Knowledge
How to banish exam stress? No gyan; all practical tips!
Stress is not what you get; it is what you take. And exams have been conducted since times immemorial; there is nothing new in it – it is just that stress has been the recent addition in the curriculum. The one who added it is you – and only you can banish it!
Published
8 years agoon

The famous American football coach Paul Eugene Brown has said: "The key to winning is poise under stress". You might say here is another baba distributing his gyan on stress. But, read on!
Bet that simply the idea of banishing exam stress will leave you thrilled to resume your studies with enthusiasm.
“Exam stress is worrying about failure in the exam. Do not take the stress, it’s harmful for health, for your concentration and makes things worse than better. Take a deep breath, do these exercises, make such a timetable, eat a healthy diet and so on.”
Aren’t all sites, books and newspapers sounding the same a month before your exams? It seems you are their only target to share their wisdom. And you get so overloaded with wisdom that even wisdom begins to stress you.
“We’ve had it enough. As it is we are stressed, and these gyan lecturers are busy distributing their wisdom to us. Why don’t they leave us alone and let us be ourselves? Or even if they want to help us genuinely, give us something we can rely upon. Not these outdated and boring breathing exercises.”
Your reaction is the same, right? Obviously, one would react in such a manner when he is stressed and on the top of it the lectures from family, relatives, and these gyan gurus.
But, nothing of that sort will be dwelt with here. You only have to read on to know.
Study for yourself and to learn
Before discussing the ways to eliminate stress, do you know the full form of EXAMS?
“Examination” would be your answer; however, it is actually “Excitement and Masti with Studies”. Hope half of your stress would be relieved on knowing the exact meaning of exams?
You would be wondering, how exams could mean excitement and masti? Why not? After all, it’s we who have made the examination time a tough and testing one, a time to take stress. Though your parents and teachers have a lot of expectations from you to score well in exams but remember you are not appearing the exam for them, it is for yourself.
If you score well in exams, you will be appreciated by your teachers, parents, and friends. But, if not, they will be the one to scold you and feel annoyed. This means you are appearing in exams to get affection and appreciation from them; your self-esteem and confidence are based on their judgement.
Examination is Excitement and Masti with Studies. When you understand this, half of of your stress would be relieved.
If they approve of you, you feel confident otherwise not. Though it’s normal to have expectations, but, ultimately you study for yourself and not for other’s sake. Your focus for study should be an enhancement in your learning and not just score grades to achieve others’ appreciation.
Remember the character Tyrion Lannister in the series Game of Thrones. Though he is small in size but makes up for his weakness by his high-level intellect. All the more, despite his size, he has a girlfriend.
What does the character display? What message does he want to convey? “Just stop trying to impress people around or care about what they say. Even if you do something cool, they may find reasons to disapprove you.” Similarly, you must not focus on unusual expectations laid by your teachers and parents.
Agreed, today’s schools and parents lay emphasis only on the grades obtained by the student and you can’t change the system. But, at least you can change your perspective towards your studies and exams. Most of the students get stressed at the exam time due to the pressure of expectations by their parents and teachers.
No TV, no phones, no hanging out with friends, no chatting on social media, in short nothing else than books must be your companion during exam time, are the instructions given by most parents.
Revealing his agony about parental pressure, Mayank Srivastava, a 13-year-old boy says that his family dreams about his admission in one of the top colleges of IIT. However, Tushar is least interested in IIT and wishes to gain admission in one of the fine arts college. And by the way isn’t 13 too early an age to think about IIT? At 13 or even 14, 15, 16 one should just be doing two things – playing and Studying. You have only been studying, hence the exam stress.
Such parental pressures are common in every household. Let their expectations be and don’t get overwhelmed by them. Don’t retaliate and oppose your parents openly, but try to talk freely about your desires, capacity to learn and how you wish to proceed with your preparations.
You must study for yourself, keeping your learning process at the centre stage and you will automatically score well in exams. Having an open conversation with your parents and handling their expectations with a calm mind will help them understand your stress and make them supportive in your exam preparations. By remaining silent or accusing them, you would make the matters worse.
At 13 or even 14, 15, 16 one should just be doing two things – playing and studying. You have only been studying, hence the exam stress.
Was that too philosophical? Yeah! It seems to be so, but you need to set a clear goal for your studies; whether it’s just passing an exam or learning something new. Once you proceed with a clear aim, you can make your study time fun and interesting by exploring various ways to learning a concept; rather than just memorising and forgetting it later.
Because once you learn and understand a concept, it will be imbibed in your memory for life and you wouldn’t require an extra effort to remember it. Contrastingly, just cramming and memorising the lessons would give no result. They would be forgotten due to stress and you won’t be able to reproduce them in the examination; further adding to your stress.
Moreover, the approach of the students towards the exam is very cynical. They feel that the schools conduct exams to test their knowledge, but actually, it’s not a test, it’s an opportunity to know your strengths and weaknesses. Exams are a medium where you know your field of excellence and shortcomings related to your studies.
Engage in creative ways to make study time fun and combat boredom
Many students equate effectiveness of their study with the number of hours spent with books. However, it’s not the quantity but quality of time spent reading the book or taking notes that matters. It’s not worthwhile to spend hours with your book and not learning even worth a single penny.
Moreover, learning doesn’t only happen by reading books. Engaging in interactive activities and fun games also makes you learn and retain it for longer. This is how exams become exciting and enjoyable. You learn better by doing it yourself; rather than just reading from the book.
Let’s say you are reading about the Archimedes principle that states “The buoyant force or upthrust exerted on an object partially or completely immersed in water is equal to the weight of the water displaced by the object.”
You would be reading several examples explaining the principle like why does an air balloon float whereas the iron needle sinks in water. And you cram the concept and write exactly the same in your answer paper. But, did you ever try to learn and understand the principle? Ever tried using the principle in your daily life?
Did you know bathing in your bathtub is also dependent on the same principle? That’s why a level is engraved on the bath tub to warn people to avoid filling it beyond that level.
Yes, you might be a champ in memorising things and remembering them, but did you learn anything by simply reproducing it in the exam? This was just one concept, but you have to memorise a number of lessons for the exam and the process gets boring after sometime. You tend to lose your motivation as well.
“People often say motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.” Motivation needs to be constant in order to stay upbeat through your exams. Surround yourself with positive and hard-working people that keep you motivated to follow the right approach towards your exams.
Incorporate some fun experiments to learn your lessons, you will learn better and remain motivated to study and explore further. Use your imagination and creativity to think beyond the lines written in the chapter.
For example, while solving a Maths equation, just imagine a situation where you can fit those numbers and arrive at the answer. This helps to escape boredom and makes studying easier and fun.
