Education
Potato of my Classroom
Yes, you read it correct. Am I referring to a real or metaphorical potato? Give it a guess now. What it could be? Of course, the real potato could be used as a visual aid to talk about shape and size in early years classroom or it could be used to understand the concept of heavy objects sinking in water. Art specialists would use it as a stencil and mathematicians may use it to explore weight and measurement. Physics students might use the same potato for lighting a bulb, while chemistry and biology students might want to explore its atomic nature and reactions.
Great guessing, as all the above guesses are correct. In addition to the above we also have another potato there, waiting to adjust to our needs and requirements. Let me give you another clue by tickling your critical thinking skill.
Potato : Cooking :: ________ : Teaching
Bulls eye! Now you have got it. Just like potato, which can be used anywhere and in any form of cooking, stories too can be used anywhere and in any form within the teaching and learning process. They gel very well with all resources , concept and caters for varied requirements of a classroom setting.
Potato : Cooking :: Stories : Teaching
Stories are at the core of all our memories, we seem to have inbred liking for them, and students are no different from us. Stories teach us everything about life and when used within the four walls of classroom they can create magic. Let us understand why, how, and what is behind this magic.
Why is Storytelling the most effective Teaching Tool?
- Oldest form of education– Even before the invention of language man has been telling stories to teach his leanings in form of cave paintings. Later he used signs and symbols to express his feelings.
- Emotional connect – stories go straight to heart. Information and facts will be forgotten, but incidences are remembered in form of stories.
- Motivates and encourages– It is Scientifically proven. According to Paul Zak, a neuroscientist, when we listen to stories, chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin are released which help in increased motivation and attention.
- Makes us open minded – Stories have been used to pass down beliefs, traditions, and history to future generations, thus appreciate cultures. They are very resourceful in creating awareness and being responsible global citizens.
- Stimulates the imagination – Stories transport us to a different world altogether, thus tickling and stimulating our imagination, which might lead to innovation.
- Boosts memory – They are easy to remember. Psychologist Peg Neuhauser states that learning which results from a well-told story is remembered more precisely and for longer duration in contrast to learning from facts and figures. Jerome Bruner’s, another psychologist supports the above study through his research which suggest that facts are 20 times more likely to be remembered if they’re part of a story.
- Develops skills – listening is the first and most basic skill developed through stories. Listening is not only an essential survival skill but also it is imperative for developing other soft skills as well, namely comprehension, critical thinking to begin with. Stories are also helpful in painting the larger umbrella of communication skill with special reference to writing and retelling stories.
- Foresee the unseen – enable children to empathise with unfamiliar people/places/situations. offer insights into universal life experiences
When and Where can is Stories be used as teaching Tool?
- As a brain breaker – To break the monotony and promotes a feeling of well-being and relaxation
- To share personal experiences. – Increase children’s willingness to communicate thoughts and feelings
- To introduce a new topic – Leaving a story unfinished will help students think. This can serve as a provocation to build the lesson on. From English to math, art to science, each and every topic could be covered through story.
- To illustrate a concept – painting a pen picture for students helps in presentation skill as well.
- As outcome of a lesson- students can be motivated to create own stories using the newly learnt concept. Once involved their learning outcomes is not only better understood but also raises more questions in the young minds.
- To help children consider new ideas and explore new concepts. Encourage use of imagination and creativity
- Increase verbal proficiency – follow up activity after the stories ensures using the newly learnt words becomes a part of their vocabulary.
- Stories are very good assessment tools as well. They help us set the stage for assessment and then students analyze, think and come up with appropriate solutions and endings.
Who can benefit from the tool of stories?
- All classes from PreK to K12 all look forward to stories.
- To cater to VAK needs of students as there is something for everyone in a story.
- Stories can be read, seen or heard catering to individual needs.
- Stories can be used as differential tasks as well catering to needs of higher order thinking students as well.
- Stories help build up connect between the teller and listeners. They also help in enhancing social skills within the class.
What concepts and Which Stories can be used as teaching Tool?
