Interview 6- Mrs Rugmini Menon, TGT English, K.V. Kanjikode

As the final task, we, Shweta Sasidharan and Navya Vijayan, interviewed Mrs. Rugmini Menon, TGT English K.V Kanjikode, through Google Chat. Transcript of the interview is given below.

 

10:52 AM Navya: You've been invited to this chat room!

  good morning madam

 Navya: Good Morning madam,

10:53 AM sarupgt: Good Morning

10:54 AM me: madam, we would like to interview you....regarding the reading project we are conductiing

 sarupgt: Yes, I am ready. You can begin

10:55 AM Navya: There is a general notion that reading habit is declining among students.

10:56 AM What're your views in this regard?

10:57 AM sarupgt: Yes, I too believe that reading habit is declining and that too at quite a fast rate. But then, I can vouch that there is a definite improvement in the reading habit in our school in the course of the last two years.

10:58 AM me: can you name some of the reasons for the decline?

11:02 AM sarupgt: The influence of the computer and the television on the present generation are the major factors. Children are glued to the idiot and scientific boxes during their leisure and they spend very less time with their books.

11:03 AM They feel that surfing the net for information is much easier than poring through books...

11:04 AM me: oh !

11:05 AM sarupgt: Similarly many stories and novels have been adapted as movies. So children prefer to watch them to reading books...

11:06 AM I hope you remember the result of the survey on reading that we conducted for the Story Board. I don't remember the question.

11:07 AM me: yes mam......majority of the students did prefer movies to books which was surprising to know

  Navya I don't remember the exact number...can u specify it??

11:08 AM Navya: 237 out of 300 students said they preferred movies to books.

11:12 AM me: in the present survey that we conducted separately for teachers and students, the former were of the view that there has been a steep decline in the reading habit whereas the latter opined that the habit has definitely improved. What do you have to say about it?

11:15 AM sarupgt: I think this question has been answered initially. I would like to reiterate that the reading habit among the students of our school has increased by leaps and bonds in the last couple of years.

  Yes...

11:16 AM Navya: Do you think the KVS Library Policy and CBSE Reading project have played a role in this?

 sarupgt: Of course..

11:19 AM The KVS Library Policy has been framed to promote reading habits among children and to improve the Library facilities. As a member of the Library Committee I can proudly say that we have tried out different ways and means to promote reading in our school...

  Moreover, the initiative of our Librarian and also our Principal needs special mention.

11:20 AM me: what about the CBSE reading project??

11:21 AM sarupgt: Yes, it is a good beginning to nurture the dormant reading skills in the children...

  If it can be filtered down to the lower classes too, it would really be advantageous...

11:23 AM Navya: And madam....a very important question.....What about our THREE MEN IN A BOAT?

11:25 AM me: what suggestions would you give to improve to improve reading habit in future?\

 sarupgt: Ha, Ha.I know the response that you want from me. To be frank, I really loathed reading the book initially. But, now I just love reading it. I enjoy the jokes and laugh to myself, when I go through it. I think the IX class next year will be benefited better. better,

11:26 AM me: mam please give your suggestions madam to improve reading habits?

11:27 AM sarupgt: The kind of activities that we are promoting at present is good enough. ..

11:29 AM sarupgt: As the saying goes, "Variety is the spice of life". New activities which would attract the students to the library should be chalked out....

11:30 AM Navya has joined

 me: thank you madam. it was great interviewing you.

11:31 AM sarupgt: Teachers too should play a prominent role in motivating the children.Thus through the combined effort of the Principal,Librarian, teachers and students, we will be able to do wonders in the coming days. With this positive hope, I am ending.Thank you.

11:34 AM me: madam we will be posting the report and details of our survey on our blog at http://schoolreads.blogspot.in/. please do visit and do post your comments.

 sarupgt: I will surely visit your blog and post my comments.

11:37 AM me: Thank you madam.

