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Classrooms: How should they change with the times?

PARVATHY JAYAKRISHNAN invited students to share how they envisioned their classroom and ideal teaching methods

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Technology is everywhere. What it truly implies is that knowledge is there right at your fingertips. Paper maps have been replaced by Google maps, if you want grocery, you order online, to get the latest news, you subscribe to it on your smartphone. With digitisation replacing manual work in most areas of use, it is inevitable that the role of a teacher using traditional methods of teaching will soon become redundant. With most teachers themselves having learnt in the blackboard-bench set-up, it is a change that they have to adapt to and embrace to make classroom learning more effective.

With ‘flipped classrooms’ taking over traditional ones, teachers are slowly making progress in modifying their teaching methods.

A flipped classroom is an instructional strategy and a type of blended learning that reverses the traditional learning environment by delivering instructional content, often online, outside of the classroom. It moves activities, including those that may have traditionally been considered homework, into the classroom. In a flipped classroom, students watch online lectures, collaborate in online discussions, or carry out research at home while engaging in concepts in the classroom with the guidance of a mentor.

Excited about sharing their views, students from schools across India spoke up about how they want their classrooms to be and what are the changes in the method of teaching that can be adopted to include technology…

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Interactive discussions, fewer tests
“No longer are classrooms restricted to teachers and books, as technology has changed the face of classrooms. With everything in the syllabus easily available online, students no longer need to carry books, thus reducing their load to school. Instead, they can just carry a laptop or a tab. Teachers can use projectors to highlight contents and use television to show informative documentaries. They can also use computers to prepare charts and graphs to disseminate information in a nutshell. Visual information in the form of charts and videos help students to understand concepts better. Smart boards are also widely used in schools nowadays, which reduce time wasted in teachers writing information on the board. The use of technology makes the classroom more interactive and colourful, thus making it easy to learn and more interesting to the students. And since this generation was brought up with technology all around them, using it in education will make them feel at ease. As the syllabus content is all online, students need not buy or print it again, as they can just see it on their tabs, or on the smart board.

Although, I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said that the blackboard-benches format is not completely relevant today. I mean, it has been used for so many years, so many generations, and has helped students learn. But as the years go on by, everything is changing, and so should the method of teaching. So the switch-over to electronic media is the right thing to do. The blackboard-benches format gives a primitive feel to the class and the children feel lackluster. In this format, the teachers have to put extra energy and creativity to capture the interest of the pupil. It is also time consuming as the teacher has to spend time writing everything on the board. But one thing that this format does is the bonding between the teacher and the pupil. Technology cannot have such a great impact on a students’ life as a teacher does.

If classrooms are to be made interactive, students should be given activities related to the topic taught so that they understand the concept better. Emphasis should be laid more on teaching subjects and coordinating it with everyday activities, so the student can implement it on a daily basis or at least when required. Just learning theoretically is no longer relevant in today's world. Technology is fast changing, so quick thinking and implementing is essential to survive in this competitive world. Students should be encouraged to think differently and discuss their ideas with each other to lay the foundation for team work.

I’m glad that many teachers today encourage students to refer to and study content online. They too are updating their topics with recent developments in technology. Surely integrating these external learning systems with the school system will help students learn better. Just the idea of being tech-savvy makes the student thrilled. YouTube channels often offer unique and easy to understand techniques for students to apply in their exams. They provide an alternate way of teaching from the way it is usually taught in class, if students don’t exactly grasp the main concept. Online teaching usually explains concepts based on problems encountered in daily life, so the concept is better understood with its relevance.

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In my dream class, there wouldn’t be any tests, or at least not as often. I would rather have interactive discussions with my co-students in which the entire class participates and everybody gets to air their opinion. Teachers should explain concepts with live demos or 3 dimensional models to have a better impact. Instead of writing, they should present the matter in powerpoint presentations thus reducing time delay. After explanation, they can show us some documentaries which will inform us how advanced the concept has grown today. I would also like spacious rooms with comfortable seating and colourful walls, with no restrictions on movements because if I am not comfortable, I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on the class.”

Adnan Ashriya

Class XI

Alpha Cambridge International School,Trichy

Making the classroom inclusive

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“This is the 21st century and the nation is blooming with new technologies. Turn any side and you can find at least one thing which is automatic or it works on AI (Artificial Intelligence). While we have embraced it in multiple applications, why can’t we use it for our education? Education and Artificial Intelligence are two tracks which we can combine to make our learning better. Why should we carry heavy books and notes to school when we can have our content in our portable electronic gadgets at one swipe? Tests and homework can be done online and the students can have their own login ID and password to make it secure enough.

The classroom can be made inclusive by creating an academic support, a change in our curriculum, adjusting ranking calculations, creating a respectful school community and create a space for discussion.

In my dream classroom, blackboards would be replaced by smart TVs, our books and notes will be replaced by our own laptops, students will have their own pods and working spaces, they will have their own personal and customised lockers. They will have access to their phones only when allowed and they are free to access the range of e-books in the school’s website.”

Aparna

Class XI

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Alpha Cambridge International School,Trichy

 

Tech should not replace teachers

“With the syllabus content easily available online, we can make the best use of improved technology in our classrooms. Technology should not replace teachers. Its main use is to enable students learn better and stimulate individual learning. This can be done by introducing tab-oriented learning in classrooms.

A classroom must have a black board in which concepts can be explained well to the students. In a classroom which is very advanced, blackboards can be replaced with smart boards in which teachers explain the concepts in the form of modules.

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An inclusive classroom is a general education classroom where children with different abilities, capabilities and disabilities learn together. The class can be made by providing assistance to individual students. Another key aspect of an inclusive classroom is accessibility. Group learning can also be encouraged to make sure that every student of the class cooperates with one another.

Today, teachers are open to students learning from and discovering new YouTube tutorials or education apps. Integrating an external learning system provides better understanding of the concepts. But this alone is not going to help out, teachers have to take the children to the labs and show live experiments. But of course education apps provide students extra notes to learn and they are able to score good grades in examinations with the help of these apps and tutorials.

