An enlivening experience with studies

BANGALORE: Qualitatively it was a classroom with a difference for about 220 SSLC students. No harsh scolding and threat of beatings by the teachers. All that the students experienced was an inter-personal communication with their teachers.    The occasion was motivation and special coaching classes for SSLC students who are residents of the backward class hostels of Bangalore Urban and Rural districts. Conceived by Principal Secretary of Social Welfare Department E Venkataiah, teachers in science, mathematics, English and social studies are coaching these students on Saturday and Sunday in the auditorium of Devaraj Urs Bhavan.    “I could not believe that mathematics is so easy to understand. I think the informal atmosphere in which it was taught helped me grasp it quickly,” said Kalavathi, a student from Tubugere in Doddaballapur taluk. Another student said she did not hesitate to ask questions as the “master” was courteous and kind - something which she could not do in her regular school. Similar were the experience of scores of students.    Venkataiah said the concept is not just to conduct subject-specific classes but also to motivate the students to keep lofty ideals and need for strong commitment to achieve higher goals.    “For this, we have made the former boarders of our BC Hostels, who are now in good positions in various fields, to speak and motivate the students,” he explained.