INTERVIEW 5: DR. S NALAYANI, PRINCIPAL KANJIKODE

Good Morning, Madam,
Principal: Good Morning
Navya: I am Navya
Shweta: I am Shweta
Navya: We would like to interview, Madam, on behalf of the Readers Club members
Principal: Okay, Fine!
Shweta: First question. Madam, after you took charge as a Principal of this school, a lot of positive changes have come to the library and there is a clamour for books among the students. What magic spell did you use in order to bring about the change?
Madam:  There is nothing like a magic . It was all due to the interest shown by  our  Mr. Mujib Rahimam, our Librarian. So, he gave me all the tips what all to be done, I cooperated with him. I only supported our librarian and encourage the students indirectly.

Navya: Usually people with a scientific bent of mind do not read novels and literary books. Does the same formula apply to you too?

Madam:  Ah! Same. It is really true. As you say we all are Science students -not much of interest shown towards literary books. We all go for science related magazines and books for reference. That way only I have read. After coming here Mujib sir used to give me some books telling that  madam this is useful. It is not subject oriented. Like that he gave lots of books for my inservice course like how to motivate parents, what kind of things the teachers have to do in their class to bring the students to their control - all such fantastic books he gave me which was really useful.

Navya: Madam, do you read novels?

              

Madam: That's what I am telling you. Because of our librarian only I started reading such books.

Shweta: That mean you haven't read novels?

Madam: Very true. Very true. Novels and all I never used to read.

Navya: Even if you get that.. will you read?
Shweta: In between your busy schedule, do you really get time to read books?
Madam: Nothing like busy schedule. I read books if I get time.
Shweta: You have worked in many KVs. How would you rate our library and our librarian?
Madam: The best. Excellent. Any exemplary words you use it. I have never had such a good rapport with a librarian before. Libraries may be good in all the KVs, but librarian is important.

Shweta: Madam, what about the collections in our library?
Madam: Good. First thing I have noticed that he has taken interest to get books as per the students' suggestions. So definitely every child will keen to take some books from the library. It is not his suggestions, its all children and teachers. That way it is good.
Shweta: Madam, you have been working in KVS for many years. So you must have come across many children. What do you think, the reading habit been decreased or increased?
Madam: Our school, in this particular year 2012-13 there have been lot of improvement I could see.  Because I see the students always with a library card.

Navya: Is it because of the competitions?
Madam: Ha. That's the way he always announces competitions and get the children to the library. I always see the students with a library card. Either they returning books or taking new ones. Definitely, books are taken by all of them. If they take at least something they will read if not the whole book.
Shweta: But generally...?
Madam: Generally it is not there. In other schools I have not seen this much.
Navya: What do you it has improved from the earlier?
Madam: Ya. Much better, improved. Even compared to last year I could see the improvement.
Shweta: That all because of librarian sir.
Madam: Yes. Lot of changes he brings, you know. It is not just sitting and giving, issuing. That is not the way he do things.
Navya:Automation and all...
Shweta: Madam,what impact did KVS Library Policy have on the library services and the students reading habit?
Principal: Good. Automation of library is useful. Sir is able to do his job quickly. There is the book ration to be followed. More importance on Hindi books. And the fine collection...you know...
Navya: Library points ... madam
Madam: Yes. Library Points...that way he discourages students that you should not pay fine. That is a sort of discouragement, not encouragement to pay fine.
(Note: We have a system of library points introduced in our library where students get points for whatever library and reading related activities they are involved. Similarly negative points are given for returning books after due date. This has ensured that students return the books in time and no need for collecting library fine)
Shweta: But the students are not at all reading Hindi books...
Madam: Yes. They are not at all reading. Now the next year Sir's project is motivating them to read Hindi books.That's what he told me. Reading of Hindi books is very poor, you all would have have noticed?
Shweta: Yes madam
Madam: So we will make sir to take it as the next assignment.
Shweta: What do you think we can enhance the reading habits of children?
Madam: Don't you think what sir does is tremendous.
Shweta: More than that, madam
Navya: If you were the librarian, what would you do?
Madam: (Laughs). Probably I am not fit for that. May be.. what to say. I mean sir also trying that mass reading and all is really useful. But somehow last year once or twice we did it, is it not? And may be I will be more strict than Mr.Mujib to make them read.
Navya: Will your force them to read?
Madam: No. I will ask them at the end of the period what books you all have read, whether it is useful to others...whether really they did some useful reading. That way I will also will know what kind of books you people have taken. I don't know whether Mujib sir is doing.
Navya: Yes. Sir is very particular about all children coming together in to the library during library period.
Shweta: And he concentrates on book reviews written by the children.
What is your views on the CBSE Reading Project recently introduced?
Madam: Yes. What started in 9th standard, eh? It is very useful. Reading and communication skills are all improving. Your English teachers have already started...as long as these English teachers are there you will all become good in English.
Navya: Madam and there is a general discussion among children that because of CCE they have lack of time for reading. So what can we do to enhance our reading and better time management?
Madam: I don' think so. Even if you do a project and groupd discussion, you read and go ahead with. How do say you don't have time.
Navya: We mean to read novels etc. madam
Shweta: Ah. Even our parents do not allow to read novels because exams are going to come...what do you think?