My dream classroom should be like heaven on earth which will contain a comfortable cushion chair with a table and every student needs to have a separate locker in which their things can be kept safe. The classroom should allow students to have their own laptops. The teacher should be so friendly with the students and they should give a few chances for them to make mistakes. There has to be a relaxation time of 10 minutes after every period. Books should not be carried; everything should be taught online and assignments also should be done online.”

Evangeline Esther J

Class IX

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Alpha Cambridge International School,Trichy.

 

Switch to e-books
“Majority of Indian schools do not make use of all of the modern technology available via laptops and tablets. We carry cartloads of books and notebooks to and from school. If you lose a textbook or notebook, you may have a hard time learning in school and studying for exams. But, all of these textbooks are available online, so all you need is a tablet or a computer, and you can have access to those textbooks anywhere and at any time. You don’t have to worry about losing your textbooks. E-books are much cheaper too plus you are helping the environment by not using paper. So, from some of my personal experiences in the USA, I feel classrooms should provide students with tablets/laptops, and allow them to access textbooks using the device. Notebooks can also be replaced with tablets/laptops because there are free programs available like Google Docs (which I am using now), which allow you to type notes and access them from any device with the same Google Account and an internet connection, you can also save some documents to your computer in offline mode.

Blackboards and benches are not only boring but also unhelpful, they only allow you to write on them and they don’t allow for any interaction. Smart boards, on the other hand, are much more relevant today, a smart-board is basically a large TV, the size of a blackboard, which acts like a tablet, you can use it to play games, write things (using a program, smart-board markers and dusters), you can play videos on it, and write on the video/PPT, and do everything you could possibly do with a tablet, you just need a computer and cable. These smart-boards are very intuitive and attractive; they can keep students actively participating in the class and supplement learning. It may be a bit expensive but the advantages outweigh the cost. Benches should be replaced with individual tables and chairs arranged in groups for easier discussions.

The use of technology, in the right way, can even make the most boring lesson intuitive; there should be a balance between fun technology and learning. For example, if you are sitting in a biology class with a blackboard, you may be bored. But think about this, what if you had a tablet, which showed what the organ looked like and how it worked, while your teacher was showing a video on a smartboard, you and your friends were having an engaging discussion about this organ, and your tablet is taking notes based on what the teacher was saying based on speech recognition. That sounds much more fun and intuitive right? If every classroom was like this, everyone could do well in school, through a balance between fun and learning.
I feel, personally, that in my school, that teachers are not very open to students learning from YouTube videos on their own. The teachers do show us videos, but are not very encouraging towards us learning from YouTube videos that we choose. At my school, we do not use educational apps very much. But when I was in the USA, in my school, we were provided with MacBook Airs by the school, we did not have much-written homework at all! We were asked to watch YouTube videos and write about them, do lessons on apps like Khan Academy, and more than all of that, our teachers encouraged us a lot to go out and learn things ourselves on educational apps and share useful YouTube videos that we found with the whole class, this made learning much easier, more fun, and much more intuitive. I was able to learn things easily with the help of these apps, programs, and websites. By using computers more, I also learned how to type quickly and how to search the web effectively.

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My dream classroom is not really a classroom; it is more of a system, which is followed by Middle Schools in some western countries. It is a system where the students go to different classrooms and attend class, they are provided with lockers to store their books and personal items. What I would like the individual classrooms to have is a SMART Board 7275 Pro, I would like for the students to be provided with Macs, the students should be seated in groups with individual desks and chairs, and the room should have some board games and cards if we finish early.”

Ishaan Masilamony  

Class VII

Alpha Cambridge International School,Trichy

 

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Reduction in technology

“We embrace the benefits of living in a high tech world—with high tech classrooms already, in my opinion. It’s high time we reduce the use of technology during sessions with teachers which includes a non-virtual conversation with a complete understanding of each other. I definitely prefer the ancient way of teaching that had more practicality and more physical manoeuvre than the use of smart Televisions and iPads. I feel that these gadgets are driving children to addiction and isolation, with most of them living in a hypothetical world.

Use of technology in education has come a long way since the earliest times of human civilization. While embarking on aids with advanced technology, we need to take full cognizance of the lessons from the past, striking a balance between embracing new methods of teaching and learning while holding on to the timeless principles of education.

Lessons can be enhanced with the right video. Something visual and entertaining that speaks to the subject the teachers teach breaks up the monotony of a lecture, brings some fun into the lesson, and keeps us more engaged and interested in the subject.”

Jyotsna

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Class IX

Alpha Cambridge International School,Trichy

 

Getting interactive with technology
“Teachers have to rethink their teaching methods, as this is a flipped classroom we are talking about. Students' expertise in online communication can play a major role here. Letting the students create, collaborate and get interactive with technology can make their learning a whole lot fun. Adding a few simulators in higher grades would be good too.

Living in the 21st century, blackboards aren't exactly the first thing that comes to everyone's minds when given a choice between black and white boards. When someone prefers an older technology to a newer one, there's usually both a utilitarian reason and an aesthetic or nostalgic reason. Blackboards are better tools than whiteboards especially at showing processes, as they force teachers to work more slowly and deliberately and think, whether they are going through a complicated problem, or just simply noting down thoughts and ideas.

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Making classrooms inclusive can be a piece of cake if thought thoroughly, by taking each of the classroom activities in mind. Electronic books, speech software etc. can be brought in for "reading", whereas grammar or spelling checkers, word processors etc. can be a part of "writing". There can also be eye glasses and eye magnifiers for "vision" too.

Honestly, not all teachers encourage technology to interfere in education but there are an equal amount of teachers who do embolden smart learning which makes their lectures immensely exciting. Adding a few of these "high tech" procedures, will not only help other students in their learning, but also make schooling fascinating.

First thing, my dream classroom won't have any of the hard table and chairs we sit on, instead it would have plush and comfy chairs with every student having their own study space which they go to after every lesson for a 10 minute break to revise everything they learnt in the past hour. My classroom will be 10 times the size of a normal classroom inclusive of a small "your zone" where a person can go relax and come back during intervals. Smart tables in the main space for learning and will be placed where interaction between the students and teachers can be facilitated, not forgetting the podium upfront for class seminars and activities.”

