Teaching English in Schools and Junior Colleges in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Every English Teacher in Andhra Pradesh as any one else across the world is well aware of the fact that Teaching English involves four basic skills; Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Yet most of the teachers neglect the basic aims of teaching English. Some times I feel that they forget that their aim is teaching English. They teach English like a science teacher or an arts teacher who are interested in teaching concepts. Like other teachers involved in teaching concepts, the English teacher is involved in teaching poems, stories, morals, characters, literary terms etc. I don’t say that all the teachers are doing that. But confidently I can say that majority of them are doing it.

It is all because of the confusion among the English Teachers. The English Teacher has been enjoying English Literature and appreciating it till he takes up teaching English as his profession. Of course, he has been trained to be English teacher, thoroughly trained as to how to teach English language. He has got even good grades in English methodology and as well as in practical classes in internship. But as soon as he becomes teacher of English, his longing for literature once again takes him under its clutches. He forgets as soon as he starts teaching Shelly’s poem the aims of teaching English. He happily goes on teaching appreciating the poem totally ignoring for what reason the poem is prescribed. He makes class more enjoyable by explaining the comedy and wit in R. K. Narayan’s story prescribed as a prose piece. He makes class more informative while teaching of an essay which may be of computers.

In Andhra Pradesh, where English is a major problem for rural students, teachers are compelled to use translation method. So the teachers make the English class like a Telugu Class or a moral class. They go on translating the poem, prose and a story into Telugu and go on appreciating the poetic beauty or literary values involved in them. All this is done in their mother tongue Telugu. So there is no listening of English in the class room. As there is no listening, there can be no speaking. Then if we consider reading. Of course, reading is totally given new meaning. Reading is the reading of English text without comprehension. The student who is able to read aloud and fluently, without a pass he is appreciated by the teacher. Then what is the plight of writing. Writing is also given new meaning. Students are never asked to write about something of their own. They are given notes with question and answers. They are encouraged to by heart word by word. Then they are asked the questions. Students would write what they have already by hearted. He is given full marks, cent percent, who has best vomited it.

Is it possible for a student to learn English under the methodology that is practiced by the English teachers. No. In fact every one knows it. But they don’t want to change their methodology. Than saying don’t want to it is apt to say – they are unable to. Yes they are unable to change their ways. Due to privatization in education in Andhra Pradesh, the students and parents expect marks than stuff. So the teachers are interested in helping their students get maximum marks. What is the use of teaching basic skills. Are the question papers are testing these four skills. Then why should a teacher be more worried of skills.

Then what are we testing the students by conducting examinations in English. We ask paragraph questions, essay type questions, short answer type questions and annotations involving knowledge, understanding and inference. So we are actually testing the literature part of the lessons that are prescribed. These questions alone consists 40% of the question paper. Then there will be comprehension passages for 10% of the total marks. These comprehension passages are the source for the teacher to pass the below average students. The teacher never cares to ask questions on the passages given to test whether the student has really comprehended the given passage. Whatever answer he writes, he is given marks. The student just repeat the same sentence that was there in the passage as an answer. He is given marks for that.

Then of course, 50% of the question paper is either on grammar or on writing skills. Grammar of course is given due importance by the teachers. But the problem of the grammar teaching is that it is taught in isolation, taking it away from the language. It is taught like mathematics, involving formulas and principles. Though the English Teacher in Andhra Pradesh teaches Grammar well, it doesn’t help the students improve his language, but only helps to get good marks.

So only the Telugu rural students are very poor in English language.

Your comments are invited for I feel that this aspect of the problem of teaching English is totally neglected.

FLU, SWINE FLU AND INFLUENZA PREVENTION

The recent swine flu virus or influenza A (H1N1) keeps spreading across the
entire world. Nevertheless there are a lot of ways to protect yourself. The
following are some of the most common measures that you can take and also you
will find several Frequently Asked Questions about the virus.

- First if you get the virus, it´s very probably that you won´t die. In fact
less than 1% of the people that gets the virus dies. You will just need an
excellent medical attention and strong medicines like Tamiflu.

- The difference between a common flu and the swine flu it´s basically that with
the second you get a very strong fever, headaches and respiratory complications.
If you have any of those symptoms you should definitily look for medical
atention.

- If you have flu, you definitely need to stay home, get a room just for
yourself, use any item to cover your mouth and nose, don´t shake hands with
others, don´t eat around others and don´t use the same kitchen utensils.