Now that’s where the potato nature of stories come in. Stories are multitalented and multi-faceted and can suit all purposes, meet every need. It is on the teacher within you to design the best story to meet your objectives. However below are few tips which might come handy.
As per the audience – any story which your audience would connect to will work for you. Story, its language and the props used should be age appropriate. One of the earliest examples of story as a teaching tool which comes to my mind is the one which taught me, that while subtracting, I need to keep the bigger number on top.
If you have 6 candies, can you give me 10.
Yes or no, whatever the answer would be, it will certainly lead to learning. Learning not only about numbers, but also soft skill of critical thinking, reflecting and communicating. One tool, one story can change the way we teach and learn.
- As per the lesson objectives – List out the learning objectives you are aiming at during the lesson. Identify the key words from the goals. Use them for building up the story / adapting an old story.
- Follow up activity – story should be able to accommodate a follow up activity for students to reflect.
- Story Structure – selected story could have a set structure as per the story mountain or could be tweaked to meet your requirements. For example : I had once tweaked the story of “ How the Kangaroo got its pouch” to introduce the continent of Australia to first graders.
All the above points reinforce my belief in stories, their power and magic. To conclude for an educator STORY spells out as Strategic Tools to Optimize Reflections Yummily.
A is not always Apple
B is not always Ball
A could be Anecdote for some ,
While B may be basic stories for all.
A bit of Creativity and a bit of Drama
The E for Educator in you can create new experiences
by taking stories to your class.
Authored By- Smriti Sajjanhar, PBL Coordinator, Bugle Editorial Board, Genesis Global School, Noida
Education
Supreme Court’s Landmark Judgment for Schools: Menstrual Health is a Fundamental Right
In a transformative judgment delivered on January 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of India has unequivocally placed menstrual health within the ambit of fundamental rights, linking dignity, education, and equality in classrooms across the country. This ruling goes beyond infrastructure mandates to address stigma, awareness, and school culture—reshaping how institutions must support adolescent girls. ScooNews breaks down what the judgment says and what it now requires every school leader to do.
In a landmark judgment that firmly connects constitutional law with everyday classroom realities, the Supreme Court of India has declared menstrual health a fundamental right, placing it squarely within the ambit of Article 21 (Right to Life with dignity) and Article 21A (Right to Education).
Delivered on January 30, 2026, by a Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, the ruling in Jaya Thakur vs Union of India goes far beyond symbolic recognition. It lays down clear, enforceable obligations for schools—government and private alike—transforming menstrual hygiene from a welfare measure into a constitutional duty.
For school leaders, this judgment marks a decisive shift: menstrual dignity is no longer optional, charitable, or discretionary. It is a core educational standard.
Why the Court Intervened
The Court acknowledged what educators and parents have long known but systems have often ignored:
lack of menstrual hygiene support is a direct barrier to girls’ education.
Absenteeism, discomfort, fear of embarrassment, inadequate toilets, and social stigma collectively push many girls out of classrooms—sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently. By recognising menstrual health as integral to dignity and learning, the Court affirmed that no girl should ever have to choose between her education and her period.
What the Court Said
The judgment rests on three powerful principles:
- Menstrual health is inseparable from dignity and bodily autonomy, which are central to the Right to Life.
- Education cannot be meaningful if menstruation becomes a reason for exclusion, discomfort, or discrimination.
- Infrastructure alone is insufficient—social stigma, silence, and male insensitivity must also be addressed.
In a telling observation, the Court noted that “ignorance breeds insensitivity” and warned that menstrual facilities will remain underused unless schools actively dismantle stigma.
What Schools Must Now Do
The Court’s directions are both practical and time-bound, with a three-month implementation window. They fall into two clear buckets: infrastructure and ecosystem change.
-
Physical Infrastructure: The Non-Negotiables
All schools—government and private—must ensure:
- Free provision of biodegradable sanitary pads, with a preference for discreet access such as vending machines.
- Functional, gender-segregated toilets with running water, soap, privacy, and regular maintenance.
- Disabled-friendly sanitation facilities, ensuring inclusivity for all students.
- Safe and hygienic disposal systems, including covered bins and environmentally compliant solutions.
