Jleeb, February 17: Asking questions effectively is a powerful tool in the hands of a teacher who guides his or her students to think critically and creatively. Exploring this unique technique is a predominant part of the teaching-learning process. Indian Educational School conducted a virtual program, namely Question to Question on 17 February 2021 which was a part of its novel initiative-Meet the Expert.
To question a wise man is the beginning of wisdom. Mr. N. K. Ramachandran Menon, chairman, Bhavans Middle East was requested to be the expert for the session. The session was exclusively conducted for the students of grade 4. Kevin Jinu Varghese, a student of 4E welcomed the gathering with verbal bouquets of warm welcome.
The day embarked with a thought-provoking speech on the Importance of Questioning by Mr. T. Premkumar, principal, Indian Educational School. He said that the art and science of asking questions has created a wealth of knowledge. He emphasized the importance of asking good questions that pave the way for good answers. He added that asking good questions was a powerful tool not only in the hands of pedagogues but also in the hands of inquisitive pupils. He encouraged the students to benefit by asking questions to the expert of the day Mr. N.K. Ramachandran Menon who is known for his cornucopia of experience and rationality.
The students asked many an assorted but interesting question on taking risks, the influence of a person on a child’s life, role of an employee, the role of an entrepreneur, passion, the pandemic, tips to be successful in life, education, motivation, so on and so forth. The expert aptly used counter questions, funnel questions, leading questions, open and close ended questions to answer the questions asked by the children. The students could learn the art of framing questions from the veteran educationalist.
Ms. Lalitha Premkumar, vice principal, the kindergarten and primary wings summarized the key points discussed in the meeting and thanked Mr. N.K. Ramachandran Menon, chairman, Bhavans Middle East for sharing his wisdom with the children. Ms. Meenakshi Nayyar, vice principal, middle wing, IES lauded the erudite visionary for adopting cross-questioning technique during the discussion and suggested that teachers should incorporate the same strategy in the teaching-learning process. Ms. Anselma Tessy Judeson, vice principal, senior wing, IES presented the closing thoughts. She advised the young Bhavanites to be attentive to understand the concepts. She persuaded students to ask questions whenever there was a speck of doubt about any of the concepts. She encouraged students to ask as many questions as possible to their teachers and parents. Ms. Muneera Mammikutty, the HoD, English, primary wing coordinated the program excellently. The emcee of the day was Abhijith S. Krishna, a student of 4A. The day culminated with a vote of thanks proposed by Advika Ram, a student of 4 F.