Education
Development Model for Teacher Training in Asia and Beyond
Kris Laroche and Dr Nicolene du Preez draw out a development model for Teacher Training in Asia and beyond.
Published
6 years agoon

It has become more common in recent years to discuss professional development research, both in relation to the 'educator-asresearcher' and a more general concept of the research-engaged educator. Such discussions have taken on a sharper focus that stress the active role of the educator taking ownership of their own professional development –and yet, this is problematic in terms of educators' capacity to both engage with research and, at the same time, develop their own professional selves.
This article focuses on an initiative at Green School Bali for faculty professional development, which sought to enhance teacher choice and voice during a process of making and utilising the methodology of Educator Agency. The article illustrates how educator agency increases when collaboratively designing and implementing professional development ‘For Teachers, By Teachers’. Implementing this model resultsin a tangible, holistic impact on educators as their confidence and relevant knowledge grow, as supportive and focused professional networks are strengthened among faculty, and as professional learning is personalised to be meaningfully tailored to explicitly encourage sustainable innovation. Further, psychological safety is addressed head on in this model, therefore, ensuring trust is built and honoured throughout the organisation. The article draws upon qualitative data generated from three cohorts of participating educators, through a variety of feedback channels as well as direct observations by the authors.
HISTORICAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In order to change current state, it is important to understand that history repeats itself. Understanding this history is a first step in breaking the cycle. In the past, professional development has generally been a top down approach with very little room for individual preferences, reflecting the dominant paradigm of the industrial/factory model of schools. This approach arises from predetermined outcomes and planning for the best interest of educators, as decided upon by external bodies often far removed from the realities of teaching and learning in a given context. This historical perspective predominantly perceived educators as passive learners, lacking the ability to take responsibility for their own professional learning and growth. According to Rucker, (2019:online) content usually created for professional development would be a mile wide and an inch deep for educators, lacking relevance or applicability to specific challenges, and unable to create an authentic and safe space for reflection on practice, either as individuals or collectively, let alone incorporate the much needed process of co-creation. These restrictions have led researchers to seek new perspectives in educational reform. Improving professional learning for educators is a crucial step in transforming schools. We teach who we are. In a rapidly changing world where complexity and chaos are the reality, the need for deep learning that addresses diverse needs, abilities, and unknown futures has intensified. This has lead practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to think more systematically and creatively about how to improve educators’ learning from recruitment, preparation, and support, to mentoring, coaching and other leadership opportunities (Darling Hammond, Hyler and Gardner 2017:1). It is further mentioned (2017:1) that sophisticated forms of teaching are needed to develop 21st century student competencies, such as deep mastery of challenging content, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, effective communication and collaboration, and self-direction.
For these sophisticated forms of teaching to become the norm, professional development opportunities are needed for teachers to learn and refine the pedagogies required to teach these skills. We propose that Educator Agency is an effective methodology for this development.
EDUCATOR AGENCY
Educator Agency allows every teacher to have more choice and voice in their own development. This level of flexibility stimulates internal commitment for improvement through deep engagement, in addition to addressing diverse needs across the organization and over time. When agency is allowed educators develop ownership over their own choices. According to O’Brien (2016) it was found that teachers' perceptions of whether their opinions are factored into school-level decisions appear to be related to job satisfaction.
Table 1.1 represents feedback that was collected during a week long professional development week at Green School in Bali. This is a small selection of feedback that came from a weeklong structure that was created and implemented by Green School educators for Green School educators. Drawing from the methodology of educator agency. This feedback was collected over five days with 76 different workshop offerings, 4 Keynote presentations, 41 people presenting or leading workshops, not includingfarmers that presented with Kul Kul Connection (KKC), 10 Well Being activities and 5 Yoga Nidra sessions.
In table 1.1, educators submitted comments during a professional development week that was created and implemented with choice and voice from the teachers. This was not a traditional approach to creating nor implementing professional development. This innovation revealed a newfound commitment of educators to attend multiple and varied sessions and to give feedback on how this development directly impacted their own personal and professional needs. The teacher agency given during the development week allowed for authentic introspection and generative collaboration. Looking closely at table 1.1 with specific reference to the feedback for improvement column it is important to point out that the major theme in this column deals with the logistics of that particular development week. The logistics are not considered to be a factor that would influence educators future implementation of what their learnings and insights during the development week. In other words feedback in column two allow the process to improve logistically in the future where as feedback in column one explicitly states the positive and far-reaching impact of educator agency.their learnings and insights during the development week. In other words feedback in column two allow the process to improve logistically in the future where as feedback in column one explicitly states the positive and far-reaching impact of educator agency.
