School Activities discuss the importance of school diary;

define Cumulative Record Card and discuss its contents and importance;
discuss the importance of teacher's diary;
enumerate the present condition of school library and discuss its importance in a school
system;
explain the role of a teacher in managing school library;
discuss rhe importance of science laboratory; and
develop the skill to manage science laboratories.

Every institution is required to maintain various kinds of records, which reflect the aims
and objectives of the institution. They also show its origin and growth and the philosophy
of the institution. In the early days, very few records were required to be maintained. But
today, with the increasing responsibilities of schools, the number of school records has
also increased. Every state has prescribed a number of records which a secondary school must
maintain.
The question is, what are the types of records that the school has to maintain.

15.3.1 n p e s of School Records

The records can broadly be classified under the following six headings:

i) General Records
( 1 ) General register (2) Log book (3) Visitors' book (4) Staff meeting record (5) Public
relations record.

ii) Records of Teachers

(1) Service book (2) Attendance register (3) Leave register (4) Register of private tutions of
teacher (5) Confidential record (6) Teacher's diary.

iii) Records of Pupils

(1) Attendance register (2) School leaving certificate (3) Cumulative record card (4) Admission
record (5) Performance record.
iv) Equipment Records
(1) Dead stock register (2) Laboratory register (3) Library register (4) Stationery issue book
(5) Stock and issue of sports material (6) Inventories of infrastructural facilities.
v) Statistical Data
Statistical information related to pupil enrolment, sex-wise distribution of pupils, pupil-staff
ratio, cost per st~dent,failure records etc.

vi) Financial Records

(1) Daily cash book (2) Ledger (3) Contingency register (4) Register of fee collection
(5) Register of donations received.
Besides these records a school has to keep correspondence files.
15.3.2 Need for School Records
School is a social institution answerable to parents, managing committee, Education
Department, coinmunity and to pupils. All this makes keeping and maintaining of records
essential.
Every school is required to keep an accurate and complete account of each and every pupil
on its rolls and submit periodically reports based on these records. These facts and figures are
essential as they are the basis for receiving state grants.
Records are again essential for furnishing the Department of Education with an overall picture Illstrudiond Management
Related Activities-I1
of the school, which is based on facts and figures. These data are utilised for planning future
programmes in budgetary form.
A school has to maintain computer records of each student. These records will reveal progress
that each student has made and also show the weaknesses and strengths of the educational
programme. Where computer facility is not available these records can be prepared manually
with the assistance of teacher and administrative staff.
School records also assist us in assessing the educational progress and needs of particular
locality.
Reports based on records are sent to parents. Conferences with parents are also based on
definite information, which is available in the records. This is a sure way of getting constructive
cooperation from home and community for achieving the aims of education.
Again, the school is entrusted with the task of all-round development of the personality of
each child. It is absolutely essential to keep a record of hisher day-to-day growth and
development.

15.3.3 How to Maintain Records?

The Principal is the person who is finally responsible for the school records but since helshe
cannot possibly maintain all records himself, these records are maintained by teachers and
clerical staff. While maintaining records the following points should be kept in mind.
i) Prepare a stock list of all registers maintained in the school. It indicates what type of
records are kept in the school. This makes record keeping systematic.
ii) On the outer cover of each register containing records write distinctly:
(a) name of the school (b) name of the register (c) the serial number of the register
(d) number of volumes of the register (e) the number of pages of the volume
(f) opening and closing date of the volume, etc.
iii) All files and registers should be kept neat and tidy.
iv) There should be no over-writing or cancelling of entries. If any corrections are made,
these should be signed by the concerned persons.
V) Make all entries in ink.
vi) Do not open a new volume of any register every year, if the previous volume contains
some blank pages.
vii) Fill up every column provided in the prescribed register and do no leave any blank
spaces.
viii) Records should be genuine, valid, reliable and accurate. They should be easily understood
by those for whom they are meant.
ix) Records should be kept in the office under proper lock and key and nobody should be
allowed to remove them from the school under any circumstances without permission.
Thus records and registers are very useful devices. They should be kept neat and clean and
should be maintained carefully and systematically.

