At Adharshila, students from
6th to 10th grade (ages 12-18) are also student teachers, aka Shikshan
Mitras. They teach primary schoolers and lead baal samoohs (Children's Groups). You can also see these Shikshan Mitra profiles .
Our Shikshan Mitras managed the primary section show from 6 in the
morning to 2 in the afternoon, non stop. They did a great job. In the process they also read
Gijubhai’s Divaswapna, made teaching aids and thought a lot about education of adivasi children.
Actually this concept of children helping other children to learn was
being practiced since the very first year, but for the last few years it has tken its own form, and children have been able to take independent responsibility. They've even helped train teachers from neighbouring schools.
We have been trying to create a climate where every year some children
opt to teach while studying. So a flow of student teachers is
maintained. The role models have now been created and we are sure that
every year some children will opt for this programme. As for the post
8th students it is compulsory as this is a condition for admission after
8th .
We are trying to achieve this for middle school also.
Why? And what about the quality of teaching?
Why? Mainly because, one, it is difficult to get good teachers. Those
who pass the 12th are constantly on the look out for government jobs.
They come and go every year.
Two, it is much easier for these students to use alternative methods for teaching as they have gone through it themselves.
Three, small children are much more comfortable with children than with adults.
Very early we were convinced that we have to motivate the children to
learn on their own. And the child’s learning programme should not be
dependent on teachers too much.
And finally another reason is economics.
We cannot say that all children are great teachers. They too are good
and bad. Teaching is a very conscious exercise. But we have found that
as far as skill transferring is concerned they are at par with adult
teachers. For the understanding of concepts we have to design learning
tools and exercises so that concepts are cleared in the process of doing
these. Even the elder teachers are not able to go into concepts as they
themselves have not learnt them. They too have just passed exams.
(Remember we are talking about a tribal area in Madhya Pradesh where
until now any body who passed the 12th and had fifty grand could become
a teacher.)
Some children tend to come into adult mode as soon as they become
teachers. But this is what we talk about in the weekly meetings: their
behavior in class and their relationship with children.
All said and done we think it is a better system. At least the terror of
"the teacher" is not there. If the child can go through primary school
without fear it is much better than a lot of learning.
Hey, when do these Shikshan Mitras study?
The Primary and Middle Section timings are staggered. Simple. There is
an overlap. Some of these Mitras help only in their free time. Some who
do the full act study after the school and night. They stay on the
campus. You can see an English class or an involved discussion on the
Narmada Dam at 10 in the night.
After this first step, the success of this program depends on...
* The flow of older children opting to help in running the school. To
maintain the flow we have started giving a fee concession to children
who do full time. We are also giving a scholarship to children who stay
with us after 10th. We have also promised to provide part financial help
in their higher studies.
* On the quality of learning material, games, exercises that we use or
make. Two four day workshops were conducted to prepare learning aids for
the primary section. Another one week workshop will be held in June.
* It also depends on the learning environment. As of now it is 75%
classroom and blackboard based. We are trying to move away from this by
developing learning aids.
* Training of these Shikshan Mitras to enhance their skills and
knowledge. This is a continuous process which is going on. They need
intensive training.