Madam: See, if you are reading a good novel and it is entertaining, why don't we put it as one of the criteria for your English language activities. Hm...how to create extra time, is it not? That is in our hands only. You should allocate some time, everyday I will read novel in that particular time.
Navya: What do you think about the reading projects madam..extra competitions
Shweta: Like the storyboard competition by the Hindu...
Madam: Storyboard?
Navya: The extra competitions based on reading, what do you think?
Madam: Storyboard, the participation in that paper's..all that your teachers has to encourage you, is't not? Only with teacher's encouragement
Navya: Other than the Librarian do you think teachers also should motivate students?
Madam: Of course. Teachers have a role to play, especially the language teachers. Teachers play a vital role, whether it is English or Hindi.
Shweta: Madam, one more thing. Which is your favourite book?

Madam: I like reading education related books. I like that.

Shweta: No favourite magazine or books madam?
Madam: Magaize now Infinithoughts. That is really inspiring one.
Navya: Whenever you come to our class you start with some proverbs or thoughts. Where do you get it from?
Madam: That's what I said. Infinithoughts. See now I am reading this Competition Refresher. It is all current events. You please go through it. PSA and Maths it will be helpful, yesterday this work only I was doing. It is fantastic. I have forgotten so many formulae and all. I found it interesting.
And here and there some Tamil magazines I read.
Navya: Tamil Magazines mean...?
Madam: Yes. Old stories I used to read like Mahabharata
Shweta: Like the ancient books...related to Gods..
 Madam: Yes. Usually Tamil only I will read. Those stories if you read in your mother toungue only ou you can enjoy. English is a foreign language and we may not be knowing many words and you may lose interest.
Navya: But the new generation like only English books, they don't like mother tongue.
Madam: Those kind of books I prefer to read only in Tamil. See slokas, even though I learnt Sanskrit I don't know the meaning. When I go to Tamil slokas I enjoy as I can understand it and it registers very fast. Sanskrit we have not learnt. I learnt it on my own.
Shweta: Thank you for your valuable time, Madam. We enjoyed a lot talking to you.
Navya: Thank you madam

Readers Club Teacher Survey - Report

Readers Club Teacher Survey - Reading Habit among Students
-by ShwetaSasidharan and Navya.V

It was with great interest that the members of the Readers club took this survey... and their interest has given fruitful results too. Members were divided into groups each conducting a survey of the teachers/ students. At this moment, all of us are very happy to bring out the results of the survey that was conducted for the teachers. A total of Thirty-seven (37) teachers from various schools and boards(Kendriya Vidyalaya Kanjikode, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vasavi Vidyalaya etc.) were interviewed by the members out of whom there were 29 female and 8 male teachers. We have selected teachers from other schools whose ward is studying in our Vidyalaya so as to make it possible to get the feedback on the KVS Library Policy and the CBSE Reading Project on library usage and reading habit of the students.
English, as a reading language, is the most popular language among teachers with more than 50% of the teachers voting for it with Malayalam seconding the list. Hindi is the least popular one. May be next time, we may have Hindi topping the list.

