Children engage in local teaching and learning sessions at Midland Kohima. (MExPix)
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | March 4
In what can be termed as practicing the skill of teaching profession or facilitating the spirit of learning together in the stage of early education, Saturday is a special day for some nursery students in a certain location of Midland, Kohima as they teach and learn together at home.
Senior students (normally ranging from Class III to IV) act as ‘Sirs’ or ‘Madams’ and impart lessons to junior students (Class A-II). They are studying at various educational institutions in Kohima. The juniors seem anxious to learn something from these sessions, which are held every Saturday. Junior students come with their own seats for the sessions.
Attending this session with text books and pens is compulsory. The acting ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ tries to instruct the junior mainly on reading and writing alphabets and numericals and not forgetting Quiz.
The acting ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ uses a wooden window as blackboard. Further, in the absence of chalk, a piece charcoal is used for writing.
During sessions, the acting ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ also demand that their wards memorize lessons. In the event of any junior failing to give a correct answer, the acting ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ ‘punishes’ them by hitting their hands with a small stick.
English forms the common language of conversation during the session. Another interesting feature is that the juniors sincerely address the acting teacher as ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam.’
Normally, a session takes around 30 minutes. However, sometimes it goes on for nearly an hour ‘depending on the seriousness of both sides’ (acting teachers and students).
Undoubtedly, this novel session has elicited much appreciation as the parents apparently desire their kids to dedicate more time to study.
Though it is a small beginning, the impact appears loud and positive as it has indicated an alternative ground of learning at home.
