NATURE AS A TEACHER 

Parents, Teachers, educationists, and the like continue to criticize how our educations system is churning out book forms and exam oriented students, neither enlightening them about ways of the world nor encouraging them to “notice beyond their books.” 

There is good news for those airing such concerns. A definite trend is emerging in several educational institutions, which augurs well for today’s students. That is, to promote outdoor activities and nature related studies to augment their academics. Trekking, rock climbing, camping, aqua and aero sports, bird watching, study of flora and fauna are well part of the innumerable options that can kindle students love for learning. It opens their eyes to a new world beyond the confines of their classroom and stokes them with “observatory and practical skill.” 

Many schools and colleges plan and chalkout such activities in their annual calendar and announce them at the beginning of the their academic year. 

Collection of botanical specimens from forest areas, learning about wild animals by organizing camps in sanctuaries, participating in bird census, studying the history of the lesser known forts, and monuments by trekking to those areas, are some of the many way, in which institutions can make their students “well-rounded.”