Shridhi Singhvi

Class IX

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Alpha Cambridge International School,Trichy

 

Real-world problems in the classroom
“An important use of technology is its capacity to create new opportunities for curriculum and instruction by bringing real-world problems into the classroom for students to explore and solve. Technology can help to create an active environment in which students not only solve problems, but also find their own problems. This approach to learning is very different from the typical school classrooms, in which students spend most of their time learning facts from a lecture or text and doing the problems at the end of the chapter. Learning through real-world contexts is not a new idea. For a long time, schools have made sporadic efforts to give students concrete experiences through field trips, laboratories, and work-study programmes. But these activities have seldom been at the heart of academic instruction, and they have not been easily incorporated into schools because of logistical constraints and the amount of subject material to be covered.

Traditional blackboards can be used for geometry, botany subjects where the lecturer has to explain with a drawing. But I feel newer methods of teaching are good for the students to understand subjects better.

In my dream classroom, I will ensure that work flows throughout the classroom. I will create a place where students can meet and feel secure – students learn from each other, they need a consistent environment where they can have face-to-face interactions. I would place the teacher's desk at the back of the room rather than the front- this lends the classroom to maximizing student learning through communication, reflection and reinforcement rather than the traditional "chalk and talk" setup

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Of course yes, I would surely exclude the system of memorizing and vomiting and I would completely encourage the use of technology as much as possible, not only for easy access but also for interaction between students.”
V Deepika

Class IX

Alpha Cambridge International School, Trichy

 

Knowledge over marks

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“Our classrooms can be made progressive by integrating technology into our teaching in order to make it as easy as possible for the children to learn and in order to

give the students another perspective of a topic being taught. We can also use web services such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams to remind students of

homeworks and assignments by posting them online, rather than the old school diaries.

The blackboard-benches format is irrelevant in today’s culture and in fact, the old school system hinders students from learning the subject matter in an effective way. Using blackboards for subjects such as Physics, Geography, Chemistry, and many more does not paint a wholesome picture and sometimes even leaves the students confused since they can not completely understand the concept. By saying so, I’m not stating that black boards should be completely eradicated, instead, blackboards should be used as a supplement to a more digital classroom.

The best way to make the classrooms more inclusive is to govern the school pupil using love and friendliness instead of instilling fear. By this I mean that, the students should have the freedom to do what they want in order to gain the needed experience from school life, rather than just adhere to preset guidelines in order to pass a set of papers. The school staff should only be there to guide students in the right direction when they veer off, rather than define a strict path for them, which they have to navigate as per the wishes of the staff. The classrooms can also be made more friendly by decorating the walls with posters, letting students wear appropriate yet colorful dresses of their choice once or twice a week, and letting them choose what they want to learn from an earlier stage of their educational careers. I think the teachers nowadays are very open to outside help from multimedia sources, however, there are some teachers (very few) who are against this, and even demand their students to learn traditionally. I think that integrating multimedia sources into our schools is a progressive and crucial move that schools all over the world need to make. There are apps now such as Byju’s learning app, which supplement the students’ understanding of concepts, and in many cases even aid the students in clearing any confusions that may have risen by the old school, traditional style of teaching. Although schools should use educational apps to supplement their teaching, they should be careful not to use applications which are only focused on making a profit, rather than help the students. Schools should consider using a source that is free for all and which is non profit such as Khan Academy in order to guarantee that their students can get the best that is available as of right now. Lastly, the schools should also be careful only to use the multimedia sources as a “supplement” to the education given in school, rather than using it as the primary source of education for the students. My dream classroom is one where, I can learn whatever I want in a way that is tailored for me, rather than me having to adapt to the system. My dream classroom is one where, I can have a teacher like Aamir Khan from “Taare Zameen Par”, rather than have a teacher like the principal from “3 Idiots”. Finally, my dream classroom is one where, I can go in order to learn and increase my knowledge, rather than go to a classroom to score good marks in the exams and to study in a good college.”

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Sricharan Sridhar

Class IX

Alpha Cambridge International School,Trichy

 

Need to adapt practical learning

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“Everybody wants to learn technology, for no doubt technology is mastering this modern world. So why not utilise it effectively? Rather than writing by hand, typing on MSWord allows students to cut and paste, save their work and use spell checkers and thesauruses. First of all, students need edu-pads at schools which should replace notebooks and pens. Surveys show that most children show reduced interest in studies because they are forced to write. Typing and surfing might lighten their workload.

‘Games’ linked with academics are very essential because it is said that playing games activates brain dopamine and improves memory.

‘No Stress Learner’ enables us to be updated even when we are on leave. Lectures by teachers are recorded and played later, so that we never miss a point due to illness or any other reasons. Technology might be helpful but has demerits too- high cost, availability, distraction etc. If these factors are checked, then technology becomes a great boon for future learning.

Exams should be excluded from schools because the main aim of exam is assessment. Students should be allowed to frame their own queries and doubts and indulge in self-assessment. Students should not be forced to learn a subject which they are not interested in. Rather they should be encouraged to acquire intense knowledge in the subject of their choice. Entrance exams should be practical. Medical and Engineering professions are not jobs of theory but of practice. Finally, schools should adapt practical learning. So, my dream classroom should be able to satisfy these expectations.”
Swarupaa Sree S

Class XII

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Alpha Wisdom Vidyashram

 

Quest for application-oriented learning

“In the olden days, the classroom atmosphere was built around the ‘chalk and talk’ method but this rigid practice has been altered dramatically in the recent years. This factory model of learning has now changed and thus the 21st century requires a learning system which indulges in the use of technology. Students should be familiarized with tools like, ‘Word Processing Tools’, ‘Presentation Software’, ‘Course Management Tools’, Lecture Capture Tools’ etc. to enhance their learning. They must be given free access to educational apps available online to boost their learning. Opportunity must be created for students to participate in online seminars, discussions and conferences. Virtual field trips to various places could give students detailed idea of what is taught in the lessons because visuals speak louder than words. Anytime and anywhere learning is possible with purposeful technology.