- Creation of a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Corner stocked with emergency supplies such as spare uniforms, innerwear, and hygiene kits.
The Court made it clear that absence of these facilities amounts to denial of constitutional rights.
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Cultural & Educational Shift: The Ecosystem Solution
Perhaps the most progressive aspect of the ruling is its insistence that menstrual health is not a “girls-only issue.”
Schools are now expected to:
- Sensitise boys about menstruation as a normal biological process, removing shame, jokes, and harassment from school spaces.
- Train male teachers and staff to respond empathetically to menstruation-related needs, without interrogation or embarrassment.
- Integrate age-appropriate, gender-responsive content on menstruation and puberty into health and wellness curricula, in line with NCERT/SCERT guidance.
- Foster a school culture where menstruation is discussed openly, respectfully, and without euphemism.
The message is unambiguous: pads without dignity do not equal access.
A Clear Warning to Private Schools
The Supreme Court issued a firm caution to private institutions:
non-compliance can lead to de-recognition.
By linking menstrual hygiene directly to the Right to Education, the Court has placed accountability squarely on school managements. Compliance is no longer a matter of reputation—it is a legal obligation.
Why This Judgment Matters
This ruling represents a rare moment where law, education, health, and gender equity intersect meaningfully.
It acknowledges that:
- Equality in education requires both facilities and acceptance
- Silence around menstruation is itself a form of discrimination
- Boys and men must be part of the solution—not bystanders
For school leaders, this is an opportunity to lead with empathy, foresight, and constitutional responsibility.
The Bottom Line
The Supreme Court has drawn a clear line:
menstrual dignity is a right, not a favour.
Schools that act decisively now will not only meet compliance requirements but will also create environments where every student feels safe, supported, and respected—every day of the month.
Education
Beyond the First Bell: 5 Key Takeaways for School Leaders from Economic Survey 2025–26
The Economic Survey 2025–26 signals a definitive pivot in India’s education strategy. While infrastructure goals have largely been met, the focus now shifts to bridging the higher secondary gap and fixing a vocational training deficit that remains under 1%. For school leaders, success is no longer measured by enrolment, but by measurable competencies, digital wellness, and global readiness.
The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament on January 29, 2026, presents an arresting paradox. India has successfully built one of the world’s largest schooling systems—educating 24.69 crore students—yet only six out of ten learners complete higher secondary education.
For school leaders, the Survey’s message is unambiguous: the national focus is shifting from inputs (getting children into school) to impact (ensuring they learn, progress, and stay). What follows are five findings that matter most inside the school gate.
1. The “Leaky Bucket”: Transitioning from Middle to Secondary
While primary enrolment is near-universal (90.9%), the Survey identifies a structural drop-off after Class 8.
Reality check: The Net Enrolment Rate (NER) at the secondary level stands at just 52.2%.
The rural gap: Only 17.1% of rural schools offer secondary education, compared to 38.1% in urban areas. Longer travel distances and higher costs lead to significant transition losses.
What this means for schools:
- The Survey strongly backs Composite Schools (K–12 models) to reduce dropout risk.
- Schools serving Classes 6–10 should prioritise transition counselling, parent engagement, and academic bridging.
Leader takeaway: Retention, not recruitment, is now the real leadership challenge.
2. Learning Outcomes: The PARAKH Recovery Story
Post-pandemic recovery is visible, particularly in foundational years—but learning quality remains uneven across states and school types.
Encouraging gains:
- Grade III Mathematics proficiency has risen to 65%, up from 42% in 2021.
What’s next:
- The Survey proposes a PISA-like, competency-based assessment at the end of Class 10, signalling a decisive move away from rote learning.
What this means for schools:
- Internal assessments will increasingly need to mirror National Achievement Survey (NAS) benchmarks.
- Performance-linked accountability is no longer hypothetical—it is imminent.
Leader takeaway: Assessment literacy will become as important as curriculum delivery.
3. The Skilling Crisis: Addressing the 1%
Perhaps the most candid section of the Survey exposes a stark education–employment mismatch.
The 1% problem: Only 0.97% of students aged 14–18 have received formal institutional skilling.