Sharing his experience, Sena Alkadir from Garfield High School used a simulation of a presidential election to learn and understand the different aspects of elections in an interactive manner. “Although I knew everything about elections, but simulating an actual election helped me to understand better how they work and how do different groups have an influence over an election”, says Alkadir.
Incorporate some fun experiments to learn your lessons, you will learn better and remain motivated to study and explore further. Use your imagination and creativity to think beyond the lines written in the chapter.
Having fun while studying is the reason for the rising trend of studying in groups, where students study, gossip, and enjoy together. After reading a particular topic, you can organise a quiz amongst yourselves to have fun and know how much you have learned and understood the chapter.
Do not keep your exam preparations for the last minute
Preparation for your exams, better to call it learning process needs to be consistent; just like an athlete needs to practice round the year and not only when the competition is near. If you focus on your learning process during regular school hours and while doing your homework the whole year, you need not panic at the time of exams. Examination time can then be utilised for revision of topics or practising your weaker subjects.
Many students argue that regular school hours are so hectic, plus, teachers resort to assigning loads of homework that they are not able to find time for any extra-curricular activities or outdoor games to relax their mind. This further leads to their loss of interest in studying and learning. They just feel like getting through the boring lectures delivered in class and finishing their homework whatsoever.
Sarah, a student in New Jersey remembers one of her experiences in school. Every day her class schedule was the same: read the chapter, complete the worksheets and copy down immense PowerPoints for the rest of the class. The only learning in class was to learn to write fast and continue writing even with hand cramps. “I never really learned anything in that class; I just memorised the information, took a test on it and then forgot everything. Imagine that cycle for an entire year. It was tremendously boring.”
True, the methods of teaching in many schools require students to be seated at their desks for long hours and listen to the lecture delivered. Such one-way teaching fails to maintain the student’s interest in the subject, more so in learning.
If the schools cater to the learning demands of the student and revise their teaching methods to make them interactive, it would benefit the students in the long run. However, you can suggest some ideas for interactive learning in your school because the trend is changing now and schools are open to new ideas and methods of teaching.
Setting an example of a practical approach to learning and its benefits to their students, the Head teacher at Manor Public School, Kate McGee explains how her school utilises practical activities like gardening, cooking, and filmmaking to teach English, Maths, Philosophy and other subjects.
In her opinion, children respond and learn better when engaged in practical activities, rather than reading from textbooks. They grow in confidence if you give them a task to do, which they are able to achieve. And this can be incorporated into teaching the curriculum in an effective, engaging and enjoyable way.
In case you resort to last minute preparations, which though are not advisable, set your priorities for studying a particular topic according to its relevance.
Plus, such learning won’t require continuous revision now and then and students will be better prepared for their exams. It opens their mind to a vast variety of experiences in the subject and raises their chances of success.
However, in case you resort to last minute preparations, which though are not advisable, set your priorities for studying a particular topic according to its relevance. Do not aim at completing the entire syllabus at the last moment; this will create an undue pressure and enhance your anxiety.
Just aim to cover the relevant topics and give your best shot. Amit, a class XII student of Green Fields School, New Delhi shares his story on this. He was a bright student and became a little overconfident of himself. He resorted to last minute studies for his exam thinking he already knows the concept and could make it with little revision at the final hour.
But, to his surprise when he sat down for studies, he realised that he had missed out on many topics and would not be able to cover the entire syllabus for the exam; leading to stress and anxiety. He then recalled the words of his Maths teacher, “If you can’t complete 100% of your syllabus, do it as much as you can, but give your 100% to that little chunk of the syllabus.”
What he meant to deliver through these words was that you must be consistent with your studies and learning throughout the year. Yet, if you feel you can complete only 60% of the syllabus at the exam time, do that 60% sincerely. Aiming for 100% at a short notice only makes you anxious and even that 60% will be lost, leaving you blank and completely helpless.
Be confident of yourself
“A great figure or physique is nice, but it is self-confidence that makes someone really beautiful.”
However, the undue pressure from the teachers and parents and vastness of the curriculum may leave some students with a lack of confidence in themselves. This not only occurs minutes before entering an examination hall but also haunts during exam preparations.
Students carrying books to the examination hall, flipping through pages at the last minute, and biting their nails is a common sight during these months. No, there is no harm to carry a textbook along to the examination hall, but experts recommend relaxing and thinking about happy stuff few minutes before the exam to combat anxiety.
Like you can think about some funny joke cracked by your friend or a comedy scene watched on TV before your exam. The idea is to relax and keep your mind deviated from the obvious anxiety before entering the examination hall.
Don’t let the pressure of your teachers and parents overpower you. Stay calm, have a positive approach towards yourself and your studies, and prepare well. Do not keep anything for the last moment revision just before entering an examination hall.
A great figure or physique is nice, but it is self-confidence that makes someone really beautiful
It’s advisable to review your chapters by organising a question answer session with your friend an evening before the day of the exam. The review helps to test your expertise on the subject, diagnose any flaws that need your attention and build your confidence to face the exam.
Moreover, the more you fear, more you will lose your confidence and more will be the stress. The only way to develop self-confidence is to do the things you fear. If you fear the subject of Maths, sit down and solve some equations, don’t fear whether you will do right or wrong, just do it and gradually you will experience self-confidence and a sense of achievement.
Remember the caption of the soft drink, “Mountain Dew”, “Darr ke Aage Jeet Hai”. It’s not only a caption to market their product, but reflects the truth of life. Until you indulge into doing the task, you won’t learn and won’t develop self-confidence.
Sleep tight and sleep on time
All are aware of the saying “Early to bed, early to rise makes the man healthy, wealthy and wise.” But the recommendation is now taken for granted and students do not pay any heed to it, thinking it to be a fool’s statement.
Though the significance of adequate sleep can’t be ignored even at normal times, examinations are the time to follow the advice more sincerely. Do not stay up late till night for your studies. Prepare your time-table accordingly so that you go to bed at the same time every day. This is in accordance with your body clock that is accustomed to sleeping and eating at particular times.
Any major changes with the routine will have negative effects on your body and mind, further disturbing your concentration and shaking your confidence. A good night’s sleep is essential for your brain to analyse and store the things you have read.
We are not forging into the bad effects of waking late till night; everyone is aware of it. The immediate tiredness and bad mood experienced says a lot about the bad effects of sleeping late at night. You not only have to sleep early but, also consider the daily sleeping routine which must be consistent.
Never go to bed reading a chapter or solving some heavy maths equation; your mind tends to reconcile on those things during sleep and you do not get complete rest. It is advisable to listen to some soft instrumental music or read a motivational story before going to bed.