The blackboard-benches format, although traditional, is still relevant and has ease of presentation. Calculations, diagrams, sketches, maps can be presented effectively on blackboards. Every tutor may not be familiar with new technology but the traditional method is handy to all. Moreover, this method is inexpensive therefore is accessible to schools of any category and any category of students. The blackboard-benches classroom develops interaction between teacher and students and among students.

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In ancient times, the ‘Gurukulam system’ enhanced knowledge and honed the skills of the students. But today unfortunately, education comprises syllabus completion, projects, assessments, homeworks, exams etc. within the four walls. A classroom must adapt practical and application-oriented learning. For example, learning related to agriculture, working of drones, rockets etc. should be practical than theoretical. My dream classroom should have access to facilities such as ‘Cloud Technology’ and ‘3D Printer’ to meet the needs of new generation learners. Using holograms in classroom teaching may seem practically difficult but introducing the same in small scale will help to teach the children how it works. Principles followed by the Japanese educational system are wonderful. Our educational system too should prepare the students for their career from childhood rather than just producing the graduates. Students must be taught values and how to respect nature and fellow humans rather than preparing them for exams. Classroom should not only have books and blackboard but also have amenities to learn traditional arts. Digital development in classroom alone will not help the learning to be effective. So, my dream classroom must be an inclusive classroom with all possible features to supply to the needs to satisfy my quest for learning.”

Oviya. S

Class XI

Alpha Wisdom Vidyashram

 

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No more four-walled classrooms

“The syllabus content from online education is extremely useful and it is an easy learning equipment for students in the present generation. Our classrooms will also adapt to this kind of learning by setting up Smart Boards. Teaching on blackboards helped us when we were in smaller classes. In higher classes, it is easier to use the Smart Board System with whiteboard which will attract the students’ mind to capture the syllabus content easily.

Today, we are happy that a number of teachers have started posting content on their YouTube channels for their students to benefit from. Some students may have doubts about a topic taught and may feel shy to express it in class. Now, they can easily find answers to these question by referring to external learning systems.

Our dream classroom should be a “pathway for making students future nation builders”. Great philosophers like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Mahatma Gandhi learnt about life from their exposure to the society and not by learning in classrooms. We believe that it is time to end the concept of a four-walled classroom.”
Afzar A (Class XI) and Sharlene A (Class XII)

Alpha Plus Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Trichy

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Free area minus distractions

“Rethinking to the 19th century (inverting the traditional ways) would be a good choice when comparing the way of studies. Making the students feel relaxed can reduce the stress of everybody. A whole core of new subjects ought to be included due to tomorrow’s way of work. Books can be optional because everyone might not be comfortable with online syllabus. Doing projects practically from online tutorials is a good idea too. Beautiful places that can make the student feel good to be at school with art, plants, music (when needed), comfortable seating with fast internet access would be all that is needed. The ideal classroom would be like a free area with no distractions and teachers cannot be excluded because no kid is perfect, so an experienced guide is needed.”
Mir Zahid Ahmed

Class IX

Alpha Cambridge International School,Trichy

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CBSE to Introduce Two-Level Structure for Science and Social Science in Classes 9 and 10 by 2026

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce a two-level structure for Science and Social Science subjects in Classes 9 and 10, starting from the 2026–2027 academic session. This move follows the successful implementation of two-level mathematics examinations—Standard and Basic—for Class 10 students in the 2019–2020 session.

The decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates offering subjects at varying difficulty levels to reduce academic pressure and counter the coaching culture. The proposed structure aims to give students the option to study some subjects at a higher level while taking others at a standard level.

Key Details of the Plan

According to Hindustan Times, the CBSE curriculum council has already approved the proposal, and final approval from the Board’s governing body is awaited. The initiative seeks to empower students who demonstrate an aptitude for Science and Social Science to study these subjects in greater depth before transitioning to Class 11.

For Mathematics, which currently offers two levels, the syllabus remains the same for both Standard and Basic levels, but the difficulty and format of the question papers differ. A similar approach is likely for Science and Social Science, although details are yet to be finalised. Advanced-level students may be provided with supplementary learning resources, alternative textbooks, or the same textbooks with additional challenges and problems.

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Implementation Framework

The implementation of this two-tier system depends on the development of updated textbooks by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). As part of the ongoing curriculum reform under NEP 2020, the NCERT has already released new textbooks for Classes 1, 2, 3, and 6, with materials for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 expected in the 2025–2026 academic year. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has indicated that all updated textbooks are likely to be available by January 2026.

Students will likely have a window to choose between the standard and advanced levels and may be allowed to switch within a stipulated timeframe. The advanced level could include longer study hours and distinct question papers for Board examinations.

By offering this flexibility, the CBSE aims to provide students with opportunities tailored to their abilities, enabling them to excel academically without undue stress.

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Jaipur History Festival 2024: India’s Biggest History Festival Returns with a Unique Focus on Financial Literacy and Folk Arts

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Image- Jaipur History Festival 2023 Highlights

The Jaipur History Festival (JHF), an annual event organised by the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust, is set to host its 2024 edition from 3rd to 6th December at the iconic City Palace in Jaipur. Established in 2017, the JHF has become a flagship event in India’s cultural calendar, earning widespread recognition from educational institutions, policymakers, and media alike. This year’s theme, “Financial Literacy Through Folk Arts,” promises an engaging blend of tradition and modernity, offering innovative learning experiences for over 10,000 students and educators.

A Groundbreaking Theme: Financial Literacy Through Folk Tales

The 2024 festival theme uniquely integrates financial literacy into education through the rich tradition of Indian and global folk tales. Stories from the Panchatantra, Jataka tales, Akbar-Birbal, Sheikh Chilli, Mulla Nasruddin, Tenali Rama, and Munshi Premchand’s literary classics will serve as mediums to impart essential financial skills. Lessons on budgeting, saving, and understanding the distinction between needs and wants will be creatively woven into folk art performances, ensuring that students grasp these critical concepts in an engaging, memorable way.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this initiative emphasises values-based education while nurturing practical skills like wealth management and fraud prevention. The programme targets primary and secondary school students, fostering early financial literacy to help shape a generation of financially savvy individuals.

