The Hindu Business Line : `Practical learning is the best method of education'

NEW GLEANINGS: Mr V. Vaidyanathan, Asst. Vice-President, Cognizant Academy, CTS, and Dr Babu Manoharan, Director, at a BL Club meeting at St. Joseph's College of Engineering.

Chennai April 12 Meaningful and purposeful learning only takes place through the process of interactivity between teachers and students.

Practical learning, whereby students learn on the field by observing others, is the best method of education. For instance, the roadside seller does not have a formal education. He learns the art of selling by observation and practice, said Mr V. Vaidyanathan, Assistant Vice-President, Cognizant Academy, CTS.

Mr Vaidyanathan was addressing the students and faculty members of St. Joseph's College of Engineering after inaugurating a faculty development programme at the institute. The meeting was organised by the Department of Management Studies, under the aegis of the Business Line Club.

According to him, the extent density of learning could be correlated to the intensity of interactive learning. In the past, it was by sheer accident that one got good teachers. Today, the situation had changed. Therefore, in today's world, students had to be taught in a systematic way with the help of technology.

Expanding on the importance of gaining hands-on experience in the learning process, Mr S. Krishnamurthy, Director, Alphabetics inc, cited international studies that say: "Involve me, I shall understand."

According to him, people remember only 20 per cent of what they hear, 30 per cent of what they see, 50 per cent of what they see and hear, 70 per cent of what they say, but 90 per cent of what they do.

"Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand, is how adults learn," he said. Dr O. J. Stanley, Sr. Manager, CPCL used game-oriented pedagogy to train teachers. He invited them to use non-lecture methods to teach students, to ensure total participation, and create a happy and active learning experience. .

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