Structural issue: Education and skilling continue to operate in parallel silos, leaving most learners academically qualified but workplace-unready.
What this means for schools:
- Vocational exposure must be embedded within Classes 9–12, not offered as an optional or external add-on.
- Partnerships with local industry, NSDC-aligned providers, and apprenticeship platforms will become critical.
Leader takeaway: Schools that integrate skills early will future-proof their students—and their relevance.
4. Digital Exposure: Pedagogy vs. Addiction
In a significant first, the Economic Survey flags digital addiction as a threat to student wellbeing, learning focus, and social capital.
The paradox:
- 89% of rural youth now have access to smartphones.
- 75% use them primarily for social media, contributing to sleep deprivation, reduced attention spans, and anxiety.
What this means for schools:
- The Survey recommends introducing a Digital Wellness Curriculum, covering:
- Screen-time literacy
- Cyber safety
- Responsible AI and social media use
Leader takeaway: Digital fluency must now include digital restraint.
5. Global Ambitions: Stemming the Student Exodus
India is on track to become the world’s largest source of international students, with outbound numbers expected to reach 18 lakhs by 2025. Yet, international students form just 0.10% of domestic enrolment.
The strategy:
- The Survey promotes “Internationalisation at Home”—inviting foreign campuses, enabling joint degrees, and ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications.
Key enablers already in place:
- Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)
- APAAR IDs (with 2.2 crore already issued)
What this means for schools:
- Senior secondary students should be actively guided on credit portability, interdisciplinary choices, and global pathways.
Leader takeaway: Global readiness is no longer optional—it is systemic.
The Bigger Shift: Learning Over Schooling
The Economic Survey 2025–26 makes one thing clear: India’s education mission has entered its second phase. Infrastructure and access have largely been achieved. The next frontier is retention, relevance, and real learning.
For school leaders, success will no longer be measured by enrolment numbers alone, but by:
- Meaningful learning outcomes
- Student wellbeing and digital balance
- Employability and global mobility
The bell has rung. What happens after it now matters more than ever.
Education
What the Indian Army Teaches Our Children Beyond Textbooks
By viewing the Indian Army as a living classroom, I see that true leadership stems from selfless service and integrity, not authority. To me, discipline is freedom—the capacity to make ethical choices and remain resilient under pressure. By fostering teamwork and active patriotism through simple, honest deeds, I believe education can transcend academics. My goal is to develop compassionate, self-confident citizens who view challenges as growth and contribute meaningfully to our nation.
Real-world values will shape the way students see the world around them and what they value most; such as, the Indian Army serves as a living classroom, teaching students leadership, courage, and selflessness through action. Through the actions of each soldier, a student learns that the most important form of leadership comes from being committed to a purpose that is larger than themselves; that leadership is not defined by one’s authority, but rather by the way each individual serves others, holds to their integrity and is steadfast during the most difficult of times.
Discipline is one of the Army’s greatest lessons, but it is also frequently misinterpreted as control. In reality, discipline is a means to provide freedom: freedom to make ethical decisions, act responsibly, and focus when stressed. This lesson of discipline is an essential lesson for children and will help children achieve their true potential through the routines built to help them grow to become trustworthy individuals.
As soldiers, children acquire many skills and knowledge that help them cope with difficult situations and disappointments. They learn how to work together, trust and support each other And recover from their mistakes. All these lessons work together to help a student learn that disappointment is only a step/stage in life; not the finish line. Whether it be in the classroom or on the playground: teaching children emotional strength, working as part of a team and persevering will prepare children not only for the next exam but for life itself.
Patriotism is an action rather than a word. The example of the Indian Army teaches children that love of nation is shown by simple deeds such as being honest, respectful, disciplined and responsible towards one’s community. Schools can make patriotism a part of daily experience instead of just talking about it.
Education needs to model itself after the Indian Army, if it wants to develop citizens who contribute meaningfully to society, and not just create scholarly students. Schools should develop students into people who are self-confident, compassionate, disciplined, generous, strong in values, and are future leaders that support the growth of their country through their successes.
