Teacher wins national award
Vasanthy Parasuraman prefers the play-way method of teaching over the regular learn-by-rote norm of education. She slams corporal punishment and believes in the concept learning approach that focusses on practical learning and practice.
The teacher at Maharishi Vidya Mandir is the winner of the CBSE National Award 2009. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and administration, Parasuraman pays special attention to bringing out the creativity and talent of each child by implementing Maharishi Mahesh Yogiji’s consciousness-based education programme. “I believe in interactive sessions, group discussions, demonstrations and project work to involve my students in the learning process. Above all, teachers and students should be flexible enough to adapt to any situation and there should be an environment of mutual appreciation and healthy competition among children.”
Parasuraman remains immensely popular among staff and students of the school, thanks to her friendly approach and aversion to corporal punishment. “Beating children never solves any problem. Instead teachers should ask themselves, ‘Why am I angry?’ Then call the child and gently explain where he/she has gone wrong,” says the teacher who received the award from Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal.
A Carnatic musician whose programmes have been aired on Doordarshan and All India Radio, Parasuraman also emphasises on extra curricular activities, especially on classical music, yoga, meditation, sports, NCC, NGC, dramatics and arts and science clubs to nurture diverse talents in her institution.
Her message to students? “Be tuned to accept the changed situation. Teaching and learning should suit the group being addressed and vary accordingly.”
