My background and how I became a teacher...

I have completed a master’s degree from Mysore University and a bachelor’s degree in education. I have previously taught in several CBSE affiliated schools and worked as a physics lecturer in a pre-university college before I joined Hippocampus Vidyakula International school. I have been teaching physics and mathematics for grades 7, 8, and 9 for 3 years now. My family is full of teachers – my father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and husband are all teachers. My father groomed me to be a teacher and inculcated good values and instilled in me the importance of service to society. He wanted me to be the best teacher I can. My passion for teaching started there.

About my school...

Vidyakula is in a purely rural area in Madya district, Karnataka. Most of the students that attend this school are from rural areas. I grew up in the same area.

My inspiration...

I draw inspiration from my high school teachers, specifically a science teacher.  He ran the science club and organized so many activities from which we learned a lot. Hands-on activities and experiments helped us understand concepts so much better than classroom lectures.

My approach to teaching...

I use hands-on activities and experiments as teaching tools in my classes. I search online and read books to find fun and interesting activities. I talk to other teachers from other schools as well to learn if they are doing anything interesting. I try them out myself first and then teach my students. I use an activity-based learning program in science called ThinkTac, which is newly introduced by the school this year. The activities use everyday objects and discarded materials.

My interests outside teaching...

I love to do more experiments at home. I also love to read.

My experience with Aikyam...

Initially I did not know much about the program. I thought it was a science club. Naturally, I was confused about the purpose of activities like logo creation. After watching the children do the activity, I realized that it is helpful in extracting how each student thinks. Daily Pondering is also a very good practice for the children. It fosters the student’s interest in many things not just academics, improving their knowledge and awareness. Students are learning how to get information from different sources. Aikyam is different from other programs that I am familiar with. It has been a very good experience for me as well as the students.