“Discipline and united action are the real source of strength for a nation.” — Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
About the Author:
Ms. Sonal Sharma is the Principal, Birla Open Minds International School, Yavatmal . She is passionate about empowering both educators and learners by creating engaging, impactful, and innovative training experiences.
Education
AI to Become a Core Subject from Class 3: India’s Big Leap Toward a Future-Ready Generation
In a landmark move to make India’s school system future-ready, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education, has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) will be introduced as part of the school curriculum from Class 3 onwards, beginning in the academic year 2026–27.
The initiative marks a major step in preparing students for an AI-driven world, ensuring early exposure to technological literacy, ethics, and problem-solving. The curriculum, currently being developed through a consultative process with CBSE, NCERT, KVS, NVS, and States/UTs, will fall under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
A stakeholder consultation held on 29th October 2025 brought together education leaders, including Prof. Karthik Raman from IIT Madras, who heads the CBSE expert committee responsible for shaping the AI & CT curriculum. The focus is on designing a meaningful, inclusive framework that integrates AI not as an advanced elective but as a foundational skill — comparable to literacy and numeracy in importance.
Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSE&L, emphasised that AI education should be viewed as a universal skill closely linked to real-world applications. “Every child’s distinct potential is our priority. Policymakers must define minimum thresholds and evolve them with changing needs,” he said. He also stressed on teacher training as the backbone of successful implementation, with modules under NISHTHA, and resource materials being prepared by NCERT and CBSE.
The Ministry plans to release AI handbooks and digital resources by December 2025, followed by a grade-specific rollout supported by video-based learning materials and structured training.
By embedding AI education from the foundational years, India aims to nurture a generation that understands, creates, and applies technology ethically — transforming the vision of AI for Public Good into everyday classroom reality.
Education
Dharav Utsav to Celebrate Rajasthan’s Cultural Heritage and Local Talent
Education
How to Build Better Parent-Teacher Communication
Good communication between parents and teachers plays an important role in a child’s learning and confidence. When both stay connected, it helps students feel encouraged and understood. Still, it’s not always easy to keep that connection strong. Busy schedules and small misunderstandings can make things tricky. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a real difference. Let’s examine what parent-teacher communication truly entails and how both parties can collaborate more effectively.
What is Teacher and Parent Communication?
Teacher and parent communication is all about staying connected and working together for a child’s growth. It’s not just a one-time meeting or message but a continuous, two-way exchange of updates, ideas, and feedback. When teachers and families stay in touch regularly, it creates a strong support system that helps students do better both in and outside the classroom.
In simple terms, teachers share what’s happening at school, like:
- Homework and assignments
- Grades and test results
- Class activities and behavior updates
- Social and emotional progress
- Strengths and areas where a student might need extra help
At the same time, parents share what’s happening at home, such as:
- How the child feels about schoolwork
- Any challenges or changes they’ve noticed
- Questions or suggestions about learning support
When both sides keep the communication open, it builds trust and teamwork. Teachers understand students better, and parents feel more involved in their child’s education.
Tips for Smooth Parent-Teacher Communication
Talking to parents doesn’t have to feel formal or uncomfortable. In fact, the better your connection with them, the smoother your teaching journey becomes. Whether you’re reaching out for the first time or trying to keep the conversation going, here are some real-world ways to build trust and keep communication easy, clear, and helpful.
1. Begin with a Friendly Introduction
Right at the beginning of the academic year, take a moment to introduce yourself to parents. You can send a friendly email, a printed note, or even a short video message. Let them know who you are, what you’re excited about, and how they can reach you. This early step breaks the ice and helps parents feel welcome and included in their child’s learning journey. When you set a positive tone early, it makes future communication easier and more comfortable for everyone.
2. Communicate Often, Not Just When There’s a Problem
Don’t let communication only happen during parent-teacher conferences or when something goes wrong. Send regular updates about what’s happening in class, upcoming events, or even small successes their child has had during the week. These don’t need to be long messages. A quick note about a student’s progress or behavior can make a parent’s day and help build trust over time. It also shows that you’re not just reaching out when there’s a problem.