Teacher recommendations and suggestions definitely influence the students to seek the books to read. The survey revealed that majority of the teachers take time to discuss books in their classroom.

Teachers suggested wonderful ways to improve children’s reading habits like motivation from teachers, parents, opening reading clubs and libraries in the city, making children aware of the good effects of reading, allot sometime in the time table for mass reading and so on. Here are a few graphs that will let you go more into it.

All respondents go with the fact that they enjoy reading. Most of the teachers do have maintain a home library may be this is because they prefer to have books handy to read as and when time permits. It was also seen on the student surveys we conducted that a majority have a good collection of books at home.

The next part is the most important aspect of the survey. It is what the teachers have to say about the reading habit among students.

It is quite a shocking revelation that almost 76% of the teachers say that the reading habit among students is declining while only about 15% don’t go with them. Many teachers point out lack of interest as the main reason for this decline. Motivation is also another thing that the students of the present era don’t come across quite often.

All the teacher respondents agreed that the KVS Library Policy has had an immense positive effect on libraries of different Kendriya Vidayalayas.Let us look into this aspect.

We are very happy to say that a good number of teachers strongly agree that the Reading Project introduced by CBSE recently had an impact in improving the reading habits of children but the majority thinks that it has had only average effect on the targeted - STUDENTS.

Now, a few personal aspects about the teachers’ wards themselves. 29 of the respondents have children studying in our Vidyalaya.

It is heartening to see that more than 95% of the respondents said their children enjoy reading and they do spend time reading at home. May be because the parents are teachers, majority of them do discuss books with their children. Definitely this would have made all the difference.

As all of you know, watching television is one of the most favoured leisure activity for all of us in the present day. But Reading has not been unsuccessful. It has seconded the list. It is clear from the surveys that the policies and facilities introduced by the organisations do have a positive impact on the reading habits among the students. In the coming years, with improvement in all the facilities connected to reading, we are sure that reading will regain the top position.

It is of special attention that even though most of the respondents do have a home library and membership in public and local libraries, for the majority (79.31%) school libraries are the main source for reading materials.

Based on the feedback from the teacher parents, it is evident that the students are mostly interested in reading novels, stories and comics. Popular science and biographies are yet to gain a prominent place in the reading list of students.

So, now we come to the end of our report. Leaving out a few negatives, the results were all positives. We thank the teachers for supporting us and spending their valuable time with us to answer these questions.

Shweta Sasidharan and Navya.V

Class IX B

Kendriya Vidyalaya Kanjikode

READING HABIT AND LIBRARY USAGE OF STUDENTS IN PALAKKAD - Survey Report

The survey was conducted during December – January as part of the Project work. We surveyed 31 students from different schools in Palakkad. There were 15 CBSE, 2 ICSE and 11 State affiliated schools. 30 of the respondents have their Malayalam as their mother tongue and 1 was Tamil.

The complete analysis of the survey was following.

All the schools have libraries and majority of students  visit the library only during the library periods. 

About 61% do not visit other libraries and for a majority 54.83% school library is the main source for getting reading materials followed by friends (22.58%)

83.87% borrow books from their school library. 74.19% takes out recreational materials like novels, stories for reading. English is the widely read language (80.64%) whereas 29% reads Malayalam books while only 6.45% said they read Hindi.

Encyclopedias and GK/factbooks are the most referred books (38.75%) followed by Dictionaries(12.90%).

70.96 reported they read newspapers regularly where as only 22.58% of the students read  magazine regularly. Mathrubhumi and The Hindu are the mostly read Newspapers and 74% subscribes Newspapers at home. Sports is the most read item in a newspaper (51.61%)

The students were asked to rank kind of books they like to read. Among our respondents, most favoured Computer/Internet related books. 

74.19%  said that they have a home library. Majority of the students (above 80%) said they do not write reviews of the books they have read.

