No more backbenchers; Minister V Sivankutty ramps up work to implement 'U' shape classrooms

MALAPPURAM: Education Minister V Sivankutty ramped up work to eliminate the backbench system in Kerala schools. The minister was talking at the Malappuram Press Club's face-to-face program.

Classrooms in newly constructed buildings will be shaped in a way suited to U class formats. The concept of backbenchers has the potential to negatively affect the students' confidence and studies. The minister said that no child should fall behind in studies.

The minister said that a collective discussion is needed on banning mobile phones in schools. Some parents are still not able to decide on the topic. Those who are anxious about children leaving early for tuition and arriving late are in favour of children bringing mobile phones to classrooms.

Restrictions can be imposed only if parents pay attention. Teachers will be trained on reducing mobile addiction in children and anti-drug campaigns.

The current class is where the teacher stands like a dictator. When it is in a circle, the teacher becomes one among the children.

1. “Rotation is enough to avoid permanent back benches.”

Gayathri J, Trainer, BRC Kayamkulam

2. “When you sit in a round, you can pay more attention and understand what is being taught faster.”

Vaiga Bose, Student, Pattom Govt. Model G.H.S.S.

3. “Back bench should be done away with in colleges, too. I had tried this when I was a teacher. The way girls are on one side and boys on the other is not right.”

- R Bindu, Minister of Higher Education