Opinion
Evolution of Learning Environments – How Educationists would build Indian School of Future Part 6
Read on for amazing insights into the vision of building the school of the future…
Ep. 1 | Ep. 2 | Ep. 3 | Ep. 4 | Ep. 5 | Ep. 6 | Ep. 7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11 | Ep. 12 | Ep. 13 | Ep. 14
We were keen to feature views of School Leaders and Educators on 'The Evolution of Learning Environments: Building the Indian School of the Future'. The excitement was palpable. Educationists across the country were preparing to gather at the ScooNews EdBrainstorm with Professor Sugata Mitra on April 2 in Mumbai. In preparation for this exercise to discuss the building the Indian School of the Future, ScooNews invited key delegates at the EdBrainstorm to share their vision on the Evolution of Learning Environments. The result was a smorgasbord of ideas and beliefs, a melange of thoughts and concepts, lively agreements and livelier arguments!
The complete story featured in our April 2018 issue, we are reproducing this online as a series of articles to make it comfortable and easier for our online readers, read the 6th episode for some more amazing insights into the vision of building the school of the future…
Start early…evolve, embrace, empower!
‘Schools are 19th Century institutions using 20th Century buildings to teach 21st Century students and we wonder why traditional education sometimes struggle to connect. So if they don’t learn the way we teach, then let’s teach the way we learn.’ – Mark McCrindle
With changes in our politics come changes in our society. Today’s generation albeit young needs to be more informed from the start than others. This will be a win-win situation as children will be more socially inept and better decision-makers in the coming future. For that, it is imperative that we should understand the Gen Z in our classroom and rather than focusing on the subject centric teaching approach, present them the broader perspective to make them ready for life; the uncertain future.
Let’s start early and expand the horizon for today’s learner. It is the job of an educational institution to keep the students up to date with the ongoings of not only the nation but the world as well. Instilling the habit of reading newspapers from a young age can make children better conversationalists and widens their outlook on topics. Many establishments encourage students to pick up a paper and read it by breaking down everything to make it easier to understand; for example, Magazines, Tabloids, Specialized newspapers for students, etc.
When taught at an early age about social changes including sub-topics about minor communities and tolerance they become more accepting. They tend to become more comfortable with the continuous changes taking place around them. Making students only aware about the major topics is not as helpful as it sounds. They need to know about the sensitive topics as well to have a different point of view to see things from. Teaching them about society makes them considerate towards others viewpoints while still being firm in their belief. Everyone has a different stance on things but we need to teach our children to respect each one of them.
To spread awareness among the students, they can be introduced to or asked about their perspective on topics like the election, internet addiction, digital disparity, etc. If we as educationists shy away from sensitive topics the students will also tend to do the same. When we are talking about delicate issues like addiction, mental health, religion… we need to teach our students to be tactful and diplomatic about them while putting their views forward.
When students address their concerns we should acknowledge them to do so rather than repressing their voice. We need to give them the freedom of expression and speech because that is what will help them to become more confident and also to take a step forward.
The need of the hour is a changed mindset, change to embrace the change. One size fits all policy no longer exists in education scenario. We need to give exposure to our students to become a better problem solver. To empower this generation, educationists need to change and keep pace with the present and future scenario.
About the author:
Dr. Seema Negi is the Principal, Sanjeevani World School.
Ep. 1 | Ep. 2 | Ep. 3 | Ep. 4 | Ep. 5 | Ep. 6 | Ep. 7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11 | Ep. 12 | Ep. 13 | Ep. 14