Is it a vacation for Diwali or assignments?

                     Is it a vacation for Diwali or assignments?

This running week I was asked what Diwali project would be for them by 7^th class. They wanted to know it from me and said they had it from every teacher. Generally it almost happens at everywhere, but assigning doesn’t guarantee for any creative work or proper utilization of the vacation. Everybody has a different point of view over this topic. But I was a little bit worried by giving it. In 20 days, what they will do? They will do either it or spoil the Diwali vacation. Even there is no limit for this assignment.

At that moment I asked them what project they needed in English subject. They at once replied that they would do it whatever I would give. But they didn’t look happy or excited while taking down it. Further I took a diary of one of the students and went through it. On seeing, it was filled with Diwali assignments. As the teacher I got shocked and realized the mistake which I did it in sake of assigning them. However I did not ask them whether they liked it. Most of them were very busy at writing it in hope of securing good marks or grades.

In name of the Diwali vacation and good marks, we spoil and kill their creativity. Instead of having holiday’s joy, they would have such work where their parents too involve in it. Then the parents think it is not only their children’s work, but their duties to complete it. Slowly and gradually all of them become mechanical people. Because they don’t have a space to think, imagine, enjoy or do any creative work apart from the assignment. In this way somehow they try to finish it and hope to get good grade or marks. But……………….

1)     Will they become happy, excited and innovative while doing it?

2)     Will our regular school days not suffice for such work instead of the Diwali vacation?

3)     Why do we assign them in vacation? Is it for enjoying, learning, or engaging?

4)     Do we prepare them good or mechanical learners?

5)     Do we ponder over the outcome of such assignments?

Lots of questions were running through my mind when I assigned them. It exposed a real face of education field that we also followed the system without thinking. As soon as they complete it, their vacation will come to end. On asking I got that answer. Last question pierced me what the teachers will get out of such work.

-        What can we do to replace it?

-        Do we at least take it into consideration that it will kill their happiness, pleasure, and confident of the learners?

-        Are we able to convince them that the marks and grades don’t matter? Only the skills are required to survive.

-        Any thought or idea for making them good human being and creative?