VALUE EDUCATION THROUGH
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Dr Radhakrishnan rightly said that, " Any satisfactory system of education should aim at a balanced growth of the individual and insist on both knowledge and wisdom."
Living in an age of Science and Technology , with the emergence of globalization and dilution of all ,the meaning and dynamics of life has undergone a sea change. In responding to the same, we have sacrificed our time -tested values of cooperation, preseverance , equity and magnanimity.
This is due to laying more and more emphasis on acquisition of facts , rising of competition and feeling of superiority. Here, the words of Bertrand Russel calls for attention -"knowledge is power , but it is power for evil just as much as for good. Hence, if man does not increase in wisdom his increase in knowledge will result in increase in sorrow."
To sum up, the objective of education is to think and act rightly. Education is not only facts but the ability to pick out the most important and essence of life. This wisdom makes one to strive for moral goodness. So, the thought is pressed right that' School is a temple of learning', that is both the virtues of mind and character.
Learning values is different from learning the 3R's Reading , Writing and Arithmetic. The teacher himself /herself can be the role model in teaching of values through self example . Along with academics , co-curricular activities also enrich and impart value.
Co -curricular activities , being informal in nature ,helps to bring out the hidden aspects of a child. The personal involvement of child in various activities, slowly peels away the layers of shyness , inferiority complex and low confidence. Instead it helps to build a rapport between the teachers and students and also between peers.
The co-curricular activities help in building up leadership qualities and a leader in the form of House captains, group leaders etc. The house boards and bulletin boards also help to develop the creative talent of extrovert as well as shy students. The teacher can suggest different current topics according to its importance. Then during National Festivals ,celebration of important days and Religious festivals article on selected themes helps in value based competition. Scouts and Guides ,NCC, Trekking ,Picnic and other such Programmes develop the personality and Commitment. The maxim of KVS , Mass Participation has helped the introvert students to show their talents during Annual Day, Sports Day and Inter house competitions. It teaches the value of involvement and participation.
Students can be involved in community service programmes under scouts and guides or during natural disasters.This helps to inculcate empathy , attitude of help and feeling of brotherhood among the students.
The morning assembly is the best place to learn and inculcate values. Right from the prayer that teaches faith in the almighty . The pledge and National Anthem that instills fervour of patriotism, brotherhood and love for humanity. Specials topics and reflection on them widens the thinking aspect of students.
Project Work too helps in learning values. Meaningful project work can be assigned pertaining to National and Inter National events.
Group dance ,group song, dramatics ,recitation ,mimicry etc. helps to develop aesthetic values.
At present , though value education is not taught as a separate subject, all attempts are being made to make it an integral part of the curriculum . So the role of teacher is of ut most importance as he is the pivot around which the activities of students revolve. Hence a well planned and sincere effort, will help in shaping and moulding the personality and lives of children.
Smt.S.Bhattacharya, PGT,(English)