- If the flu has reached your city don´t go to public shows, like games, movies
or others.

- It´s safe to eat pork as long as it was well prepared.

- You should also wash your hands very often and try not to touch your eyes,
mouth or nose.

- The immunological system of some persons can be a little weak so it´s easier
for them to get the swine flu or influenza. Take special care of little children
and people over 60 years old.

Spread the word to educate the world.

C.G.L.PRASAD.

POLITICAL REASONS FOR TERRORISM IN INDIA

Terrorism has become part of our life.  We seem to have accepted it as part of our life.  The victims are sympathized for a day or two.  The government talks of peace and request our support and concern for the state.  They would even talk of elimination of terrorism and we feel elated to remind ourselves of our patriotism towards our mother India.  Candles are lit,  Photos are circulated & wreaths are offered and our job is over.  The sun rises as usual and every thing goes on as usual.  Our politicians become very busy with their own interest.  Another bomb blasts.  Once again all the rituals repeat.  We hope for the peace amidst the blood of the common man.

Are we not capable of taking any action against the terrorism like America.  America was attacked just once.  Their reaction is still continuing.  They are still at war with the terrorism.  What are we lacking in?  Are we lacking in military excellencies?  No one can question our military excellence.  We lack in political action.  Indian Politics are not pro-common-man. Our politicians are not interested in anything but in acquiring power.  They go to any extent.  They are sacrificial of our common interests.  Each terrorist activity for a politician is yet an other chance to grab the votes and there by gain power.

It is not an exaggeration to say that politician doesn’t like a common man to develop.  If a common man develops  how can he cheat him to get his vote on his favour.  They show the development on papers and make sure that they don’t reach the common man.  A common man should never learn to think on his own and judge what is right or wrong.  A common man should remain a sentimental fool.  If a politician dies his wife or son or daughter is made sympathized and is made his or her heir.  The politician knows that only as long as a common man remain uneducated and backward he would be able to lure them and remain in his power not only him but also his heirs.  So the common man is given a feeling that everything is going on well.  He is not made aware of the seriousness of the terrorism.  As long as they don’t take any stern action against terrorism, a common man would never know that it is a serious problem.  May be because of this reason that the politician is not ready to take any action against the terrorism.  Even the opposition parties are not particular about stern action.  They are more interested in making laws and saying our laws were effective and your laws are ineffective.  They don’t want to acknowledge the fact that the terrorism is just beside us.  They don’t want to curb them.  They don’t want to eliminate them.  Such incidents should happen for them to have their political gain. 

Under these circumstances  are we to lead a life of uncertainty and remain dogmatic leaving our fate on God and on karma siddhantha.  I feel furious hearing our politicians preaching of Karma Siddhantha.  God is there he would look after the evil.  God would sure to punish them.  Those who died would surely go to heaven.  What’s the use of going to heaven leaving his family and friends in hell like life surrounded not by Yama kinkaras but by terrorists. 

We can no longer be allowed to be killed by terrorists and be soothed by politicians.  We want a reaction for all that we suffered.  If we are not able to react we may loose confidence in our freedom and democracy.  We have to act like America and chase the terrorists out of our country and eliminate them from this earth.  Stop talking and start doing. 

Demise of the great Leader Y.S.R.

No doubt, it is a great loss to the congress and to the poor people of Andhra Pradesh. He has brought back Congress to life when everyone thought that congress had ended in Andhra Pradesh. It is to him that people have voted in 2004 and 2009. There may be many charges against him for corruption. People have dismissed those charges. They know that he had benefitted them in the times of crises and they know he would benefit them in future. In spite of all apposition of opposition parties to defeat congress, he became victorious. He really brought Indiramma reign to Andhra Pradesh. No doubt he would be remembered by the poor people forever. He has not only continued the reign of Indiramma but also N.T. Rama Rao. Like N.T.R. has worked for the poorest of the poor, YSR worked for them. He has become the leader of the poor. It is a great loss to everyone of us.

