Links to (the) articles of specific interest written by educators :

• Schools as Knowledge Building Organizations - This article by Marlene Scardamalia and Carl Bereiter discusses the way in which "the schools can become learning organizations to realize their potential in a knowledge society". It explores the "more radical transformation, in which the basic job of the school is altered" rather than the more traditional way of "an overhaul in management and the organization of work".
  
• Educators Emphasize Teacher Training in Technology : I An interesting in-depth analysis of the need for training in technology for teachers of today.
  
• Reading Materials :I For those who are convinced that reading and writing can not be replaced by watching movies and videos. An useful resource for accessing reading materials that may be used to inculcate the reading habit even while using the net.

[ For your personal experiences or ideas actually originating in the class-room that challenged or contributed to your knowledge about teaching , learning , students' behavior or any other issues ]

In 1993 I started teaching environmental science to classes VI and VII ( average age 10 -13 years) in a school located in the industrial suburb of New Delhi with high degree of environmental pollution. I was surprised to find that the students were unaware of their environmental problems, in particular the nature of industrial pollution they were being exposed to. Somehow, for them it was not something to be worried about as they had grown up in it (and they have learnt to live with it). As a result the response and enthu for the projects I wished to take up in the area were not encouraging to start with. When I discussed the issue with other teachers I found their experience was similar. Then came the sudden idea and I decided to take a section (a group of about 40 students) to a remote hilly area for a week. The exposure to greenery, access to the stream of pure water (as compared to highly polluted Yamuna river they were accustomed to) and unpolluted air did the trick. They seemed to understand what they missed. Their attitude to the environment changed and about 20 of them formed a voluntary group. Today, they are in class XII and have been instrumental in raising the general awareness to the pollution issues in their neighbourhood. By joining hands with an NGO working in this area they have been able to ensure that the pollutant units take measures to control pollution. Even the government has recognised their contribution and awarded the school a special prize for their initiative. The visit to the hill did pay handsome dividend !

( Ms. A. P. Ghosh. Delhi    [email protected])

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