American Vs. Indian Schools print story
October 12, 2012
I have learned very quickly that the way that an Indian school works is very different from the way that American schools work. From meditation to start the day to actual respect for teachers (who knew THAT existed!?!) Indian schools are completely foreign from any school I have ever attended. • The day starts with meditation to clear ones mind for learning
• There are no desks or chairs, everyone sits on the floor. Apparently, every Indian in the world can sit cross legged for 7 hours straight. I, however, can not.
• There are no worksheets, the teachers write each lesson and activity individually into each student’s notebook
• The students make and serve (literally on a platter) tea and biscuits the the teachers multiple times a day
• Physical contact with students is encouraged rather then frowned upon. This includes hugging, kissing, holding hands, etc
• Of, course I try to be patient, but when a student really pushes my buttons and I reprimand them the others literally clap and congratulate me. They support the teacher in punishing fellow students
• Students always call the teachers Ma’am or Sir
• There is more of an emphasis on getting the answer right than actually learning the material; Project Why is working to change this mentality
• It is perfectly acceptable for an older student to correct and grade work of a younger student
• It is also perfectly acceptable for students to hit each other to keep one another in line
• Students literally spend half of their time trying to help the teachers out or getting things for them. If a teacher asked me to go get her purse from the other room because she didn’t want to get up I would have laughed. Any of the students would do this without me asking, in fact, they usually collect my things for me at the end of the day and pack my bag for me. There is a lot of emphasis on doing things for the teachers, it is seen as a form of respect
• Education is only free for ages 6-14, and only for students without disabilities
• Teachers are allowed to call and text during class, they use this right liberally.
• There isn’t really a curriculum, it is more a free for all (I assume that government schools have a bit more structure, but I don’t think they have set guidelines for what they have to teach)
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