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 9th
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.
