The Power of Connections to Create Meaningful Learning Experiences

Imagine my surprise when a 9^th grader explains a 12^th grade topic in class!

The setting:

The setting was my session at NumberNagar® with three students – one each from grades 9, 10, and 12. All three of them come for class at overlapping times and for the same subjects – Maths and Science. We generally discuss difficulties regarding conceptual understanding and doubts related to problems and how to solve them. These sessions are open ended and usually bring a lot of meaningful learning among the team. This happens in addition to the specific school-related work each one does in the session.

The concept:

During the discussion of dual nature of light, we hit the topic of Doppler effect. Before I could organise my thoughts for the discussion with the 12^th grader, the 9^th grader jumped out of his seat and said, “I know Doppler effect”. He also made a weird nasal sound of the Doppler whistle. He then explained the scene from the TV series The Big Bang Theory. In the series, the lead character Sheldon Cooper’s Halloween costume is the Doppler effect representation for sound waves.

The power of connections:

I was stumped by this connection. It led me to wonder how the brain makes these connections. Especially how a TV series has left an impact on this student’s mind regarding a scientific principle. This indicates that learning is never unidirectional, the brain gets ideas from various sources – books, movies, cartoons. Though we believe that spending too much time in front of TV is bad, it makes me think. Should we educate our children on why and what to watch rather than asking them to stop watching TV altogether?

The memories:

Since we are on the topic of association of our memories, I remember the Star Trek series on TV. Today I can relate to so many inventions around me. The flip phone, the ion engine that propelled Temple 1 satellite to a comet, the touch screen, even Mangalyaan that were just fantasies decades ago, are now realities.

The learning:

This event during my session sparked a lot of thoughts in my mind about teaching itself. I use a lot of videos and movie clips for concept clarity in my sessions. Despite that, I have not received such a direct feedback of connectivity from my students before.  

Would it be good to encourage students to watch a science-based series? Because this is entertainment and not studying, it provides a fertile fodder for the brain to make connections.

I think we should try anything and everything that makes learning a meaningful experience for students. What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts. Share in the comments section

Image credits:

Featured image – Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Sheldon Cooper costume – http://bigbangtheoryshirts.blogspot.com/2011/12/sheldons-doppler-effect-costume-in.html

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Sriraghavan S M

Sriraghavan (Raghu) is an Astronomer by qualification (MSc, Astronomy, Bangalore University) and a teacher by passion. He is a trained counsellor and psychotherapist. His firm belief and conviction to transform the education system in India led him to be an entrepreneur through NumberNagar®. His core work at NumberNagar® revolves around product presentations, academic content, and training. He teaches Maths and Science to young students, rubbing off his passion to them. He trains teachers as well, inspiring them to better themselves. He has taught Physics in educational institutes, during his early career days. He has travelled extensively all over Karnataka, training teachers and popularising Astronomy. He advocates multiple intelligence and is constantly on the lookout for new things to learn. He is ambidextrous and enjoys sketching. He was an avid cricket player in his younger days. He is an enthusiastic biker and uses long solo motorcycle rides as means of reflection and rejuvenation.

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