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
Allowing agency during the planning of professional development structures builds community and psychological safety. In this context, community would be referred to as the educators and faculty involved in professional development. As seen in figure 1.1 there are various components to building psychological safety in a community such as leadership, group dynamics, trust and respect, using opportunities to practice what works well and a overall supported organizational context. Keeping in mind that if the last mentioned component of context is created with educator agency, the context will allow commitment through the choice and voice of educators. The hard work creating a professional development structure is not as much the physical components such as venue, food, time and other basic needs. However planning from the inside out ensuring internal commitment and safety of educators plays a crucial part in the sustainability and quality of impact of the professional development offered.
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Education
Punjab Launches ₹2,000 Crore ‘Sikhiya Kranti’ Campaign to Upgrade Government Schools
Published
1 day agoon
April 8, 2025
The Punjab government has launched a ₹2,000 crore campaign titled ‘Sikhiya Kranti’, aimed at upgrading infrastructure and basic amenities across nearly 12,000 government schools in the state. The 54-day campaign was officially launched on Monday by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alongside former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, at the School of Eminence in Nawanshahr.
As part of the initiative, government schools will be equipped with modern learning tools, clean drinking water, high-speed wireless internet, separate toilets for boys and girls, classroom furniture such as desks and chairs, and boundary walls to ensure safety and improved learning environments.
The campaign also includes a school mentorship programme, under which IAS and IPS officers will adopt government schools in rural areas. These officers will mentor students and guide schools in improving learning outcomes. The pilot phase of this initiative will cover 80 Schools of Eminence, with each officer assigned a school for a period of five years, regardless of their place of posting.
The state government has also been sending teachers for training at national and international institutions to upgrade their skills. This upskilling, according to officials, has contributed to a noticeable increase in student enrolment in government schools.
Manish Sisodia, speaking at the event, stated that the Punjab government is working to strengthen the education system by transforming schools and enabling students to pursue their aspirations. He noted that more than 12,000 schools in Punjab have already undergone transformation in the past three years.
Education
This World Health Day, Let’s Prioritise Mental Wellness for Teachers and Students Alike
Published
1 day agoon
April 8, 2025
Every year, World Health Day reminds us that good health isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about nurturing holistic well-being. And in the post-pandemic era, the conversation has rightly expanded beyond just physical fitness to include mental and emotional health. For schools across India, that means focusing not just on what students learn—but how they feel while learning. And the same goes for teachers.
Today, more students and educators are facing anxiety, burnout, and fatigue than ever before. Pressure to perform, competition, overstimulation from screens, and lack of adequate rest are taking a toll. In this context, the principles of healthy living shared this World Health Day couldn’t be more relevant—not just as a checklist, but as a way of reimagining how schools care for the minds and bodies within their walls.
Good Food = Good Mood
Nutrition plays a vital role in mental health. Students and teachers alike need balanced meals—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein—not sugar-laden snacks and quick fixes. Schools can lead by example through healthy canteen menus and awareness drives about mindful eating.
Move More, Sit Less
Sitting through back-to-back classes can make even the most active minds sluggish. Integrating daily movement breaks, dance sessions, or stretching routines can improve concentration, mood, and overall energy levels. Physical activity is not just for sports hour—it should be woven into the school culture.
Rest to Feel Your Best
Sleep is often underrated. Students are staying up late due to homework or screen time, and teachers are burning out from lesson planning, assessments, and administrative work. A well-rested mind is more creative, focused, and resilient. School policies should actively discourage all-nighters and promote realistic deadlines, even for staff.
SIP, Don’t Skip
Hydration affects cognitive function and mood. Students and teachers need regular reminders to drink enough water. Simple initiatives like water breaks during class or hydration stations across campus can create a culture of wellness.
