Remembering Gandhi

On 28 November, we had a class on Gandhian Studies by Dr. V. Reghu, Asst. Director. Centre for Adult Continuing Education University of Kerala and Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development.

Sir had given us a brief history of the forgotten events in the life of Gandhi and showed us several glimpses of the Richard Attenborough movie 'Gandhi'. 

Dr. Reghu divided us into groups of 7 and gave us several excerpts of Gandhi's autobiography, 'My Experiments with Truth' which were to be read analysed and discussed as a class. The excerpts dealt with the subject matter of gender equality, Gandhi's response to Winston Churchill's reference of him as a 'naked fakir', Gandhi's letter to Sarojini Naidu, Gandhi's letter to Kasturba during her illness etc. 

The session was indeed worthwhile as Mr. Reghu reinstated the eternal relevance of "victory of virtue over vice".

A Good Orator: A Better Teacher

On 27 November, we had a session on the importance of oratory skills and ways to enhance it by Dr. Joju John, Assistant professor of Mar Theophilus Training college. He is a motivational speaker pursuing a programme called 'Subhachinda' in Akashavani.

Initially the class was theoretical in nature wherein he spoke of the essentials of good oration and its skillful procedure. Then he stated the fundamentals of good orations as;

• Appearance
• Thoughtful beginning
• Innovative ideas
• Humour
• Puzzles
• Energy
• Passion
• Self confidence
• Content knowledge
• Authenticity
• Voice modulation
• KISS - Keep It short and simple
• Connection with audience
• Repetition of main points
• Intriguing element
• Clarity in thought and words

The latter session included a spontaneous activity where students were asked to speak on a topic for 2 minutes and their performance was gauged with a rubrics to scale their performance and enhance it in future.

Scientific Temper: Need of the hour!

On 25 November, we had a session by Mr. Adarsh. A. O, Chemical process Operator of Kerala Metals and Minerals. The class was organized by the alumni association of Christ Nagar College of Education. 

Sir gave us several instances of misconceptions that happened to turn out as popular beliefs. He reinstated the attribute of rational thinking and scientific temper as a  mandatory quality in teachers.

Hakuna matata!

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude”

                                                        Zig Ziglar

On 22 November, we had a session on stress management held by the most eminent resource person in the field; the man who knew it inside out, Dr. S. Gopakumar, Associate Professor,  Dept of Roganidana Govt Ayurveda College,Trivandrum, Kerala.

It was indeed one of the best resource classes we had received so far. It was an emphatic session and the three hours engaged by sir left us so full with energy and enthusiasm. He made us understand and accept the fact the stress in life is inevitable but our reaction to it can be effectively managed by the simple act of being mindful, which would help us to derive the best possible solution to all situations. 

He subjected us to a stress analysis test in the form of a questionnaire so that we could analyze our own level of stress after which he gave us several techniques of relaxation including Nadisudhi Pranayama. 

Mr. Gopakumar concluded the session by informing us on the significance of performing a SWOT analysis once in a while so that we could analyse our difficulty, find the best possible solution to it and implement it accordingly so that we could enjoy our lives to the fullest without being entangled in perpetual anxiety. 

Dear Teacher...know your worth!

Close reading recommended! 

Aided Learning

Knowledge or learning is not something to be limited to books and examinations. The more you crave to play with it, the more interesting and valuable it becomes.

We were to create a model in relation to our optional subject and I decided to try something that I can ask my students to do as well once I get to teaching. The one difficulty I faced during my school phase was this struggle in remembering formulas (particularly math). The solution I had figured then was to have it before my eyes i.e, having it stuck on the walls of my room. Since that seemed to be quite outdated, I decided to try out making a lamp shade as it seemed less boring than being stuck on a wall. So here's my idea in flesh.. 

A lampshade out of a Surf Excel box.. Happy learning!

Capacity Building Programme

As a part of our paper Developmental Perspectives of the Learner (Psychology); we were to have a capacity building programme. As a class, we decided to have presentations on the process of how we have developed our talents through the years. I made a presentation on paintings; glass painting and acrylic painting both the knowledge of which I had acquired by watching online tutorials. I had spoken on the aspect of 'improvisation' and the varied dimensions it provides in the task of development.

Glass paintings..

Acrylic Painting...

Capacity Building Activity

As a part of our paper Philosophical Foundations of Education, we were to present a capacity building activity. We decided to have an optional wise exhibition. The students of English optional decided to do an exhibition on Eminent Writers in English. I had chosen 'Robert Frost'. 

A short bio of Robert Frost..

Get Creative!

All of us, the students pursuing the course of Bachelor of Education is indeed indebted to the authorities who has drafted our curriculum giving optimum importance to the honing of creative skills. Only a creative teacher, can give the best of learning experiences to their students catering to their tastes and interests. 

Among us, three student teachers were selected to take sessions on card making, glass painting and fabric painting as prescribed in our curriculum as a part of Art Education. One of our seniors Sr. Delna CMC, took the session on card making, Joshna Chandran on fabric painting and myself on glass painting. The three of us gave the initial impetus to our classmates and then gave them the opportunity to explore on their creative skills, The results were spectacular!

My works...

Special thanks to Joshna for giving me proper instructions on learning the art of fabric painting. First attempt on fabric painting- Kerala Mural!

Oath Taking Ceremony 2019-20

On November 1, 2019 the auspicious day marking the 63rd birthday of our state Kerala; we, the newly elected union members had our oath taking ceremony and we assumed our charges as the office bearers through an official function. I was humbled and honored to take charge as the Magazine Editor of 2019-20 and was overjoyed to have assumed the office, pledging upon the instructions and advises given by our beloved Principal, Dr. M.S. Geetha.