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Does The Learning Environment Matter?


Abha Meghe

Director, Meghe Group of Schools, Nagpur Abha Meghe is the Director of Meghe Group of Schools. She has a M.Sc. degree (Food and Nutrition) and Bachelor of Education (Home Science & Biology) from Nagpur University and a Diploma in School Management from YCMOU. From more than 30 years now, Abha Meghe has handled many projects at national and international level. She has represented India at Gloucestershire in United Kingdom for Global School Partnership program and at Boston for Howard United Nation activity with students.  Abha Meghe is passionate about art and culture and is the president of Balrangbhumi Parishad Nagpur (children’s theatre). She has deep affinity towards working for under privileged of the society and keeps contributing wherever she can. She has worked as a Coordinator for Students from Suicidal Farmer Families with S.M. Swaminathan Foundation, Chennai.Abha Meghe is passionate about art and culture and is the president of Balrangbhumi Parishad Nagpur (children’s theatre). She has deep affinity towards working for under privileged of the society and keeps contributing wherever she can. She has worked as a Coordinator for Students from Suicidal Farmer Families with S.M. Swaminathan Foundation, Chennai. She has been awarded by Indian Achievers Award 2011 for Excellence in Education. Under her leadership and guidance, her schools have been recipients of many renowned awards. Abha Meghe has been a Member of Board Studies (State Education Board Pune) since 2003 and a regular faculty for Meghe’s Smart Academy, a teacher training centre. This apart, she has played basketball at university level.


1. Your school follows innovative teaching methodologies, putting students at the centre of their learning journey. Please tell us a little more about these teaching methodologies.


School of Scholars has been providing quality education to the masses for the last three decades. Since its inception, the school has consistently adopted progressive and innovative teaching–learning practices. The Meghe Group’s dedicated Resource Centre plays a pivotal role by developing teaching–learning materials and training teachers in the implementation of new pedagogies, ensuring that classrooms remain dynamic and future-ready. Our school belief system is based on three pillars like Academic excellence, Holistic development, Value inculcation. The Vision is to provide quality education to help students to develop multidimensional prospective and become better global citizen. We strongly believe in meeting the needs of every learner. For students who require additional support, we design individualised learning plans and provide focused remedial interventions. Our ‘One Child, One Project’ initiative encourages every student to select a project of personal interest, research it and present their work at the end of the academic year—promoting inquiry, confidence and independent thinking. Additionally, our Student-Led Conference program offers learners valuable leadership experiences, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and showcase their progress to parents Our school follows learner-centered teaching methodologies that make learning joyful, engaging and meaningful. At the pre-primary level, we use play-based, experiential, activity-oriented and value-based approaches to nurture foundational skills, creativity and social-emotional development. Children learn through stories, games, exploration, nature experiences and hands-on tasks that build curiosity and confidence. In Grades I to V, our pedagogy aligns with NEP 2020, emphasising on experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, toy-based pedagogy, thinking routines and gamified learning. Classrooms promote questioning, creativity, collaboration and real-life connections while ensuring strong development of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). In the middle and secondary levels, inquiry-based learning (IBL), project-based learning (PBL), cooperative learning and cross-curricular integration deepen understanding and develop critical thinking. Technology, SDG integration and art-integrated learning further enrich the curriculum. Across all stages, computational thinking is woven through CSpathshala activities and Brain Gym precoding tasks, preparing learners with essential 21st-century skills. 2. In today’s world it is very important to build competencies in children, to thrive in the modern world. What are some of the initiatives that your school takes for this? In today’s world, it is essential to build strong competencies in children so they can thrive in the rapidly changing global landscape. Our school has taken several initiatives to nurture 21st-century skills and prepare students for future challenges. We focus on developing communication, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, financial literacy and digital literacy through a variety of structured programs and classroom practices. Some of our key initiatives include -

Project-Based Learning (PBL)- Students work on real-life projects that encourage inquiry, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. This helps them learn how to think critically and apply concepts beyond textbooks. One Child–One Project Initiative - Each student chooses a project of their interest, conducts research and presents their findings. This builds confidence, communication skills and independent thinking. STEAM-Based Learning- Through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics activities, students engage in hands-on learning that promotes innovation and logical reasoning. Resource Centre Trainings - Teachers receive continuous training to implement new pedagogies like activity-based learning, concept-based learning and competency-driven instruction, ensuring students gain modern skills. ICT & Digital Skills Integration - Students learn coding, use educational software and engage in digital research. This strengthens digital literacy and prepares them for a tech-driven world. Computational thinking – Student learn computational thinking from foundational level. Unplugged activities and brain gym activities are plan in curriculum which further helps to develop computational thinking . Life Skills & Value Education - Regular sessions on decision-making, emotional resilience, communication, team building and leadership help students grow holistically.

Our school adopts a yearly theme for CCA, calendar is planned based on the theme and participation of all students in the CCA is compulsory. The school includes activities such as debate, singing, dancing and theatre. These activities help students develop public speaking, creative expression, analytical thinking and effective communication.