Mental Health Matters
And finally—talk about it. Break the stigma around seeking help. Every school should have access to a counsellor or helpline. Peer support groups, teacher support circles, mindfulness sessions, and mental health literacy workshops should be part of the school ecosystem—not rare events during “wellness week.”
In an age where emotional fatigue often goes unnoticed, we must acknowledge that healthy habits = a bright future. On this World Health Day, let’s promise to not only care for our health but also be kind—to our bodies, our minds, and one another. Because in the end, no curriculum is more important than the well-being of those who teach and those who learn.
Education
In a Shocking Move, US Supreme Court Backs Trump’s Cuts to Teacher Training Grants
Published
2 days agoon
April 7, 2025
In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the global education community, the US Supreme Court has permitted the Trump administration to go ahead with slashing $600 million in teacher training grants—funds that supported Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-related programs. The 5-4 ruling is being seen as a major blow to the foundational ideals of inclusive education.
The affected grants, including the Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator programs, were created to recruit and train educators, particularly for rural and underserved communities. These programs were designed not just to address America’s growing teacher shortage but also to help educators understand and embrace student diversity—a critical aspect of modern pedagogy.
Trump’s Department of Education has argued that the programs funded “divisive ideologies.” A standardised letter sent to grant recipients stated that the department no longer supports programs promoting DEI or “any other initiatives that unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected characteristics.”
But to education experts, the decision is not just bureaucratic—it’s deeply symbolic.
When the world needs more aggressive teacher training, not less, this ruling feels like a backward leap. At a time when classrooms are more diverse than ever—culturally, neurodivergently, socio-economically—cutting back on training that helps teachers manage inclusive classrooms could spell disaster for the next generation of learners.
Teachers make every other profession possible. You cannot take away their training and expect education to survive.
DEI is not a trending buzzword—it is a matter of human dignity and rights. When teachers are better equipped to understand different learning needs and cultural contexts, every child benefits. These funds were not “divisive”; they were the very backbone of equitable education.
This Supreme Court ruling comes in the wake of Trump’s broader effort to dismantle the Department of Education itself, part of his controversial plan to downsize federal governance. An executive order to “eliminate” the department was signed in March 2025, though its full dissolution still requires congressional approval.
Justice Elena Kagan, dissenting in the ruling, called the decision “a mistake,” adding that nowhere in the government’s defence was there a legal justification for cancelling the grants. Fellow Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the terminations were contrary to Congress’s original intent of ensuring quality education for all.
While the US wrestles with these policy reversals, the international education community must remain vigilant. This is not just a national matter. The US has long set the tone for education policy worldwide. If other countries begin to emulate this regression, we risk reversing years of progress toward inclusion, understanding, and equality in education.
Let us be clear: Training teachers is not a gimmick. It is a necessity. A minimum standard.
We hope that while the world watches, it does not follow suit.
Education
Private School Fees Surge by 50–80% in Three Years, National Survey Finds
Published
2 days agoon
April 7, 2025
As schools across India reopen for the new academic year, parents are sounding the alarm over an alarming surge in school fees. A recent nationwide survey by LocalCircles has confirmed that private school fees have increased by 50–80% over the past three years—placing unprecedented financial pressure on middle and lower-income families.
The survey, which gathered responses from over 31,000 parents across 309 districts, revealed that 44% of parents reported a fee hike of 50–80%, with 8% stating that the increase exceeded 80%. In contrast, only 7% of parents felt their state government had effectively capped or regulated these hikes.
Despite widespread concern, only Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra currently regulate school fees, leaving parents in most states without protection from such steep increases. From Hyderabad to Delhi and Bengaluru, parents have protested hikes ranging from 10% to even 100%—especially in the pre-primary and early primary segments.
“Private education is becoming increasingly unaffordable. While the wealthy may manage, middle-class and low-income families are sacrificing basic needs or taking on debt just to keep their children in school,” said Sachin Taparia, founder of LocalCircles.
The survey also indicated a worrying drop in enrolment—with UDISE+ data showing a decline to 24.8 crore students in 2023–24, a fall of over one crore from previous years.
