Education

12 NATIONS, OVER 3,000 EDUCATORS: All Learners, Many Perspectives & One Community

The PLP is a three-year certificate program during which teachers engage in
workshops, webinars, staff exchanges with partner schools, and eLearning
exercises to find solutions to teaching and learning challenges.

Published

5 years ago

February 1, 2019

Team ScooNews

The learning conference Learning Forward’s 2018 Annual Conference puts educator learning at the forefront. We joined colleagues from all over the world! Inspiring practitioners and thought leaders met at the Gaylord Texan Convention Centre in Dallas, Texas USA to find answers to our most pressing teaching and learning challenges.
The Venue The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center will serve as conference central this year. With 4.5 acres of indoor gardens featuring the rugged canyons of the Texas Hill Country and a meandering replica of San Antonio’s Legendary Riverwalk, the Gaylord Texan offers a beautiful backdrop for learning and reflection.

“Learning Forward's Conference is a world-class professional learning event. I participate in it each year to stay current on leading-edge practices in education and public education”. — Conference Attendee

We return home from this educational conference with strategies for strengthening learning systems and solid practices for leading capacity- building efforts at all levels. Our network of peers expanded to include learning leaders from around the world. More than 300 concurrent sessions addressing the most pressing issues for education leaders including improving instruction, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, applying data-driven decision making, understanding professional development redesign, developing leadership capacity, learning facilitation skills, supporting new teachers and principals, implementing effective school improvement, and much more.

“This was the first conference in a long time that I left feeling like I had grown professionally. Often times conferences are full of "infomercials" for products but don't provide me with the knowledge and skills that I can implement immediately. Thank you for challenging my thinking and inspiring me!” —Dawn Spurlock

The mission of Learning Forward Build the capacity of leaders to establish and sustain highly effective professional learning. Learning Forward members learn how to leverage professional learning to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to learn at high levels. Vision Equity and excellence in teaching and learning. Mission Learning Forward builds the capacity of leaders to establish and sustain highly effective professional learning. Beliefs Professional learning that improves educator effectiveness is fundamental to student learning. All educators have an obligation to improve their practice. More students achieve when educators assume collective responsibility for student learning. Successful leaders create and sustain a culture of learning. Effective school systems commit to continuous improvement for all adults and students.

Strategic Priorities Overview Learning Forward's recently revised Standards for Professional Learning define the elements essential to educator learning that leads to improved practice and better results for students. Learning Forward's strategic plan is designed to advance the standards both nationally and internationally. Working simultaneously to serve the members of the organisation and influence the wider education field,

Learning Forward will focus on the three priority areas below over the next seven years. Standards and Impact Learning Forward establishes standards and examines evidence to strengthen and document the impact of professional learning.

Leadership and Practice Learning Forward builds the capacity of its members, clients, partners, and staff to establish and sustain effective professional learning.

Advocacy and Policy Learning Forward advocates policies and practices that strengthen the field of professional learning.The highlight of the conference Developing a Professional Learning Program – The Indian Experience Session conducted by Karl Clauset, National Center for School Change; Devanjali & Sandeep Dutt, Learning Forward India. An exploration of the Learning Forward India Professional Learning Program (PLP), an extended learning experience that immerses teachers across India in a model of inquiry and problem-based learning. Showcase of how blended learning provided a common platform to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing and accelerate program delivery.

Appreciation of the accomplishments of teachers who journeyed from resistance to the joy of learning and their students. Take away ideas to improve your own PLP.

What is the Professional Learning Program in India?
The Professional Learning Program (PLP) is an extended and profound learning experience. It immerses members in a model of inquiry and problem-based learning that enables them to meet their learning objectives through a collaborative learning environment—all with the support of experienced coaches. The PLP is also grounded in the concepts of transformative learning and collaborative inquiry Schools Can Change (Corwin, 2013) and in the high-quality professional learning concepts outlined in Standards of Professional Learning (Learning Forward, 2011). The PLP is a three-year certificate program during which teachers engage in workshops, webinars, staff exchanges with
partner schools, and eLearning exercises to find solutions to teaching and learning challenges.
The minimum time required to participate in the program increases from 90 hours in year one to 150 hours in year three. Educators divide their time between structured training sessions and self-directed professional learning with increasing amounts of self-directed time as they progress from year to year. Teachers voluntarily put in extra time and effort.

