Tagore emphasized the following methods of teaching:

(1) Teaching through Tours and Trips:

Tagore believed that the subjects like history, geography, economics and other social sciences can be effectively taught through excursions and tours to important spots. By this students will get an opportunity to observe numerous facts and gain first hand knowledge through direct experience.

(2) Learning by activities:

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Rabindranath Tagore said that for the development of child’s body and mind, learning through activity is essential. Therefore he included activities like climbing tree, drama, jumping, plucking fruits, dancing etc. in his educational programmes.

(3) Narration-cum-discussion and debate method:

Narration-cum-discussion and debating activities were organized Tagore’s education centre to develop oratory abilities of the students. Students were encouraged to solve problems of various areas through rational debate and thorough discussion.

(4) Heurastic Method

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Rabindranath Tagore introduced heuristic method as an important method of teaching in his educational institution. In this method first, the students, are asked questions to clarify their doubts on topics and teachers try to satisfy them by their correct answers. Then the teacher asks the questions to students to evaluate how far the students are able to comprehend the topic discussed in the class.

Discipline in his view

Tagore was a lover of children and an advocate of free discipline. He wanted to provide the child an opportunity for the discovery of his innate potentialities in liberty. The education of the child should be carried on naturally in natural environ.

Shantiniketan-Visva Bharat

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Rabindranath Tagore established an educational institution in Bolepur, situated one hundred fifty kilometers north from Calcutta on December 22, 1901. It is Shanti Niketan. This school had Ashram sanctity like the Gurukula of ancient India.

Visva-Bharati indicates a place of Universal knowledge and world culture. In 1951 the University raised to the status of Central University by an Act especially enacted in the Parliament.

Visva-Bharati is an ideal place of learning amidst homely natural and spiritual atmosphere. This University has several departments like Vidya-Bhawan or a School of research Siksha- Bhawan or a college of education, Cheena Bhawan school of Sino-Indian studies, Kala-Bhawan or a School of fine arts, Sangeet Bhawan or a School of music and dancing, Sri Niketan or an institution of rural construction.

Slipa-Bhawan or a School of Industries, Adhyapak Siksha Bhawan or a Teacher training college, Path Bhawan or a School etc. However many classes were held in open air, under the trees in the lap of nature.

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Conclusion

Rabindranath Tagore, a true philosopher developed an ideal experimental education institution in Santiniketan. Tagore was a great advocate of spiritual education and also stressed on harmonious development of the child with equal emphasis on mental, social and emotional growth. Tagore was the greatest prophet of modern Indian renaissance who sought to bring change through education.