15.4 SCHOOL DIARY, STUDENT PROFILEAND

OTHER STUDENT RECORDS
Previously, we have discussed various types of records that a school has to prepare, how these
rehords are useful to various agencies like the Government, parents, students, teachers
community and to the management. We have also emphasized the need for maintenance of
these important documents for longer periods.
Now, we will discuss some of the important records of students and teachers.
Let us first discuss the school diary.
School Activities 15.4.1 School Diary
The School Diary is a mirror of a school, wherein there is the logo of the school. The motto
of the school is written in it and the entire year's programme is listed. The following can be
found in A school diary.
There is a transparent plastic cover.
On the cover page, in the centre or at the top there is the school emblem and the name
of the school.
On the bottom there is space for writing name, standard, division and address.
On the first page there is personal memoranda wherein again name, address, number of
siblings studying in the same school, date of birth, age, sex, nationality and blood group
are mentioned.
On the second page details regarding the Trust and office bearers of the school are
written.
From third page onwards various prayers are listed daywise.
After various prayers, there is a list of instructions regarding discipline of school and
penalties for breaking school discipline.
The school also includes a list of holidays and the tentative schedule of school activities.
At the bottom of every page in the diary there can be a thought or a proverb or some
quotation.
There is a place for recording results of pupils.
There can be a complaint or remark coloumn, wherein special remarks like untidy uniform,
incomplete homework, late arrival, instarees of mischief etc. can be written and sent to
parents for signature.
At the end there can be a record of various activities in which the child has participated.
Last page contains the emblem of the school.
Now let us discuss the importance of school diary.

Importanoe of School Diary

School diary is helpful to everyone- Trust members and management, parents, teachers and
students.
Trust members can have telephone numbers of office bearer and teachers so that they are to
be contacted as and when required.
Parent can know various activities of the school, their children's progress, complaints against
the children, homework given to children, etc.
The diary is helpful to a teacher. Hdshe can know the progress of students and bring it to the
notice of parents. Teachers can ask students to note homework in their diary. Teachers can
find the personal details like blood group, home address etc. of students as and when required.
Pupils get en opportunity to learn to fix priorities depending on amount of work. They can
note down homework in the diary. They learn how to maintain a diary. They can learn various
prayers. They can read various quotations. From the diary, they can know about discipline of
the school and various penalties for breaking school discipline.
School diary is useful to one and all in a school and also to others outside the school.

15.4.2 Student's Profile: Cumulative Record Card

As we all know that the main aim of education is to develop all-round personality of the child.
To dischaqe this function, it is absolutely essential to keep a profile of hidher growth and
development. During hidher schooling, helshe has to decide the subjects which shehe will
study and after schooling take a decision regarding hisfher profession or vocation. Usually
parents take advice of teachers. If a teacher gives guidance without any authentic data, is it
helpful? If it is not, then what is to' be done by a teacher? Hdshe has to prepare a profile
which gives information about a student. What is that Profile? It is known as Cumulative Imtructional Management
Related Activities-II
Record Card. (CRC)

What is Cumulative Record Card (CRC)?

It is a record of child indicating growth and development while in school in all aspects from
beginning to the end of his school career.
It is a mirror which reflects the many sided development of a pupil.
Cumulative Record Card is a very important record. Let us see why it is as important as is
claimed.

15.4.3 What is the Importance of CRC?

The Secondary Education Commission emphasized the importance of Cumulative Record
Card in the following words:
"Neither the external examination nor the internal examination, singly or together,
can give a complete and correct picture of pupil's all-round progress at any
particular stage of his education, yet it is important for us to assess this, in order
to determine his future course of study or future vocation. For this purpose, a
proper system of school records should be maintained for every pupil indicating
the work done by him in the school from day-to-day, from month-to-month,
from term-to-term, and from year-to-year. Such school records will present a
clear and continuous statement of the attainments of the child in different
intellectual pursuits throughout successive stages of his education."
Thus, from a CRC, useful, valid and authentic information can be collected.
It helps in deciding upon the vocation and profession for a student.
It helps to observe various aspects of child's personality.
The data helps when a student leaves the school and gets admission in another school.
8 It helps in identifying an abnormal child and those who are weak in studies.
8 It helps in solving the problems of the child.
Thus, Cumulative Record Card differs from other pupil's record.
All other pupil records give one-sided view of the child's development individually and not
cumulatively, but Cumulative Record Card provides information on various aspects physical,
cultural, aesthetical, moral, intellectual, and social. Since we are educating the 'whole' child,
this record is multi-dimensional.
From this discussion, we can find out characteristics of a CRC easily.

