The Gol-gappa approach to learning

Every time I pass through a Chat shop I am amazed to look at people in queue with a bowl (mostly disposable) in their hand waiting to get a Gol-gappa and devour it. Their faces glow up in eternal bliss and they tend to relish every moment from putting it in their mouth to rushing downwards through esophagus.?

In one of my interactions with students one student asked “What should be our approach towards learning”, when I threw this question back to audience, active listening, passion, mental focus etc. were some answer. The very thought of Gol-Gappa came to my mind and I said you have to approach learning the way you approach for Gol-gappas at a Chat shop. The audience received the answer with some laughter and some degree of awe. I thought it’s better to clarify the chronology of why I said so: ?

Scene 1: As you approach the Chat waala for Gol Gappa you grab a bowl and get in queue with lightning fast speed to ensure you are not left behind.

Learning approach: You have to be an initiative taker and very receptive. The pace at which change is happening you cannot afford to be complacent. Look around you and be willing to take initiative and learn something new, and this should happen fast.

Scene 2: As you get one gol gappa you are curious to have the next one

Learning approach: Be curious to know and learn more and more. Don’t stop once a session/module/chapter/course gets over. Keep the curiosity alive.

Scene 3: Bhaiya make it more teekha (spicy) or khatta (lemony).

Learning approach: Quick feedback helps. Your interactivity quick feedback always helps the instructor to make suitable changes. This also enhance engagement between the students and instructors. Interactivity enhances engagement and thus learning.

Scene 4: Bhaiya sab khatam ho gaye (is that all)! Ye dil maange more

Learning approach: The very thought that you have finished your quota of Gol Gappa and the facial expressions wanting for more. This should be replicated in learning, once the quota the course is finished you should thrive for more.

Scene 5: Accha Bhaiya thoda paani de dijiye (Give me some spicy water)

Learning approach: You should always ask for more, seek more. Seek knowledge from wherever it is readily available. Let there be un-quenching thirst for knowledge.

By the time I finished I realized that not only students this learning approach can be adopted by anyone irrespective of age, gender or caste which again is quite similar to popularity and acceptance of Gol-gappas by everyone.

The journey of Gol-Gappa provided me a fresh perspective on how to approach learning.

What do you think? Are you waiting for your turn or for the next gol-gappa.