Y.S.Rajasekhar Reddy's profile:

Dr. Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy, popularly known as YSR, is an astute politician and a charismatic mass leader who has carved for himself a niche in State politics by his exemplary devotion and dedication to the uplift of the downtrodden and neglected segments of society. Born on July 8, 1949, in Pulivendula in the backward Rayalaseema region, YSR has always struggled to secure the rights of the poor and the underprivileged. Son of late Sri Y.S.Raja Reddy, a dynamic leader in his heyday, Rajasekhara Reddy evinced interest in politics right from his student days.While studying in M R Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka, he served as President of the Students union. He was elected leader of the House Surgeon's Association in S V Medical College, Tirupati.After completing MBBS, he served as Medical Officer at the Jammalamadugu Mission Hospital for a brief period. In 1973, he established a 70-bed charitable hospital, named after his father late Y.S.Raja Reddy at Pulivendula. His family established one polytechnic and one degree college in Pulivendula, which were later handed over to the well-known Loyola group of institutions. Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy's sound business acumen,entrepreneurial skills, and, above all, his transparency brought him laurels in the business arena. On the flip side, his success also brought him many adversaries, political and otherwise, who were desperately looking for a shred of evidence to prove umpteen charges against him. In the end, their mud-slinging did not yield a single point that could paint the mass leader in bad light. In fact, his detractors became red-faced, as they had to swallow their words. Groomed by a family deeply involved in public service, YSR entered active politics in 1978 and contested elections, four times to enter the State Legislative Assembly and an equal number of times to enter the Lower House of Parliament. A winner in all that he does, YSR won all the elections he contested. Even today his admirers exclaim: "He (YSR) defeats defeat." During his 25-year-long political career, YSR has served the people in multiple capacities, both in Government as well as in Party. He was President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) twice - 1983-1985 and 1998-2000. During 1980-1983, he was a minister holding important portfolios related to Rural Development, Medical & Health and Education etc. From 1999 to 2004 he was the Leader of Opposition in the eleventh state assembly. As a champion of the masses, his stentorian voice in the assembly, raised particularly during debates that sought to lend voice to the voiceless millions, forced the Government to retrace several anti-people steps it contemplated. YSR has been instrumental in orchestrating several mass struggles, while highlighting issues facing peasants, weavers, Dalits, youth and women.His relentless fight for clearance of pending irrigation projects, particularly in the backward Rayalaseema region, has earned for him a special place in the hearts of millions of farmers. His unremitting struggle against certain anti-people economic measures that were sought to be introduced in the name of "reforms", including the frequent increases in power tariff and indiscriminate privatization of public sector units, exalted him Now, as Chief Minister, the crowning glory of this studded political career, he can proudly claim to be the quintessence of a politician who, with vision focused on the coming generations as well, has earned the title of a statesman. Amidst a bewildering number of turncoats among politicians, who thrive in "shifting loyalties", YSR stands out as a sterling example of the old guard in pristine Indian politics. This explains why he has never turned his back on the Congress party, which nurtured his political moorings. The lure of power and pelf could not divert him, when the party was briefly out of power, from his mission to hold the reins of power as a trusted lieutenant of the Congress and, more importantly, as a darling of the masses. Sworn in as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 14.05.2004. A modest Personality: Dr.Reddy,unlike most politicians, reflects the spirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed with all that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy's person is invariably clothed in traditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.In all of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of his heart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy.

YSR's Personality:

As a demanding Chief Minister, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their job meticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of all publicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype and extravaganza in communicating official messages. He wants incontrovertible facts stated in a simple language that is intelligible even to the unlettered, because taking administration to the people is an article of faith for him.
His Philosophy of Life: Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one's blessings with others, while serving less privileged human beings.YSR's Personality: "Don't count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have done for society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has provided you", is Dr. Reddy'sword of advice for those who have excuses for not doing even what is within their means. It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps to ensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week of every month His stature: Though measuring 5'7", Reddy looks majestically simple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in fact overshadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilience and tenacity of a spider.When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) in scorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state in particular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-hand the real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep. His Mission: As around 75% of the population in India depend upon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focused on the rural economy, he believes.

His 'pastime':

If any scheme or programme under formulation is placed before him for approval, its outcome is a foregone conclusion that is dependent on Dr. Reddy's invariable query: "How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure good governance?" A curious 'pastime' of Dr Reddy is to feel the pulse of people in rural areas on Sundays through the Rajiv Palle BattaThe Rajiv Palle Baata is a novel mass contact programme under which the Chief Minister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas for personally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes. This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what the Chief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officials may not have done in the people's own words. His Approach: In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative matters following the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended the programme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.The Chief Minister's emphasis on development of the rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new and emerging technologies.Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust to information technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrial and agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in all transactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involve private investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people's trust that is invaluable.