Field notes from 21st and 22nd August- Paulami

Date: 22nd August 2012

Teachers interviewed:

• English teacher(classes 8th to 10th)
• Art teacher (Skylight teacher)
• Maths teacher ( 8th to 10th)
• Physical education teacher 

Note: Please note that this just an observation and not a detailed analysis of the field notes. The interview transcript would be updated soon.

We reached school early morning. Before starting the interviews, we needed to take permission from Head master. HM was busy with a class. So we discussed the potential questions which each one has. I and Anupriy decided that we had one teacher in common, the Art teacher. Next we met Miss. P, she told us that the English teacher would be free in a while. So we waited for some more time on the ground.

Next we met the English teacher. We asked one question at a time. It stretched for a bit too long but some of us got potentially good answers. I didn't. She was very clear with the issues she faced in conducting the English class that said she also had a very frank idea on the lessons were to be taught. My questions were based mainly on the kind on the response she got from the students, the kind of teaching methods she pursues, the marks that the students are getting, the interest the subject is generating, her personal objectives while teaching. Another thing to note is that she joined this school just few years back. Earlier she was working with a private school. And she pointed out few differences between both the school as well, especially the fact that the parents and students are more responsible in the private school versus this school.

Analysis: I found her extremely conventional in her methods. She has been using the same teaching methods over many years. Her view on the students and the problems facing them from doing well was also very clear. I personally feel that she has looking at the negative side for too long. She needs to refocus on the positive side. That can be one of the ways to help students in the class.

Anyways after the English teacher, we met Miss. P who teaches Maths. The transcript will be analyzed.

But my personal analysis was that she was rather mechanic and had a tone of preaching the school. In short, she was politically very correct. I found her boring for that reason. Also the previous teacher had almost the same type of answers.

Post lunch, we decided to speak to the Art teacher. She had joined the school just few months back. Her background is in social work. And she has been working with school for many years. Earlier her role was as in-charge in the previous school, and now here as an art teacher taking care of sky lab. As the transcripts will prove, she was very frank and opinionated on how students need to be handled, teaching methods to be deployed and the issues that are plaguing the school. Her observations were acute, to a huge extent a reflection of what we observed and felt. Though I don’t agree with the way she teaches art but I liked her attitude.  Two points to be noted: she said that her feedback to the high school were neither incorporated nor entertained.

Secondly she clarified that as a teacher she prefers not to talk about academics in her class. She believes that her class acts as a stress-buster. Plus she prefers not to get too personal with any of the students as that might lead unnecessary biases.

She was so far the best. I got all my questions answered.

Next we spoke to the Physical Teacher. He spoke primarily in Kannada. So the interview transcript is awaited.

That was how the first day went. The students were next in line which we decided to do next.

Date 23rd August 2012

Staff interviewed: Peon

Focus group: Class 9th B

No. of students interviewed:  7-8

Early morning as waited for Ashrita and speak about the day’s plan, the peon appeared with the keys. So we got hold of him and started questioning. From his statements it seemed that he was an integral part in the running of the school. In fact he was happy to speak to us. The conversations started mainly with the questions we had but it later veered towards his personal life. He also preached the school claiming that the teachers and head master are very good.

After recording his conversation, we spoke to Miss. P to discuss if we can get few students each and interview them. We are led to 9^th B where we three of us had been before. Since I already had personal interaction with few of the students so, I sat with the same group which was mainly girls. I had a word with them, tried asking few questions but it was too chaotic. The students seeing started discussing their private life. So I told them that I will join them for lunch. Two to three students mainly could speak in English, so I stuck to them as they could be good facilitators during the interviews.

During lunch, I stood with the focus group in a queue. We had lunch together and herein I asked if I can have a small interview later with them, i.e., after school hours. Few said yes.

So post 3:30, I waited for the students to arrive. We sat on the ground. The students were very enthusiastic and started discussing about their private life. Looking at the opportunity, I told them what I am there for, that I am also a student researching on ‘the various aspects of education’. To lure them I said that if the interview gets over, we will sit and chat about all other stuff as well.

The interview was chaotic. I am finding it difficult to decipher them properly. I realized that I should have been more assertive in conducting the interview in a calmer environment. I had listened to the students and sat on the ground whereas I wanted to go and sit inside Sky lab.

After the interview, the students got excited to be photographed. So I took photos of almost each one, before finally announcing that the battery was low as they would not stop posing. Also I assured them that none of their personal issues would be highlighted in my research, not even pointed at. This was after a student got alarmed looking at my camera and stood at a distance. After my assurance, I explained that I am like them, a student. So I can keep their secrets intact. The student was pleased and back with the group.

I finally left school at 4. I walked with the students, told them that I will be back soon with the research.

It was in fact the best day. I tried to maintain distance, but realized that it was difficult because the students approached me warmly.