Art Of Teaching

If we look at the definition of ‘CULTURE’ in the Cambridge English Dictionary, it is defined as a way of life, specifically the universal customs and beliefs of a particular group of people at a particular time.

As an educationist, I firmly believe that culture plays a very important and defining role in the teaching learning process of any educational institute. If we were to define the mindset of the children, we have to say that it is strongly influenced by the people and the environment surrounding them. That is why a positive culture in a school environment goes a long way in shaping the personality of the students.

 We as educationists have to imbibe within our students a positive school culture ……..

Giving encouragement at every step to every child is the main key to a positive school culture. If we encourage, then we lead them towards self – confidence and maximum fruitful performances. Even a small event like full attendance in a week demands a celebration. In this way you are strengthening the need for regular attendance. This is just an example.

WE need to inculcate in the children, the social values of respect, love, empathy, kindness and different types of pro social behavior. This can be done by celebrating the different patriotic, social and cultural events, which are a part of our diverse cultural heritage.

For this also we, need to understand the teaching pyramid taught as a part of our teaching learning process. The children will hardly register anything unless we follow the teaching -learning pyramid.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HOLD CULTURAL PROGRAMMES AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL –

We need to organize cultural programs and different intra and Inter school competitions to bring forth the talents of the students and for their overall development. All students may not shine in academics but they need to be given different platforms to showcase their talents other than academics to develop their confidence and to stop them from being introverts.

As a school Principal, I have witnessed this change so many times where pupils who were not good in academics, did quite well in extracurricular activities. And once their confidence grew, they had better academic performances thereafter.

Some pointers for the need can be expressed as follows:

1.We need our Indian schools to focus on activities for the overall development of the child and not only on academics.

2.Every school should introduce cultural activities and Intra and Inter school competitions for students to understand and enjoy the huge and varied plethora of culture which represents an underlying unity in its diversity.

3.School becomes less boring and activities including sports help to develop the various skills, making the children physically and mentally active.

4.It is absolutely necessary to give importance to sports and cultural events from school days and for this we need to ask ourselves this poignant question: Are only bookish knowledge enough to make a student worldly wise?

5. Whether the school is State Board, CBSE affiliated or any top ICSE school, there is a need to conduct cultural and other activities, which can be mapped to the syllabus, to make them aware of our rich cultural heritage and to develop a sense of oneness and patriotism.

6 These activities or events will help the students to be more interactive and last but not the least it is the duty of the school head and staff to find out innovative methodologies for initiating the same.

I conclude thus………….

Our culture is not bookish or in talks only. It is practiced in the society in reality. Our civilization is the most respected in the whole world and therefore we need not deviate from it under any pretext.

Our civilization boasts of great educational system like the GURUKULS which provided a perfect atmosphere for physical, emotional, social, emotional and academic growth of students with the variety of subjects taught ranging from astronomy to martial arts to economics, mathematics, behavioral sciences and art and literature.  

 It is really saddening to see that with the passage of time our glorious culture is being fast forgotten and it is our own citizens and questions are being raised about our own identity.

We are forgetting that the greatest thing about our Indian culture is its ability of fusion. Indians have the talent of integrating dissimilar philosophies and ideals almost naturally. India as a country gives you ample openings to be your own self and live your life in the way you think fit.

This is the only country in the world where you will be respected if you follow all traditions and also respected if you break away from all traditions. Because Indian ness is an essence which you cannot explain, only feel. It does not have a fixed defined identity; it is a way of life. It is flexible and free flowing and elegant. This suppleness has provided our Indian ness the enormous dimensions to mold into any given condition at any time. In other words, it is like the water that has the capacity to alter its form to fit into any container- CULTURE.