A surprise visit by an old student who passed out in 1999 ignited in me, the desire to know seriously: How they exactly felt at that time? What has led to the change in their behaviour over time? Is this only me who is feeling this way, or We all teachers in my surroundings or all the teachers out there who feel this way?
I started to feel strongly, than ever before, the need to understand as to How they used to think, the things that could not be shared with us then and ultimately about the changing student behaviour over the recent past. Included with this, issues relating to teaching Commerce Students of classes 11 and 12, prompted me to do this exercise.
Why despite our best efforts and support the hidden potential is not coming out? Why we're not able to motivate them? There must be something that is keeping them to stay away from studies? What dose of Extra-curricular activities is the best for their growth? Should we curtail his extra-curricular actually is required to be taught in school and what they can learn on their own?
I know I can't handle everything at once but a plan for virtual reunion was made.
But, when I considered all the resources required I finalized Google Form as the mode of collecting such information.
Before, Creating Google Form, I thought of the old students who would be ready to do this task for me, whom I have never met since they had left the school.
I decided to enable my Facebook account on my mobile phone only, as this is the only available and economical option with me. However, There was very low expectation from my side as I stayed away for long time and have never posted any picture of mine, not even a profile picture is of my own.
No interaction, no photo, low expectations.
It's also my observation that a large number of people having FB account are seldom active on FB these days. But, the tinge of curiosity helped me initiate all this.
So, One day, I enabled my FB account after over three years.
I posted a simple message to enquire about the willingness of my old students turned FB friends to participate in this process. From four hundred plus friends of all type, fifty plus responded in comments of this post, mentioning their batch. I can gladly tell here, I could recall the memory of all these respondents. The process got kicked off.
I wanted to keep it secret so as to avoid manipulations. I also wanted to guarantee them regarding secrecy of their information individually. Moreover, I didn't want to create any burden on them nor in any way disturb them in their busy routine.

I installed FB messenger, left a message for them individually, giving the details of the purpose of Filling the Google Form and asked for their E-mail id. Four students were contacted on WhatsApp for this process.

Many of them didn't even open that message. Next day, Fifty percent of them However responded and left for me their E-mail id to whom the link of that Google Form was sent.

First day, only fifteen responses were received.

On checking that this number is too small I sent again, a message on messenger, but in brief with the link to Google Form.
I kept on checking the backend. Now, After two days a sufficient batch of respondents got created. I disabled the link.

Now, came the time to know, what I wanted to know.

Apart from basic information i.e. name and batch of passing class 12, nothing specific was asked for safeguarding their privacy.

Why did you join Commerce Stream?

  • Own choice - 84.4%
  • Parents' motivation - Nil
  • Parents' pressure - 3%
  • Friends' influence - 9.4%
  • Wanted to pursue my career in finance - 3%

Reunion of Old Students

 

Were you clear about your future ambition at that time?

  • Yes - 51.5%
  • No - 45.5%
  • Not exactly - 3%

Are you Clear about your choice of stream?

 

What did you want to 'be' at that time?

(All answers have been listed in alphabetical order and duplicate answers have been eliminated.)

  1. A manager
  2. An artist
  3. An IFS Officer
  4. Bank Employee
  5. Banker or Manager
  6. Business woman
  7. Chartered accountant
  8. Company secretary
  9. Engineer
  10. I wanted to be an entrepreneur, in restaurant business
  11. I wanted to have a career.
  12. Job of accountant
  13. Just to do a good job in MNC
  14. Knows nothing
  15. Lawyer
  16. Lecturer
  17. Not sure at that time
  18. Self-dependent
  19. Teacher
  20. Wanted to do MBA
  21. Was not clear about the future goals

 

How did you Feel About Studying in Class 11 & 12?

  • Happy and joyful - 90.9%
  • A time pass - 3%
  • A hectic day - Nil
  • A boring routine - 3%
  • Daily tension of studies - 3%

How do you feel about studying in Commerce class?