To support holistic growth, we offer special sports programs, NCC, Scout & Guide activities and regular tours and excursions. Through community outreach initiatives such as donating food grains, visiting old-age homes and adopting a village for literacy and awareness drives, students learn empathy and social responsibility. Through these initiatives, our school ensures that every child is empowered with essential 21st-century competencies, preparing them not only for academic success, but also for life beyond the classroom. These initiatives ensure our students are equipped with the competencies required to thrive in the modern world. 3. According to you, what role do extracurricular activities play in children’s overall development? Kindly elaborate. Extracurricular activities play a vital role in a child’s holistic development, as ‘all study and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. In today’s generation, when children tend to spend more time on screens, school-based activities under one roof provide meaningful engagement. Sports builds stamina, teamwork and resilience; music enhances creativity and emotional expression. Our school even allows each child to choose one instrument and learn it for five years, resulting in a school band that earned Limca Book and Guinness World Records. Performing and visual arts boost confidence, imagination and communication skills, while Scouts, Guides and NCC instil discipline, leadership and together, these activities promote 21st-century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability. Our students have also excelled internationally, winning gold at Asian sports events. 4. There is a lot of talk today about school wellness. What according to you is school wellness? Before talking about wellness in schools, I want to bring your attention to today’s scenario of school in our country In India, children suicide rates are among the highest in the world, closely linked to significant, yet underreported, child harassment in schools and extreme academic pressure. The link between bullying, institutional failures and suicide is a growing crisis. Victims often do not report abuse due to social stigma or a belief that school authorities will not intervene effectively. Lack of mental health support further exacerbates the situation for young people facing these challenges. Addressing the high youth suicide rates requires a multi-faceted approach, including tackling bullying, improving institutional responses and increasing access to mental health resources and support systems for students across should be available. School wellness refers to creating a safe, healthy, supportive and positive environment where students, teachers and all staff can grow physically, emotionally, socially and professionally. I personally believe that school is the first society for children, they learn to interact with different kinds of people, behaviours and expectations. In such an environment, taking care of their comfort is essential, as it builds confidence and gradually helps them to become a responsible individual and it seen in their conduct. Similarly, when staff members feel supported, valued and comfortable, they develop a sense of ownership toward their work and give 100% commitment to the institution. It

  • creates a positive school climate and sense of belonging.

  • reduces stress, absenteeism and burnout among students and staff.

  • enhances overall productivity and teamwork.

  • helps teachers and staff develop a strong sense of ownership.

  • improves learning outcomes and overall institutional performance. My school mission is ----- “Creating congenial learning environment encompassing scholastic and co-scholastic activities to enable students sustain in the modern competitive world.

    Nurturing and equipping students to broaden their horizons and make them socially aware, emotionally stable and morally strong individuals of the global society." In my opinion, school wellness is the foundation of a safe, healthy and supportive environment where students and staff can grow emotionally, socially and professionally. At a time when India faces rising student stress, bullying and alarming suicide rates, schools must act as protective spaces. Wellness ensures that every child feels secure, heard and confident, which shapes their behaviour and long-term development. Likewise, when teachers feel valued and supported, they show greater ownership, commitment and productivity. A strong wellness culture reduces stress, builds belongingness, improves morale and enhances overall learning outcomes. Ultimately, school wellness is essential for nurturing responsible individuals and strengthening the entire institution. 5. What role does a school play in teachers’ wellness? A school plays a crucial role in ensuring teachers’ wellness by understanding the challenges they face, such as heavy workloads, long hours, classroom management stress, multitasking and balancing personal and professional responsibilities. To support them, the school is providing a positive environment, fair workload distribution, timely resources and strong administrative support. Yearly feedback helps management to understand their problem to improve school work culture and environment. Job security with medical support like insurance and special help for medical treatment is regular activity which makes teachers comfortable. Regular training, counselling and stress-management programs help enhance confidence and reduce burnout. Recognition, awards, open communication and opportunities for growth motivate teachers and improve morale. By addressing their physical, emotional and professional needs, the school ensures teachers feel valued, supported and empowered to give their best in the classroom 6. Your message for educators and teachers… Dear educators, You are the heart and strength of the school, shaping not just young minds but future citizens. Every word you speak, every act of kindness you extend and every lesson you deliver, creates a lasting impression that children carry for a lifetime. A school becomes meaningful because of the values, dedication and passion you bring into your classrooms each day. Remember, ‘A teacher plants seeds of knowledge that grow forever’. Your influence goes beyond academics— you inspire confidence, character, resilience and dreams. I deeply appreciate your commitment, your patience and your unwavering belief in every child’s potential. Let us continue to work to create an environment where learning is joyful, relationships are nurturing, and every child feels seen, valued and empowered. Be role models, guiding lights and lifelong inspirations to your students. Your contribution is the legacy children will cherish forever.

 
 
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