EDUCATION

Good student-teacher rapport essential
By Geetanjali Gayatri
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, June 5 — Happy with the performance of her students in the CBSE Class X examination, Mrs Santosh Bhandari, Principal of DAV English Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, is basking in the glory of having six students among those with an aggregate of 90 per cent and above.

She says, "Ever since I took over last July, I have been drilling into the heads of the staff and the students that they must never feel any competition from outside. I have discouraged that and often talked to them on the issue. The real competition springs from within which actually encourages one to improve one's performance.''

Replying to a question on what makes her school click, Mrs Bhandari adds, "The commitment of the teachers and their rapport with the students is the secret of our success. Also, a sense of belonging to the school motivates the students while we have driven home the point that besides a source of income for them, the teaching profession is an opportunity to serve humanity as far as the teachers go.'' Regular evaluation and the process of performance assessment is another plus point, she contends.

The parents of toppers from the school too have expressed satisfaction with the teaching in the school, especially since the "new principal took over the reigns of the school.'' They contend that the hard work put in by their wards was indication of the remarkable results.

Mrs Harsh Singhal opines that her son carried on with regular activities like watching television and going out with friends within the time he earmarked for the purpose. "However, we were at his throat everyday, asking him to devote more time to his studies. The result has proved that he was doing his job all along, with more emphasis on quality study rather than sitting at length with his books open only to please us. The net result is heartening,'' she contends.

"The teachers played a very constructive role in bringing out the best in our child. He has been in the school since kindergarten and the very foundation laid by his teachers brought about this result. We are thrilled with his performance especially since we were expecting a score between 80 and 85 per cent,'' Mrs Sudha Sood admits.

Her husband Ashok Sood, opines, "He is a happy-go-lucky fellow and couldn't care less. In fact, his performance has been par excellence in all classes. I think he is gifted with intelligence because we have never seen him holding a book. Any shortcoming was met by classroom teaching.''

Contending that her daughter is the responsible type, Mrs Sushma Gupta says they never needed to ask her to study. "She studied in her own way and had her own priorities throughout the year. We had no time to keep a check on her and she put our belief in her. She lived up to our expectations and proved her mettle. the school played a major role in polishing her information and that is the only secret of her success,'' she adds.

Woes of teachers opting for further studies
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 5 — Teacher desiring to pursue further studies, under a provision of the University Grants Commission (UGC), are in two minds as they find that both the government and the managing committees turn their backs while paying their salaries in Punjab colleges.

These include mainly teachers from the non-government aided colleges. A large number of them have decided not to join further studies.

The replacement for the teacher who pursues further studies on leave is paid by the UGC. The government colleges are even paying the fellows, sources said, but in the non-government aided college teacher fellows await formal clearance. The study period is of two years. However, one year extension can be given.

Teacher demand a review in the provision for non-aided colleges as Chandigarh recently has started paying teachers for the fellowship. A senior official of the Education Department, Punjab, agreeing to the problem said that managing committees of colleges should be paying teachers while on study leave. The issue was still under consideration.

In another context a recent UGC regulation says that “option for the university to exempt PhD degree holders from the NET or to require the NET in their case as a desirable or essential qualifications for appointments as a lecturer has been withdrawn. The NET will remain as a compulsory requirement for appointment as a lecturer even for candidates having PhD degree.

However, for candidates who have completed M. Phil degrees or have submitted PhD degree thesis up to December 31, 1993 have been exempted.

Eligibility conditions demand that the teacher seeking fellowship should not be more than 45 years of age, should have at least three years of teaching experience, should not have had any UGC fellowship earlier. 

Youngsters take to earning while learning

Earn while you learn. This is the new mantra for youngsters today. The advent of the new century saw youngsters, especially girls, becoming more and more career conscious and willing to go that extra yard to achieve their dream, even if it meant sweating it out. The woman of the 21st century has come of age. It is with a sense of pride that young girls are no longer content to be cocooned in their homes. They no longer want to be dependent on their family for even pocket money. This trend was seen in the metropolises but in fact catching up in Chandigarh too.

Gulnar Sahi, an independent sales manager with a leading cosmetic company, observes, "It is a great achievement to be financially independent at 20 and earn my pocket money. It has given me confidence and exposure. This career provides me an opportunity to carry on with my studies and devote time to my job as well."