Characteristics of CRC
From the time a child enters school till hisher completion of studies, maintaining a
record is a continuous process.
8 This record is not meant for criticism.
8 The informatid should be valid, reliable and correct.
8 Every aspect of the child is to be seen in a progressive way.
8 It is a comprehensive and continuous record. Information should be entered every month,
every term and every year.
It is said that CRC is a comprehensible and multi-dimensional record. The question is what
is the content of CRC? What are the dimensions included in it?

15.4.4 Contents of Cumulative Record Card

It contains a pupil's personal data, socio-economic data, attendance, physical and medical
reports, scholastic achievement, interests and aptitudes, personality traits etc. in short, a
complete history of hisfher stay in school. Now we will discuss the contents in detail.
School Activities i) Personal Data
(i) Name and sex (2) Class to which admitted (3) Date of birth in words and figures
(4) Permanent address (5) Father's or guardian's name (6) Present address (7) Previous
school attended with date of joining and leaving with reasons.

ii) Socio-economic Data

(1) Occupation of father and mother (2) Number of brothers and sisters with their ages
(3) Pupil's position among the siblings (4) Economic status (5) Special home conditions
if any.
iii) Attendance
(1) Possible and actual termwise attendance (2) Reasons for long absence, if any.

iv) PhysicaVMedical Report

(1) Height (2) Weight (3) Chest (4) Vision (5) Ears (6) Nose (7) Lungs, Liver and Heart
etc. (8) Any Special disability (9) General Health.

v) Schdaktic Achievements
There should be at least three tests each year and the results of periodical assessment in
each subject should be shown in the form of grades. The child's position in the class
should also be noted.
vi) Interests and Aptitudes
A) (1) Scientific (2) Social (3) Literary (4) Mechanical (5) Artistic (6) Musical and
(7) Adventure etc.
These interests may be rated and recorded.
B) Pupil's Preferences:
(1) Favourite subject (2) Subject liked the least (3) Vocational preferences
(4) Pupil's general attitude to school.
A rating should be done.
vii) Personality 'lhits
(I) Sociability (2) Zeal exhibited (3) Efficiency displayed (4) Success achieved.
Rating should be done.
viii) Co-curricular Activities
(1) Participation (2) Zeal exhibited (3) Efficiency displayed (4) Success achieved.
Rating should be done.
ix) Class Teacher's Remarks:

Head Master's Remarks:

............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
All the above information is given on a card, big enough to contain all the data.
Sample form of a Cumulative Record Card Instructionrd h n n g e m m t
Related ~ctiviiks-II
i) Personal Information
A. Full Name : ...............................................................................................................
i...

Sex ............. ............................... Birth Place ..................................

Birth date
Permanent address .........................................................................................................
Name of the ParentsIGuardian .....................................................................................
Mother tongue ..............................Socio-economic Status .........................................
B. Information about Previous Schools

Name of the Admitted Std. Reason for Reason Special

School and Place Yew Leaving for Change Remarka

ii) Socio-economic Information

Father : Educational Qualifications .....................................................................................
.....................................................
Occupation ......................................................................
Mother: Educational Qualifications ....................................Occupation ...............................
Family's Average Income ....................................................................................................
Pupil's position among the siblings .....................................................................................
Special home condition, if any ..................................:..........................................................
Time available for child

Parents' Guidance I
iii) Physical Condition

iv) Scholastic Achievements

Std. Year Std. Year Subject Std. Ykar Std. Year

Attendance
<- (%) ->
Grand Rank % Rank 96 Rank 46 Rank
Total %

1.

2.

3.
1. GmesISports 7. DrawingICraft
2. Camping 8. Music
3. Tout 9. Social Activity
4. Handicraft 10. Literary Activity
5. Cultural Activities 11. Appeared in Special Exam
6. NC~IACClScouts 12. Any Other Activities

Year Interest and Linking Special Skills

and Subjects (priority)
SM.

