2.1.4. An inter-class debate in English: Students (13+ -
16+) in a co-educational school in Maharashtra
There were six speakers, one was a girl. The debate was
held in the school hall during the last two periods of the
day. Debates were regularly held and students were offered
opportunities to speak; attendance was compulsory for this
extra-curricular activity in this residential school.
During question time, none of the girls asked any questions
and a few of them took out their needlework and knitting.
At the end of the debate they told the researcher why they
"switched off". The subject had been repeated, and the
issues were all about,
... politics or war, and can be so boring. We
are never asked to give any subject at all for
the debate. But, we must attend, so, I do
needlework. (10)
This extra-curricular activity did not afford all pupils
opportunities for participation. The debate was on a topic
which appeared often, and the experience did not offer the
girls any training or instruction.
The next section describes the most successful classroom
observed during the field study. The students (9+ - 11+)
were in a со-educational school in Maharashtra.
2.1.5. A combined Arts and Craft, Drama and Music class:
Students (8+ to 13+) in a co-educational school in
Maharashtra
This was the most innovative classroom observed during the
field study. The classroom gave the impression of an open
plan. It was a combined arts class, with ninety children
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