A School With An Aesthetic Sense Is Essential For Children

Can you describe your educational journey and the factors that motivated you to pursue a career in teaching? 

I have had a passion for teaching for three decades. Starting as a headmistress, with an academic background of MA, M Phil and PhD in education, I have been a passionate school leader since 1987. My journey has been an amazing one, with a unique degree of passion and nothing other than your enthusiasm as a leader would work. 

What is your approach and philosophy towards education? 

 As an educator, I believe that every child is unique and he or she is born with his or her inherent abilities and it's also important to optimise these abilities. And as a passionate leader, I have always focused on supporting children consciously.  

The terms ‘flipped classroom’ and ‘head, heart and hands’ are oft-used now. How do you approach these two aspects of new-age education? 

Learning is the acquisition of knowledge and skills and the school aims to empower each child through an experiential curriculum that connects children with visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile approaches to teaching. Active learning possibilities are created in all classes, focusing on hand and mind training. Real-time experiences of learning are crucial for productive outcomes in children and a joyful environment is essential for learning, engaging children positively. From concept introduction to progression, children are encouraged to be proactive and engage actively throughout the learning session.  

 This joyful and cordial learning environment is crucial for fostering a productive learning experience in all classrooms. 

Additionally, you need educators who are in sync with this pedagogy. How do you go about hiring? Also, with changing technology, what steps are educators taking to be abreast of newer technologies?  

The educational industry has evolved significantly. With a focus on multiple pedagogical tools and effective teaching and learning trends, schools like Shri Ram Group of Schools have a unique curriculum and pedagogical approaches, empowering teachers to deal with the curriculum.  

This is an ongoing process, with teachers receiving specific training for dealing with the curriculum and pedagogical tools. The school runs teacher induction modules and empowerment programmes every six months or quarter of the academic session. This in-service programme benefits faculty members, as they gain a better knowledge base, multiple skill sets and exposure to teaching learning pedagogy.  

In schools like Shri Ram Group of Schools, faculty members are empowered through a structured approach, ensuring they receive complete professional enrichment throughout the process. This ongoing process benefits both faculty members and students, ensuring a well-rounded education and a strong foundation in teaching and learning pedagogy. 

A child considers what the instructor says to be the ultimate truth but now with technology, the teacher takes a backseat. How is this transition happening and how are students adjusting to the changed roles of teachers? 

The integration of technology in schools has only added colour to the teaching learning process, but it will never replace a facilitator or faculty. Instead, schools integrate multiple tools to bring about the best and most effective learner outcomes. The Shri Ram Group has been doing this for over two decades, with the inception of their schools in 1988. The schools have always believed in multiple approaches to achieving the most effective learning outcomes.  

Even during Covid-19, the Shri Ram Group of Schools, had a seamless transition (to online classes) because they were already familiar with the integration of technology. The integration of technology has allowed for a more effective learning experience and a seamless transition between traditional and competency-based learning approaches. 

Design and space have becomes a very important aspect of any teaching learning process. What thought is going into the designing aspect and how does it impact the overall learning experience of a child? 

A school with an aesthetic sense is essential for children to be inspired and motivated to engage actively in learning situations. Our sprawling campus spans 4.5 acres and offers world-class amenities, including 1.3 acres of field-related activities, classrooms are well-lit and smart-paneled and the school's aesthetics are prioritised. The campus also features an athletic track, taekwondo area, football court, basketball court, swimming pool and skating rink. Zen spaces are used for real-time learning, connecting children to nature and promoting experiential learning. This approach leads to larger outcomes in children than traditional classroom learning. 

How do you intend to foster students' respect for diversity and inclusivity during their time in school?  

The school aims to empower children holistically by connecting them with cultural diversity, fostering empathy and sensitivity and setting appropriate values. The school accommodates mixed groups of children from various regions and offers cultural exchange courses. Regional festivals are part of the school calendar, regardless of religion, to teach children the significance of these events. By engaging in value-based activities, the school enables children to learn to value each other and respect cultural heritage. This approach helps children understand that religion is just a moral code of conduct and that all people are one. 

If you could elaborate on the actions being taken to minimise plastic use and address other ecologically sensitive areas? 

The school has an initiative that complements the 17 sustainable developmental goals of the United Nations. As a medium for social change, the school empowers children with these goals through monthly initiatives. These initiatives connect children to environmental concerns, good health and well-being or zero poverty, ensuring they are consciously led towards contributing to these goals. 

Can you explain, what are those elements of NEP that the school will be imbibing?  

The National Education Policy 2020 focuses on holistic development, recognising that learning is for life and that children should be facilitated with the aptitude for learning. Competency-based learning and multiple approaches to facilitating skill sets are the primary focus. Assessment policies at the Shri Ram Group of Schools focus not only on memory or rote memorisation but also logic, reason, analysis, application and synthesis. Regular comprehensive and ongoing assessments also assess skill sets. 

Skill checks are also a key area of focus, as only when children have multiple skill sets can they become successful and strong personalities. The Group ensures that children are exposed to multiple skills and optimise their skill sets alongside their knowledge base.