Parents and education advocates are now calling for urgent government intervention and stronger fee regulatory mechanisms to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Education
Mahindra University Symposium Explores Harappan Legacy and Its Quiet Influence on Modern Education
Published
5 days agoon
April 4, 2025
At a time when India is reflecting on 100 years since the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation, Mahindra University took a significant academic stride by hosting a landmark interdisciplinary symposium that not only honoured our ancient heritage but explored its forgotten links to modern education.
Organised as part of the university’s research initiative to decode the Indus script, the symposium brought together archaeologists, linguists, AI experts, and education scholars. It featured a stunning display of antiquities — including stone tools over 100,000 years old — and rare artefacts from the IVC, offering visitors a tangible glimpse into one of the world’s earliest urban cultures.
A Civilisation Ahead of Its Time
In her keynote, Dr Smita S. Kumar, Superintending Archaeologist at the Archaeological Survey of India, underscored the maritime trade and economic systems that made Harappa a powerhouse of cross-cultural exchange. “The legacy of Harappa shaped the economic landscape of the world and helped lay the foundation for global trade systems,” she said.
But beyond trade, the event also highlighted how the civilisation’s systems of standardisation, civic planning, and symbolism hinted at early forms of instruction and information dissemination.
Professor Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, stated, “This symposium underscores our commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. Understanding the IVC helps us trace the evolution of knowledge systems in India.”
Indus Valley’s Forgotten Impact on Education
While IVC is not known for formal classrooms or textbooks, its influence on education is deeper than most realise. Their standardised brick sizes and sophisticated city layouts suggest a culture of measurement, geometry, and applied science. The presence of seals, the undeciphered script, and organised granaries all point to an inherent system of record-keeping and knowledge sharing — key elements of what education aims to do today.
Modern-day curriculum pillars like data literacy, urban planning, sustainable water management, and system design can all find philosophical and functional parallels in the Harappan way of life.
As India moves toward a more integrated and inclusive National Education Policy, perhaps it’s time we looked backward to move forward — and asked how much of our ancient knowledge systems still flow silently through our schools, textbooks, and educational practices.
Education
Madhya Pradesh Renames CM Rise Schools as ‘Sandipani Vidyalaya’ to Honour Lord Krishna’s Guru
Published
6 days agoon
April 3, 2025
In a symbolic move blending mythology with modern education, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced the renaming of its high-tech CM Rise Schools to Sandipani Vidyalaya, in honour of Lord Krishna’s revered guru, Acharya Sandipani. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during the launch of this year’s School Chale Hum campaign in Bhopal.
The CM Rise Schools initiative, originally introduced in July 2023 under former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was envisioned as a transformative step towards quality education. These schools feature smart classrooms, digital infrastructure, and upgraded pedagogy aimed at bridging the rural-urban education divide.
Referring to the legendary Sandipani Ashram in Ujjain—where Lord Krishna is believed to have received his early education—CM Yadav said the renaming serves as a tribute to ancient Indian wisdom. “Lord Krishna received his education in Sandipani Ashram. The CM Rise Schools will now be known as Sandipani Vidyalaya to reflect this legacy,” he stated.
The state government had aimed to establish 9,000 such schools, with 274 already operational and serving over 2.5 lakh students. These institutions have been hailed for offering modern learning environments while drawing inspiration from India’s educational heritage.
The announcement also coincides with renewed efforts to make education more accessible, particularly in rural areas. CM Yadav’s government recently earmarked ₹101.20 crore to revive public transport systems across the state in a public-private partnership (PPP) model, enhancing accessibility to schools and colleges.
By naming these futuristic institutions after a figure steeped in India’s educational tradition, the government hopes to strike a chord with cultural pride while continuing its push for technological advancement in classrooms.
Education
On Paper vs On the Playground: The Stark Reality of Inclusion for Children with Autism in India
Published
6 days agoon
April 3, 2025
On World Autism Awareness Day 2025, the Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education—announcing strengthened therapy-based support through Block Resource Centres (BRCs) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under Samagra Shiksha. On paper, it all sounds exactly as it should: speech therapy, occupational support, assistive devices, special educators, digital access, even parent counselling and teacher training.
But just three days ago, a deeply disturbing video emerged from a Noida-based private school, showing a special educator manhandling a 10-year-old child with autism in the classroom. The video, accidentally shared on a parent WhatsApp group, has since gone viral, leading to the arrest of the teacher, the sealing of the school, and an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the JJ Act, and the RPWD Act.
