With
the first phase of the program complete, we are amazed with
the enthusiasm shown by the children. The children have become
more thoughtful and inquisitive, realizing that their actions
have reactions. They have become sensitive to the effect of
their actions on the world around them, thinking before acting
- Does my action harm anybody? Is it for the good of all?
Another
experiment that has been found to be very successful in this
program is teaching through aural reception only. The students
were encouraged to hear very attentively and interact in the
class by asking questions etc. There were no books to learn
from. This was the mode of learning in the ancient times.
The stress was on hearing and implementing, rather than memorizing
and relegating it to the 'academics only' section of children's
memory. The mode of instruction was that of short stories,
that helped make the subject matter easy to remember. On testing
the students it was found that the understanding of difficult
concepts was remarkable by this method. Even apparently weak
students performed well, with a class average of above 60%
marks! Some
remarks from the students themselves:
Says
Manali, I cannot wait for the Dhira program to start next
year; it was so great! I learned so much. Earlier I was a
shy person, now after Dhira, I feel confident to go and make
a speech on stage.
Priya
feels that the Dhira program gave her an exposure of India
that she never knew. India is so great!
Nishit
is unhappy that the Dhira program is not a part of his school
curriculum. He very much enjoyed learning under a tree, and
feel that what he learned is going to be very useful all his
life.
