Where government school students are second to none

Students of Santabommali Government school participating in a mock interview conducted in a novel way. Photo: Basheer.

Who says government school students cannot compete with children studying in so-called techno schools? If anybody visits government high school in Santabommali they will be surprised after observing teaching techniques being adopted in the school.

Many students are good at English and conscious about the happenings in the world, thanks to adoption of innovative teaching methods. Apart from following regular syllabus, teachers of the school frequently conduct English learning programmes, mock interviews and group discussions for the children. Their aim is to instil confidence among the students and make them face challenges easily when they grow up.

Language skills

English teacher P. Mohana Rao says students of rural areas are second to none if they are properly trained from young age. “We make them love the English language. They read ‘Young World’ page of The Hindu regularly. It has helped them improve their language skills and think innovatively. Our aim is to remove stage fear among kids so that they can face interviews and group discussion easily after completion of higher students. Moreover, they don’t need to worry about English medium education at engineering colleges and other institutions,” he added. Socio-economic problems such as dowry system, crime against women, vulgarity in movies and other things are discussed during training programmes.

Motivational stories

Stories of freedom fighters and great personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Swami Vivekananda and Abdul Kalam are also taught in the school. After listening, the students have to tell the stories in English. The technique is helping them improve their vocabulary and pronunciation skills. The students are also responding positively for training programmes with inclusion of an element of fun. The teachers are conducting dramas, games and sports to involve more students, with enthusiasm. “Initially we were scared of training programmes. But the teachers made it enjoyable apart from making us understand the importance of English in society,” said Murali, a student.