It begs the question: Is our reality in special education as inclusive as our rhetoric?
When Inclusion Becomes a Hollow Word
For far too many children with autism in India, inclusion begins and ends in policy documents. What lies in between is often a cycle of unchecked negligence, lack of accountability, and poorly trained or entirely unqualified “special educators” functioning like gig workers—underpaid, under-monitored, and dangerously unprepared.
We’ve heard of children being tied to chairs during therapy hours, being underfed as a behavioural management strategy, or being punished for sensory overstimulation they cannot control. Many so-called educators don’t even have basic training, let alone the emotional intelligence required to support neurodiverse children.
What Needs to Change?
If we are truly serious about inclusion, then we need more than just circulars and schemes. We need licensing laws that mandate certification and regular evaluation of all special educators. We need background checks, complaint redressal systems, and swift punitive action against violations. We need to ensure every school, government or private, recognised or otherwise, follows minimum compliance protocols for inclusive practices. And yes, we need parent voices on the table when these frameworks are drafted—not just policy architects in boardrooms.
The Ministry’s renewed vision under NEP 2020 is a welcome step, and BRCs could become powerful hubs of change. But only if they are funded, monitored, and held accountable. Inclusion is not a checkbox, it’s a lived culture—and it starts with respect, rigour, and responsibility.
Education
SC-Appointed Task Force Holds First Meeting to Address Student Suicides in Educational Institutions
Published
1 week agoon
April 1, 2025
In a critical step toward confronting the alarming rise in student suicides, a Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force on Mental Health and Student Well-being in Education held its first meeting on 29 March 2025. This comes just five days after the apex court formed the committee, recognising that student suicides have now outnumbered those in the farming sector—a tragic and urgent wake-up call for the country’s education system.
The task force, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, has been given the mandate to examine mental health concerns within higher educational institutions and recommend policy-level reforms to prevent student suicides. The move follows a petition filed by parents of two students from IIT Delhi, who had allegedly died by suicide, seeking an FIR and deeper accountability.
Listening to India: A National Consultation
In a progressive and people-first approach, the task force will soon launch a website and social media platforms to invite public feedback. From educators and students to psychologists and parents, all stakeholders will have the opportunity to share suggestions and lived experiences. Additionally, the panel will conduct public meetings, review existing laws and policies, and consult with institutions and mental health experts.
Who’s On Board?
The panel comprises a cross-section of experts and representatives from:
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Ministry of Women and Child Development
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Department of Higher Education
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Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
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Department of Legal Affairs
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Mental health professionals
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Education policy specialists
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Legal experts
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court has asked for an interim report in four months and a comprehensive final report in eight months. These reports will serve as blueprints to strengthen institutional mental health frameworks and enable the development of preventive policies and on-ground support mechanisms in schools and universities.
Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, while announcing the task force earlier this month, had sharply criticised the lack of robust systems to support mental health in educational spaces—pointing to “serious gaps in legal and institutional structures.”
This development comes at a crucial time as schools, colleges, and policymakers across the country grapple with rising mental health issues among students. The outcomes of this task force could very well reshape how educational institutions approach emotional well-being—not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of holistic learning.
Education
CBSE Revises Class 10, 12 Curriculum: Biannual Exams, New Subjects and Flexible Passing Criteria Introduced
Published
1 week agoon
April 1, 2025
In a landmark reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced sweeping changes to the Class 10 and 12 curriculum, exam structure, and assessment methods. These changes, which will come into effect from the academic session 2025-26, aim to foster flexibility, skill development, and holistic learning.
Biannual Board Exams
One of the most significant updates is that CBSE will now conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year—in February and April—allowing students to choose the attempt that suits them best. However, Class 12 board exams will continue to be held once a year. This change offers students more chances to improve their performance and alleviates exam-related pressure.
Revised Passing Criteria
CBSE has also made the passing criteria more flexible. In Class 10, students who fail in key subjects like Science, Mathematics or Social Science can now substitute them with a passed skill subject or an optional language subject. The overall pass percentage remains at 33% in both theory and internal assessment.
Introduction of Skill-Based Subjects
With a strong push toward vocational and future-ready learning, the revised curriculum introduces new skill-based subjects.