What majority students do is wake up till 2-3 am at night romancing their textbooks and sleep late in the morning to cover up on their sleep. Either they wake up late wasting most part of their day or feel tired after rising. Have you ever realised what impact will this have on your concentration?
And then you blame the vast syllabus for your anxiety. It’s not the syllabus alone, rather your approach towards it that makes sense. You can either plan and maintain a balance between your health and studies or just keep on studying like an owl.
Moreover, staying awake till late hours on the day just prior to your exam is all the more harmful. Go to bed early on that day and wake up 15-30 minutes prior to your usual waking time so that you can get ready for the exam on time.
The correct method of study
Normally, students just cram their chapters and feel they are done with their preparation. But, when it’s time to write in an answer paper, they just go blank and are unable to recollect the answer.
To avoid this, it’s important to always take down the things you read in your own writing so that you remember them for a longer period of time and enhance your learning. The common habit of students is to highlight the major points in a chapter with a special pen and then keep on memorising it for hours.
No doubt highlighting the important points does serve your purpose of paying attention to the chunk of information from a pool of knowledge. Yet, writing down things in your own language reiterates the concept in your mind and you understand and retain for longer.
For example, while learning about the important dates of a historical event, you can create a small table highlighting the event with its date, so that you can just have a look at the gist of the information while revising the chapter.
Stressing the importance of writing your own notes, Nehmat Mongia, a student of Modern School, Barakhamba who scored more than 95% in her board exams said, “I used to write and rewrite everything I studied. I did so not for studying or remembering before the exams, but to understand things and it was as if only I could teach myself. I did just that and made studying a fun activity.”
Moreover, the place of your study has a deep impact on your concentration and ability to grasp your concepts. You have different sites mentioning the amount of light, the things to keep at the study table and to study only on the chair while preparing for your exams.
But, do you know how your study table and chair must be inclined? Many students are seen either slipping down into the chair or bending their necks down for long hours at studying. Your study table and the chair must be so designed that your neck remains straight while studying and your feet touches the ground while sitting.
How is posture related with exam stress? Not directly, but a bad posture while studying tends to hurt your neck and back muscles making them stiff. To attain maximum concentration while studying, you not only need a healthy mind but, also a healthy body.
If you are sick or suffering from pain anywhere in the body, you won’t be able to concentrate on your studies and would panic with anxiety.
Significance of a healthy diet during exams
The significance of a healthy diet can’t be overstressed at this hour. Many students believe in spending hours at their study table to prepare for their exams and in an extreme state give up eating proper meals and indulge in eating only fruits. They hold the opinion that eating much will make them feel sleepy and disturb their study routine.
But, actually, they don’t realise that eating well during exams is more crucial than at any other time. Avoiding meals to prevent falling asleep afterwards is not the solution. You must prepare your study routine to take time out for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This not only provides you with necessary nutrition but relaxes your mind from the burden of studies.
Sleepiness after a meal is mostly encountered if you consume food products with high amounts of fat like chips, fried products and so on. Keep your meals healthy and devoid of transfat and sugar to avoid feeling drowsy. In case you feel lethargic after a meal, listen to some instrumental and lively music for few minutes before sitting down for your studies.
“My appetite is dead. I don’t feel like eating anything. If I eat something, I will vomit.” These are the excuses commonly heard by the students during their exams. It happens because they think more and worry more about their performance in exams.
As the saying goes, “Fools worry, and wise prepare”, so it’s obvious you don’t want to behave like a fool at this hour. Eating the right thing at the right time is the secret behind healthy body and mind. Not only nutrition but what you eat can help you cope with your exam stress.
All the more, you can make meal time a learning time too. Have a look at the vegetables cooked for your lunch and dinner and try to memorise the vitamins and minerals you receive from them. Learning in this manner is fun and doesn’t create a burden on you for memorising the facts.
“Fools worry, and wise prepare”, so it’s obvious you don’t want to behave like a fool at this hour.
Eat smaller and frequent meals and avoid large meals at this time, as they tend to make you drowsy. Green vegetables, fruits like strawberries, amla, oranges, tomatoes, and whole grain cereals like oats, barley, and whole wheat are a must in your diet regime. For the non-vegetarians, eggs and lean meat provide the necessary memory boosting nutrients.
Treat water as your best friend in the examination days. However, do not keep a water bottle or a plate of snacks near your study place. This ensures that you get up and take a minutes’ walk around the house whenever you feel thirsty or hungry in between; breaking away from the sedentary routine of studying and relaxing your mind every few hours.
Take in these words with full attention. Do not take tea, coffee or other caffeinated drinks at this stage. Many students take tea or coffee to help them stay awake till late in the night for their studies or to avoid sleepiness in between. But, such things do more harm than good.
Instead, if you feel sleepy, munch on some healthy snack like a vegetable sandwich or have a glass of water or take a walk outside in fresh air to refresh your mood and take a break from the study routine.
Do not compare yourself with your peers
Many students have a habit of discussing with their friends as to how many topics they have covered for the exam. There is nothing wrong with this custom till it keeps you motivated to prepare well for your exams.
However, if you start a comparison of yourself with your peers and look down upon yourself, the habit needs to be restricted. Every student has his own aptitude and pace of learning, even you have your own.
If you wish to discuss any doubt with your friends or plan an interactive quiz to check your knowledge, the conversation will be fruitful and rewarding for your learning and motivation. But, discussing and comparing yourself with others may have a negative impact on your confidence level.
If you feel that you are not confident enough and talking to your friends further demoralises you, stop indulging in such conversations before and during the exams. Even after completing the examination paper, do not discuss the answers with your peers. Be confident of your preparation and move ahead with any flaws you might discover therein.
Just remember, you are in competition with no one; just with yourself. If you find yourself better than yesterday, you achieve your goal. In fact, this trend of competition that has gripped our society today is more destructive than constructive for human minds.
Everybody is focusing on becoming better than the rest but no one focuses on being better than what they were yesterday; a notion that has led to a blind competition and stress in individuals. They never try to learn a new skill and be better equipped than yesterday, but wish to be ahead of others.
A scene in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots reminds us of this valuable theory of learning and not comparing with others. When Aamir khan was explaining the correct method of teaching to Boman Irani by using two useless words, he stressed the importance of learning and not paying attention to coming first or second in the class.
No one will pay attention to your class rank later in life, but how you perform today is what matters . And comparing yourself to others doesn’t make you learn, only increases your pressure and stress for the studies.
Do not underestimate yourself by comparing yourself with others. After all, it’s these differences that make us unique and beautiful. So, respect your differences with others and utilise them for your exam preparation.
