Interview with Amit Banage - Teacher, Mumbai, India

Interview with Amit Banage - Teacher, Mumbai, India

Profession : Teacher, Bhavishya yaan: Mumbai, India

Born and brought up in the suburbs of Mumbai, Amit has been in the field of teaching since 2000 and has taken the concept of teaching students to the next level with his own and innovative theory of blending speech and song to create a more activity oriented classroom atmosphere to develop interest for the language among the students. He realized that various currently accepted experiments on various projects helped him realize that the regular school teaching has very less effect on the child.

Come and hear his story and showcase of self made vision and get a glimpse of a radically new technique of teaching that could revolutionize the way we look at our educational system with value and quality.

1.    What inspired you into teaching?  

India is the land of Guru – Disciple relationships which has always captivated my mind. From stories of Kings and Warriors to Scholars and Scribes I was inspired with the unique messages that each had to bring forth and yet saw the disconnect with the learnings we take in today’s world.

I was fortunate to be mentored by quality teachers who believed in imparting knowledge than just educating for its sake as seems to be the trend these days. This played an important role as listening to spiritual discourses, helped me develop  a craving to be a teacher.

         2.  How did you get connected to Project Vidya ?

After graduating from St. Xavier’s College, I got a job at an English Medium School but was disappointed by the monotonous and routine style of work. I took a job in a N.G.O. which is a social wing of Sun Pharma company. Through this N.G.O., I worked in B.M.C. School in Chembur for 2 years, experimenting various activities and methods and for the first time, the Municipal School Kids stood on the stage and sang patriotic songs in English during the Republic Day celebrations. I was since then, promoted and became a Master trainer [teachers' trainer] at the headquarters of this N.G.O. in Ambernath.

It was during this time that the Rotary club in partnership with VIDYA was planning to introduce Bhavishya yaan project. The then Head Master  recommended my name and thus I was selected by Bhavishya yaan. Thus, i came in contact with VIDYA.

               3.       How has this Job Role and Vision changed the life around you?

Working with Vidya has helped me realize that to ensure effective learning, it is very necessary to create a non-threatening atmosphere in the classroom. Here there is no competition and every individual is unique and important.

Being with Vidya has not only helped me to grow above my prevailing circumstances  and explore new avenues chief being motivating women to being self reliant.  

              4.      What is your type of teaching?

 “A good teacher is not one, who teaches well, but one who makes the students learn by themselves”. This is my philosophy of teaching. A teacher is just a facilitator who provides learning atmosphere and opportunities to the learners. It is activity oriented learning. Students participate in the classroom activities and come out with creative learning outcome. The strength of the class does not exceed 25.

In addition to this, I have introduced a new concept in teaching -learning activity. Since it is difficult to memorize  tables and rules of grammar, whereas, it is easy to learn songs and poems with tunes, I give tunes to various contents like vocabulary and rules. This is done with many regional songs being  translated by me in English to assist. This concept is named as 'Sing and Speak English'.

For example, the famous song 'Ai mere watan ke logo' was translated in English by me. Students of B.M.C. Ghatla school even presented this song in English, on Republic Day celebration.

I was awarded with a certificate by Rotary International for inspiring and motivating the kids to speak without fear.

              5.      How has it shown benefits in the lives of the students?

Students have gained confidence in speaking English. They participate in activities that enhance their capabilities through interesting activities and songs. Many a student at the under privileged school that I teach in have left the class with more than just self confidence but also reassured that they not only have a reinforced sense of self belief but that they can move out into regular society as an equal.

             6.      Why is this approach of teaching going to be beneficial if adopted by teachers nation wide?

Today, teachers are burdened with routine clerical work while parents have become' Marksist' in their attitude and approach. Removing the fear of exams from their minds and creating a conducive environment through song and innovative techniques could turn the education system up a notch.

Besides, Today, we are following the same old chalk and talk method of teaching, in the classrooms. As a result, learning process has become monotonous and boring. Hence, to develop interest in studies among students, alternate teaching methods have to be adopted.  Teaching methods should be student- oriented, age appropriate, and should enhance in creating a non-threatening atmosphere in the classroom.

All the five sensory organs should be considered before framing activities. It is rightly said, 'I hear, I will forget... I see, I may forget...but if I do..I shall remember forever. Hence, along with auditory and visual, psycho motor activities should also be involved.

The main aim of teaching should be to create conducive atmosphere for learning, making the learning process interesting and fun oriented. Students should enjoy learning.

          7.      How does this help you in your goal?

As a teacher, our goal is to provide opportunities to the students, for their all round development. Activity oriented teaching helps to identify the innate tendencies and qualities of the students. A student, not good in studies, can be excellent in craft and drawing. 

 A student may dislike reading, but he may be good in singing. Thus,interest can be cultivated in students, using methods, favorable for the students. I remember a student, who was weak in tables...but liked to sing. So i composed a song based on tables and this student was the first one to learn it.

In activity based teaching, the trainer is merely a facilitator and an observer. His role is to monitor the activities and the participants, and try to understand the inclination of their nature and interest.