Keys to Success

We attribute the success of the 3-year PLP to these three factors:
1. Building an All-India Learning Community of resources
2. Fostering the teachers’ happiness by empowering them to create their own Professional Learning Program
3. Embracing social media and technology

The PLP Experience in Their Own Words “Compared with other schools, educators here are more confident, with no hesitation, empowered as they know their opinion will be valued, have started writing a blog, confidently use technology and handle social media, like posting on their own newsweekly and professional writing.” –Rajeshree Shihag, Principal, The Fabindia School

“After successful completion of the PLP, I feel more confident as an educator. I’ve transformed myself into a teacher equipped with core values (soft skills) and a user of technology for personal fulfilment and enrichment of mind and soul.” –Ajay Vijayvargi, Teacher

“PLP in our school encouraged me to connect my teaching with real-life situations. My confidence level for presenting views and ideas has improved and it helped me to think about changing my way of teaching.” –Byju P. Joseph, Teacher

We would love to hear from you!
Devanjali & Sandeep Dutt

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Education

Youth Ideathon 2024: CBSE Launches India’s Biggest Entrepreneurship Competition for School Students

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Team ScooNews

ThinkStartup, India’s leading entrepreneurship education platform, in association with the Management Entrepreneurship Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), announced the launch of the 4th edition of Youth Ideathon (YI24). This prestigious Innovation and Entrepreneurship festival aims to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of young minds across India.

The theme for this year’s Youth Ideathon is “iStartup a Good Thing for India.” The competition will be held in five stages, initially online, and is open to all school students in India, divided into Junior (Class 4 to Class 8) and Senior (Class 9 to Class 12) categories. Students will compete in teams of 3 to 5 members from the same school. The grand finale is set for October 6, 2024. Last year, the Ideathon attracted over 1.5 lakh students from more than 8,000 schools, and this year aims to see participation from over 2 lakh students across 10,000 schools.

Dr Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education & Training), CBSE, remarked, “Entrepreneurship is an essential pillar of the New Education Policy 2020, and the Youth Ideathon platform allows students to think bravely and showcase their talents.”

Mamta Kumari, Deputy General Manager, SIDBI, added, “Initiatives like Youth Ideathon 2024 nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among young minds, creating over 200 internships for school students in fields such as technology and digital marketing.”

Shivani Singh-Kapoor, Co-founder of ThinkStartup, emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “Youth Ideathon empowers the next generation by nurturing high-potential student ideas with incubation support.”

The competition is supported by industry leaders such as Esri India and MediaTek. Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, noted, “Youth Ideathon channels the creativity of young minds towards addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.”

Anku Jain, Managing Director of MediaTek India, echoed this sentiment, saying, “By supporting platforms like Youth Ideathon, we aim to generate more startups, create jobs, and cultivate groundbreaking ideas.”

Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director of Youth Ideathon, highlighted the new frugal startup challenge, offering Rs. 1000 cash to the top 500 teams to build a prototype or small venture.

Youth Ideathon 2024 also receives support from SheAtWork and BRICS CCI WE. Ruby Sinha, Founder of SheAtWork, stated, “Youth Ideathon addresses both SDG 4 and SDG 5 goals of quality education and gender equality.”

Participants will receive certificates, with top teams competing for incubation grants up to Rs. 100,000. Special recognition will be given to teachers, mentors, and schools with high participation rates.

Education

Internships in Top 500 Companies, Rs 5k Stipend for Youth: Key Highlights from the Education Budget 2024

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2024

Team ScooNews

The image is generated using AI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2024 yesterday, marking the first budget of the BJP-led NDA after Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his third term. The budget introduced significant allocations aimed at bolstering education, employment, and skilling, with a notable allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for these sectors.

Education Budget 2024: Rs 1.48 Lakh Crore Allocated

A new scheme offering internship opportunities at 500 top companies for 1 crore students over the next five years was one of the major highlights. Each student will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 and a one-time assistance payment of Rs 6,000. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing practical experience to young learners.

“The government’s initiative to provide financial support for higher education loans up to Rs 10 lakh is commendable. This move will enhance accessibility to quality education,” said Dilip Gangaramani, Founder Director & CEO of Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. “The allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore for employment and skilling initiatives is also a positive step towards addressing youth unemployment.”

Major Employment and Skilling Schemes

The Finance Minister announced a substantial PM Package consisting of five programmes aimed at boosting employment and skilling, with a total allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore. Among these, Rs 1.48 lakh crore has been specifically allocated for education, employment, and skilling. The initiatives will skill 20 lakh youth over a five-year period, significantly contributing to the nation’s workforce by equipping young individuals with necessary skills to thrive in various industries.

