Student Engagement in the First Class

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In my first class at a government school in Gangwa district, Haryana, I took a different approach. I arrived prepared with the syllabus but had something else in mind. After a quick introduction, I surprised the students by asking about their favorite sport. Many eagerly responded with cricket and football, while some liked tennis. Sheetal, curiously, answered Chess, which is indeed a sport, and not a game, as she was quick to clarify.

Next, I asked the students about their favorite subjects. This time, they responded with more enthusiasm. The class showed interest in a many subjects, physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and some were interested in social sciences as well.

Then, I posed an out-of-syllabus question: What are your goals? Some students aspired to join IITs, while others dreamed of becoming doctors. One student shared his ambition of joining the NDA. I praised his aspiration and told him that I was also an NDA aspirant and had joined the NCC. His eyes lit up as he eagerly asked if I wanted to join the Army, Air Force, or Navy. Since ours was an Air Force wing, I replied, "Air Force," but jokingly added that I was too tall to fit in planes, and so I couldn’t join. The entire class burst into laughter, and we shared a great moment together. Encouraged by this interaction, other students started sharing their aspirations as well. I advised them to keep their options open and explore different opportunities.

Before we knew it, the one-hour class was over—without having touched the syllabus I had prepared. Well, at least I didn’t have to prepare for the next class; I could simply use the same notes!

Anant M

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