3. Invite Their Voice, Too
Sometimes we forget that parents know their child better than anyone else. Ask questions. How does their child learn best at home? Are there any routines or challenges you should know about? And when they speak, listen fully. These conversations often reveal things that can shape how you teach and connect with the student.
4. Be Available and Approachable
Parents need to know that they can come to you when something is on their mind. That doesn’t mean being available 24/7, but it does mean creating space for honest conversations. You can let them know about your preferred times for calls or meetings, and also offer virtual options if in-person isn’t possible. Make sure the tone of your communication is always warm and non-judgmental so they feel safe speaking up.
5. Treat Parents as Team Members, Not Outsiders
Instead of just delivering information, try to involve parents as partners in their child’s learning. Share ideas for how they can help at home, ask for their observations, and thank them for their efforts. If there’s a behaviour issue or academic challenge, work with them on solutions instead of just reporting the problem. A strong home-school partnership creates a consistent support system for the student, both inside and outside the classroom.
6. Show Cultural Awareness and Respect
Families come from many different backgrounds, and their expectations may vary. Take the time to learn about their culture, language preferences, and family structure. Avoid making assumptions or using language that might feel exclusive. If needed, provide translations or simplify your communication to make sure everyone understands. This small effort shows parents that you value who they are and where they come from.
7. Share Progress in a Way That’s Clear and Supportive
Progress updates should be balanced. Yes, it’s important to point out what’s not working, but don’t forget to highlight what is. Give specific examples instead of vague praise or criticism. Say things like, “I’ve noticed Priya really lights up during science experiments,” or “Rohan is still working on staying focused during group tasks.” This kind of feedback feels personal and helps parents understand the full picture.
8. Choose the Right Tools for the Right Message
Too many apps or tools can overwhelm parents quickly. Choose one or two that you’ll stick to, whether it’s a school app, WhatsApp group, or weekly email. Use them for quick updates, reminders, or sharing student wins. Keep your tone casual but clear. Tech is helpful only when it makes life easier for both sides.
9. Respect Their Time and Yours
Teachers and parents are both juggling busy schedules. Respecting each other’s time helps keep communication productive and stress-free. If you’re scheduling meetings, offer time slots that work for working parents, too. Keep conversations focused so that meetings don’t run longer than necessary. Also, set clear boundaries about when you’re available.
When Is Parent-Teacher Communication Most Important?
Parent-teacher communication matters most right at the start of preschool. That first day of preschool is a big moment for every child and their family. When teachers and parents talk openly from day one, it helps everyone feel more comfortable and sets up a strong partnership for the rest of the year.
Why It Matters on Day One
- The first day of preschool often brings a mix of excitement and nervousness for both kids and parents. Honest communication helps everyone feel a little more comfortable.
- Open communication lets teachers learn about each child’s background, interests, and any worries or comforts. This way, teachers can give more personalized care and support from the beginning.
- Early conversations help build a sense of trust between home and school, making the classroom feel like a safe and welcoming place for the child.
- When teachers share classroom routines and expectations with parents on the first day, it helps families get ready and feel involved in their child’s new experience.
- These early talks also give teachers helpful details, like which languages are spoken at home, special family traditions, or any recent changes in the child’s life. This helps teachers communicate better and offer the right kind of support.
By making communication a priority from the very first day, both teachers and parents can work together to help each child settle in smoothly and feel confident as they start their schooling journey. Building strong parent-teacher teamwork not only supports a child’s emotional well-being but also lays the foundation for long-term academic success.
Closing Thoughts
We hope these tips help make your conversations with parents smoother and more meaningful. Building that connection takes time, but small efforts can lead to strong partnerships.
This article is authored by-
Chitra Khanna,
Content Strategist,
KLAY Preschools & Daycare
Education
Beyond the Syllabus: School Teachers’ Insights on Project-Based Learning
How classroom experiences are being reshaped through projects, inquiry, and authentic learning
As the classroom grows beyond the boundaries of textbooks and blackboards, so too does the role of the teacher, and the very meaning of learning. Project-Based Learning (PBL), once considered a niche innovation, is increasingly being embraced by educators across schools in India. But what happens when PBL moves from theory to practice?