Beginning
Stage
Middle
Stage
End of
Schooling

Name of Test given Marks obtained % Standardbed Knowledge

the Test Test
 ~lrshuctlaaalMatwemcnt
15.4.5 How to Maintain a CRC? Related Activities-II
Cumulative Record Card, though it is very important, is very detailed. As we all have
experienced, that a teacher remains busy with academic as well as administrative work. HOW
does helshe find time to fill up detailed information for each student? Some teachers may feel
that this is boring work and time consuming also. As a responsible teacher, one should not
think so. We have already discussed the importance of CRC. It also helps counsellors as well
as teachers. So, a teacher should spare the time from his routine work. An important point a
teacher has to keep in mind, is that while filling the record, helshe should not be biased.
Since the CRC is a very important document, it must be simple, uptodate, accurate and
comprehensive. A teacher should fill the information very carefully. Only then can it be
useful.

15.4.6 Pupils Attendance Register and Teacher's Diary

Each class has its own register, showing names of pupils on rolls of a class. This register is
maintained by the class teacher. Attendance is to be marked at the beginning of the school
day. After prayer or after assembly ten minutes are given for recording attendance. A class
teacher has to take attendance of students daily.
Ink should be used for marking attendance. 'Dots' should not be put in the column, no blank
should be left. 'P' for present, 'A' for absent, 'L'for Leave and 'S' for Sick, should be used.
Students who remains absent for many days should be asked to give reasons and if sick asked
to bring a medical certificate. The names of the students who are absent without permission
for twelve days continuously, should be struck off and reported to parents.

Teacher's Diary
Teacher's diary is a map for a teacher. It provides a view of the tasks to be performed. Every
school should have a teacher's diary. In this diary there is the programme for the entire year,
which is followed by daily programme.
Academic year : ........................... Subject : ...................................

Months Chapters and Topics Total periods No. of periods mquired

available
June
July
Aug.

The table given above gives an indcation regarding courses to be covered in a month. It
indicates as to how many periods will be available? Which chapter will be taken up etc.

I Similarly, a programme is prepared for the entire year and for all subjects by concerned
subject teachers. This programme is approved by the headmaster. After approval, a detailed
weekwise programme is prepared regarding topics to be covered, objectives to be achieved,
methods to be used, teaching aids required, any homework to be given, etc.

Weekwise Programme
i
Topics Objectives Approach Teaching Home Evaluation
MethodlMedia Aid-required Work
School Activities A teacher knows what is to be taught, when, it is to be taught from the time table and the
monthly chart, what methods, media and approach to be used is also readily available. Finally,
type of homework and evaluation are also mentioned in the teacher's d i m .

Daily Record
There is something like a daily record in a school. The daily record is in the form of a register,
which is placed in a classroom and in which a teacher enters the matter taught in a period.
Now let us discuss the importance of Teacher's Diary.

Importance of Teacher's Diary

It is a blueprint of instructional process for a teacher because it indicates what is to be taught, I
what are the objectives, how to teach, what homework should be given and so on. The I

advantages and importance a teacher's diary

A teacher can do the work in a period according to available time.
A teacher can study or revise and prepare before teaching, so that a shehe does not loose
track of the matter to be taught.
In a diary the teacher notes down different activities or anecdotes occuring in a class
which increases herhis accountability.
A teacher enters the classroom with self-confidence as helshe is well prepared, due to
which the quality of teaching is good.
A teacher can organize the teaching work in a better way.
A teacher is able to read books, reference material, teaching material, due to which
teaching becomes more intense and concrete.
In this way organized teaching is made lively.

Check Your Progress

Notes: a) Write your answers in the space given below.
b) Compare your answers with those given at the end of the unit.
1. Find out the type of record each of the following belongs to:
1) Log Book, 2) Service Book, 3) Cumulative Record Card, 4) Pupil-Staff Ratio,
5) Ledger.

2. Below are mentioned a few statements. Indicate the statement which is TRUE and
which is FALSE.
i) School records assist teachers to assess the progress of the students. 0
ii) Stock list indicates the type of records that are kept in the school. n
iii) Over writing in school records is allowed. 0
iv) All entries in records are to be made by pencil. 0
v) Cumulative Record Card helps in solving problems of the child. n
vi) Cumulative Record Card gives one-side view of a child's development
individually and not cumulatively. 0
vii) Teacher's diary is a mirror for instruction. 0
viii) School diary is helpful to teacher, pupils and parents.
 InstructionalManagement
15.5 MANAGING THE LIBRARY AND LABORATORY Related Activities-I1