Festival Highlights

The four-day festival will feature a diverse array of performances, workshops, and exhibitions, including:

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  1. Plays based on Munshi Premchand’s works like Nirmala, Kafan, and Gaban.
  2. Traditional art forms such as Dastan-e-Goi, Kathak recitals, and Rajasthani folk dances.
  3. Live music performances in Hindi, Marwari, and English, focusing on financial literacy themes.
  4. Craft workshops and installations, including kites, puppets, Kalighat paintings, and paper mache models.
  5. Interactive exhibits, such as Rashmi Rath (E-Car), bioscopes, and Jantar Mantar sundial paper models.
  6. Workshops on modern educational tools like AI-powered graphic generation and business plan incubation.

Morning cultural programmes will be followed by exhibitions and craft workshops, creating a holistic learning environment for attendees.

National Reach and Global Aspirations

The Jaipur History Festival 2024 will welcome participation from over 120 schools nationwide. Following the grand success of previous editions, this year’s festival aims to expand its footprint by hosting sessions in prominent educational hubs like Gurgaon, Delhi, Mumbai, and Jammu.

The Legacy of JHF

Since its inception, the Jaipur History Festival has aimed to revolutionise traditional education through experiential learning and cultural immersion. Themes from previous years have ranged from Gandhi’s Rivers of India to “Phad Se Padh,” focusing on Rajasthan’s Phad paintings. In 2023, the festival celebrated the “International Year of Millets,” showcasing the intersection of cultural heritage and global sustainability efforts.

With its steadfast commitment to innovation and inclusivity, JHF 2024 promises to be a transformative experience, inspiring educators, students, and parents to rethink the way history and life skills are taught in schools.

Looking Ahead

As India’s largest history festival, JHF exemplifies how education can be both meaningful and engaging. By merging traditional folk arts with contemporary financial literacy, the festival not only preserves cultural heritage but also equips students with life skills essential for the modern world.

This year’s edition is poised to set a new benchmark in interdisciplinary education, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for India’s diverse cultural tapestry.

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What Does the Future Look Like for World Education?

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Image Credits: Pexels/Tara Winstead

As political changes loom over the US education system, particularly with President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed dismantling of the Department of Education, questions arise about the ripple effects such reforms could have on global education, including in India and other parts of Asia. Historically, American education policies and practices have served as benchmarks for many countries, influencing curriculums, teaching methodologies, and educational reforms. This article explores how these proposed changes might shape the future of education worldwide.

Historical Impact of American Educational Practices

The influence of the United States on global education is well-documented. For instance, in the mid-20th century, the US pushed for science and mathematics education reforms after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik. This emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) was mirrored in several nations, including India, which began integrating more technical education in schools. Similarly, the US-led push for standardised testing during the No Child Left Behind era inspired similar measures in Asia, where countries like China and India adopted rigorous assessment frameworks.

The idea of universal education access and inclusivity, championed in the US, has also resonated globally. The implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975 influenced India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and similar policies across Asia. Therefore, if the US dismantles its Department of Education, transferring responsibilities to states, the resulting decentralised model may have implications for nations seeking inspiration from American education.

Comparing Trump’s Proposals with NEP 2020

Trump’s Agenda47 proposes greater parental control, cutting funding for initiatives deemed ideologically inappropriate, and emphasising local governance of education. While these ideas are specific to American politics, some parallels can be drawn with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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NEP 2020 focuses on empowering schools and teachers to create tailored curriculums that meet local needs. Like Trump’s proposal to return control to states, NEP advocates for decentralisation, urging state boards and local authorities to implement flexible frameworks. However, the alignment ends here. NEP promotes inclusivity and modernisation, championing universal access to quality education and focusing on critical areas such as digital learning, skills-based education, and early childhood care.

In contrast, Trump’s proposals seem to focus more on limiting federal oversight and reducing regulations, which could result in inequitable access to resources—a stark difference from NEP’s vision of equity and inclusion. If the US adopts a more state-driven approach, India and other nations might evaluate its outcomes, particularly in balancing local autonomy with national educational standards.

A Roadmap for Global Education

The future of global education hinges on addressing universal challenges, including accessibility, inclusivity, and adaptability. Nations worldwide, including the US and India, are grappling with how best to integrate technology, emphasise STEM education, and prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce.

A decentralised system, as envisioned by Trump, may encourage innovation and localised solutions but risks widening disparities. Conversely, global education roadmaps like UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) advocate for inclusive, equitable, and quality education as a shared responsibility. In this regard, NEP 2020 aligns more closely with global goals than Trump’s vision, which focuses on reducing federal intervention.

If the US moves forward with dismantling the Department of Education, it will be crucial to observe whether this decentralisation fosters innovation or exacerbates inequalities. For countries like India, which are already navigating local governance in education, the American experience could serve as both a cautionary tale and a potential source of inspiration.

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Hence, the relationship between American education policy and global education is undeniable. As the US contemplates radical changes, the impact on its own students and the broader world remains uncertain. For countries like India, which have often looked to the US as an educational blueprint, these developments offer lessons in balancing local autonomy with equitable access to quality education.

This unfolding story raises essential questions about the shared vision for education in 2025 and beyond. The world will be watching to see whether the US remains a pioneer or takes a step back from its global leadership in education.

 

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ICAI and CBSE Join Hands to Promote Commerce-Based Skill Courses in Schools

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MoU between ICAI and CBSE

In a significant step towards enhancing the skill development ecosystem in education, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 21 November 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This collaboration aims to introduce and promote commerce-focused skill courses, particularly in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, to boost students’ employability and career readiness.

The ICAI, through its Committee on Career Counselling, will contribute its expertise in curriculum design, syllabus development, study materials, and training modules. Additionally, the organisation will play an active role in career guidance initiatives, participating in workshops and training programmes organised by CBSE.