Instead of comparing, leverage these differences in learning and propelling each other forward in exam preparations. For example, if you are good at algebra and your friend excels at vocabulary, you both can help each other with your respective weaker fields.
Pursue your hobbies even during exams
No fun, no chatting, and no shopping. This is the notion carried by most students during their exams. If not, it will be stressed by your parents; a big NO to everything. “Forget your mobile phones for few days, forget there is any cable connection in the house till your exams are over”, says your father.
Though some of these things prove to be distracting from your studies, but, giving them up completely is not advisable. You can’t sit glued to your chair for the whole day peeping into your textbooks; your mind needs to de-stress and relax in between, but the pressure from your parents doesn’t let you indulge in them.
However, it depends upon you how you use these mediums; only in moderation to relax your mind or become completely distracted from your studies. If you use them in moderation at particular times to break free from the sedentary routine of studying, no parents would pose an objection.
In fact, many parents encourage their children to engage in their hobbies or favourite pastime even during exams to help them de-stress their minds. As said before, exams are not punishing times, but, an opportunity to test your knowledge and know your strengths and weaknesses. So, why change your routine during the exams, why drift apart from your hobbies?
M. Gayathri, the All- India CBSE topper of the year 2015 pursued her hobbies even during the board exams as she revealed to a The Hindustan Times reporter. Talking about her relaxing tip, she added “Unlike others, I did not discontinue my hobbies during the exams. In fact, singing and painting helped me to de-stress during that time.”
What can be inferred from her experience is that stress is common and obvious during examination time. However, do not let stress overpower you, simply find ways to cope with it, just like Gayathri did by engaging herself in singing and painting.
Yet, another trend seen amongst students is planning for their exam preparation in advance. No doubt, we do advise to plan out a timetable for studying, exercises, meal time, and relaxation. But, how should you go about these plans is the main catch?
Do not plan your entire preparations for the month or a week at one go, but go about planning each day step by step. If you plan for the entire week or month, chances are high that you won’t be able to stick to them and get demotivated and stressed in return.
Contrastingly, planning for each day step by step keeps you motivated and rewards you with a sense of achievement at the end of the day. Indulge in giving yourself a treat when you accomplish your task every day.
Sukriti Gupta, the All-India CBSE topper of the last year doesn’t believe in excessive planning for the exams but taking one step at a time. She further advises other students preparing for their exams to follow NCERT books strictly, not fall into the trap of studying for 14 hours a day and not to expect any last minute miracles.
She further owes her success to the regular routine she followed, be it for her studies, diet regime or exercises.
There is no short-cut to success; hard work and consistency in your preparations is the only key.
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Education
Education Alone Won’t Feed Minds: Why Teachers Must Be Trained in Nutrition Too
Published
4 days agoon
April 21, 2025
“You cannot teach a hungry child,” said Donald Bundy, one of the world’s foremost school nutrition experts. Yet the gap between education and nutrition literacy is wider than we’d like to admit.
According to the 2025 Global Education Monitoring Report, only 60% of countries have any form of teacher training on nutrition within their national policies. And when it comes to actual implementation? That number drops even further in low-income regions. This silent gap in our education system is not just about school meals—it’s about a missing pedagogy that influences how students think, behave, and learn.
Why Teacher Training in Nutrition Matters
We often discuss nutrition as a public health issue. But nutrition is equally an educational concern—and teachers are at its frontline. Unfortunately, as the report points out, only 27% of global school meal programmes employ trained nutritionists to support meal design or delivery. In such scenarios, teachers unknowingly become the default guides on what’s “healthy”—without any professional preparation.
This is problematic on two fronts. First, without foundational training, teachers may unintentionally reinforce poor food habits or remain unequipped to link nutrition with classroom performance. Second, their lack of training undermines the full impact of initiatives like PM POSHAN (India’s flagship school meal scheme) or garden-based learning efforts.
As the GEM report underscores, “Learning about nutrition requires intentional integration of school meal delivery with nutrition education, careful assessment of nutritional intakes, and monitoring and research around shaping healthy eating habits.”
The Global Picture: Policy, But No Practice
In a policy mapping across 68 countries, nutrition education was often included in school curricula, but teacher training remained sporadic and weak. High-income countries reported only 58% coverage, and low-income countries—despite facing the brunt of malnutrition—had to depend on NGOs, development partners, or overburdened community workers to plug the gap.
Even where policies exist, operational challenges persist. For example, in India, while most rural schools under PM POSHAN serve mid-day meals, only 18% of schools reported daily on meal access due to low engagement with real-time tracking systems (Kapur et al., 2023). With such inconsistent reporting, training teachers to monitor, educate, and flag issues becomes all the more critical.
From Curriculum to Cafeteria: The Case for ‘Nutrition Pedagogy’
The report introduces a powerful idea: that food literacy must be embedded in formal, informal, and non-formal learning. This includes not only textbook-based curriculum but also experiential learning—like cooking classes, food label literacy, or classroom discussions around body image and media portrayal.
Yet, without empowered educators, these remain half-baked concepts.
Take this line from the report:
“Nutrition education has become a cornerstone of school health initiatives worldwide, designed to instil habits that endure for life.”
That longevity depends on consistent adult role models—especially teachers—who understand both the science of food and the psychology of student behaviour. It’s not just about knowing what to teach but how to teach it sensitively, especially during adolescence when issues like body image, peer pressure, and social media influence food choices deeply.
A Missed Opportunity in Pre-Service Education
In a rather concerning statistic, the report reveals that in 2022, only 14% of countries adequately covered the topic of infant and child nutrition in the pre-service curriculum for doctors, nurses, and midwives. If this is the case for healthcare professionals, it raises an important question—how many B.Ed or teacher training colleges meaningfully cover food, nutrition, and health in their pedagogy courses?
This is where reform is urgently needed. Nutrition training must be embedded into teacher education institutions, not offered as an afterthought in in-service workshops.
What Needs to Change?
The report outlines three major shifts that could address this blind spot:
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Develop a structured nutrition module for pre-service teacher education.
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Integrate nutrition literacy into school improvement plans and co-curricular activities.
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Collaborate across departments—from health to agriculture—to support interdisciplinary teacher training.
Some countries are showing the way. Finland’s food education programme, for instance, includes school meals, nutrition classes, and teacher-led discussions on sustainability, right from primary to vocational levels. It’s time more countries, especially India, followed suit—not just in policy, but in practice.
The Bottom Line
To feed a child is to free their mind. But in schools today, we are expecting teachers to do this job without giving them the training they need. It’s akin to asking someone to teach coding without a computer.
As we march toward the goals of NEP 2020 and SDG 4, we must recognise that education and nutrition are not parallel pursuits—they are intertwined pathways. And it begins not in the cafeteria, but in the staffroom.