To answer this, we turned to the people at the heart of the learning experience: teachers.
In conversations with educators from diverse school contexts, one theme was clear: PBL is not just a teaching strategy; it’s a transformation in how students learn, engage, and grow.
From Worksheets to Real-World Work: How PBL Differs from Traditional Homework
One of the clearest contrasts teachers observed was how PBL moves learning from repetition to relevance. Traditional homework often reinforces information through rote exercises. PBL, by contrast, asks students to apply their knowledge to solve problems, create products, or investigate issues that matter to them.
One teacher shared how using PBL to raise student awareness about water pollution was a hit in the class. Instead of just assigning problems, the students were made to create awareness posters, conduct surveys in their neighbourhood, and suggest solutions through group presentations. The teacher also noted how the students took the lead, and had an ownership over this project that they usually don’t showcase.
The shift from repetition to application fosters deeper engagement. Several teachers noted that students who previously struggled to stay motivated with homework showed renewed interest when asked to take on real-world challenges.
Changing Roles: Teachers as Facilitators, Not Just Instructors
Project-Based Learning also changes the role of the teacher, who went from being the sole source of knowledge to a guide who supports inquiry and exploration.
One common change teachers noticed was on how they had to let go of control in the classroom. Naturally, the students now had to work on projects on their own, and could only come to the teacher for guidance and help. The teachers noted that they helped their students ask the right questions, find credible sources, and evaluate their work, instead of completely placing the burden of learning on the teacher themselves.
This change isn’t always easy. It requires a shift in mindset and in many cases, rethinking how time is used in class. But most teachers agree: the shift is worth it. PBL has encouraged interdisciplinary approaches, made space for collaborative learning, and created more meaningful student-teacher interactions.
Unlocking Student Potential: What PBL Offers Beyond Academics
Academic performance remains important, but a lot of teachers repeatedly pointed out that PBL nurtures a broader set of skills, like critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. One teacher particularly noted on how their quietest students became ‘leaders’, and became outspoken when it came to presenting their ideas and projects. While not directly, PBL helped these students find their voices, and find confidence in their effort and abilities.
Students learn to manage time, negotiate roles, and solve problems, skills that aren’t always reflected in exam scores but are vital for life beyond school. For many teachers, the most rewarding aspect of PBL was watching students take initiative, work through failure, and reflect on their learning.
Widening the Circle: Strategies for Scaling PBL in More Classrooms
While the benefits are clear, teachers acknowledged that implementing PBL at a large scale comes with challenges, like limited time, rigid curriculum structures, and unfamiliarity among teachers.
They offered a few practical suggestions for schools and educators considering wider adoption:
- Start Small and Build Confidence: Starting with short projects aligned to the unit you are already teaching introduces PBL in an easy manner. This way, teachers do not have to worry about overhauling their curriculum, or for making huge changes to their current teaching methods.
- Encourage Collaboration Among Teachers: Joint planning across subjects makes projects richer and more integrated. This also promotes interdisciplinary skills among students, and allows them to craft solutions using different subjects and skillsets.
- Make Time for Reflection: Embedding opportunities for students to present, critique, and reflect helps solidify learning. By reflecting on their projects and mistakes, they can understand how they can improve their approach to PBL.
- Support Professional Development: Teachers emphasized the need for ongoing training, not just one-off workshops but long-term spaces for peer sharing and mentorship. This continuous development would cement and solidify the methods and outcomes that will maximise using PBL for student benefits
Looking Ahead: Redefining Success in Education
PBL challenges traditional ideas of what learning looks like. It pushes students to move beyond memorization, and it challenges teachers to rethink their methods. But more than anything, it opens up the classroom to ideas, to communities, and to possibilities. No longer are students just preparing for exams, but also for the complex world outside school.
As educators continue to navigate the changing landscape of education, the insights from teachers point us toward a hopeful future, where learning is meaningful, relevant, and rooted in real-world experience.