Addressing the importance of the partnership, ICAI President CA Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal stated, “The signing of this MoU with the CBSE is a significant step towards enhancing the skill development ecosystem for students across the country. Through this collaboration, ICAI aims to promote commerce-based skill courses and ensure that students are equipped with relevant, industry-aligned competencies. This partnership reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and professional requirements, and we are confident that it will open new avenues for students to pursue rewarding careers in accountancy and finance.”

The collaboration will also focus on raising awareness about career opportunities in accountancy and related fields, aligning educational frameworks with the evolving demands of the job market. CBSE and ICAI plan to conduct awareness programmes for principals, teachers, and school management teams in CBSE-affiliated schools across India. These programmes will highlight the importance of BFSI-related skill courses and their potential to enhance students’ career trajectories.

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As part of this initiative, CBSE will organise capacity-building initiatives to upskill teachers in commerce-related subjects, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver specialised courses effectively.

ICAI has already established similar collaborations with 85 universities, colleges, and educational institutions to promote academic excellence, research, and knowledge exchange. According to The Indian Express, these initiatives aim to create a workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a modern, dynamic economy.

This partnership underscores a growing commitment to aligning education with industry needs, preparing students for thriving careers in commerce and finance.

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When Education Suffocates: A Reflection on Pollution and Hypocrisy

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The image is generated using AI

Winter in North India no longer carries the gentle chill of nostalgia. Instead, it drifts in cloaked in smog, acrid pollution, and despair. Each year, as the air quality index (AQI) hits catastrophic levels, the nation seems trapped in a vicious cycle of reactive measures and inadequate solutions. Schools close their doors, children are forced into online classes, and life is put on pause—all while the question looms: are these measures too little, too late?

This week, Delhi and its neighbouring states plunged into yet another public health emergency. The AQI in the capital breached the “severe plus” category, with readings of over 500 in certain areas—levels that are equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes in a single day. For context, smoking in Bangalore’s air, while not healthy, is currently considered healthier than simply breathing in Delhi.

{Image- Jammu, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (PTI)}

Amid this crisis, schools and universities have been forced to shift to online classes yet again. The Supreme Court has intervened, universities like Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University have issued notifications, and government schools have suspended physical classes. These decisions, though necessary, feel more like desperate attempts to contain the damage rather than addressing the root cause of the crisis.

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As educators, policymakers, and parents, aren’t we hypocritical? We preach yoga, mindfulness, and physical wellness to our children while they breathe in air laden with PM2.5 and PM10 particles—air that clogs their lungs and hinders their growth. We promote “wellness periods” in schools and discuss the importance of holistic development, yet we do nothing to ensure that the very environment they live in supports their health and well-being.

Every child has the right to a safe and nurturing space to learn and grow, but what are we truly offering them? Masks, air purifiers, and lessons on resilience—tools to survive rather than thrive. What kind of childhood is this, where outdoor play becomes a luxury and clean air a distant dream?

The scientific community has repeatedly warned about the devastating impacts of prolonged exposure to polluted air, particularly on children. Their developing lungs are more susceptible to damage from particulate matter, which can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, reduced lung function, and an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions later in life. A study by the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health estimates that pollution caused nine million premature deaths worldwide in 2019, with air pollution being the primary culprit.

In India, the numbers are staggering. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from asthma, cognitive impairments, and even stunted growth. Beyond the physical toll, the psychological impact is equally alarming. Living in a constant state of environmental crisis breeds anxiety, stress, and a diminished sense of safety—all of which are detrimental to their overall development.

The Return to Online Classes: A Missed Opportunity

If air pollution is to be the “new normal” in North India’s winters, then why have we abandoned online education so completely? The pandemic forced us into virtual classrooms, but as soon as the immediate threat subsided, the system was discarded without much thought to its long-term utility. Teachers, untrained and unprepared, are now expected to conduct meaningful lessons online, while students struggle to adapt to an environment that they haven’t engaged with meaningfully since 2022.

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This raises an important question: should online education remain a part of our academic framework, even when circumstances don’t demand it? Incorporating regular online classes—perhaps one day a month—could help students and teachers stay familiar with the format. It could also serve as a contingency plan for emergencies like the current pollution crisis, ensuring continuity in learning without the chaos of sudden shifts.

Moreover, training teachers to connect with students effectively in virtual environments is crucial. Simply moving the classroom to a screen is not enough. Teachers need tools, strategies, and support to create engaging and impactful lessons. Without this, online education remains a hollow exercise, benefiting no one.

Every winter, the same questions resurface: why do we wait until the AQI crosses hazardous levels to act? Why do policies remain reactive rather than preventive? And most critically, why do we continue to normalise this situation for our children?

The blame lies not just with governments or industries but with society as a whole. From unchecked stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana to vehicular emissions in urban centres, the web of responsibility is vast and interconnected. Yet, year after year, the measures taken are temporary, insufficient, and often misplaced. We treat the symptoms, not the disease.

What kind of message are we sending to our children? That their health and future are expendable? That the environment they inherit will always be an afterthought? As the smog thickens and the world debates solutions, the reality for millions of children in North India is bleak. They will grow up breathing poison, and the long-term consequences are unimaginable.

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As I watch this crisis unfold, I am filled with a deep sense of worry for the children of today and tomorrow. What kind of world are we leaving for them to suffer in? If we don’t act now—boldly, decisively, and with genuine commitment—we risk condemning them to a lifetime of struggle in an environment that is hostile to their very existence.

The time for half-measures is over. We owe it to our children to build a future where they can breathe freely, dream fearlessly, and live fully. The question is, are we ready to rise to the challenge?

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Khan Academy Launches Khanmigo AI Tool for Teachers in India

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Khan Academy, the global nonprofit dedicated to providing free, world-class education, has launched its AI-powered tool, Khanmigo, free for all teachers in India. Starting this Children’s Day, educators can access this innovative teaching assistant at no cost, in both English and Hindi, through Khan Academy’s platform.

Khanmigo, designed to enhance both teacher productivity and student engagement, functions as an AI-powered teaching assistant and student tutor. By streamlining tasks like lesson preparation, generating curriculum-aligned assessments, and creating concise chapter summaries, Khanmigo allows teachers to focus on personalised learning experiences for their students.

