‘Nothing can replace holding a good book.’
Usha Reddy, principal of Meridian School, was among the first principals to be trained to implement CCE by the CBSE board. As we speak to her we see somebody who is candid, soft-spoken, and shaped by many years of work.
What do you think of digitally-aided teaching in classrooms?
I have a mixed view about it. Children in pre-primary and primary classes need to explore the world by themselves without any aid from technology. I don’t advise using a digital medium to teach them, it hampers their latent creativity. We must let them enjoy hands-on experiments to explore the world around them in a sensatorial way.
But for higher classes digital teaching tools come handy when we have to talk about abstract concepts like galaxies, distant planets, formation of volcanic mountains, or conditions within the layers of earth. Another aspect is that visuals can make a great impact – if students are needed to write a poem on the Tsunami episode then why not first have them watch related scenes in class? They will relate to it and write better.
But for other concepts I advise teachers to depend least on digital aids – it’s better to offer them hands-on experiments that can demonstrate concepts.
Also, students in higher classes have an urge to learn by themselves so tablets and internet are handy. But we need to take certain precautions like blocking adult sites. The habit of reading books should also be inculcated on the side. For people of my generation, nothing can replace holding a good book in hand.
What do you think of the way CCE is being implemented?
CCE has been dynamic and subject to many changes. Today, a student who is not academically very good but excels in a sport is being encouraged to pursue his or her activity on the sporting ground by the parents. Thanks to the system, it adds to his overall score throughout the year. There are so many co-scholastic activities that evaluate.
What do you think of open-book tests?
Right now, the format applies to only 10 marks right now in the exams. The students have the material to prepare from for this. I see this as an opportunity for a student to think and take a stance. Life is full of decision-making and students must learn to take a stance on various issues wherever they go later on in life. So, the student can write properly substantiated analytical answers. This is especially true in Social Studies.
How important is having counselors in school?
It is important. Teachers are doing good job counseling and dealing with children’s emotional problems at Meridian but we have to keep in mind they have 30 students to take care of per class. They can’t do everything. Career counseling is also vital. So, we leave it to the professionals.
How do you handle cases of bullying?
I counsel both the bully and the victim. On second thoughts, I don’t call it bullying, it’s just teasing. It starts off playfully but soon affects self-esteem. I always say that everybody is different – somebody is very short and someone else is fat! It is okay. There is an obese student in one of the sections, we ask him to be confident and focus on many of his positives even as we encourage him to exercise.
What are your toughest moments as a principal?
I tend to get attached to the staff members and students. One of my dear students right now is battling a life-threatening ailment. I see his bright face every day and it touches me very much. Professionally, every day is a challenge.
What is your advise to the new principals?
They must understand that one size doesn’t fit all, we need to be empathetic and understand other people’s difficulties. Just be one among the staff, students, and parents. Don’t ever sit on a pedestal and lose touch with the pulse of your school. Most importantly, we must make sure we are good listeners – as principals, there is a tendency among us to speak too much (Smiles).
