G. Gautama
Why do we value only that which is measurable and devalue things that cannot be measured? Math, science and computers are valued because they can be measured in terms of their gains to the establishment while the other subjects are not. Schools are places of learning and an approach where the difficult- to- measure attributes are given due attention will make for a more sensitive and humane society. Our Cover theme this month explores the science versus the arts narrative.
Year: 2018
Unweaving the rainbow
Yasmin Jayathirtha The school that I am a part of was recently visited by an education official. He looked in on the classes, appreciated the exploratory lessons and the library. Afterwards, talking about the school, he said, “This is all Read More …
Debunking the math myth
Pooja Keshavan Singh Mathematics is the most ‘difficult’ subject known to some individuals and yet it is the most ‘creative’ and ‘beautiful’ for a few. Some of us have also suffered from math anxiety where a confrontation with numbers is Read More …
Why the Arts are hard to learn
Shravan Kumar Pendyala Visual arts, music, dance and aesthetic studies have been part of our lives supporting its very existence by developing our perceptive abilities. Since prehistoric times to contemporaneity we learnt to perceive “life” through these art forms. Further, Read More …
Balancing the training equation
Usha Raman
Most training programmes are not popular with the teachers either because they are disinterested or the programmes do not offer true enrichment to the participants. In such a scenario, what can be done to add more value to the workshops and how can they be made more popular?
Connecting with the computer
Sandhya Sawant
Technology is fascinating. Technology is all around you. But for first time users it can also be intimidating. Here are a few tips to familiarize primary school children with the computer.
The world according to textbooks
Shree Singh
The pen is mightier than the sword and a picture speaks a thousand words. Shouldn’t we then be a little more careful when printing textbooks? We must remember that sometimes textbooks are the only reading material that children may have and they can create strong impressions. Let us be mindful and tell children that a woman too can fly an aeroplane and a man can be a hair stylist.
To tell the truth
Kamakshi Balasubramanian
Truth is central to knowledge. But how do you decide something is true? What are the characteristics of truth? As difficult as it is to define truth, there are certain conditions that a piece of knowledge has to satisfy to be considered true and therefore worthy of being imbibed.
Art on the wall
Jamuna Inamdar
One of the striking features of most Indian cities, these days, is the vibrant art coming up on their walls and pillars. Chances are that every day you are passing by some of these creations. Why not use them to learn something new? From the history of wall art to tribal paintings, to art for a cause there is a lot one can learn from a piece of drawing on a wall.
Discover, describe and draw birds
Adithi Muralidhar
It is the International Year of the Bird and no better time to learn about bird behaviour, habitat, diet and their role in the environment. Here are some activities that you can give your students to help them to get to know their birds better.