15.5.1 Importance of Library

Books are friends and treasure houses of wisdom. They give us pleasure and lead us to great
heights.
The need for a good library service in a modern school is no longer an issue for debate. All
thinking people, who are informed about the purpose of education, nature of the learning
process, curriculum and the instructional process, and procedures in today's schools, agree on
the important contribution which library services make to the character and quality of
educational programmes. Schools that have a good library service usually have better
instructional programmes than those without an effective library service.
With the changed concept of education as a process of self-education, where the teacher's role
is largely to be of a guide and a facilitator, the role of library has assumed major importance.
The modern trend in education is to encourage students to collect, on their own, information
from various sources. From this point of view reading in a library itself is a part of school
education. A library is indispensable for such modem methods of teaching as problem-solving
method, project method, assignment methods, supervised study etc. Thus, a library is the hub
and centre of intellectual activity in a recognised school and plays the same part, for all
subjects, as does a laboratory for science subjects, or a workshop for technical subjects.
According to the Education Commission (1964-66), a collection of books, even a collection
of good books does not constitute a library. A library should be the centre of intellectual life
of a school, available at all times for reference, for study and for private reading. It should
be a quiet place, provide an environment which encourages study and reading, and furnished
and equipped for comfortable use.
Yet, not all schools have recognised important part which a library plays if more modern
techniques of teaching are utilised to provide education and growth of children. In some
cases, library facilities are generally inadequate or totally lacking, while in other schools,
there is constant effort to improve facilities so that the library becomes the focus of many
instructional activities.
In schools, the textbook is an important means of learning for teachers and the taught. It
provides a specific approach to pass on information and knowledge as briefly as possible.
While it has advantages, there is a serious drawback in it. With total reliance on a textbook,
teachers and students can limit their thinking to whatever material is available in the textbook.
With today's procedures of teaching-learning, textbook material is not considered sufficient.
Supplementary reading, both on the part of the teachers and pupils, is essential. Besides using
library by themselves teachers must motivate and stimulate pupils to undertake independent
study and learn to use the resources that a library has. In modem times library is an essential
educational aid and proper use of it must be made.

15.5.2 Present Condition of School Libraries

The present condition of school libraries is deplorable, to say the least. Unfortunately, this
aspect of education has generally been neglected. There are very few schools with functional
libraries. There are very few books in school libraries. They are usually old and outdated and
often purchased just to oblige publishers without any regard to student's requirements and
interests.
The purpose of a library cannot be realised if it is not properly housed, manned and equipped.
In most secondary schools, there are no separate rooms for libraries. Even if a room
is provided, there is hardly any sitting arrangement. Suitable library furniture is not
available.
In a majority of schools, where there is a library, there is no full time trained librarian.
HeJshe is often an overworked teacher who does not have the time to look after the
library. Further, those teachers who are given the responsibility of looking after the
library have no training in the organization of libraries. Naturally, therefore, there is
nothing like an imaginative and well planned library service which could assist and
inspire students.
School Activities Although in many schools there might be a lGge number of books in the library, most
of them have not been properly selected after taking into consideration the needs and
interasts of the students or even teachers.
It has been observed that most teachers do not have any love for reading. Neither are they
interested in reading nor do they stimulate the students to read.
At the time of an inspection, some books, maps, charts are purchased for the purpose of
window-dressing.
Most schools.face financial difficulties. There are no budget allocations for libraries in
private schools. In Government and local body schools, allocation is meager, and does
not allow purchase of cupboards, shelves, furniture and other necessary equipment. Hence
it is not possible to build a library.
Unfomunately, library reading does not find any place in the school curriculum. There is
no library period in the time table. Schools subscribe to a number of journals and
newspapers, but these are not used by teachers and students. The school time table is so
overcrowded that students do not find time to make use of its facilities.
Even if the school library is well equipped and good library service is available, most
students do not avail of this facility. Their attitude towards Library - reading is not
healthy. The reasons are overcrowded curriculum, defective examination system, lack of
interest on the part of teachers and unhealthy home environment.