25,000 Students to Avail Loan Benefits Every Year

The budget also introduced model skill loans. “Skilling loans – model skill loans schemes for up to 7 lakh rupees will benefit 25,000 students every year,” stated Finance Minister Sitharaman. This initiative aims to support students financially in acquiring necessary skills, thus enhancing their employability and career prospects.

“This year’s budget strikes a fine balance between fiscal discipline and drivers of economic and social growth. Enhanced initiatives on women empowerment and education underscore the focus on welfare schemes,” noted Dr Rakesh K Singh, Professor and Associate Dean – Academics at IMT Ghaziabad. “Structural reforms propose new policies to foster innovation and skill development in emerging areas such as AI and renewable energy.”

Comparison with Previous Budget

In the Union Budget 2023, the central government’s allocation for the education sector was Rs 1,12,898.97 crore, the highest allocation granted to the Ministry of Education at the time. The Union Budget 2024 reflects a strong focus on education, employment, and skilling, with significant investments aimed at creating a more skilled and educated workforce. The announced programmes and allocations are expected to drive improvements in educational infrastructure, job creation, and skill development across the nation.

“The government will also offer internships in 500 of India’s top companies. The companies can employ these interns through their CSR funds. As a support to employers, reimbursement of up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years towards their EPFO contribution for each additional employee will be provided,” stated Balkishan Sharma, Chairman & Founder at FVEG. “These new schemes aim to create new jobs and provide employment to well-educated youth.”

A Step Towards a Skilled Workforce

“The proposed comprehensive internship programme for one crore youth is a commendable initiative,” added Gangaramani. “These measures, if implemented effectively, can significantly boost India’s human capital development and contribute to a more skilled and employable workforce.”

The Budget 2024, with its focus on education, employment, and skilling, aligns with the nation’s developmental goals and is a welcome step forward in building a robust and future-ready workforce.

Education

Higher Education Enrollment Jumps To Nearly 4.33 Crore In FY22, Up 26.5% From FY15

Published

5 days ago

July 22, 2024

Team ScooNews

Image Source- TESS India

The higher education sector in India has seen a substantial increase in enrolment and rising equity over the past eight years, as revealed by the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22. The Economic Survey 2023-24, tabled in Parliament by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted that total enrolment in higher education surged to nearly 4.33 crore in FY22, up from 4.14 crore in FY21 and 3.42 crore in FY15—a remarkable 26.5% increase since FY15.

This growth has been driven significantly by underprivileged sections, including SC, ST, and OBC communities, with a notable increase in female enrolment across these groups. Female enrolment in higher education jumped to 2.07 crore in FY22 from 1.57 crore in FY15, reflecting a 31.6% rise. This growing equity in higher education is expected to translate into better employment opportunities for previously disadvantaged sections of society.

India’s educational landscape is vast, with 26.52 crore students in schools, 4.33 crore in higher education, and over 11 crore learners in skilling institutions. The National Credit Framework (NCrF), announced under the National Education Policy 2020 in April 2023, serves as the foundation of a regulatory structure that promotes lifelong learning.

The Economic Survey underscores the importance of mission-mode and cost-effective implementation of educational programmes, especially at the primary level. Effective public spending on education should focus on pedagogy and governance, including monitoring teaching quality, recognising teacher performance, and employing local volunteers to ensure students are taught at the appropriate level.

India is making significant strides in research and development. The number of patents granted in FY24 nearly quadrupled from FY20, reaching almost 1,00,000. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India had the highest growth in patent filings in 2022 at 31.6%. The country has improved its rank in the Global Innovation Index from 81st in 2015 to 40th in 2023.

Ph.D. enrolment has also surged, with an 81.2% increase from FY15 to FY22. Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has more than doubled since FY11. The newly established National Research Foundation, ‘Anusandhan’, aims to bolster India’s R&D ecosystem with a significant financial commitment from the government.

India’s ascent in high-quality research is marked by its rise to 9th place in the Nature Index 2023, surpassing Australia and Switzerland. The government’s commitment to research and innovation is encapsulated in the interim budget of FY25, which includes a Rs. 1 lakh crore corpus for research, adopting the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”.

Education

UNESCO Report Highlights Need for Boost in India’s Upper Secondary Education

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2024

Team ScooNews

The recent UNESCO report, “SDG 4 Scorecard Progress Report on National Benchmarks: Focus on Teachers,” reveals that while India is excelling in primary education, the upper secondary education sector requires significant improvements. The report, published by UNESCO, shows that India’s primary education completion rate is at an impressive 94%, nearing its 2025 benchmark of 99%. However, the upper secondary completion rate lags at 51%, against the 2025 benchmark of 84%.

