TRENDS
One might say that the WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram Universities are running the world today. For most people, including adults and children, forwards and messages on these platforms are no less than gospels. The content that is shared and available on these platforms are blindly believed, followed and forwarded, without further validation. This has paved way for fraudsters to misuse digital platforms and scam people. As educators, adults guiding children and as accountable users of the digital media, it becomes our responsibility to understand what’s digitally right and wrong, and in turn educate children with it.
INNOVATION
Collaborative learning is a method of teaching that involves students working together to complete tasks and solve problems. The concept builds upon the idea that learning and knowledge are better grasped when interacting and sharing experiences.
The idea of collaborative learning is not new, with research on the subject going as far back as the 1980s. However, with new technology and shifting paradigms in education, collaborative learning has become necessary in classrooms.
LEADERSHIP
“Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence” says Buddha. It is indeed true, and leaders need to navigate the mobility from chaos to comfort with diligence. The core of such process would result in empowered self-awareness and ensuring greater self-esteem. The individual as well as the teams engaged in such navigations will emerge as powerful humans, competent to stay still. They will learn the way to be a mute witness to the dynamics of situations outside the self with greater inner strength and peace. Says Deepak Chopra “In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you”. The advent of comfort is the attainment of stillness, what our ancient scripture used to call “Sthitha Pragna” – one who resides in one’s own consciousness.
CURIOSITY
​Handling children’s innate and insatiable desire to seek answers, at times with Qs that aren’t even age-appropriate, can be very challenging. Remember, no matter how age-inappropriate they may seem, not giving any answer to such Qs can be dangerous. The question they are asking are the doubts they have in their mind. If known and familiar adults don't answer them, the doubts will remain in their mind or in the worst case, kids will ask their questions to someone else. No one knows better how to answer them than parents and familiar teachers.
LEARNING
Modern teaching approaches such as Inquiry-Based Learning, Active Learning, Differentiated Instruction, Blended Learning, Collaborative Learning, Flipped Classroom, and Project-Based Learning create engaging, interactive, and student-centred classrooms. Classroom Management, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Feedback and Assessment, Building Relationships, Adaptability and Flexibility, and Lifelong Learning further support diverse student needs and overall development. Together, these methodologies foster curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, independence, and continuous learning.
MOTIVATION
Regular teaching should be the sole focus in the classroom. We should provide the latest technology in a separate room or place. To make studying enjoyable for students, it is important to give them knowledge before taking them to a technology-based room to gain more exposure on the topic. The use of technology as a teaching aid in the classroom may deter students from learning traditional teaching methods.
Be positive. Think positive. Use only encouraging words in the class and appreciate the students whatever the small things they do in the class or outside. A few encouraging words will kindle the students with the work they do, and we can notice the changes in a short time. Never give advice to the students but give them opportunities to think and improve what they do in school.