Learning outside the classroom walls

Learning outside the classroom walls
By Aditya Misra

It was an unusual location for a class.

The semester II students of Times School of Media gathered on the hillock, under the neem trees on the Bennett University driveway for their Environmental Studies class on February 14. The basic idea behind it was to learn by experience.

Students had been asked to create a chaupal on the hillock using recycled items. Students came prepared and brought things like cartons, paper bags and non-plastic covers to decorate the ‘chaupal’, a place where students can hangout and click pictures.
WhatsApp Image 2019-02-15 at 5.15.23 PM.


Professor Vidya Deshpande told the students about the importance of neem and its significance. She said, “Humans have always had a huge connection with plants and trees. Back in the days, our ancestors used to live on the trees because they found the heights safe,” she said.

The students were enthusiastic and quite eager to create an area for them to ‘chill out’. They came together and created a bench out of two rocks and a wooden plank. The chaupal was decorated using stripes made of paper and newspaper. Everyone made sure that the area was clean as the students took the initiative to clean up the area for a comfortable stay.

The professor also talked about various movements that have been happening in the past to protect trees. “One of the most famous movements in the history was the Chipko Movement, which happened in Uttarakhand.”

While explaining the pros of neem trees, Ms Deshpande said, “The neem tree is extremely beneficial to us as it is the only tree which gives out oxygen even during the night time. People used to sleep under it.”

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