A host of cosmetic companies like Avon, Aviance, Oriflame and others like Tupperware, Cutting Edge etc. have provided youngsters with tremendous earning opportunities, which are being lapped up by them.

Mini, a student of B.A says, "Being able to pursue a career at this age has not only given me a lot of self-confidence but has also made me an extrovert. I no longer ask my parents for money for any of my expenses, and the feeling of independence is very overpowering."

Evneet Kaur, another student, says, "I took the part time job as a challenge a year ago and I am not regretting my decision. I keep up with my studies besides slogging hard to complete my targets every month. I earn a decent amount and am contended."

"I not only spend the money on myself but also spend a part of it towards helping needy people," she further added.

The opportunities are enormous and well within the reach of those who dare to grab them. The sky seems to be the limit, it seems. As more and more youngsters enroll for part-time jobs, earning a decent amount of pocket money is no longer a distant dream as was true some years back.

— R. B. and A. K.

Parents, options confuse students

They are confused. Daddies say take the PMT entrance test. Moms are in favour of hotel management. Kids, well, they want to be video jockeys, go in for commerce or else join the Army. If not all this, they want to fly over the seven seas on the wings of freedom as air hostesses. Life's been a big question mark ever since the Class XII exams have ended.Parents' and child's views differ a lot. "I am not interested in pursuing medical education, but, my parents insist that I should become a doctor. With so much pressure, I am totally confused," says Ritesh Dutt.

Parents think differently. "Our perception is different. Since I have more experience, it is my duty to advise and guide my children. However, the final decision will be left to them," says Col Mohim Sharma.

Confused as they are, children have their own plans. "In case I do not clear the entrance examination, I will change my stream to commerce and pursue computer education along with studies. The information technology industry is expanding with tremendous opportunities, so, I shall study computers simultaneously with my graduation," says Suhail Sharma.

"Since computer education is a must these days, no matter what I do, I will study computers along with it. It seems to be rather interesting and informative," says Neha, another student.

"The Class XII results are out, but, I am waiting for the outcome of competitive tests which I have taken. Till the results are out, I cannot decide, but, I would love to study abroad," says Charanjit Sandhu, a non-medical student.

Puneet Sahota, a convent product, says, "I am keen on joining a BBA course abroad as the openings are many. My parents encourage me to do whatever I want to do."

"I will encourage my children to join a line which interests them, but, I have to be convinced that they are good at what they choose. Having faith and confidence in your child is an important factor," says a Senior Architect, Mr Vijay Uppal.

— A. K.

Adventure camp for children
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 5 — An adventure camp for children, organised by the Western Command, got under way at Dagshai today. As many as 150 children of serving personnel are taking part in the camp which is being conducted by the 14 Punjab (Nabha Akal) Regiment.

The aim of the camp is to develop flair for outdoor life among the participants and provide them an opportunity of being close to nature so that they can engage themselves in healthy recreation activities. The children will be able to know about the flora and fauna of the region and get a chance to inculcate in them a spirit of adventure.

During the camp the children will be given exposure of different activities like trekking, rock climbing, tent pitching, map reading, firing and lesson on first aid and life saving. Excursions and visits to nearby tourist spots and screening of movies on nature and adventure will be organised during the camp.

The children will also be given a chance to display their talent and initiative and shed their shyness by interacting with one another which will be organised during the camp.

COURTS

Administration gets notice in rape bid case
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 5 — On a petition accusing former secretary of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Council of attempting to rape a clerk's wife, Mr Justice Amarbir Singh Gill of the Punjab and Haryana High Court here has issued notice to the Chandigarh Administration.

Seeking directions to UT Administration to investigate the case "under the supervision of a gazetted officer", the alleged victim had earlier expressed apprehension that the investigating officer might not look into the allegations "in accordance with law" as accused N.S. Sitta was "a very influential person".

The victim had also alleged that the accused, along with four "unknown persons" had subsequently offered Rs 5 lakh to them for compromising the matter. He had also threatened them with dire consequences, the accused had added.

Going into the background, the victim had alleged that the accused had tried to rape her after criminally trespassing into her room on May 27. She had added that upon insistence, her family had shifted to a house in Sector 34 where the accused had his office.