Precious time wasted as the legs were in 2 boats.
Seeing all these.... I was…..
Few days back, we had Principal & teachers meeting.. Many thing were discussed..
I just raised a point, telling that, anyways in today's education system, we can't avoid tests, so can we at least finish it off all the tests in one week, monday to friday, so that in that month, rest of the 3 weeks children will have free mind & can enjoy.
The answer made me dreadful... Answer was -
- Those parents who want their children to enjoy don't care for their children.
- If there are no continuous tests, children don't study & won't get good marks.
The topic was just put into mud...
But for me to come out of that thought process took days...
If parents & teachers, want only marks, & certificates, down the lane, through which money will flow into one's bank balance, & not the fun oriented learning and the real knowledge, then we don't have any rights to say politicians are corrupted, or country is leading towards corruption.
If the child is brought up to make money, then if he/she has got 2-3 certificates, he or she gets into IT, if not somewhere money has to be acquired, so takes up the route of corruption...
I seriously remember our school days, and feel pity on today’s generation that they are missing a lot….
Whatever best possible through us, let it happen, that’s the only hope I have….
Ramya...
@Padmam - "so many, lost and lonely in the classroom." - REALLY. This is the most important that needs attention more than corruption!
ReplyDelete@unpretentious - True. Except for those lucky who are sent out of the class.. :p
@Ramya - That's a real shocker. And in the name of CCE the drama of tests and exams are even more saddening. The 'spirit' behind the tests, lessons, subjects and education per say seems to have been forgotten. (I am not generalizing the system in schools. I am telling this from my own limited personal experience)