Teaching learners to love books

WIll THE Internet wean the learner away from basic language skills such as reading and speaking? Perhaps, perhaps not. The Internet always defeats predictions of doom by failing to live up to the promises that others expect it to fulfil.

However, it is always wise to be prepared for disasters. Even those that might not happen. Which is what IndRA hopes to be doing.

The Indian Reading Association (IndRA), is an initiative taken by teachers to address this need. In fact, this group has a rather gloomy vision of tomorrow: it is concerned that classrooms would cease to exist in the future, if the teachers do not network, share their knowledge and experiences and learn to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Going by the nom-de-plume IndRA, this group of teachers hopes to promote reading among the target group by taking up small, focussed projects. In addition, the group aims at bridging the gap between research and practice, so that teachers can acquaint themselves with the latest developments in the fleld. Better still, IndRA will provide a professional forum for teachers to interact with publishers, writers and researchers, according to Ms. Mallika Mani, a founder of the project.

Individual members can pay a fee of Rs. 200 per annum, while educational institutions are entitled to send three representatives on payment of Rs. 1000 per annum. Rs 10,000 is the fee for corporates. IndRA, is an affiliate of the International Reading Association (IRA), Delaware, U.S. and, therefore, members of IndRA can become members of IRA by paying an additional membership fee of Rs. 3000 per annum.

The Club (tel:4990529) will be inaugurated on August 17 at its temporary office premises at 20/4, Karpagam Apartments, Sriman Srinivasan Road, Alwarpet.

By Ramya Kannan

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Section  : Southern States
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