Education
Harvard Stands Its Ground: Harvard Faces ₹18,400 Crore Funding Freeze After Rejecting Trump Administration’s Demands
Published
1 week agoon
April 15, 2025
In response to Harvard’s refusal to implement federal directives on campus reforms, the Trump administration has escalated the standoff by freezing $2.2 billion (approximately ₹18,400 crore) in multi-year federal grants and placing an additional $60 million (₹500 crore) in government contracts on hold. This latest move by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism underscores the growing pressure on educational institutions to align with the administration’s ideological agenda—an act Harvard deems incompatible with its constitutional rights and academic independence.
At the heart of the issue lies the Trump administration’s crackdown on elite American universities, particularly those perceived to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives or tolerate anti-establishment student protests. The administration’s sweeping ultimatum to Harvard included banning face masks on campus, altering hiring and admission practices to favour so-called “merit-based” criteria, and conducting an audit of students and faculty based on their ideological leanings.
“No Government Should Dictate What Universities Teach”
In a strongly-worded letter to the Harvard community, President Alan Garber reaffirmed the university’s constitutional rights, asserting that “no government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”
He called the demands unconstitutional and a breach of the First Amendment, stating they “exceed the statutory limits of the government’s authority under Title VI.” Harvard, he emphasised, would not “surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”
This decision has not been made lightly. With $9 billion (₹75,060 crore) in federal support hanging in the balance—including student financial aid and research grants—the refusal signals the university’s unwavering commitment to preserving academic integrity, even in the face of substantial financial risk.
What’s At Stake for Students and Global Academia?
Harvard’s resistance is more than a domestic headline—it’s a global signal. With Indian students being among the top international communities at Harvard and other elite US institutions, the outcome of this standoff could have ripple effects far beyond American borders.
According to The Hindu, the Trump administration has already frozen approximately $2.3 billion (₹19,182 crore) in funding to institutions like Princeton, Cornell, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. The latter’s funding was slashed over allowing a transgender athlete to compete—a move many have labelled discriminatory and ideologically driven.
For students—especially those pursuing higher education abroad—this moment marks a sobering reminder that education can no longer be viewed as an apolitical space. If universities are pressured to reshape their curriculums, hiring practices, or student bodies based on political whims, the very essence of critical thinking, academic exploration, and diversity is endangered.
The administration’s justification for defunding Harvard cites that many DEI initiatives are “divisive” or “discriminatory”—a claim widely rejected by educators, human rights groups, and civil society organisations across the globe.
The truth is: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not trends or PR jargon—they are the moral and pedagogical backbone of an equitable education system. To see these stripped down as ideological threats marks a dangerous precedent not just for the U.S., but for any democracy flirting with majoritarian education policies.
The Bigger Picture
By refusing to accept the U.S. government’s conditions, Harvard has taken a stance to defend its institutional autonomy. While this may lead to financial strain, the university has signalled that it will not compromise on its core governance principles.
As Indian universities navigate reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), this development also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of safeguarding academic spaces from excessive external influence. Educational institutions function best when given the space to operate independently and uphold their academic mandates without undue interference.
Decisions about what constitutes academic freedom or institutional policy should ideally be made within the education system—not defined by political narratives.
Rather than setting a precedent for others to replicate, this moment should prompt global institutions and governments to reflect carefully on the balance between public accountability and institutional independence.
Education
Is Your School Following These Mandatory CBSE Committees?
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 14, 2025
In today’s fast-evolving education landscape, a school is no longer just about lessons and exams—it is about ensuring student safety, holistic development, mental well-being, career clarity, and inclusive practices. Recognising this, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the formation of specific committees in all affiliated schools to ensure a structured, student-centric, and responsive ecosystem. But the question is—is your school actually following these norms?
Why Are These Committees Crucial?
These committees aren’t just bureaucratic formalities—they are foundational for building schools that are safe, progressive, and future-ready. In an era where bullying, cyber threats, mental health issues, learning differences, and safety concerns are on the rise, these mechanisms act as the backbone of accountability and action. They allow stakeholders—students, parents, teachers, and management—to work together for an environment where every child can thrive.
Let’s look at the mandatory CBSE committees that every school must have:
1. School Management Committee (SMC)
This is the apex decision-making body comprising management, educators, parents, and external experts. It ensures that school policies align with CBSE affiliation by-laws.
2. Sexual Harassment Committee/Internal Complaints Committee
Formed as per the POSH Act, this committee safeguards staff and students from workplace harassment and ensures timely redressal.
3. Child Protection Committee
It includes representatives from all key stakeholders and ensures children are protected from abuse and neglect within the school environment.
4. School Discipline Committee
This committee deals with discipline-related issues and works towards fostering a respectful school culture.
5. Grievance Redressal Committee
Handles complaints from students, staff, or parents, ensuring a transparent and fair resolution mechanism.
6. Anti-Bullying Committee
Bullying in any form is non-negotiable. This committee ensures strict implementation of CBSE’s anti-bullying policies.
7. Health & Wellness Committee
Includes physical education teachers and health professionals, focusing on physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
8. Examination Committee
Manages all assessment protocols and ensures fair, secure conduct of exams.
9. Inclusive Education/Special Needs Committee
Supports children with disabilities and learning challenges by providing resources, accommodations, and inclusive policies.
10. Career Guidance & Counseling Committee
Empowers students with career counselling, aptitude testing, and psychological support.
11. Academic Committee
Looks after curriculum implementation, quality of teaching, and subject integration.
12. House System Committee
Encourages inter-house competitions and leadership among students through structured activities.
13. Cultural & Co-curricular Activities Committee
Ensures students get opportunities beyond the classroom—through arts, debate, sports, etc.
14. IT & Innovation Committee
Encourages integration of digital learning, coding, innovation, and tech-based pedagogies.
15. Disaster Management Committee
Prepares schools for emergencies like fire, earthquakes, or health outbreaks.
16. Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
While not mandatory, many schools voluntarily include this for seamless parent-teacher collaboration.
Why Every Educator and Parent Should Care
These committees represent a school’s commitment to child-centred learning. Schools that implement them honestly often see lower dropout rates, improved mental health indicators, stronger student voices, and higher parental trust.
With NEP 2020 pushing for holistic education, these structures ensure that the vision turns into action. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about creating a school that every child looks forward to attending.
What Else Can Be Added?
While CBSE has outlined a solid framework, here are 3 additional committees that could be introduced:
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Digital Safety & Cyber Etiquette Committee – With rising online exposure, schools must ensure students are protected digitally.
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Student Voice & Leadership Committee – Giving students formal roles to co-create school culture.