India’s performance in pre-primary participation is also notable, scoring 91%, close to its target of 95%. Conversely, the country struggles with out-of-school rates and lacks sufficient data to assess minimum learning proficiency accurately.

In terms of school internet connectivity, India is making average progress across all educational levels, indicating room for enhancement. The country performs well in the pre-primary teacher training sector, meeting its 2025 benchmark of 95%.

Overall, while India’s primary education sector is performing well, the secondary education sector, especially the upper secondary level, needs focused attention to meet the set benchmarks. The report highlights that 79% of countries have submitted national targets for SDG 4 indicators, with India making strides in some areas but still requiring significant efforts in others.

Education

Embracing Emojis in the Classroom: A Fun and Polite Approach to Modern Learning

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2024

Dhruv Chhabra

The image is generated using AI

Today, on World Emoji Day, let’s celebrate these small, expressive icons that have become an integral part of our digital communication. While some argue that emojis threaten the sanctity of language, there’s a fun, quirky side to these tiny pictures that can actually enhance classroom interactions, making them more relevant, polite, and engaging.

Remember the thrill of getting a gold star on your homework? That star wasn’t just a sticker; it was a symbol of achievement, recognition, and encouragement. In many ways, emojis serve a similar purpose. They convey emotions and reactions succinctly and can add a personal touch to written communication. So, why not harness the power of emojis to make our classrooms more dynamic and student-friendly?

1. Enhancing Feedback: Traditionally, teachers use phrases like “good job” or “well done” to praise students. But imagine the added excitement if those words were accompanied by a clapping hands emoji 👏, a star ⭐, or even a trophy 🏆. Such visual cues can amplify the impact of positive feedback, making it more memorable and encouraging for students. Conversely, gentle reminders can be softened with a thoughtful emoji. For instance, a neutral face 😐 or a thinking face 🤔 could be used to indicate that a student might need to revisit a particular concept without causing undue stress or discouragement.

2. Encouraging Polite Communication: Emojis can also help maintain a polite and respectful tone in classroom discussions. For example, if a student disagrees with a peer, using a handshake emoji 🤝 or a smiling face 😊 can convey their differing opinion respectfully. This approach can foster a culture of kindness and consideration, crucial for productive and positive learning environments.

3. Making Learning Fun: Integrating emojis into lesson plans can make learning more interactive and enjoyable. Teachers can create emoji-based quizzes where students match emojis to historical events, literary characters, or scientific concepts. For example, an apple 🍎 and a book 📖 could be used in a quiz about famous inventors, prompting students to guess Isaac Newton. These activities not only make lessons more engaging but also encourage creative thinking.

4. Bridging Language Gaps: In classrooms with diverse linguistic backgrounds, emojis can serve as a universal language, helping bridge communication gaps. A thumbs-up 👍, a heart ❤️, or a smiling face 😀 can convey appreciation and support across different languages, fostering inclusivity and mutual understanding.

5. Digital Citizenship: As students increasingly navigate the digital world, teaching them about appropriate emoji use is crucial. Educators can incorporate lessons on digital etiquette, highlighting how emojis can enhance communication when used appropriately but can also be misinterpreted or cause misunderstandings if overused or used incorrectly.

6. Custom Emojis for Classroom Culture: Teachers can create custom emojis that reflect their unique classroom culture. For instance, a specific emoji could symbolize a class mascot, a special event, or a unique classroom achievement. This personal touch can strengthen the sense of community and belonging among students.

In conclusion, emojis are not a threat to language; rather, they are an evolution of it. They offer a unique and fun way to enrich classroom communication, making feedback more impactful, interactions more polite, and learning more enjoyable. So, on this World Emoji Day, let’s embrace these expressive icons and unlock their potential to make our classrooms brighter, kinder, and more engaging places to learn. 🌟🎉📚

Education

Workshop on Writing Textbooks in Bharatiya Bhasha for Higher Education Inaugurated by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar

Published

1 week ago

July 17, 2024

Team ScooNews

Image Source- PIB

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar has inaugurated a workshop for Vice Chancellors on the writing of textbooks in Bharatiya Bhasha for higher education in New Delhi. Organised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti (BBS), the event saw the presence of eminent academicians, including Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Prof. Chamu Krishna Shastry, and Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar.

