For the nourishment of the soul, I have the guitar, a foreign language to learn and walks on the terrace: Teresa, CNLU

In a recent conversation with Shiksha, Teresa Dhar talks about her experience on how she is managing to keep her exam prep or college course work going from the confines of her homes. In case you want to share your lockdown study experience, write to us at publish@shiksha.com.

Q: What are the major differences in the experience of attending an online class and a brick and mortar class? What do you find more enjoyable?

A: The experience of the two models of the classroom is divergent indeed. The conventional classroom with the professor and the students, all in persons definitely give a better feel. The chances of getting distracted, although present, is minimal as the focus remains on the faculty who is trying to explain a concept or give dictation. There is more interaction between the faculty concerned and the student, hence, giving way to a dialogue and a more engaging class. That indeed seems to be more efficacious as the dialogue goes on until the concept is cleared and even if not so, the faculties are available in the University campus after class hours for doubt-clearing. It is easier to systematize the lecture and deliver the same. Also, attendance proxy is not an issue in classrooms, provided the faculty concerned is known to hawk-eyed.

I find the experience of an actual classroom more convenient as it inculcates in us, the sense of disciple brought by the routine and the fact that we are only taught the subjects but also experience the subject vicariously through the detailed explanations or experiences of our professors.

As for online classes which may be held at regular intervals or on a daily basis, attendance can be an issue. Most students don’t feel the need to attend it, seeing that attendance is not compulsory or doesn’t count, which wouldn’t provide any hiccup in their grades. However, judging from the way our attendances are being taken through the Google Classrooms, the chances of proxies seem fewer. The continuity in the classes may be a problem, however, students feel less discomfort in asking questions or interacting as the pressure of people watching and judging one’s question or statement ceases to exist in the virtual world.

Also, online classes can be used as an opportunity to make the best of creativity as the subjects are taught in the non-conventional methods such as Power-point presentations, recorded videos, movie-based explanations, online exercises, etc. It can be more engaging for the students who loathe the teacher-student dialogue classes which often turn into monologues.

Q: Would you prefer to opt for online classes if given a choice? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each- online and offline?

A: As the saying goes, “Old is Gold” which I would apply if I had a choice to opt for online classes. If given a choice, I wouldn’t opt for online classes to take place instead of regular classes. However, I would gladly make an exception for times like these, for lockdowns due to a pandemic or if any miscellaneous subjects are being taught and offered online.

While for offline classes, the regimen and adherence to rules remain the strongest point, its effectiveness also needs to be considered as due to minimization of distractions mostly out of fear for faculty or solely for attendance. Perhaps for some, the person to person dialogue works best. On the other hand, online classes have much potential to engross students by using non-conventional techniques of teaching. It allows both faculties and students to be more relaxed which may lead to better dialogues and interactions.

Q: How are you making the most of all the extra leisure time that you have now?

A: Keeping in mind the upcoming exams, it is easier to work as per a definite schedule. It has been divided in such a manner to generously accommodate the online classes being held by the faculties, reading of the study material and other handouts being given by them, revising the previous lessons of all the subjects.

Apart from this, it is important to keep oneself up to date with on-goings of the world, so one must indulge in reading the news for some time. I also give into reading upon eclectic and non-law write-ups and article. For the nourishment of the soul, I have the guitar and a foreign language to learn, music to listen to, movies to watch, books to read and walks on the terrace to take.

Q: With exams being postponed, how are you keeping up with extended preparations? Please provide new dates of exams if those have been shared in the college.

A: Chanakya National Law University was supposed to conduct the end semester exams for all batches from 26^th April 2020.

However, due to the unforeseen circumstances, the exams had to be postponed and as per the new tentative dates the University shall reopen on 18^th May and the exams are to be held from 8^th June.

However, these are subject to changes in accordance with the situations that may or may not arise. Since our University had been closed for Holi after the mid-semester exams and after re-opening, it had to shut down again in 2 days in the apprehension of the pandemic, our syllabus had been stagnant ever since and the online classes can barely make up for the portions that were to be completed in normal circumstances.

Hence, it would do to diligently follow the online classes, read up on them - the study materials sent or handouts. Books can also be referred and notes can be taken. However, considering the syllabus that can be covered through online classes or on reopening the University (which would be minuscule), it would be best to focus more on the previously taught chapters as the exams would consist primarily of those.

Q: If you are planning to appear for any competitive exam- how are you making the most of this time?

A: Personally, other than the upcoming end semester exams I do not have any competitive exams to sit for. However, for the students who are preparing for exams like the Judiciary, CLAT P.G., other LL.M exams, for further studies, for Civil Service Exams etc., this would be the best time to incorporate to your schedule the subjects needed for your exams.

Q: Are your parents more involved in your ‘college life’ now since they can listen to/participate in your conversations more easily?

A: Involvement of parents in my “college life” shall deem to mean them acknowledging that I have classes at a certain time and during that time, I am not to be disturbed. Occasionally, they do ask if I have been given an assignment and whether I have completed them or not and when the answer to the latter question comes back in negative, they have a resigned and knowing look on their face as if to say, “I know you are negligent in your academics even in college too!”

However, it is certain that parents who take more interest in their child’s college life would ensure the latter attend the classes regularly, submits his work on time and is more conversant during the online classes. Perhaps they are only stopped short from having a Parent-Teacher meeting online.

About the Author:

Teresa Dhar is a third-year student pursuing BA LLB from Chanakya National Law University.