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Sustainability & Environment Committee – For green practices, waste segregation, water conservation, and LiFE-aligned actions.
In 2025, education isn’t just about marks—it’s about mindset, safety, values, and vision. As parents, educators, or students, it’s our right (and duty) to ask: Does our school have these committees? Because compliance is the first step to care.
Education
Rewriting Ambedkar: Why Students Must Know the Man Beyond the Constitution
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 14, 2025
Ambedkar Jayanti Special | ScooNews
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Most students in India recognise the name—largely as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.” If you ask a Class 10 student what Ambedkar stood for, you’ll likely get a respectable summary: chairperson of the Drafting Committee, architect of constitutional equality, and perhaps a passing reference to his fight against untouchability. But that’s where it ends.
This is not a failure of our students. This is a failure of our books.
Because Babasaheb Ambedkar was not just a jurist or a political figure to be summarised in three bullet points under Civics. He was one of the most radical, intellectually fierce, and unapologetically liberal minds India has ever known. And if we are talking about modern India—its democracy, its dissent, its diversity, its demands for dignity—then Dr. Ambedkar isn’t just relevant, he is foundational.
And yet, he remains tragically under-read and under-taught.
The Man We Didn’t Read Enough About
Ambedkar’s life is a masterclass in resilience, intellect, and reform. Born into the most marginalised community in India, he went on to become the first Indian to pursue a doctorate in economics from Columbia University, studied law at the London School of Economics, and returned to a country that still wouldn’t allow him to sit beside upper-caste students.
But Ambedkar did not stop at personal success. He turned his education into ammunition. His writings dissected caste not just as a social issue but as an economic and psychological reality. In works like Annihilation of Caste, he boldly challenged not just the religious orthodoxy but also Mahatma Gandhi—a sacred figure for many—in ways that were considered almost blasphemous at the time. And even today.
Unlike Gandhi, who sought reform within the caste system, Ambedkar demanded its demolition. Where Gandhi appealed to morality, Ambedkar appealed to reason, law, and modernity.
This discomfort with Ambedkar’s sharp, unflinching views is perhaps why our textbooks package him safely—as the dignified lawyer with a pen, not the roaring revolutionary with a voice.
More Than a Constitution-Maker
To say Ambedkar gave us the Constitution is both true and painfully incomplete.
- He gave us the right to constitutional morality, the idea that the Constitution isn’t just a set of rules but a living document that must be interpreted in the spirit of liberty, equality, and justice.
- He envisioned reservations not as charity but as corrective justice.
- He believed that a true democracy must have “social democracy” at its base—not just the right to vote but the right to dignity in everyday life.
- And he warned, prophetically, that political democracy without social democracy would be India’s downfall. He was not just designing India’s governance system, but was rather trying to develop India’s moral spine.
A Voice for Individual Freedom—Louder Than We Knew
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”- Bhim Rao Ambedkar
Ambedkar’s liberalism was far ahead of his time. He consistently advocated for individual rights in the truest sense. There’s documented evidence that he argued for the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships, seeing it as an issue of individual freedom long before such conversations entered our legal discourse.
His economic ideas—rarely taught—favoured state-led industrialisation, fair wages, and social security decades before these became policy buzzwords. His writings on women’s rights were equally progressive, particularly through the Hindu Code Bill, which sought to grant women equal property rights, rights to divorce, and freedom in marriage—a bill so radical for its time that it was shelved, only to return years later in diluted forms.
Why Today’s Students Need Ambedkar—Unfiltered
In an age where freedom of speech is contested, when marginalised voices still struggle for space, when gender and sexuality are still debated as ‘issues’ instead of identities—Ambedkar is the teacher we didn’t know we needed.
We need to stop sanitising him for our syllabus. We need high schoolers to read Annihilation of Caste in their literature classes and understand the intersections of caste, religion, and gender in history—not just from an upper-caste nationalist lens but from the view of the people who fought to be seen as human.
We need Ambedkar in economics classrooms, debating his views against today’s neoliberal models.
We need to introduce him as an intellectual, a radical thinker, a critic of Gandhi, a reformer of Hindu personal law, a journalist, a linguist, a labour rights advocate, a rebel with a cause.
Because the freedoms we enjoy today—freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom to love, to choose, to protest, to dream—all have Ambedkar’s fingerprints on them.
If our education system truly believes in nurturing critical thinkers and empathetic citizens, then Dr. Ambedkar cannot remain a footnote or a ceremonial portrait garlanded on April 14th.
He must be read. He must be debated. He must be understood. Because the more we know about Ambedkar, the more we know about ourselves—and the democracy we’re still trying to build.
Education
This World Health Day, Let’s Prioritise Mental Wellness for Teachers and Students Alike
Published
2 weeks 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Good Food = Good Mood
Move More, Sit Less
Rest to Feel Your Best
SIP, Don’t Skip
Mental Health Matters
Education
On Paper vs On the Playground: The Stark Reality of Inclusion for Children with Autism in India
Published
3 weeks 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
The Ethics of AI Art in Education & Nostalgia: The Ghibli Effect
Published
4 weeks 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.
Education
“Be the Change in a Changing World”: Anita Karwal and Anju Chazot Reflect on NEP 2020
Published
4 weeks agoon
March 27, 2025
In a deeply reflective and engaging episode of the NEP Tunes podcast, Dr. Anju Chazot, education reformer and founder of Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS), Ahmedabad, sat down with Mrs. Anita Karwal, former Secretary of School Education, Government of India, to explore one fundamental question: How do we prepare children for a rapidly changing world?
Titled “Be the Change in the Changing World,” the episode offers a powerful conversation between two veterans of Indian education who have shared a decades-long friendship—and a mutual vision for a holistic and transformative school system.
“You can’t prepare children for tomorrow with the pedagogy of the day before yesterday.”
Drawing inspiration from John Dewey’s famous words, the episode begins by addressing the urgent need for policy literacy among stakeholders in education. Mrs. Karwal and Dr. Chazot underscore that the pace of global change—technological, environmental, economic, and emotional—has far outstripped the ability of traditional education systems to keep up. “We are in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous,” Karwal reminds listeners, calling for schools to adapt to this reality rather than resist it.
Decolonising the Classroom
A significant portion of the conversation focused on the historical context of schooling in India. Dr. Chazot draws parallels between today’s school system and Michel Foucault’s “cell and bell” model, which mirrors the prison system—marked by uniforms, bells, and rigid structures. Tracing the roots of modern schooling to the Prussian military model and colonial-era policies introduced by Lord Macaulay, both speakers lamented how education was once used as a tool to produce clerks for the Empire, rather than creative, entrepreneurial individuals.
