Spectrum International School is evolving by embracing these trends through technology integration, research-based curriculum design, and enhanced communication and engagement with students and parents, shared Ihab Ads, CEO & Co-Founder, Spectrum International School, Malaysia in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:
Can you elaborate on how do you continuously foster a culture of creativity, experimentation and risk taking among teachers to develop new pedagogies and curriculum approaches?
Professional Development: We invest in continuous professional development for our educators, providing them with opportunities to learn about innovative teaching methods, emerging technologies, and contemporary pedagogical approaches. This encourages them to experiment with new ideas.
Collaborative Spaces: We create collaborative spaces where teachers can exchange ideas, share best practices, and work on innovative projects together. This fosters a sense of community and encourages experimentation.
Incentives and Recognition: We recognise and reward teachers who take risks and innovate in their teaching. This includes acknowledging their efforts and providing resources and support for their projects.
Freedom to Innovate: We encourage teachers to have the autonomy to try new teaching methods and curriculum approaches, even if they involve some level of risk. This freedom to innovate is essential for fostering creativity.
In your view, what are some of the most significant trends impacting K-12 education globally in areas like technology, learning science, student/ parent expectations? How is Spectrum evolving to stay at the cutting edge?
The education landscape is evolving rapidly, and some of the most significant trends impacting K-12 education globally include:
Technology Integration: The use of technology for personalised learning, data analytics, and virtual classrooms is reshaping education.
Learning Science: A deeper understanding of how students learn is leading to more effective teaching methods and personalised learning approaches.
Student/Parent Expectations: Students and parents now expect greater flexibility, accessibility, and personalisation in education.
Spectrum International School is evolving by embracing these trends through technology integration, research-based curriculum design, and enhanced communication and engagement with students and parents.
How do you measure student outcomes and school success beyond just academic metrics? What are your philosophies around developing well rounded, socially-responsible graduates?
Our philosophy is to develop well-rounded, socially-responsible graduates. To achieve this, we measure student outcomes through:
Holistic Assessments: Beyond traditional exams, we assess students on Life and Career Skills and also based on 21st Century Skills. Also on Learning and Innovation Skills; Information, Media, and Technology Skills; Social, Moral, and Ethical Skills. Other things include:
Community Engagement: We encourage students to participate in community service and extracurricular activities, fostering social responsibility.
Character Education: We have character development programs that focus on values, ethics, and leadership.
Digital transformation presents opportunities as well as risks. What are the most significant aspects of digital transformation that need immediate attention for a better future of education?
Digital transformation presents both opportunities and risks. Immediate attention should be given to:
Data Privacy: Ensuring the security and privacy of student data in the digital age is paramount.
Equity: Bridging the digital divide to ensure all students have access to technology and online resources. Teacher Training: Preparing educators to effectively use technology for teaching and learning.
Cybersecurity: Protecting educational institutions from cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of online education.
What are your thoughts on opportunities for Spectrum’s growth and potentially expanding its model to new international markets?
We see opportunities for growth by expanding our model to new international markets. This could involve partnerships with local institutions, adapting our curriculum to fit local needs, and leveraging our experience in innovative education to meet diverse educational demands worldwide.
How do you see collaborative platforms like the World Education Summit contributing towards the growth of the education ecosystem?
Collaborative platforms like the World Education Summit play a vital role in fostering innovation, sharing best practices, and addressing global education challenges. We actively participate in such initiatives to contribute to the growth of the education ecosystem, exchange ideas, and collaborate with other institutions to improve education on a global scale.
