Market Around Us with Class 6 of Daly College, Indore

The fourth and the final module of Integrated Creative Enquiry at the Daly College, Indore began with a focus on civics. Markets and traditional livelihoods were presented as the key area of investigation for children. In order to structure their skills towards understanding and evaluating the module and to enable them to conduct interviews on site, children were introduced to the technique of interviewing and qualitative analysis. through a modelled session which highlighted the ways to interact in public spaces, children were trained for their visit. Also a debate on traditional markets versus malls was an effective way to draw their attention to the pros and cons of both these forms of markets in the modern economy.

A visit to the traditional market of Sarafa was the order of the day on Day 2. Children conducted an interview of the shopkeepers to understand their trade. They also recorded the commodity chain through a mapping activity to understand the key areas from where commodities arrive at the market. An amenity and resources survey and an advertising and branding communication survey were the other survey tools that the students used to complete their analysis.

On the third day, the children had to plan a market overhaul with a budget of ten lakhs, they were city planners for the day! Not only did class 6 have to effectively plan their budget, but also digest the information which the shopkeepers had provided them with on day 2 in order to come up with innovative ideas which would help the market grow and support the many livelihoods within it. Children came up with ideas of special farmer’s outlets to sell produce directly, renovating lighting, special tourist attractions and promotional events. They then presented their findings and ideas in the form of a presentation to the class.

It was a great end to the year with Class 6, Daly College in the year 2014–15!