 

The Most Memorable Event of class 11/12

( Individual or with class )

Every day was memorable one. I miss those days when a particular teacher used to come to our seats for asking doubts because after that golden period no one has ever come to ask about any subject related doubt.

It was the best time of my life.

Our farewell in class 11.

When two teachers said warming words in front of the whole class because I always got highest marks in physical education.

Practicing Maths sums with my best friends and spending short but quality time with them at canteen and ground during recess.

Wearing saree for the first time in an event made me so happy.

Everything is memorable in that period of two years.

I always got support from all my teachers, I always asked questions and paid attention in class.

Business Studies Project on Innovation.

Making good friends.

When our NSS team got 2nd prize in Independence Day parade.

Felicitated with All Rounder Award at farewell.

Farewell party.

I enjoyed studying Accountancy and Business Studies with My Mam. I used to wait eagerly, for the period of these two subjects. Study became interesting with mam.

One of my memorable moment is, when I got the prize of Best Student, in farewell party. Last but not the least, The day my class 12 result was declared, became my best memory.

I enjoyed each and every moment spent with my classmates and specially with teachers. I cherish all those memories so much, that I wish I could go back and live that life again.

When I got an award for being one of the top scorers in class 10 in tricity.

We performed a skit at the farewell thrown for class 12 students. It was fun.

Result day.

School Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Our farewell.

Every moment...now I miss my school days.

 

Any Unpleasant Memory of class 11/12

( Individual or with class)

It was a random day during the Covid-19 period. I was the only one who was attending class, that feeling didn't sound good.

I had a fight with my best friend and we did not talk to each other for so many years after that.

When students used to come for checking hair pins, nails and uniform and asked for fine.

When I couldn't be Miss 'My School'.

Board exams - scary!

That due to COVID, We couldn't come to school, when we were in class 12.

A fight with my friend.

Leaving school.

I didn't have a lot of true friends during those days. There were more of just seeking help (selfish motives).

When I fell ill and lost many kilograms due to Asthma.

When I didn't get award for Best Student in Commerce. I think I was more deserving because I was good in studies and extra-curricular activities as well. But that feeling got away when, after my class 12 result, My Class-incharge, gave me a recognition in front of her new class by saying 'She should be your idol' describing my qualities.

Bunking a class of particular subject and then caught by another teacher.

Profanities used by a few girls.

When I was scolded by a teacher without my mistake and had to leave that class.

Subjects Studied in Classes 11/12

The question was:

Passed Class 12 with the following subjects with main four subjects: English, Accountancy, Business Studies and Economics.

  • Maths only - 24.2%
  • Maths and Physical Education - 15.2%
  • Physical Education only - 57.6%
  • Accounts, English, Business Studies and Economics) - 3% (irrelevant as these are 'must')

Additional subjects in Classes 11 and 12 Commerce

 

Feedback/Suggestions for students/teachers regarding Classes 11/12.

Revise at home what the teacher has taught in class.

Be clear of, what you want to do in life.

Enjoy this Golden Period. This time is very precious. Work hard but don't forget to live 'the moment'.

You must make study more enjoyable and joyful. Firstly, It will reduce stress and make learning easy. Secondly, there should not be any race to grasp for high score only.

Those were the best times - Carefree, which kids are not able to enjoy these days.

Normally, students are scared of learning Business Studies and Accountancy, but both these subjects are very interesting. Keep on practising.

Your basics should be clear. Little hard work with regular revision can do the wonders.

This time & learning will never come back. Enjoy and put in your best.

Students must share their view point and problems with teachers for better understanding and solutions.

Don't spoil these two years only on studies or only on enjoyment. Take a balanced approach.

Students should always share their problems with their teachers and should not be introvert.

Always trust the guidance of teachers, they will bring the best out of you. Moreover it's okay to have low scores some time, just to learn and understand where you can improve further.

Trust me, life is never fair but these two years of classes 11 and 12, are going to be the best period of your life. Focus on your studies, plan your career, work accordingly but never miss creating lifetime memories and true friends.