45.14%  read 3-4 books in a month, 29% read 1-2 books and 16% reads 5-6 books a month.

32% of the students just pick up a book for reading, where as fro 29% it is the friends opinion that counts. 19.02% and 12.90% depends on the parents and teacher/librarian for suggestions.

77% of the students said they do not read books online and 45% do not read online as they do not like to read books online.19% reported they do not have access to the Internet.

Above 90% of the students agreed that reading is important. 58% agreed to the notion that the reading habit is declining among students.

Most of the students said they do not have any preference to reading time (38.71%) followed by 22.58% who preferred evening or night for reading. 12.90% prefer to read during their library period and about 3% likes to read in the morning.

Chetan Bhagat, Enid Blyton, JK Rowling, RL Stine etc topped the most favoured authors. William Shakespeare was  also prominently voted by the students as their favourite author. Books by Chetan Bhagat, Harry Potter Series, Secret Seven etc. were the favourite books of majority of the students.

Summary

  Majority of students enjoy reading and they read for information

Among the students we surveyed, the preferred leisure activity is reading followed by television

 English is the preferred language and majority of the students depend on school libraries for the reading materials.

The students seem not to like read online though they have selected Internet as the main source for need based information and computer/Internet ranked top among the kind of books they love to read.

SURVEY REPORT BY  TEAM A

MEMBERS: K. SHWETA SASIDHARAN

                     NAVYA VIJAYAN

                     VINEETH KUTTY
                     ARJUN S

                     UNNIKRISHNAN G

PHOTO GALLERY

Interviewing Mr. Khaja Moideen, Manager, AA Book Center and Lending Library

Going through the books of AA Book Center

                                         
                                                        Mr. Hari, Manager, H & C Book Store

                                              Going through the books of H&C Book Stores
                                           

Going through the books of Current Books( DC Books)

Interviewing the Librarian of the Public Library 

                                         
                                            Browsing Hindi section at the Public Library


NIRUPAM
VIII C
S3735

Readers Club Survey Analysis - Team B

     The Readers Club conducted a survey on reading habit of students. It was conducted as an activity between December and February. Each member of the club surveyed students from different schools. Our team members surveyed about 38 students from Palakkad. The students were from classes 6th to 12th.
     There were 20 CBSE and 18 State affiliated schools. Among them Malayalam is the most common mother tongue, 34 speaks in Malayalam,  2 each in Tamil and Hindi.

     The detailed analysis is as follows-

                   

•  Most of the students are from class 9.
•  Malayalam is the Mother Tongue of most of the students. But they prefer to read books in English.
•  Students are from CBSE and State Syllabus.
•  79% of students are Boys, 21% are Girls. 
•  Sports is the favorite leisure time activity, Reading is second along with Television and Music.
•  76% of students like reading.
•  34% of students on average read 3 books per week.
•  Every student have a library in school.
•  School Library is the main source for getting reading materials.
•  68% of students read Recreational Novels or Stories, 32% read Subject or General Knowledge books.
•  68% of students read Newspaper regularly.
•  24% of students read magazines regularly.
•  The main source of getting Newspaper is subscription at home.
•  47% of students have home library.
•  16% writes Book Reviews.
•  29% reads books on Internet.
•  87% agrees that reading is important for students.
•  58% agrees that reading habit is decreasing among students.
•  45% likes to read at night.
•  Enid Blyton, Chetan Bhagat, J K Rowling are some of the favourite authors.
•  Harry Potter, Secret Seven, Goosebumps are some of the favourite books. 

    Summary - 

     Many students enjoy reading, but the habit of reading is decreasing drastically among students, due to influence of television, computer, internet etc. Only a few reads books on Internet, but many consults internet the most for informations.

Motivations should be given for students to read newspapers regularly and to increase the habit of 'Reading'.

     

     Survey By- Team B

     Members - Sayooj Samuel 

                           K Praanesh

                           Abishek P

                           Sreenath R

                           Silga De Sanky