Initiatives like the National Mission of Mentoring (NMM) undertaken by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) are crucial for the growth and development of our education system, writes Gautam Rajgarhia, Pro Vice Chairman, Delhi Public School, in an exclusive interaction with Srajan Agarwal of Elets News Network (ENN). Edited Excerpts:
How has your journey been from IT engineer to educator? Were any specific sort of challenges you faced in your path to reach such a prestigious position and being from the top management of Delhi Public School?
My journey from an IT engineer to an educator has been a transformative and fulfilling experience. It all began with my passion for technology and the desire to make a positive impact on young minds. While working as an IT engineer, I realised the tremendous potential in education to shape future generations. This realisation motivated me to pursue a career in teaching.
Transitioning from the IT industry to education came with its own set of challenges. Adapting to a different work environment and understanding the nuances of pedagogy required a shift in mindset and skill set. I had to enhance my knowledge in various subjects, understand the psychology of learners, and develop effective teaching strategies. It was a continuous process of learning and growth.
One of the specific challenges I faced was gaining acceptance and credibility as an educator coming from a technical background. However, I leveraged my IT expertise to incorporate innovative teaching methods and integrate technology into the classroom, which helped bridge the gap and earned the respect of my colleagues and students.
Reaching a prestigious position in the top management of Delhi Public School demanded dedication, perseverance, and strong leadership skills. I had to prove my abilities and demonstrate a deep commitment to quality education. Overcoming various challenges, I have worked diligently to contribute to the school’s vision and provide a nurturing environment for students to excel academically and personally.
My journey from an IT engineer to an educator has been a rewarding experience, enabling me to make a difference in the lives of countless students and contribute to the field of education.
As per National Curriculum Framework, all NCERT textbooks will be available digitally available and will get a revision in terms of chapters and context. What is your take on the same?
I believe the decision to make all NCERT textbooks digitally available and revise them in terms of chapters and context, as per the National Curriculum Framework, is a progressive and welcome step in the field of education. Embracing digital resources and corporating relevant updates in textbooks can greatly enhance the learning experience for students and keep pace with the evolving educational landscape.
The availability of NCERT textbooks in digital format brings numerous advantages. It ensures wider accessibility, enabling students from all backgrounds to access quality educational materials. Digital textbooks also offer interactive features, such as multimedia elements, animations, and hyperlinks, which can engage students and make learning more dynamic and engaging. Additionally, digital resources allow for easy updates and revisions, ensuring that students receive the most up-to-date information and knowledge. The revision of chapters and context in NCERT textbooks is crucial in keeping them relevant and aligned with the changing educational needs and societal developments. As our understanding of various subjects evolves and new discoveries are made, it is important to reflect these changes in our curriculum. Revising the content and context of textbooks allows for a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the subject matter, providing students with the most relevant and contemporary knowledge.
Overall, the digitisation and revision of NCERT textbooks align with the goals of creating a modern, inclusive, and dynamic education system. It empowers students with updated information, promotes interactive learning experiences, and ensures equitable access to educational resources.
With the alignment of NEP, how you are implementing a multidisciplinary approach and multilinguistic practice at your school?
At our school, we strongly believe in the power of a multidisciplinary approach and multilingual practice to foster holistic development and inclusivity among our students. To implement this approach, we have taken several key steps. Firstly, we have redesigned our curriculum to incorporate interdisciplinary connections across subjects. We encourage teachers to collaborate and integrate concepts from different disciplines, enabling students to see the interconnectedness of knowledge. For example, when studying a historical event, students explore its scientific, cultural, and linguistic implications, providing them with a comprehensive understanding.
Secondly, we promote multilinguistic practice by offering language courses that go beyond the standard curriculum. In addition to the core languages, we provide elective language options to expose students to diverse linguistic traditions. This not only expands their linguistic skills but also fosters cultural appreciation and empathy.
Furthermore, we organise multicultural events and celebrations where students showcase their linguistic and cultural talents. These events create an environment of inclusivity and respect, allowing students to learn from one another’s diverse backgrounds.
Recently, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) started the National Mission of Mentoring (NMM) in Pilot mode in 30 Central Schools across the nation. What is your thought on such initiatives?
I strongly believe that initiatives like the National Mission of Mentoring (NMM) undertaken by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) are crucial for the growth and development of our education system. The NMM’s pilot mode implementation in 30 Central Schools across the nation is a commendable step towards enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.
Mentoring plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of educators and students alike. It provides guidance, support, and a nurturing environment for both novice and experienced teachers. The NMM’s focus on mentoring will undoubtedly help in improving teaching methodologies, professional development, and overall instructional practices.
By piloting the program in Central Schools, the NCTE ensures that the benefits of mentoring reach a diverse range of educational institutions. These schools serve as models for effective mentoring practices, and their experiences can be replicated and scaled up in other schools across the country.
Overall, the NMM initiative showcases a proactive approach to improving the teaching learning process by recognising the significance of mentorship. It has the potential to uplift the standards of education and empower educators to make a lasting impact on students’ lives. I am optimistic that such initiatives will lead to a positive transformation in the education sector, nurturing a generation of skilled and motivated teachers.
UGC has approved the hiring of industry experts as professors for practice. What are your views on industry experts as teachers for schools? Can we see any such practice in schools of India? Will that be of any help?
The approval by the UGC to hire industry experts as professors for practice is a progressive move that can bring numerous benefits to the education system. While this initiative primarily pertains to higher education institutions, the concept of incorporating industry experts as teachers in schools could also have positive implications.
Bringing industry experts into schools can provide valuable real-world insights and practical knowledge to students. These experts can share their experiences, industry trends, and practical applications of the subjects being taught. This can bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their practical relevance, enhancing students’ understanding and preparing them for the demands of the professional world.
While the practice of hiring industry experts as teachers is not yet widespread in schools across India, there are a few instances where schools have collaborated with professionals from various fields for guest lectures or workshops. These engagements have proven to be highly beneficial in offering students exposure to different industries and career pathways.