This article is authored by Mrs. Padmashini M Patro, Principal, Air Force School Bamrauli
Education
Over 1 Lakh Single-Teacher Schools Educate 33 Lakh Students Across India: MoE Data
Education
Over 3 Lakh Schools Join Hands for India’s Largest-Ever Innovation Challenge: Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025
In a historic moment for Indian education, more than 3 lakh schools across the country came together to participate in the Viksit Bharat Buildathon (VBB) 2025, the largest live school innovation challenge ever organised in India. The nationwide event was inaugurated in New Delhi by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to embed creativity, innovation, and problem-solving into the school ecosystem.
The Viksit Bharat Buildathon, organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL) in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and AICTE, saw over one crore students from Classes 6 to 12 working simultaneously during a 120-minute live innovation session. Students teamed up in groups of three to five to design prototypes and propose solutions under four themes — Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local, and Samriddhi.
While inaugurating the event, Minister Pradhan interacted virtually with students of PM SHRI Government High School, Khorda, Odisha, and later visited Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, and Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Delhi Cantt. Commending students for their creativity, he said, “The vision of Viksit Bharat will be realised through the innovative spirit of our young learners. These ideas will not only address domestic challenges but also create global models for change.”
The event drew widespread participation, with Uttar Pradesh leading the numbers (78,206 schools), followed by Maharashtra (41,198), Gujarat (20,017), and Madhya Pradesh (18,129). Other states like Tamil Nadu (16,370), Bihar (15,732), Odisha (12,344), and Haryana (11,567) also recorded impressive engagement, showing the growing momentum for grassroots innovation across regions. Even smaller territories like Ladakh (358), Puducherry (149), and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (171) participated actively, reflecting the nationwide reach of the initiative.
According to Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL, this unprecedented participation signals a transformation in how Indian students approach learning. “This one-of-a-kind movement strengthens innovative thinking and enhances the problem-solving capabilities of students across India,” he said. Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of AIM, called the initiative a “mass movement connecting schools in remote villages with those in metropolitan cities through innovation.”
A New Chapter for Indian Education
The Viksit Bharat Buildathon signifies more than just a hackathon — it reflects a systemic shift in Indian education towards experiential and innovation-led learning. As schools across the country engage in design thinking, tinkering, and collaboration, students are being equipped not just with knowledge, but with the mindset and skills needed to build a self-reliant India.
By nurturing creativity from an early age and fostering partnerships between schools, government bodies, and industry, the Buildathon is shaping a generation ready to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 — a developed, empowered, and innovation-driven India.
Education
17-year-old Innovator Designs Learning Tools for the Visually Impaired
At just 17, Singapore-based student Ameya Meattle is proving that age is no barrier to impact. What began as a small idea to make education more accessible has evolved into a mission that is transforming how visually impaired learners experience learning and skill development.
Ameya founded Earth First at the age of 14 — a social enterprise that helps visually impaired individuals “earn and learn” by creating sustainable, eco-friendly products. Working with eight NGOs across India and Singapore, the initiative has trained more than 100 visually impaired students and launched over 23 sustainable product lines, from tote bags and jute placemats to macramé planters. Each design is adapted to provide hands-on learning opportunities and help trainees gain confidence in both craft and enterprise.
Beyond social entrepreneurship, Ameya has focused deeply on education and technology. He led a Python programming course for 50 visually impaired students, designing custom training modules that made coding accessible through screen readers and tactile tools. By introducing technology as a viable career pathway, Ameya hopes to help students move from manual tasks to high-skill, digital opportunities.
His work also extends into assistive technology research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Pawan Sinha at MIT, Ameya developed a VR-based diagnostic game to assess visual acuity in children — turning the process into an interactive experience rather than a clinical test. The tool is being piloted at MIT’s Sinha Lab and with Project Prakash in India, helping doctors evaluate and track visual development before and after eye surgeries.
In addition, during his internship at the Assistech Lab at IIT Delhi, Ameya worked on designing tactile STEM teaching aids, such as accessible periodic tables and coding tutorials for visually impaired learners. His goal, he says, is not just to innovate but to make scientific learning inclusive and joyful for all.
Ameya’s work highlights how education, empathy, and innovation can intersect to create a more equitable future — one where technology serves not just progress, but people.
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