394. A Different Experince

When Thanikachalam was nominated by his school to attend a seminar on "Dynamic Teaching Methods for History Teachers," he didn't have much expectation from it.

Working as a History teacher in a village school, he had, in the past, attended a few such conferences, training programs etc.

In those events, government officials and some experts would talk for hours. The speeches would be long and listless with very little substance. They would tire the participants and test their patience to the extent of exasperating them.

But the conference on "Dynamic Teaching Methods" turned out to be much different from the events of such kind. The District Education Officer (DEO) who had envisaged the seminar designed it in a novel way.

The seminar had the agenda of group discussions by the participants, who were History teachers from various schools, on topics like preparing lesson plans, methods of teaching, challenges in teaching, and strategies for making the students develop interest in learning history, by sharing the participant teachers' experiences, issues faced by them and possible solutions.

In his introductory, speech, the DEO briefly explained about the seminar process. After this, the participant teachers were divided into groups of 15 people.

In his introductory talk, the DEO had explained how each group should hold discussions, model classes etc. on the topic given to the group, strictly following the time schedule for each activity.

Looking at his group members, initially, Thanikachalam felt somewhat overwhelmed. Most of the people in his group appeared to be more sophisticated and more talented than him. They also appeared to possess a level of self-confidence much above his.

He doubted whether they would consider him their equal and give him the importance due to him during the interactions. He was also apprehensive that since his command over English was poor, those people in his group who were fluent in English won't respect him, He also doubted his own ability to communicate with them effectively. .

During the discussions in the first session that took place in the forenoon of the first day, Thanikachalam deliberately limited his participation. 

A couple of others in his group also showed reluctance to participate in the discussions. It appeared that Thanikachalam's apprehensions would come true!

During the lunch interval, Thanikachalam interacted with only those who, like him, had kept aloof during the discussions.

During the afternoon session, the tightness among the members began to ease, with every one beginning to reach out to others. Some of the members, perceived by Thanikachalam to be highbrow, smiled at him and began to converse with him. 

However, a couple of people still confined the discussion among themselves, ignoring the presence of others. Particularly, a lady by name Sudha, who appeared to belong to an elitist section of the society, did not even look at him once.

As per the agenda, the members of his group were sharing their teaching methods and strategies. When Thanikachalam shared his practices, every one appeared to pay attention. Even Sudha listened to him keenly. At one point, she even said, "A little louder, please. I can't hear some of your words."

After he had completed his presentation, some members openly applauded his approach. 

One of the members, whom Thanikachalam had considered highbrow, asked him, "Your approach will make the students listen to the teacher, alright. But our task is to make the students crack the examination. Will your method help in achieving this objective?"

Several others nodded their heads, indicating that they too had that doubt.

Thanikachalam said, "Sir! If the students get interested in the subject, they will read the textbook. They will also prepare themselves for the examination. Don't we also prepare them for the examination, by giving them questions and making them answer them?"

As the final event of the day, everyone gave a ten minute demo of how they taught the class. Thanikachalam's demo was appreciated by every one.

"When you first explained your methods of teaching, I had some doubts about their effectiveness. But after seeing your demo, I have a better understanding of your methodology. I think I will also try it in my class, once I go back!" said Sudha.

"Thank you, madam!" said Thanikachalam, overwhelmed by her sincere appreciation.

"I think I am younger than you. Don't make me feel old, by calling me 'madam'" said Sudha.

Every one laughed.

When the group met for the second day, the atmosphere was like the one during the get-together of friends. The tenseness felt on the first day had completely eased out. Every one participated in the discussions with energy and enthusiasm. When the afternoon session had ended, the day appeared to have passed off swiftly.

After the concluding address of the DEO, it was time for the participants to leave home.

"I have participated in several events like this in the past. But I have never felt so happy and satisfied as I feel now" said Thanikachalam.

"In other such events, we were listening to the long speeches of experts and officials, patiently waiting when the event would get over and we would be free to go home! But, in this seminar, we discussed topics relevant to our profession, by sharing our ideas and experiences. No wonder, this has turned out to be a wonderful experience for all of us" said another member of the group.

"We were grouped together to discuss things related to our profession, Spending the past two days together, discussing freely among us has created a bond among us. Now, I feel painful that I have to take leave of all of you!" said Sudha.

Thanikachalam said, "I suggest that every one collects the contact details of every one else. Those who have a telephone at home may share their phone numbers too. We live in different places but all these places are within this district. So, we can meet at some place, once in a year or so. If someone visits my town, please come to my house. I will also visit you, if I come to your place."

Everyone took out their pens to note down the contact details of others, as suggested by Thanilachalam.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 40
Education

Verse 394 (in Tamil):

uvappath thalaikkUdi uLLappiridhal
anaiththE pulavar thozhil.

Meaning:

It is the practice of the learned to meet together with joy and part with heavy hearts.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'oru pudhiya anubhavam' by the same author.)

Verse 395
Verse 393