Dr. Majumdar emphasized the importance of developing study materials in Indian languages to reflect the country’s linguistic diversity and ensure accessible education. He highlighted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s role in inspiring youth and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their visionary leadership.

Prof. Chamu Krishna Shastry and Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar shared insights on developing a Bharatiya Bhasha Ecosystem. During the valedictory session, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy launched three projects: ASMITA, Bahubhasha Shabdkosh, and Real-time Translation Architecture. These initiatives aim to produce 22,000 books in 22 scheduled languages, create a grand repository of multilingual dictionaries, and enhance real-time translation capabilities.

Over 150 Vice Chancellors participated in the workshop, organized into 12 groups to plan and develop textbooks in 12 regional languages. The discussions focused on creating new textbooks, establishing standard vocabularies, and improving current textbooks with an emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The event concluded with a Q&A session addressing queries from participants.

Education

Nurturing Natural Skills: Empowering Youth for the Future

Published

2 weeks ago

July 16, 2024

Team ScooNews

Image Source- Pexels

On World Youth Skills Day celebrated on 15 July globally, it’s essential to recognize the incredible potential children inherently possess. Children are naturally curious, energetic, and less afraid of taking risks—qualities that, if nurtured correctly, can form the bedrock of their future success. By identifying and developing these skills, we can empower them to become resilient and adaptable adults ready to face the challenges of the future.

Curiosity: The Catalyst for Learning

Curiosity drives children to explore, ask questions, and seek out new experiences. This innate desire to understand the world around them is a powerful tool for learning. Encouraging curiosity through inquiry-based learning and fostering an environment where questions are welcomed can significantly enhance their educational experience. For instance, project-based learning allows children to dive deep into subjects that interest them, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Energy: Channeling Enthusiasm into Productivity

Children are bursting with energy, which, when directed correctly, can lead to incredible productivity and creativity. Schools and parents can harness this energy by providing varied activities that challenge both mind and body. Extracurricular activities like sports, music, and arts not only keep them engaged but also teach them discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Moreover, incorporating movement into learning, such as through kinesthetic activities, can help maintain their focus and enhance memory retention.

Fearlessness: Embracing Risks and Learning from Failure

Children’s fearlessness and willingness to take risks are qualities that can drive innovation. Creating a safe environment where they can experiment, fail, and learn from their mistakes is crucial. By teaching resilience and the value of perseverance, we can help them develop a growth mindset. Activities that encourage trial and error, such as coding, robotics, and creative writing, can instill confidence and the ability to view failures as opportunities for growth.

Developing These Skills into Strengths

To turn these innate skills into lasting strengths, it is essential to provide continuous support and opportunities for development. Teachers and parents play a pivotal role in this process by:

Providing Diverse Learning Experiences: Exposure to various subjects and activities helps children discover their interests and strengths. This broadens their horizons and fosters a love for lifelong learning.
Encouraging Collaborative Learning: Group projects and team activities teach children the importance of collaboration, communication, and empathy. These skills are invaluable in both personal and professional settings.
Promoting Self-Reflection: Encouraging children to reflect on their experiences helps them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This practice can build self-awareness and intrinsic motivation.
Integrating Technology: Leveraging technology in education can make learning more engaging and accessible. Interactive tools and resources can cater to different learning styles and keep children excited about their educational journey.

By recognizing and nurturing the natural skills of curiosity, energy, and fearlessness in children, we can transform these qualities into powerful strengths. This approach not only prepares them for future challenges but also equips them with the resilience and adaptability needed in a rapidly changing world. On World Youth Skills Day, let’s commit to fostering these attributes, ensuring that the youth of today become the innovative leaders of tomorrow.

Education

Celebrating Nikola Tesla: A Beacon for Transforming Education

Published

2 weeks ago

July 10, 2024

Team ScooNews

Nikola Tesla | Image Source- Encyclopedia of Humanities

Every year on July 10, people all over the world celebrate Nikola Tesla Day and think not only about the inventions of this great scientist but the core value of innovation and knowledge-seeking that Tesla embodies. His journey holds numerous lessons for modern education curriculum today.

Born on the tenth of July in the 1856 in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla had an incredible curiosity from his early years. From a village boy to being among the most prominent inventors of all time, his story is an inspiring indication of the impact of creativity and hard work. Some of these include work done in alternating current systems, the invention of wireless communication, and early X-ray imaging to mention but a few. But what can we, as educators and stakeholders in the education sector, learn from the story of such an extraordinary person as Tesla?

