Rote learning should give way to informal learning, says former Madras varsity V-C

Cheran, film director, releasing the souvenir at the valedictory of the 60th anniversary celebration of the 1954-55 VI Form Batch of the Municipal High School, Nellorepettai, Gudiyatham held at the VIT University in Vellore on Sunday. G. Viswanathan, VIT Chancellor, receives the first copy. Justice P. Baskaran, former Judge of the Madras High Court, (right) and Sankar Viswanathan, vice-president of VIT, are in the picture. -Photo: Special Arrangement

Rote learning should give way to informal learning from peers in the classroom in schools in order to make education meaningful, according to A. Gnanam, former Vice-Chancellor of Madras University.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the 1954-55 VI Form Batch of the Municipal High School, Nellorepettai, Gudiyatham held at the VIT University here on Sunday, Dr. Gnanam said that students who study in the government and aided schools do not shine in college in view of the stress on rote learning in schools.

The former V-C said that education is only a communication skill.

“Students are transformed not because of school education in schools, but due to the community in which they live. One gets enormous inspiration from parents, teaches and the society at large”, he said.

Dr. Gnanam wanted school teachers to be paid well. As many prefer to take up teaching as a profession, more number of colleges should be begun to produce more teachers for schools, he said.

G. Viswanathan, Chancellor of VIT University and president of the 60th anniversary celebration committee of the 1954-55 batch of the Gudiyatham School presided over the function.

He wanted India to take full advantage of its demographic dividend which it enjoys in view of the high proportion of youth in its population.

“We can reap the benefits of this demographic dividend only by providing quality education to the youth”, he said.

Cheran, film director pleaded for a revamp of the school syllabus in tune with the times. Aptitude test should be conducted for the students in schools and they should be allowed and encouraged to pursue the subject or field in which they are interested.

He also stressed the need for teaching of basic skills required of everyone in school, such as undertaking minor repairs to two-wheelers and cars.

Souvenir release

Mr. Cheran released the souvenir and the first copy was received by Mr. Viswanathan. P. Baskaran, former Judge of the Madras High Court and V.P. Narayanan, former Vice-Chancellor of the Madras Medical College and Research Institute participated. V. Padhumanar, secretary of the celebration committee compered the proceedings.