In an attempt to develop public speaking skills and confidence among students, the state education department has decided to introduce elocution for students from standard II to X with tips to give talks and speeches.
Deputy director (education department, Nagpur division) Govind Nandede told ToI that schools would encourage students to use their skills wisely during class discussions so that they can build their self-confidence to be successful both in their academic work and life in general. "Public speaking is important because it improves self-confidence. Moreover, it reduces the speaking fear," said Nandede.
Charulata Mahakalkar, a standard IX student in a state government school is good at studies. However, she was very weak at public speaking. Like her, there are thousands of students from government-run schools or unaided schools in the region who are very weak. "Such a move will give them the confidence to speak in public," said Nandede.
Interestingly, the department is preparing a book which will include speeches of over 50 freedom fighters and great national leaders. "The book will be given to students of state-board affiliated schools," said Nandede.
Presently, many students who fear public speaking are worried about being judged negatively or being criticised. "They also fear disappointment," said Nandede.
Besides dispelling fear, the effort will not only improve their public speaking ability, but will also help in the overall personality development. The department would put in extra effort in rural areas, where students lag behind in overall development.
C L Rane, principal, Somalwar School, Ramdaspeth, where this unique project has already started, welcomed the education department's move. According to him, the move will not only develop speaking skills but will also improve their general knowledge.
He felt that the department should also ensure that every school implements the plan and that schools in villages should be given more importance.
"Though students from rural areas do well in education, they lag behind due to poor speaking skills," he added. Rane said the school will extend the plan to the teachers as well.
Tripti Ghosh, principal Dinanath High School and Junior College, also welcomed the initiative. "The move will not only improve students' thinking capacity but will also help them better their vocabulary which is otherwise very poor among the students," said Ghosh.
She also stressed the need for a systematic way of implementation so that it bear positive results.
Deputy director (education department, Nagpur division) Govind Nandede told ToI that schools would encourage students to use their skills wisely during class discussions so that they can build their self-confidence to be successful both in their academic work and life in general. "Public speaking is important because it improves self-confidence. Moreover, it reduces the speaking fear," said Nandede.
Charulata Mahakalkar, a standard IX student in a state government school is good at studies. However, she was very weak at public speaking. Like her, there are thousands of students from government-run schools or unaided schools in the region who are very weak. "Such a move will give them the confidence to speak in public," said Nandede.
Interestingly, the department is preparing a book which will include speeches of over 50 freedom fighters and great national leaders. "The book will be given to students of state-board affiliated schools," said Nandede.
Presently, many students who fear public speaking are worried about being judged negatively or being criticised. "They also fear disappointment," said Nandede.
Besides dispelling fear, the effort will not only improve their public speaking ability, but will also help in the overall personality development. The department would put in extra effort in rural areas, where students lag behind in overall development.
C L Rane, principal, Somalwar School, Ramdaspeth, where this unique project has already started, welcomed the education department's move. According to him, the move will not only develop speaking skills but will also improve their general knowledge.
He felt that the department should also ensure that every school implements the plan and that schools in villages should be given more importance.
"Though students from rural areas do well in education, they lag behind due to poor speaking skills," he added. Rane said the school will extend the plan to the teachers as well.
Tripti Ghosh, principal Dinanath High School and Junior College, also welcomed the initiative. "The move will not only improve students' thinking capacity but will also help them better their vocabulary which is otherwise very poor among the students," said Ghosh.
She also stressed the need for a systematic way of implementation so that it bear positive results.