THERE is no denying the fact that primary schools. under private mana-gement. contribute a lot io accommodate a large numtier ot under-10 children. Closing down of such schools, because most of them do not fulfil the basic requirements of elementary education or do not adhere tn principles of education, will not only raise a hue and cry by the effected, but will also create a situation which is anybody's guess.

Once their need and existence is justified the responsibility of the authority or machinery who can formulate and Implement corrective measures comes under question. Does this authority ensure before granting permission to open a new school, that the person or the group taking up the serious responsibility of imparting basic education, or laying the foundation of future learning is firmly aware of the significance of the job? Do they have necea sary professional qualifications? Even after an institution gets started, does any authority supervise the performance or day-to-day work of such establishments?

Can the yardsticks to measure the standard of a school ever be:

a) foreign medium of in--» structions? b) handsome amount of tuition fees? c) enlistment of overqualified teaching staff? d) use of large number of foreign textbooks? rl use of unnecessary nunilier of exercise books? aiMJ 1) over bur-

den of home task?

Certainly not!

In an educational institution good formal education is certainly the result of good management But this is not the only contributory factor. Vital role is played by the teaching staff. Fortunately, there is good supply of educated ladies (for primary education female teacners are preferred I in cities. But it has to be clearly understood and realised that a highly qualified persons is not necessarily a good tutor. An elementary school teacher needs skill, aptitude . desire, devotion. love for the learners, lots of imagination, creative ability. pleasant personality etc. in addition to academic qualifications.

A team of good teaching Staff is a blessing for any school management. This team Is not always found readymade. Through my personal experience I can say that this can be groomed and teamwork spirit developed. With proper guidance, mutual under-standum pleasant working conditions and environment and effective communication within an institution, such a team can be built up. Motivation. recognition and appreciation of any good work done, job satisfaction, .incentive for higher standard of performance opportunities for self-education and improvement of required skills (on-the-job) are a must for self-development of ,i 1 earlier. A teacher's knowledge and experience grows with

the child.

A lady who takes teaching just like any other job does not do justice to her profession. A teacher's job especially of a primary school teacher is very demanding. Persons who really want to "teach should became teachers. Teaching should never be made a stop gap job or a passtime when one has nothing else to do. Private schools should resist the tempation to employ teenagers, who speak fluent English and come to teach the tiny tots just to earn some pocket money. They are doing the greatest harm. They do not have the desire or men tai maturity to handle a child or lay firm foundation for future learning. When for future learning. When teaching, one does not spoon feed. When teaching one shows the way how to learn or acquire known-edge with ones own efforts and active participation.

The management of private schools is confronted with the problem of ever changing teaching staff. This is very harmful, not only for the school but for the child too. This aspect should be taken into consideration by all concerned. A teacher should be employed for at least one full academic year. There are many reasons for that. But mention of only two can be made here. The first reason being the child himself. A child takes lime to adjust and avcepl a new iM-rson or a leachci. The teacher —

taught relationship has to be the best for effective learning. The second reason being the course contents. A year’s programme needs planning. An academic year is divided in terms. Each term needs monthly and weekly breakdown of syllabus. For good results each term requires evaluation at the end. Now if the same person who planned is not available for evaluation, can anything sound be expected?

Another important factor is the method. Private schools are at an advantageous position to device and use novel and interesting methods to impart elementary I'diii.iiiiiii TIh-v have resource* l«> liring in varied opportunities to supplement text book knowledge- Experience of children can be enriched in very Inexpensive ways. Their knowledge can be related to the environment they live in:

a) Children can be taken out on roads in small groups to teach traffic rules and understanding the traffic signals.

b) Tney can walk to any nearby open space for nature observation.

c) They can be kept aware of city happening by discussing those regularly.

d) They can have mini-picnics in school premises for fun and enjoyment.

e) They can frequently be engaged in activities like theatre etc., for self expression. Story-lelliiig can be very effective and

iiilcreMina to have significant place in scnool schedule.

I) Their writings can appear an school noticeboards and school magazines.

g) They can be taken to visit places of interest.

h) Schools remains closed on national or religious days Their celebrations can be made before or after the holiday to emphasise their importance and [Miqiose

While talking about methods and private schools one is reminded of kindergartens. Tliere exists an unfavourable attitude among many about KG m liools. I think thia mis-com epi ion can be removed if st know that the "KiDder-garun is a system of education a gift of deiiberatioew of a fatuous German educationist. FtwIx'L It has nothing to do with English'' as medium. Any kindergarten school can be run by keeping mother tongue as the medium of instruction. It is a recognised fact that teaching using mother tongue as medium is always preferable and makes the learning more effective, easier and lasting.

Anv good form of formal education will require participation of parents. They play an important role. Involvement and interest of mothers In theft-children s education is beneficial in many ways. In our society, neither the schools encourage it nor the parents insist on it. A mother's Involvement helps .in institution. When in close loniart. she appreciates more the problems ul the

school She is also able to present guardian's side of the pic-lure to the management. An educated mother may become useful during absence of a regular teacher.

She can be utilised as an extra guardian while taking the children out. School and parents both, unitedly, can work for the welfare of the children. If this mutual understanding exists mothers can teach their, children in the same line at home as the schools do. and can easily avoid the private tutors, another menace (and quite a popular onej.neaaaot teacher-parent relationship ia essential for healthy cinotioaal growth of the children.

While talking about corrective measures for private schools, do we leave our government-run primary schools in their sorry situation? Majority of the population is at the mercy of these schools, ft fa high time that some drastic action is taken and healthy change 1* brought about

A private school Is certainly not a purely commercial concern. Profit for the management will be there, but certainly not at the coot of deforming the foundation or weakening the base of education.

Private schools need standardisation. common curriculum. common course contents and common textbooks. They can not be let function at their own sweet will. If left as they are, the effected souls will lx- the innocent children, our luiure.