15.5.3 Managing Library

The various factors which contribute to an efficient running of a school library are as under:

i) Location
A library is known as the soul of an institution. Therefore, its location, arrangement and
equipment must receive special attention.
It should be in a quiet corner of the school building so that it is free from noise and
disturbances.
It should be well lighted and airy. The interior of the hall should be properly maintained
and it 'should be as spacious as possible.

ii) Equipment
It should have a large number of plain tables and comfortable chairs. Another important
requirement for a good library is to have a number of large almirahs. Other equipment
necessary f ~ the
r library are newspaper stands, sloping magazines shelves, display boards,
notice bowd, librarian's counter and bulletin boards, wherein jackets of new arrivals are
displayed.
A catalogue of books must be arranged subjectwise and authorwise so that students do not
waste their time hunting for books.

iii) Selection of Books

In the words of the Secondary Education Commission, "The guiding principle in selection
should not be teacher's own ideas of what books the students must read but their natural and
psychologiual interests."
The author9 should be of good reputation. The subject matter should be meaningful and in
psychological sequence. The schools should constitute a committee for recommending books
to be purchased. In the case of books which arein greater demand it is desirable to purchase
multiple copies so that students do not have to wait, for long periods to consult or to borrow
a book.

iv) Omganwtion
Books should generally be kept in shelves, by subjects, so that all books on a subject can be
found at one place. In schools it is desirable that there is an open shelf system, which will
allow students to pick up books they desire to read. However, some reference materials can
be kept separately to meet the speed needs of students and, teachers. A library should all& Instructiod Management
students and teachers to borrow books for study at home. Related Activities-I1

v) Library Rules
Some specific rules should be displayed for the use of readers.

15.5.4 Role of a Teacher

A large number of secondary schools do not have any librarian. The job is generally entrusted
to a teacher as an extra chore. Slhe is not competent and also does not find time to perform
hislher duty well. The result is that the library remains unutilised by students. A school should
have a full time qualified and trained librarian. To assure the best results it would be necessary
to provide regular and continuous service by a librarian in the use of the library.
It has been very aptly said that "No library can be maximally successful unless the teachers
use it, are aware of its resources, see the possibility of its use as an instructional aid and
stimulate its use through the procedures, they employ in their teaching". Teachers can achieve
thls by:
Asking students to go to the library whenever they feel the need for reference material
arises.
Training students in the use of catalogues so that they can locate books easily.
Telling students about books that might interest them.
Developing assignments which would require students to use the resources of the library.
Distributing suggested readings through mimeographed materials.
The best use of the library can be assured by scheduling the time table so that all students visit
library regularly sometime during the day or week. There should be library period for each
class when students come to the library to read materials of their own choice.
The need for extra reading among students is indeed great. They should be encouraged in
this direction through all possible means. It would be very encouraging if a library is kept
open after school hours. This will allow students to read whenever they feel like reading
something.

15.5.5 Science Laboratory

Every school should have a well equipped science labotafory ta,aid instruction and stimulate
greater interest in science courses. It provides an opportunity for actually applying scientific
theories. We are living in a technological age and the cultural and educational value of science
is being recognized increasingly. No school can ignore efficient science teaching.
Our aim is not to stuff minds of pupils with mere facts of science but to develop in them the
application, ability, skills of experimentation, construction, inculcating scientific attitudes,
interests, appreciation etc. One of the important functions of a science laboratory is the deepening
of students' understanding of scientific concepts and then their application.
Let us now discuss the importance of a laboratory.

Importance of a Laboratory
Things learnt by the students through purposeful activity are permanently affixed in the
minds of the pupils.
Knowledge imparted without experimental evidence remains superficial.
It provides opportunity for training in scientific method.
Pupils learn to observe, collect data, analyse data, handle equipment etc.
While performing practical work they learn to cooperate, become resourceful, take initiative,
become self reliant.
Students learn to operate instruments and various apparatus. They also learn to repair
them, if and when required.
School Activities Let us ciiscuss how to organise one.
In a secondary school an all purpose laboratory can serve the purpose. In higher secondary
schools, on the other hand, separate laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology are
required.
Let us look at an all purpose laboratory.
An all purpose laboratory serves the purpose of both practical as well as theoretical
work.
The size of the laboratory can be varied according to the number of students. For 40
students the dimensions can be 45' x 25'.
A storage cum preparation room should be provided along with the laboratory.
Provision should be made on walls to keep reagent bottles.
There should be provision of sink, gas connection, .demonstration table, working tables,
chairs and almirahs.