For Class 10, students can now choose between:
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Computer Applications
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Information Technology
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Artificial Intelligence
They can also select either English or Hindi as their language subjects.
For Class 12, four new skill-based subjects have been introduced:
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Land Transportation Associate
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Electronics and Hardware
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Physical Activity Trainer
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Design Thinking and Innovation
The curriculum for Class 12 is now organised around seven major learning areas:
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Languages
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Humanities
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Mathematics
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Sciences
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Skill Subjects
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General Studies
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Health and Physical Education
New Grading System
Class 10 assessments will now follow a 9-point grading scale, with 80 marks allotted to the written exam and 20 marks to internal assessments. This move aims to promote consistent performance throughout the academic year rather than focusing solely on final exam outcomes.
Curriculum Access and Implementation
The updated curriculum is already available to all CBSE-affiliated schools and includes detailed information on learning outcomes, pedagogical strategies, and assessment frameworks. Educators have been encouraged to align their teaching methodologies accordingly.
This overhaul represents a significant stride toward personalised learning and skill development. With its dual-exam format, diversified subject offerings, and practical focus, CBSE’s new model hopes to reduce academic stress and make education more meaningful for today’s learners.
Education
The Ethics of AI Art in Education & Nostalgia: The Ghibli Effect
Published
1 week agoon
March 31, 2025
There’s something deeply sacred about a child’s first sketch—the awkward crayon lines, the lopsided sun, the stick figures that smile despite their missing limbs. That’s the heart of human creativity: messy, imperfect, emotional. And then there’s AI art—sleek, polished, awe-inspiring, and often eerily devoid of that same soul. So where do we draw the line when we bring this technology into schools, where the purpose of art isn’t just aesthetic, but emotional, developmental, and deeply personal?
As AI-generated art becomes increasingly accessible, educators and institutions are exploring its use in classrooms, textbooks, exhibitions, and even personalised student projects. The tools are powerful. With a few prompts, a teacher can conjure up a world map in Van Gogh’s style or generate a Ghibli-inspired version of a student’s family portrait. It’s engaging, efficient, and undeniably exciting. But in this rush to embrace innovation, are we unconsciously sidelining the raw, human act of creation?
Take, for instance, the aesthetic influence of Studio Ghibli—a name synonymous with hand-drawn magic. Hayao Miyazaki, its legendary co-founder, has publicly criticised AI-generated art as soulless. For a man who believes every frame must carry the weight of life, suffering, and intent, AI art is an affront to authenticity. And when we use Ghibli-inspired AI to recreate school memories or cultural illustrations, are we honouring that legacy or reducing it to a visual filter?
This question becomes even more relevant in educational spaces, where art is more than visual delight. It’s therapy, it’s storytelling, it’s identity-building. A classroom wall covered with AI-generated posters may look stunning, but what happens when it replaces the joy of getting paint under your fingernails or proudly misspelling your name in glitter?
Then there’s the ethical dilemma of data and labour. Who gets credited when AI art is trained on thousands of anonymous, unpaid artists? Are we inadvertently participating in a system that borrows without consent?
And what message does that send to young creators—that their work can be replicated, remixed, and resold by a machine in seconds?
Of course, this isn’t a call to ban AI art from classrooms. Quite the opposite. There’s immense potential here—to use AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement. Imagine students learning how to prompt ethically, understanding how AI generates images, and using it to reflect on visual storytelling, bias, and authorship. Education is the perfect place to ask these questions—not avoid them.
And let’s talk about nostalgia—the emotional undertow of this whole conversation. Many of us turn to AI to recreate what once made us feel safe, seen, and whole. Whether it’s turning a family portrait into a Ghibli scene or reviving the aesthetics of Amar Chitra Katha, it stems from love. But love also requires respect. And perhaps the most respectful thing we can do is to remember that some things—like a child’s first drawing, or the tremble in an old hand sketching memories—are sacred because they are human.
So as educators, creators, and curators of tomorrow’s imaginations, let us not trade soul for style. Let AI walk beside our children, not ahead of them. Let it support the messy, magical business of making art—not sanitise it.
Because in the end, the point isn’t to create perfect art. It’s to create honest ones.
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