Cultivating Curiosity and Imagination

Tesla’s success was driven by his boundless curiosity and vivid imagination. He often emphasized the importance of nurturing these traits, stating, “The gift of mental power comes from God, divine being, and if we concentrate our minds on that truth, we become in tune with this great power.” Encouraging students to question the world around them and imagine the possibilities beyond the obvious can foster a generation of innovative thinkers. Incorporating more open-ended projects and inquiry-based learning can help in this regard.

Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool

Tesla also had many failures and downfalls throughout his life, but he never let them stop him. He said “The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.” Such an attitude towards failure is something that every student needs to grasp as it is the key to success. The implementation of a curriculum that embraces the process rather than the product, and encourages learning, experimenting, and perceiving failure as a part of overcoming a challenge is effective.

Hands-On Learning and Experimentation

Tesla’s approach to learning was hands-on. He believed in experimenting and learning from practical experiences. Modern education systems can draw from this by integrating more laboratory work, maker spaces, and real-world problem-solving activities into the curriculum. Students should be encouraged to tinker, build, and experiment, thus applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Tesla was involved in a variety of professions including electrical engineering, physics, and several others. This is evident in his method of integrating different fields of discipline to show the need for a balanced curriculum. The modern school curriculum should discourage compartmentalization of knowledge and encourage students to work across disciplines, with the ability to draw on different knowledge bases to create and solve multidisciplinary problems.

Learning as an Ongoing Process

Tesla never stopped learning. Being an inventive man, he was always learning and implementing new concepts and ventures till his last days. This shows that we need a philosophy of lifelong learning that is crucial in today’s ever-changing society. Challenge students to look at their education not as a quest that has an end goal, but a process that goes on for as long as one is alive. This can be supported by education through encouraging learners to pursue education on their own and offering them resources where they can continue learning beyond formal education.

Nikola Tesla is an inspiring example of the fact that it is possible to change the world by making education based on curiosity, perseverance, practice, and feedback. On the day dedicated to the great inventor Tesla, it is important to reflect on his life, work, and ideas, and, as educators, try to develop young people not only knowledge but dreams and ambitions that can change the world.

Education

Maharashtra Government Announces Free Higher Education for EWS, SEBC, OBC Girls

Published

3 weeks ago

July 9, 2024

Team ScooNews

Maharashtra's CM Eknath Shinde | Image Source- PTI

Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state, the Maharashtra government has announced free higher education for girls from Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The policy, which also waives tuition and examination fees for orphaned students regardless of gender, was formalised through a government resolution (GR) during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The initiative will commence from the academic year 2024-25 and is projected to cost Rs 906 crore.

The GR states that female students seeking admission to recognised vocational courses through the Centralised Admission Process in government colleges, aided private colleges, semi-aided private colleges, non-aided colleges, polytechnic, autonomous government universities, and open universities will benefit from this scheme. The courses covered include those run by the departments of higher and technical education, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, and dairy development. However, students from private autonomous universities, self-funded universities, or those enrolling through management and institutional quota will not be eligible for the scheme.

Female students whose annual family income is Rs 8 lakh or less and who belong to the EWS, SEBC, and OBC categories are eligible for the fee waiver. Both new admissions and current students pursuing their degrees can avail of this facility. This initiative is part of a broader women-focused policy by the Maharashtra government, aiming to enhance educational access and opportunities for underprivileged female students in the state.

(Source- PTI)

Education

Chhattisgarh Introduces Local Language Primary Education in Tribal Areas

Published

3 weeks ago

July 8, 2024

Team ScooNews

Image Source- Envato Elements

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Chhattisgarh government has embarked on an initiative to provide primary education in local languages and dialects in remote tribal regions. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed the State Education Department to develop and distribute bilingual books in 18 local languages free of charge. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of educational resources and ensure that children receive education in their mother tongue or local language up to the fifth standard, as recommended by NEP 2020.

During the state-level ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ programme at Bagiya village in the tribal-dominated Jashpur district, Chief Minister Sai highlighted the importance of this initiative. He emphasised that providing education in local languages will not only improve educational outcomes but also help preserve local culture and traditions.

The ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ is an annual event aimed at encouraging school enrolment at the start of the academic session. This year, the event was moved from Raipur to Bagiya, the CM’s hometown, to underscore the significance of the new initiative.

An official from the Education Department mentioned that in tribal areas, primary school exams can now be taken in local languages and dialects. However, exams for higher classes will continue to be conducted in Hindi and English. This move is part of a broader effort to boost the literacy rate in Chhattisgarh, which currently stands at 70.28 percent, below the national average of 76 percent.