Preparation & Storage

nnnnnn

nnnnnn

n n o n n ~

InInoEl

~i~.15:
. 1Layout of an all P u 9 o s e Laboratory
 The table and chairs should not be fixed so that seating arrangement can be changed as Instructional Management
per the requirement. Related Activities-I1

There should be provision of electricity and many switch boards.

Laboratory should have appropriate lighting. It is always better to have natural light.
Windows should have dark glasses so that same laboratory can be used as dark room

Behind the demonstration table, there should be a large blackboard.

Layout of an all purpose laboratory is presented in Fig.15.1.
Let us discuss in detail the requirements for a laboratory.

Location
The location of a laboratory should be such that there is minimum disturbance either from
classes or playground. Moreover natural light should be available during working hours. It
is better to have laboratory on the extreme end of the school on the ground floor. Orientation
should be north-south with variation.

Walls of the laboratory can be 1-112 ft. thick. The size can be 45' x 25' so that 40 students
can use it at a time.

The walls can be painted or distemper coated, which will last for a longer time. Corners can
be rounded to avoid accumulation of dirt in orders. Walls should be cemented.

Floor should be smooth and cemented with proper slope and water drainage system. Its
drainage system should be such that water does not accumulate in comers.

Windows can be 6' x 4' above the floor. There can be 1 ft. high ventilators. Windows should
open outwards so that window sills can be used-as working area.

Almirahs
Almirahs can be 8 ft. x 5 ft. provided or fixed inrthe wall recess of 1 ft. There can be 7 to
8 almirahs with stone or wooden shelves. These almirahs can be used to store materials,
instruments, glasswares, books, reagents etc.

Notice Board and Chart Hangers

There can be a railing along the wall to hang charts and display any other material. There
can be a notice board just near the entrance or the wall in between two windows. The board
can be used for displaying results or any instruction to the students.
There can also be a place for a fire extinguisher on the walls.
Now after floor, walls and windows, let us come to the door.

l h o doors are required which open outside. One for entry and another for exit. The doors
can be of 8' x 4' dimension.

There should be provisi~nof 4 sinks in wall recesses.

Place for a balance can also be made in the wall recess.
Water Supply ..
For constant water supply there should be an overhead water tank.

-
School Activities Electricity Supply
The electric fitting should be done in the laboratory with tube lights, switch boards and power
plugs. Wiring should be good and to the extent possible concealed so that no accidental
contact with exposed wire takes place.

Tables and Stods

There should be long tables. A number of stools can be placed across or there can be twin
1 1
tables with two stools. The tables should be 2--x3-~10 dimension. Under the table there
2 2
1
can be shelves to keep books. Stools can be 2- ft. high.
2

Gas Connection
Gas connecoion is required at one end of the demonstration table. If such a connection is not
available, spirit lamp or petromax chullahs can be used. They can be useful for both lighting
and for heaaing as and when required.

Demonstration Table
There should be a large demonstration table of 10' x 4' x 4' so that it is visible to all students.
Blackboard
Behind the demonstration table there can be a big blackboard. It can be green in colour, which
is comfortable for the eyes. It should not have any decoration. Blackboard should be 10 ft.
and 4 ft. wide. It is useful to put salient features and processes of the lesson/practicals on the
board so that students can see them at a glance.
Behind the laboratory there should be preparation zone or dark room-cum-preparation room,
where reagents required for practicals can be prepared in advance.
Higher Secondary School Laberatories
Chemistry haboratory
In a Chernisuy laboratory stools are not required.
More space is required to store reagents or more shelves are required.
Reagents commonly and frequently used are placed in the working area on the table.
There are wooden shelves which can be used from both sides and are placed in the centre
of table so that studeats from both sides can use chemicals.
Tables halve acid proof coating.
Sinks are required at the end of every table.
Special instructions have to be given for handling chemicals.
There can1 be lockers below the table to store glassware.
Students can be given charge of certain glassware for use.
There should be special 'place for keeping weighing balance, distilled water and
concentrated acids.
There should be burettes on every table.
There shopld be a gas connection with open and close knob system.
There should be a test-tube holder on every table plus a test-tube stand.

