The aim: Parents, students must work in tandem for better scores in exams.

Malvika Paranjpe's parents were understandbly aghast when the management of the coaching institute where she took her tuitions advised them to allow her to pursue her sports despite her SSC examinations almost knocking at the door. A lot of persuasion later, they acquiesced, reluctantly. Not only did Malvika continue playing two hours everyday, but also secured 97.84% in her exams.

The 18-year-old's is not the only case where the coaching institute has mediated between parents and students. This has, of late, become a practice with most coaching institutes now providing personal counselling and activities aside from curriculum. And the children are loving it. Take the case of Mahesh Tutorials which begins with a formal orientation programme at the start of academic year, followed by a personal counselling session, distressing sessions like music therapies, meditation programmes, farewell programme and lastly, a felicitation event in a five-star hotel.

Coaching institutes believe such non-academic activities help in two ways: not only do they help in creating a bond with students and parents for a year, it also helps in ensuring good results. Vikramjit Singh, head of department, English (CBSE), Mahesh Tutorials, said, "Mental health is an important as the intellect of a child which helps in securing good results. That's the reason why such informal sessions are given equal importance." That's the reason why such informal sessions are given equal importance".

In case of Sinhal Classes, indirect academic sessions, like reinforcement sessions, are organised. "In this session, teachers try to destress students by instilling confidence in them, which helps students realise that they know all that it takes to get good marks." opined Sudhanshu Sinhal, director, Sinhal Classes.

Both students and parents are supporting this move. Madhuri Paranjpe, Malvika's mother said. "Had it not been for the advise of the coaching institute, we wouldn't have realised the importance of sports in securing good percentage. Definitely , such activities help a child take exams with more confidence and courage."

"Such sessions help create an inseparable bond between teachers and students," said Amita Patil, a student of class XII student enrolled with Mahesh Tutorials.

Source: DNA (23rd April 2009)