School Visits in Chennai!

Today was a day of school visits as Murray and I had an opportunity to visit a couple of schools in Chennai as well as have a look at the facility where we will be conducting the training for the next few days.  Similar to the renovations at AIPTF in  Delhi, the Tamil Nadu Elementary Teachers Federation has a new building and a wonderful air conditioned conference room………  We were very impressed with both facilities and the AIR CONDITIONING!

However the definite highlight of the day was a visit to a couple of schools in poverty stricken areas of Chennai.    With about 40 or so students in a classroom without desks, chairs, tables or much else in the class, the teachers were instructing students sitting on the concrete floor or on mats using instructional strategies they had learned through their state or block level training.  Mind mapping, place mats and cooperative learning strategies were demonstrated. 

  

As you can imagine a carefully balanced diet is required in order to sustain our energy levels.  We find a balance of east and west is best for our delicate innards, and having just finished a Domino’s pizza washed down with a coke we are ready for a home cooked meal at the Tamil Nadu Teachers Federation soup kitchen tomorrow.  We met the cook today as he was hanging out in his pantry and we have no doubt a fine vegetarian feast awaits us tomorrow.

Murray has begun his apprenticeship as a haggler of Kashmir rugs.  We can all be proud of him as he managed a 25% reduction in the original asking price in an emporium in Chennai……a truly special one of a kind discount which he very bravely walked away from. Upon our return to Delhi we will need to check our friend Fez’s rug prices to see if he can compete and Murray can travel home with a “special, one of a kind, quality, specially discounted rug”!!  The purchase of silk from a “silk” mall is equally daunting, but fun……………the colors are vibrant and the choices endless.

We had a chance to spend some time with the General Secretary of AIPTF, Eswaran, who is as charming a politician as one shall ever meet.  All of the men, except Murray were dressed in their crisp white shirts and dhotis, we can anticipate additional peer pressure will cause Murray to eventually succumb.

We are looking forward to meeting with our colleagues, the national resource persons tomorrow, many of whom we have worked with for the past 2 years.  Time to create some colorful charts that would make SPDU proud.  Until next time, take care!