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Swati Vasudevan, Managing Director of Khan Academy India, shared:
“On this special occasion of Children’s Day, we’re thrilled to make Khanmigo available to all teachers across India at no cost. At Khan Academy, we believe teachers are the key to unlocking each child’s potential. By providing Khanmigo, we’re empowering educators to create impactful and tailored learning experiences. Our aim is to break down barriers to technology access, enabling teachers to inspire and support India’s children in achieving their full potential.”

Supported by Microsoft’s investment, Khanmigo is part of Khan Academy’s global rollout, now available in over 40 countries. Indian teachers can create an account on the Khan Academy platform to access this resource and benefit from its features, including interactive student tutoring and classroom management tools.

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Khan Academy also emphasises that the implementation of Khanmigo remains a work in progress. Teachers and students are encouraged to engage with the tool thoughtfully, fostering digital literacy, critical thinking, and responsible AI use.

This launch marks a significant milestone in Khan Academy’s mission to expand educational opportunities through technology, making quality resources accessible to educators and students across India.

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Guthli Ad Fest Day 1: A Grand Start at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

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The Guthli Ad Fest 2024 launched in spectacular fashion at the iconic St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Day 1 was filled with high-energy sessions, insightful discussions, and inspiring interactions. Kicking off the day, Pratish Nair introduced the vision behind Miles and Miles SoBA (School of Branding & Advertising), explaining how their collaborative approach blends creativity with empathy. Nair emphasised that their unique curriculum, which includes scuba diving and Himalayan trekking, aims to equip students with life skills that go beyond the traditional classroom, fostering resilience, teamwork, and self-awareness.

The event began with a warm welcome and inauguration, followed by a captivating tribute and a fireside chat featuring advertising legends Piyush Pandey, KV Sridhar, and Prasoon Pandey, moderated by Devaiah Bopanna. Their discussion shed light on their journeys, offering a rare glimpse into the minds behind India’s most iconic campaigns.

The day continued with Cyrus Broacha, the 90’s poster child of Indian advertising, delivering a light-hearted yet insightful session, followed by Tanya Nambiar’s presentation on how emotional bonds can be forged using the power of voice.

The afternoon saw Shirsha Thakurta delve into the art of visual storytelling, followed by a hands-on workshop led by Dr Prateesh R Nair, who demonstrated how advertising can be used as an engaging tool in classrooms. A panel discussion with Miles SoBA students and a thought-provoking session by Josy Paul on creativity in classrooms wrapped up the day.

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Day 2 promises even more excitement, with an Ad Acapella, fashion shows, excellence awards, and a lot of fun activities to look forward to. Stay tuned for more!

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Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL): A Synergistic Approach to Education

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Image Source- Pexels/Ivan Samkov

CLIL or Content and Language Integrated Learning is a relatively new and underutilised pedagogical approach to language learning. It is a generic term referring to the teaching of a curricular subject through a foreign language. The basis of CLIL is that the teaching-learning is carried out in a language that is not the mother tongue of the students. The end objective remains to learn the second language while the content is extracted through other subjects which the students already study as part of their curriculum. It is a dual-focused approach in which both the content and the language are learnt simultaneously.

The CLIL Methodology

The successful implementation of a CLIL programme relies on the collaboration between language teachers and content teachers. Each is an expert in his or her field, so they need to share both their respective ideologies and materials.

A content teacher is someone who teaches a subject — for example, biology, history, or art. This does not mean just teaching the subject in the English medium. These content teachers are not experts in language acquisition or pedagogy as they are experts only in their respective subjects. Content teachers also depend on the support of the language teacher to diffuse the elements of the language into their subject matter. Thus, both types of teachers have to work in close conjunction with one another to make CLIL successful.

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A language teacher is principally responsible for teaching English (or another language), but in the CLIL programme, he or she also supports the content teacher by introducing relevant vocabulary and functional language related to a given subject. This is a more powerful approach to learning a new language as it focuses on the authentic use of language rather than learning it through decontextualized content fragments, memorising grammar rules, or the cramming of curricular subjects.

Let us take the example of a history lesson. The content teacher explains the Civil Disobedience Movement through pictures, demonstrations, and using the textbook in English, and if necessary, the students’ first language. In parallel, the English language teacher might teach students the grammatical structures used for explaining the past tense (simple past, past progressive, and past perfect), the language to describe cause and effect (because of, due to, results in), and word forms (empire, emperor). In summation, the student has learnt both the concept of the Civil Disobedience Movement and can articulate or explain it using appropriate grammar and terminology.

The CLIL Framework

The framework of CLIL is based on the 4Cs i.e., Content (or the subject matter), Cognition (the process of learning and thinking), Communication (the process of interacting and using the language), and Culture (developing an understanding of the language). So, CLIL teaching is not only a matter of learning how to teach both content and language, but also how to integrate them. In this aspect, it is very different from immersion or content-based instruction techniques of language acquisition as it emphasises the need to harmonise language and content-based learning rather than prioritising one over the other.

According to Marsh et al. (2001), students cannot improve their content knowledge and skills without learning the language, because the subjects are discussed, constructed, evaluated and embedded in the language. The basic aspect of learning any language or developing fluency in it is to acquire as much vocabulary as you can. Vocabulary can be divided into three parts: Basic vocabulary, academic vocabulary, and discipline-specific vocabulary. CLIL involves learning to use language appropriately while using language to learn the subject adequately.

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In every CLIL lesson plan given by the University of Cambridge, ESOL examinations it is repeatedly insisted that “Every subject has its content obligatory language which means a subject-specific vocabulary, grammatical structures, and functional expressions”. For instance, a chapter on ‘Plants’ in Grade 3 Science would have vocabulary such as ‘photosynthesis’, ‘stomata’, ‘sunlight’, etc which are domain-specific for science for that level. Therefore, each chunk of content associated with CLIL has a specific vocabulary and the teacher has to relate his/her teaching with the newly learnt vocabulary with the old one, which is also the preliminary step in the CLIL approach.