Just focus on your studies and deeply understand the suggestions given by teachers.

Focus on studying in class, the subjects are easy and fun to learn.

Your teachers are always there for you . If you guys have that potential and you show your keen interest in the subject, the teachers will go beyond their curriculum and will put their 200% so that you can achieve your goal of 100% and yes, concept clarity is of utmost importance.

Study by heart and don't take stress.

Just practice numericals as many as possible in less time.

Set a goal, work hard to achieve that goal, be ambitious and along with that, be perseverant.

Make a habit of doing homework and revision of Accounts and Economics though these are easy subjects but in order to score good you need to be master in both subjects before your Board exams.

Accounts and Business Studies are considered little tough as in +1 these are completely new subjects but if basics are clear then it's not difficult to excel. Don't miss revision and tests.

Take studies seriously, keep your material intact and prepare self crisp notes. This exercise will not make things simplified but will help in the long run for preparing various competitive exams.

Commerce is a wonderful stream, if done with passion. It's not always about studies, but also how your passion grooms your personality as well.

This is a base, grab it really well. Make your foundation strong. Going further, stairs of knowledge would increase whether you want to go further in Commerce, Arts or Science or any other course. Whatever you can learn in classes 11 & 12 learn well, this time will not come back. Make the most of your time.

Don’t forget to practice.

Focus on your goal to achieve success by choosing the right direction. Take help from any source.

Kindly, be more serious about studies and move towards your goal.

Follow your ambition and Do what you like to do in your life.

Be positive , focused and relaxed.

Make an ambition and try until you achieve that.

Study side by side, don’t just rely on exams.

Practice makes the man perfect. So, keep on practising.

When you start your journey in class-11 , there are various scenarios which will strike you from time to time, most likely, Am I going in right direction? So , just trust the timings of your life.

Be more conceptually clear from beginning rather than becoming a crammer.

Always stay motivated and positive.

General advice: Don't expect anything from others and Don't run towards the goal of early financial independence.

Choose the field that you really want to pursue, stay focused on your goals, never change the goals, always change the ways to achieve those goals.

Do studies in these classes. All your future depends on these classes.

Always be proud of being a Commerce student, you will surely have a blooming future, with more of a realistic knowledge. We did it, so can you !! Good luck.

Did you Continue with Commerce Stream after Class 12?

  • Yes - 84.8%
  • No - 15.2%

Did you continue with Commerce after Class 12?

 

What did you do After Class 12?

  • B.Com - 78.8%
  • B.B.A. - 3%
  • B.A. - 3%
  • B.Com Hons. with C.A. - 3%
  • C.A. - 3%
  • Job - 3%
  • Business - Nil
  • CA along with B.Com Hons. - 3%
  • Any Other Course - 3%

Courses after Class 12

 

After the above mentioned Qualification

The question was:

What did you do after the qualification mentioned in previous question(as above)?

  • M.Com
  • M.B.A.
  • M.A.
  • C.A.
  • Job
  • Business
  • CMA
  • LLB
  • B.Sc Airline Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Currently in CA final, and having my own practice
  • Got married and moved to Canada
  • CS
  • Pursuing B.Sc. and will do MBA
  • Teaching
Courses after Plus Two

Old Students Responses

Please! mention three of your Hobbies/Time-pass Activities:

A large variety of such activities were mentioned by them.

Hobbies of Commerce Students

26 Hobbies With Zero Initial Cost

All the responses have been presented above with a minor editing so that only the useful information is in front of the readers.

I thank all the respondents for this information, which can be useful and entertaining for students as well as teachers.

Some of the contributors who have happily agreed to be featured are:

Caution:

(All the students are equally close to me. In no way the placement of a photo of anyone in this grid be taken otherwise. All the responses have been jumbled for presentation here so as to take care of privacy and linking of any type.)

Advice For Commerce Students – From Their Seniors