CLASS NOTES

ACTOR RADHIKA APTE BELIEVES THAT A SCHOOL SHOULD HELP STUDENTS NURTURE THEIR INTERESTS

On attending a progressive learning centre as a child

My school—Aksharnandan School, Pune, believes in self-learning and competition—not with fellow pupils but more with yourself. It also believes in education through regional languages as it helps to establish roots. The school doesn’t focus on career building as much as making children aware that they have a mind of their own and helps them nurture their specific interests.

A different pedagogy

Projects had to be done in groups or individually rather than studying the subject from textbook. We visited places such as farms and factories so we could actually see the functioning of an organisation rather than study it only for exams. We had a free timetable for two weeks every year which had to be designed by the students themselves. It was interesting to see how a group of children negotiated their schedule, what they prioritised and without skipping anything that was necessary.

On the joy of learning

My mathematics teacher Geeta Mahashabde made the subject feel like a new mystery that had to be solved by the end of the day. Sometimes she only read out stories. One couldn’t find a direct connection with the story and the subject. But it somehow always came together. Theatre was taught by Nandita Wagle and Paresh Mokashi— an interesting duo who through their teaching methods developed a unique relationship with students.

Why alternative schooling?

We need to change our approach towards education and take away the pressure of career building. Children need to flourish, feel free and learn the essential values that are going to help the world be different tomorrow. We need to teach them that no job is inferior, that there are simple ways to find happiness and that we have freedom of thought, speech and right to question. It’s essential to find a school which works on this philosophy.