“Colonialism didn’t just take away our resources; it colonised our minds,” Chazot observed. Karwal added, “The gurukul system was rooted, contextual, and sustainable. The colonial model replaced it with standardisation and control.”
Disruptions and the Call for Change
From climate change to AI, from the gig economy to rising mental health challenges—today’s youth are living in an era of non-stop disruptions. Mrs. Karwal shared a poignant insight: on the very day she retired from her government service (30 November 2022), OpenAI launched ChatGPT. “As a senior citizen, I would have felt useless had I not tried to understand this disruption,” she said, urging listeners to stay updated with technological trends.
Mental health also featured prominently in the discussion. The World Health Organization reports a 25% increase in global anxiety and depression cases, especially among the youth. Schools, Karwal said, must acknowledge and address this invisible epidemic, and create environments that are nurturing—not anxiety-inducing.
Why NEP 2020 Is a Game Changer
Against this backdrop, both educators believe the National Education Policy 2020 is a timely and visionary document. “It’s not just about academics—it’s about the whole child,” said Chazot, pointing to NEP’s focus on holistic development across cognitive, emotional, physical, and ethical domains.
Key elements of the NEP and the newly released National Curriculum Framework (NCF) discussed in the podcast include:
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A shift from rote learning to competency-based, experiential learning
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Focus on Indian traditions and cultural rootedness
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Moving away from exam-centric teaching, especially in early years
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Recognition of multilingualism and contextual learning
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Encouragement of critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability
“Learning to learn is the most essential skill of the future,” Karwal stressed. “Children must be ready to unlearn and relearn throughout life.”
The Future of Jobs
To illustrate the rapidly changing employment landscape, both speakers listed a host of emerging careers—from Prompt Engineers and Drone Fleet Managers to Climate Data Analysts and Digital Detox Specialists. “Just imagine,” Chazot quipped, “if I were a child again, I’d become a Prompt Engineer and finally fulfil my parents’ dreams of being an engineer—with a creative twist!”
Karwal, on the other hand, expressed a desire to become a Human-Machine Team Manager—a futuristic role bridging collaboration between people and machines.
Their message was clear: the world our children are entering is drastically different from the one their parents and teachers grew up in. And education must keep up.
A Takeaway Challenge for Listeners
To wrap up the episode, the hosts offered a unique call-to-action: ask yourself what job you would pick today if you could go back in time again. Then, explore new professions with your family or students. From LinkedIn job listings to the World Economic Forum’s reports, Karwal recommended several tools to research emerging careers. They invited listeners to write in with their findings and reflections.
“This exercise is not just for students,” said Dr. Chazot. “It’s for parents, teachers, and policy-makers alike. We must all become learners again.”
Final Thoughts
In an era where the only constant is change, the NEP Tunes podcast is a timely resource to help educators, parents, and students reimagine the purpose of schooling. With leaders like Anju Chazot and Anita Karwal at the helm of the conversation, the journey towards meaningful transformation in Indian education seems not only possible—but exciting.
🟡 This article is adapted from the NEP Tunes podcast hosted by Dr. Anju Chazot. You can listen to the full episode on YouTube. Here is the video-
Education
Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE): Sustainable Practices in CBSE Schools
Published
1 month agoon
March 20, 2025
The Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, launched by the Government of India, advocates for sustainable living practices that align personal behaviour with environmental well-being. This movement aims to instil a culture of eco-conscious living, focusing on behavioural changes that reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability at an individual and collective level. In the context of CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) schools, this presents a unique opportunity to engage students, educators, and communities in climate action and advocacy, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the planet.
By adopting the principles of LiFE, CBSE schools can become catalysts for climate action, not only by implementing sustainable practices within their own campuses but also by advocating for environmental responsibility within the wider community. Through climate action initiatives, community engagement, and advocacy, CBSE schools can equip students with the skills and awareness needed to lead efforts in sustainability and climate change mitigation.
What is LiFE and Its Relevance to Schools?
Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) emphasizes the importance of adopting simple, sustainable lifestyle choices in everyday activities. It advocates for reducing waste, conserving energy and water, promoting sustainable food practices, and supporting eco-friendly transportation. In schools, LiFE offers a framework for integrating these practices into students’ lives and creating a culture of sustainability. The approach goes beyond just making schools eco-friendly—it’s about embedding the values of environmental stewardship and climate action into the ethos of the school, thereby inspiring students to be changemakers in their communities.
For CBSE schools, this means not only incorporating environmental education into the curriculum but also providing students with hands-on experiences, encouraging them to lead sustainability initiatives, and fostering an environment where they can engage in climate advocacy.
Sustainable Practices in CBSE Schools for Climate Action
To effectively implement LiFE in CBSE schools, climate action must be a central focus. This includes integrating both sustainable practices within the school operations and climate advocacy within the student body and the larger community. Here are several ways CBSE schools can engage in sustainable practices and climate advocacy:
- Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the most impactful ways to mitigate climate change. CBSE schools can implement a series of measures to reduce energy consumption:
- Switching to LED lights and energy-efficient appliances in classrooms, corridors, and outdoor areas.
- Installing solar panels to generate renewable energy, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Promoting energy-saving habits such as switching off lights and electronics when not in use, and utilizing natural light during the day.
By reducing the energy consumption on school campuses, CBSE schools not only cut their carbon footprint but also set a powerful example for students on how energy conservation can be a part of everyday life.
- Water Conservation and Wastewater Management
Water scarcity is a growing concern globally, and it is essential that schools teach students about water conservation. CBSE schools can introduce several water-saving practices:
- Rainwater harvesting systems to capture and store rainwater for use in irrigation and sanitation.
- Installing low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient irrigation systems in gardens and playgrounds.
- Organizing water conservation awareness campaigns in classrooms and assemblies to encourage responsible water usage.
Through these efforts, schools can significantly reduce their water consumption and teach students the value of preserving this precious resource.
- Waste Management and Recycling Programs
Waste management is a key area where schools can demonstrate leadership in sustainability. CBSE schools can encourage students and staff to reduce, reuse, and recycle by:
- Setting up waste segregation stations across the campus to ensure that materials like paper, plastic, and glass are recycled appropriately.
- Composting organic waste from cafeterias and school grounds to create nutrient-rich soil for gardening and landscaping.
- Encouraging the use of reusable containers and eliminating single-use plastics in school activities.
Promoting responsible waste management practices teaches students about the lifecycle of products and their environmental impact, encouraging them to make mindful consumption choices.
- Sustainable Food Practices
Food systems contribute significantly to climate change, from agriculture to transportation and waste. To reduce the environmental impact of food practices, CBSE schools can:
- Provide plant-based meal options in the school canteen, as plant-based diets generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to meat-based diets.