The Final Word

The objectives of CLIL are varied, but among the most relevant ones are to improve the educational system, to establish the necessary conditions that will allow students to achieve the appropriate level of academic performance in curricular subjects, to develop intercultural understanding and to hone their social and thinking skills. Moreover, CLIL prepares students for the globalized world by increasing their motivation to learn foreign languages and cementing their intercultural competence.

As an approach, CLIL has been very successful in countries such as China, Malaysia and Thailand in promoting content learning and language acquisition. In India too, CLIL is gaining currency slowly and steadily but needs some more research, the willingness to adopt, and flexible implementation. Some initiatives have been taken in this direction. For instance, CLIL@India a 3-year project co-funded by the European Union was a consortium of 7 Universities from India and Europe dedicated to developing a new model of bilingual education by introducing Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) as an innovative pedagogical practice in the Indian education system to preserve the nation’s multilingualism.

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Authored By- Sanjhee Gianchandani 

Sanjhee Gianchandani is an English language curriculum designer and editor with a Master’s from LSR, University of Delhi, and a CELTA from Cambridge. She has authored grammar books, edited over 100 academic and literary works, and specialises in English language teaching (ELT) pedagogy.

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CISCE to Implement Major Academic Reforms Aligned with NEP 2020 from 2025-26

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Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which oversees the ICSE and ISC board exams, will introduce substantial changes to its academic framework. These reforms align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aim to impact over three million students across India, as reported by The Times of India.

Robotics and AI in Curriculum

A significant aspect of the reforms is the inclusion of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in the curriculum for Classes XI and XII. For younger students, elements of AI and coding will be integrated into their computer science courses, ensuring these technologies are taught in a simplified and engaging manner. The objective is to familiarise students with emerging technologies from an early age, equipping them with skills for the future.

Introduction of Competency-Based Exams

The CISCE will also introduce a ‘holistic progress card’, a 360-degree evaluation system to assess students’ development across academic and non-academic domains. This approach will provide a comprehensive view of student achievements beyond traditional metrics.

Changes in the board exam structure are also on the horizon. From 2025, 25% of exam questions will be competency-based, focusing on critical thinking and core skills rather than rote memorisation. This percentage will increase to 40% in 2026 and 50% by 2027, promoting deeper understanding among students.

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Digital Assessments and School Improvement

To enhance educational standards, the council will roll out digital assessments for students in Classes III, V, and VIII from 2025-26. These assessments aim to identify students who need additional support or those excelling beyond their grade level. Additionally, a school improvement plan will be introduced, encouraging high-performing schools to partner with state governments to enhance the quality of education in government institutions.

The overarching goal of these reforms is to foster a balanced, skills-oriented learning environment that prepares students for real-world challenges and opportunities.

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Aditya Birla World Academy Hosts ‘The Happy Place’ an Interschool Festival to Drive Awareness on Mental Health

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In a collaborative effort between Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA) and Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust the Happy Place Interschool Festival was successfully held to raise awareness about mental health, with this year’s theme being The Mindful Megabyte Digital Wellness. The event saw participation from over 200 students across various schools in Mumbai across boards, engaging in a variety of creative and expressive competitions, including Solo/Duet Singing, Art, Photography, AD-Film Making, Drama, Slam Poetry, and Dance. Each event centered around the theme of digital wellness, focusing on the impact of technology on mental health and well-being.

The Happy Place Interschool Festival, introduced by Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), is built on the belief that mental health awareness is a crucial aspect of a child’s holistic development. At ABWA, students benefit from a robust mental health and emotional well-being curriculum that supports resilience alongside academic excellence. Under the leadership of Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla World Academy and the Aditya Birla Education Trust, this vision has flourished. A passionate mental health advocate, Mrs. Birla firmly believes that mental health awareness and support should be accessible to all students, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive.

As an extension of this vision, the Mindsmatter program has reached 25 schools and over 40,000 students across India in the past year, with 318 teachers trained and 67 mentoring sessions conducted. The program has positively impacted behavior, self-esteem, and academic performance, with 83% of participants reporting improved communication skills and 61% noting reduced stigma around mental health.

For the last 6 years, The Happy Place Interschool Festival has expanded beyond ABWA, engaging students from schools across Mumbai to raise awareness on mental health through creative activities. This festival sustains the conversation on mental health, offering students a thoughtfully curated platform to explore these critical themes, express themselves creatively, and build empathy. Through themes like Digital Wellness, participants reflect on their emotional health, fostering a balanced and mindful approach to life.

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Mrs. Radhika Sinha, Principal of Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), “highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “The Happy Place interschool festival is not just a competition, but a mindful space for students to engage in conversations about mental health while expressing their creativity. The focus here is not only on winning but also on creating an environment where students can explore topics like Digital Wellness that are highly relevant to the challenges the youth face today. These activities help drive awareness, fostering a sense of empathy and mindfulness amongst our students.”

The competition’s theme, Digital Wellness, reflects the growing influence of technology in the lives of young people. While digital platforms provide numerous opportunities for connection, learning, and creativity, they also come with risks such as overuse, social media addiction, cyberbullying, and sleep deprivation. Striking a balance between the positive and negative impacts of digital media is crucial for the well-being of today’s youth.

Parveen Shaikh, VP Operations at Mpower, highlighted the urgent need for digital wellbeing support amidst the growing mental health crisis: “In today’s digital age, the constant use of technology is significantly impacting mental health, particularly among young people. Studies reveal that 1 in 5 individuals experience symptoms of mental health conditions, with excessive screen time and online pressures contributing to this rise. Alarmingly, 50% of mental health issues begin by the age of 14, and 75% by age 24. By focusing on digital wellbeing and creating awareness around healthy tech habits, we aim to provide timely interventions that encourage young people to seek help and maintain a balanced, mentally healthy lifestyle. 

Research on digital wellness suggests that excessive use of digital devices can negatively affect mental health, particularly among students. Studies show that prolonged exposure to screens can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Initiatives like The Happy Place Interschool Festival play a significant role in bringing these critical discussions to the forefront, encouraging students to reflect on their digital habits and make informed choices.

As this year’s competition concludes, the collaboration between ABWA and Mpower continues to raise awareness on crucial mental health issues, ensuring that students are empowered to lead balanced, mindful lives.

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