Innovation in teaching strategy often becomes the turning point from passive learning to meaningful engagement. This realization guided my approach while teaching “The Interview,” a non-fiction lesson in my Grade 12 English class. The text discusses how interviews appear threatening to many so-called great celebrities and how people, in general, have an abhorrence of being interviewed. The account is followed by an interview with the Italian academician and novelist Dr. Umberto Eco, in conversation with Mr. Padmanabhan, a journalist from South India. Though intellectually rich, the lesson initially seemed dry and unappealing to students.
To ignite interest, I devised an innovative plan by infusing humour into this seemingly serious narrative. I first asked the students to conduct brief research on the Italian accent while speaking English. I then introduced a role-play activity, encouraging students to enact the roles of Professor Umberto Eco, with an Italian accent, and Mr. Padmanabhan, speaking with a strong South Indian regional influence. The students enthusiastically attempted both accents. Interestingly, the girl who beautifully enacted the role of Padmanabhan with a heavy South Indian accent hailed from Goa, whereas the girl who played the role of the Italian professor was from Kerala.
The classroom atmosphere transformed instantly. What began as a cautious activity soon erupted into bouts of laughter, curiosity, and animated participation. More students volunteered for the role play and I happily changed the participants to accommodate more students into this activity. Students became self-motivated, confident, and deeply engaged in the learning process. Through humour and performance, complex linguistic concepts were absorbed naturally and joyfully, apart from learning the lesson.
The response was truly stupendous. Learning outcomes were not only positive but visibly evident in students’ understanding, confidence, and retention. This innovative spark proved that when creativity meets pedagogy, even the most dry or challenging lessons can become memorable and meaningful.
Debarati De (HOD-English – Grades 9-12)