Biology Labomtory
Biology deals with life and living organism, be it plants or animals. In a Biology laboratory,
provision has to be made for the following:
An aquarium and a vivarium.
Cupboards to store dry materials and models.
1
 A see through cupboard tbr keeping preserved specimens in bottles with for malign Instructional Management
copper sulphate solution and the specimen. The bottles should be neatly labelled and Related Activities-11
classified.
Cupboards to store simple as well as compound microscope.
Tables and chairs.
A sink is required but 2-3 sinks are sufficient.
A separate cupboard to store glass apparatus.
A large demonstration table and a large blackboard.
Working tables and stools. Students will sit only on one side of the table so that light
is not obstructed.
On the table stain bottles, dissection trays, spirit lamps etc. can be kept.

Physics Laboratory
Physics laboratory is different from Chemistry and Biology laboratories. Chemistry lab has
chemicals and Biology lab has microscopes. In Physics lab there are lenses, spcctroscopic
prisms, galvanometer, voltameter, pendulum, vernier callipers etc. Apart from these:
Large tables are required for working.
Stools are required for seating purposes.
Almirahs for storing the instruments.
Fixed stands to keep certain instruments, and
A dark room for some of the Physics practicals.
Instructions for Students
Students should handle apparatus appropriately.
They should replace reagents on the shelves after usage.
School bags should be kept outside the lab.
Students should carry along with them journals, practical books and observation notebooks
in the lab.
Reagents should not be mixed.
Concentrated acids should not be sucked by mouth through a pipette.
Microscope should be cleaned after use.
Keep the table clean. Place the stools back in place.
Clean the glassware after use.
Throw dust in the dust bin.
Don't throw waste material in sink.
In case of confusion call the teacher, do not manipulate or copy answers.
Keep the material back on shelve or in almirah after use.
Do not tamper with levels.
In case of fire, take necessary action by using fire extinguishers.
Do not waste gas, water or electricity.
Get your observation books and notebooks signed hefore leaving the laboratory.
Play while you play
Work while you work
Students must be told to make work smooth and safe, play only in the playground and not
ln the !ahoratory. Any mischief in lab can be hazardous or even fatal.

61
school Activities 15.5.6 Managing Laboratory
At the end of the year, there should be stock taking, to check how much material is and how
much breakage has takcn place. Unusable apparatus, either broken or are out of stock, have
to be replaced by placing an order to the concerned agencies.
Once the material is received it has to be put into appropriate bottles and labelled. Apparatus
should be numbcred as per the dead stock register. Numbers are placed on each and every
object.
Any repairs required should be taken carc of during vacations, so that functioning of the
laboratory does not suffer.

Problems Faced in Laboratory

Sometimes materials do not reach on time.
Sometimes reagents are diluted and do not give appropriate results.
People meant for repair work don't come on time.
Glassware is in short supply.
Sometimes electricity supply is not available.
Sometimes water is not available.

15.5.7 Role of a Teacher

Teacher should take time to take stock of available and required materials, apparatus and
instruments. As and when required, helshe should place the orders for replacements.
The rules or norms set for the laboratory are strictly observed. Such monitoring should be
there.
Teachers should maintain the dead stock register and a register of attendance and a register
of the practicals carried out throughout the year.
Teacher should prepare reagents and solutions well in advance and rehearse the practical
before demonstrating it.
Teacher should check the work of pupils hy taking frequent rounds and should see that weak
students are not dominated by good students.
Teacher should know how to repair instrument in case of minor damage or problems.
In all, a teacher has to be a good showman.

15.6 LET US SUM UP

The functioning of school involves maintenance of various school records viz. general records,
pupils' records, equipment records, financial records ctc. A teacher should be oriented to
maintain many of these records, although other school people are also associated with their
maintenance. Apart from these records, there are certain records which are concerned with
students, namely, school diary, student profile, attendance register, etc. A teacher should also
develop required competence to maintain these records. School library and science laboratories
are vital component of all instructional activities carried out in the school. Detailed knowledge
of these components of the school and their maintenance is a must. Hence, a teacher should
also get himselfherself trained to carry out the responsibility of maintaining them.

15.7 UNIT-END ACTIVITIES

1. Make a list of records which are in your school. Carry out a detailcd content analysis of
these records.
2 . Analyse cumulative record cards of any five students of class IX and make an objective
assessment of these students.
3. Prepare a detailed note of the use of your school library by s:udents and teachers.
-
Instructional Management
Related Activities-11