- Promote local and seasonal foods that have a reduced environmental cost of transportation.
- Encourage waste reduction in the cafeteria by educating students about food waste and its effects on the environment.
By making sustainable food choices, CBSE schools can help students understand the environmental impact of their eating habits and encourage healthier, more sustainable diets.
- Eco-friendly Transportation
Transport is another major contributor to carbon emissions. To address this, CBSE schools can:
- Organize carpooling programs where students, teachers, and parents share rides to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Encourage walking and cycling to school by providing safe pathways and ample bike parking spaces.
- Arrange for school buses that are more energy-efficient or use electric vehicles to reduce emissions from the daily commute.
These initiatives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promote physical health and well-being among students.
Climate Advocacy through Community Engagement
Beyond individual practices, CBSE schools can amplify their impact through community engagement and climate advocacy. Empowering students to take action and spread awareness within their communities is crucial for creating a larger cultural shift toward sustainability.
- Student-led Sustainability Initiatives
Empowering students to take leadership roles in sustainability efforts can have a profound impact. CBSE schools can:
- Establish eco-clubs where students can take charge of environmental initiatives such as tree planting, waste collection drives, and community outreach programs.
- Organize environmental campaigns, such as “Clean-Up Days” or “Green Week,” where students can advocate for sustainable practices both within the school and the surrounding community.
- Encourage students to host climate awareness workshops or debates, bringing in experts from NGOs, environmental organizations, or local government to discuss climate change and its solutions.
Through these initiatives, students not only become active participants in climate action but also develop advocacy skills and raise awareness within their communities.
- Collaborating with Local Communities and Authorities
Engaging with local communities can amplify the message of sustainability. CBSE schools can collaborate with local environmental groups, municipal authorities, and other stakeholders to initiate larger climate action projects such as:
- Organizing tree planting drives in collaboration with local NGOs or government agencies.
- Partnering with local businesses to promote sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic waste or adopting energy-efficient technologies.
- Engaging with local authorities to advocate for green policies in schools, such as sustainable building certifications or renewable energy investments.
By building strong community partnerships, CBSE schools can extend their sustainability efforts beyond the school grounds and inspire widespread action.
- Promoting Climate Advocacy through Media and Social Platforms
In the digital age, social media is a powerful tool for advocacy. CBSE schools can:
- Leverage social media platforms to raise awareness about climate action, share sustainability tips, and highlight school-led initiatives.
- Create student blogs, newsletters, or podcasts to share information about environmental issues and solutions, providing a platform for students to voice their ideas and solutions.
- Use school events, such as Earth Day celebrations, to engage parents and local media, amplifying the message of climate action and encouraging community-wide participation.
Through digital advocacy, CBSE schools can broaden their reach and inspire others to join the movement for a sustainable future.
Therefore, the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative offers a powerful framework for CBSE schools to lead by example, teaching students the importance of sustainable living and climate action. By incorporating sustainable practices within the school campus and engaging in climate advocacy through community involvement, CBSE schools can become champions of environmental responsibility. The combination of hands-on learning, student leadership, and community engagement not only contributes to the school’s sustainability goals but also empowers students to become advocates for a greener, more sustainable future. Through these efforts, CBSE schools can foster a generation of leaders who understand the importance of taking action against climate change and are equipped to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
This article is authored by– Rajiv Jagdishchandra Vora , Coordinator, St. Xavier’s School, Rajkot
Education
Classroom Role Reversal: What If Students Taught Once a Month?
Published
1 month agoon
March 18, 2025
The Vanishing Dream of Teaching
Once upon a time, being a teacher was one of the most aspirational professions for children. Ask any five-year-old about their future career, and chances were high that “teacher” would be among the first responses. The classroom was their stage, their teacher—an idol. So what changes over the years?
By the time students reach high school, teaching is barely on their list of dream jobs. In a classroom of over 30 students, only one or two might express a desire to teach (a stat that deserves deeper analysis, but the trend is evident). The question is—why does the admiration for teachers fade?
And more importantly—how do we fix it?
One radical yet simple solution: Make every student teach once a month.
The Power Shift: From Passive Learning to Active Teaching
Imagine this—once a month, students step into their teacher’s shoes. They prepare a topic, conduct a lesson, handle questions, and even deal with distractions.
This isn’t about replacing teachers; it’s about allowing students to experience the magic and the challenge of teaching firsthand.
Why does this matter?
-
Reigniting Respect for Teaching
Students often underestimate the skill and patience required to be an educator. By making them teach, they gain firsthand experience of the effort it takes to engage a classroom. It’s easy to complain about boring lectures—but what happens when they’re the ones standing at the front? -
Boosting Communication and Leadership Skills
Teaching isn’t just about delivering content; it’s about clarity, confidence, and connection. Students who teach regularly develop public speaking skills, empathy, and the ability to break down complex ideas—skills that are valuable in every profession. -
Making Learning More Engaging
Students teaching their peers can make the classroom dynamic. They tend to explain concepts in relatable ways, sometimes even better than teachers, because they understand their classmates’ thought processes. -
Creating a Pipeline of Future Educators
The biggest challenge in education today is the declining number of passionate teachers. If more students experience the joy of teaching early on, it could plant a seed—a realisation that teaching isn’t just about textbooks and tests; it’s about impact, mentorship, and shaping futures.
Breaking the Myth: “Teaching is Not a ‘Cool’ Career”
Somewhere between childhood admiration and teenage ambition, teaching stops being a “cool” career choice. Students idolise influencers, entrepreneurs, and tech wizards—but rarely educators.
But think about it—every great leader, scientist, or artist was shaped by a teacher. We need to change the narrative. Instead of framing teaching as a ‘fallback’ career, let’s reinforce its power and prestige.
And the best way to do that? Let students experience it themselves.
A Practical Model: How Schools Can Implement This
This idea isn’t just a thought experiment—it can be implemented with a simple framework:
- Rotation System: Once a month, selected students teach for a short segment of a lesson.
- Guidance from Teachers: Educators help them structure their lesson and anticipate challenges.
- Reflection Sessions: After teaching, students share their experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and how they felt in the teacher’s role.
- Recognition: Acknowledging student-teachers fosters motivation and a sense of achievement.
The Ultimate Question: What If…?
What if students fell in love with teaching again?
What if schools became a place where the best minds were eager to pass on knowledge—not just absorb it?
What if, a decade from now, classrooms weren’t struggling with a shortage of passionate teachers—but overflowing with them?
It starts with one simple idea: Let students teach.
Because sometimes, the best way to inspire future teachers is to let them be one today.
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