Bringing the joy back to teaching-learning

An interesting classroom session brings a sparkle to the eyes of students. It excites and drives them to engage with learning experiences in a fun-filled manner. Focusing on how activity-based learning must be practised in all classrooms, the National Service Scheme, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and School of Education of Apeejay Stya University, in association with the Rotaract Club of Apeejay Stya University Gurugram, recently hosted a webinar themed: Game and Story Method for Joyful Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Ritu Bala Aggarwal, a renowned Mathematician and educationist, was the guest speaker at the webinar. 

Known as the Mathematics Magician, Dr. Aggarwal, who has published more than 50 research papers in both international and national scientific journals, initiated an interactive session with the participants via innovative and exciting games. She spoke about various Vedic math sutras and taught quick tricks of multiplying a five digit number with 99999. Further, the participants learnt about two key sutras, Ekanyunena Purvena Sutra and Nikhilam Navataha, to solve a mathematical problem.

Highlighting one of the famous quotes by Swami Vivekananda that ‘a good teacher always teaches from the heart, not from books’, she said, “One day with a great teacher is better than a thousand days of diligent study.”

The webinar was attended by more than 50 participants. Said Piyush, first-year student pursuing B. Design from School of Design & Visual Arts, ASU: “It was a really interesting session. I learned about the tricks which are very helpful to solve difficult five digit multiplications in no time. These quick gaming methods make it fun to crack mathematical problems on a daily basis.” 

“Teachers aim to improve the teaching and learning experiences for their students. And this could be done by using innovative low-cost methods. The solutions to make everyday learning interesting and engaging in the classroom are around us. These are as simple as integrating the art of story-telling while teaching students.” 

–DR. VIJAY KUMAR, TEACHER EDUCATOR, SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, APEEJAY STYA