Date:19/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/19/stories/2006071900340200.htm

Kerala

Magic to extend beyond traditional domain

`Mathamagic', and `Chemical magic' are new coinages in the vocabulary of the Kozhikode-based Magic World and the Centre for Research and Studies in Magic.

Concerted efforts are on to extend magic beyond the traditional domain of entertainment alone. It would now extend to the educational plane too. Magic is generally viewed as one that can be performed by the magician alone, and the general feeling is that it is an art difficult to master.

As part of the new educational curriculum in schools, various programmes have been chalked out by Magic World to make use of magic as an educational tool among the young.

Simple tricks

Simple tricks that can be used by teachers at the beginning of a new chapter in mathematics or chemistry have been got up.

Basically, the tricks in the mathematics class would involve mental calculations.

Chemical combinations in the science class would be provided the magical touch too, through the use of simple tricks.

Pradeep Houdini, director of Magic World, says, "we are visualising an initiative that will utilise magic as an educational tool among school students, especially in the backdrop of the new school curriculum that envisages a shift in paradigm from the traditional methods of learning to newer concepts in teaching.''

"A proposal to this effect has been sent to the district panchayat and the education standing committee chairman of Kozhikode Corporation.

"The District Educational Officer too has been informed of the programmes chalked out by us to make use of magic as a learning tool," he says.

The magician views simple tricks as one of the most effective tools of learning whether it be science, humanities or any other subjects.

According to Mr. Houdini, the response from the district panchayat authorities was encouraging.

"We are expecting a positive response so that magic can be used to the benefit of the young in the learning process," he says. A 40-minute duration training for teachers is being conducted by Magic World in schools in the city.

The series of training sessions being conducted in different schools commenced on July 13. The first batch of 50-odd teachers of the Gujarati School underwent the training.

Training programmes are also being held at the Vedavyasa High School, St. Antony's High School and St. Anjelos School. Training will also be imparted to Achuthan Girls High School, Zamorin's High School, Malabar Christian College High School and St. Joseph's Boys High School in the next few days.

The teachers were also being invited for a workshop to be conducted in August-September.

Maleeha Raghaviah