Darbari Lal Foundation World School’s success story during lockdown

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June 23, 2020

DLF World School is constantly redefining the role of a teacher to a facilitator and now a coach to articulate a vision for rearing experiential think rooms in a virtual setting says Dr. Mrignaini, Executive Director, Darbari Lal Foundation World School, Noida in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

In a matter of no time, the corridors have fallen silent, dining areas lie abandoned, and no more the sounds of laughter emanate from the playgrounds. The Covid-19 pandemic has left the schools bereft of the presence of the students. The pandemic is a vicious storm and we are travelling on different boats, where each boat presents its own set of challenges. As a collective, what we need to do is to open our minds as we navigate this pandemic.

Even as the world battles the crisis with lockdown and we face an unknown, unseen and unpredictable future that is going to require problem-solving and innovative thinking, educators at Darbari Lal Foundation World School, Greater Noida have taken up a challenge to quickly put the systems in place and have smoothly transitioned from in-person to remote learning with the same exacting standards.

Also read: COVID 19: GlobalGyan offers free access to Mobile Learning Platform: Mr. Srinivasa Addepalli- Founder & CEO, GGA

The core of our school’s implementation plan in response to trying times has been to plan for quality, flexible and sustainable learning options which includes the

• Readiness for e-learning

• Professional development of teachers in the e-learning environment

• Designing 21st-century tool kit based upon synchronous and asynchronous instruction.

• Conducting creative online assessments.

• Emotional well being of students teachers and parents

• Most importantly using technology to the advantage of the unique learner in each Delfite.

Having realized the purpose of providing learning continuum, DLF World School auditioned the available online resources accessible to parents through an online parental survey. Google Meet and Zoom have been the platforms identified to put the collaborative classrooms in place to deliver high quality, engaging learning experiences for all our students. Teachers are motivated to build expertise in online learning design by accessing external knowledge through webinars, expert talks, MOOCs and online trainings. This endeavour is helping them to create a repository of online pedagogical and assessment tools aligned with the 21st-century skills. These technological tools like Podcast, Flipgrid, Kahoot, Adobe Spark, and Quizlet are enhancing the learning experiences of Delfites enabling them to sync with the vision statement of the school to create caring courageous and concerned citizens of the world, for the world. A smart and dynamic curriculum is the best investment educational stakeholders at DLF World School are making to prepare students for the foreseeable future. The school has created a weekly learning schedule for students divided into morning and evening cycle based upon synchronous and asynchronous instruction through numerous digital resources. With the academic year moving online due to the spread of COVID 19, one question has been in the mind of every student, parent, and teacher: What about assessments as school closures are prolonged? Teachers of DLF World School have explored alternate assessment tools like Open Text Book Assessments, Art Integrated Assessments, Interdisciplinary and Flexible assessments to name a few. These innovative strategies have enabled the teachers to map the comprehensive detailing of each and every child in a flexible environment. Important National and International days are celebrated through virtual assemblies to foster emotional well being at this need of the hour. Online Parental surveys are conducted to seek feedback from parents from time to time. These ongoing conversations help in developing healthy relationships and opt for a feasible, inclusive, and empowering protocol for engagement with students Making this lockdown period constructive by undertaking different activities with the best possible use of technology is a challenge. However, a digitally smart school leader with kindness and empathy at heart can marshal the entire school community to make this transition smooth and purposeful. School leaders have an unmissable opportunity to unleash the collective talent of teachers, students, parents to find a magic formula for helping each child post-pandemic.

MHRD Ministry launches Yukti 2.0 platform

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June 23, 2020

To promote the innovation in the country, Union HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokriyal launched new programme called Yukti 2.0. The new programme is an online depository created by AICTE innovation cell for ideas aimed at inculcating and promoting innovation.

Yukti 2.0 was initially promoted by MHRD as Massive Indian Novelty Depository (MIND).

Union HRD Minister during the launch said that he is happy with the launch of the Yukti 2.0 platform.

The minister said the platform created by the innovation cell of the AICTE will enable students across the country to witness various sorts of innovation taking place. He also added that the portal can be accessed by all, whether they are businessman or farmers or other people working across different regions of the country.

Also read: HRD Minister may take call on pending CBSE exams

Yukti 2.0 will provide everyone access and people can see the innovations that are suitable for them and make use of the same accordingly.

The Minister said even Higher educational institutions and the teachers or students associated as well will be able to put up their innovations and ideas for start-up on Yukti 2.0 and utilise the platform to commercialise the same as well.

MHRD Additional Secretary Rakesh Ranjan also spoke during the launch and said that Yukti 2.0 is not merely a database. He also said that the platform will act more like an online market which will see co-existence between people who sell and buy ideas.

The success story of Aditya Birla Education Trust Schools during lockdown

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June 23, 2020

In our quest to make life normal for all our students, we made sure that we followed the school routines as much as possible says Surabhi Goel, CEO, Schools, Aditya Birla Education Trust in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

This word has changed the world in a short span of time. This holds true for the education world too. Well, as a school we always have a ‘Plan B’; ready for any contingency that we may face. However, this unprecedented situation threw us all in the wide sea of uncertainties, yet, the Aditya Birla family, both at the K12 international school, Aditya Birla World Academy and The Aditya Birla Integrated School, a school for children who learn differently have displayed exemplary commitment to their students! Our members of the staff simply outdid themselves and worked beyond the call of duty.

This has been a time for many firsts as this pandemic situation nudged us to venture into unexplored arenas and realise our own strengths. In our quest to make life normal for all our students, we made sure that we followed the school routines as much as possible. We started online lessons from the very first day of the lockdown. Here, I want to share about the several silent workers at both our schools.

Also read: Shuchita Gupta, Academic Director, International Delhi Public School, Kathua, J&K: Students must plan lockdown wisely

1. The Events Team – We can proudly claim to be the first school to have had an online Graduation Ceremony so that the students do not miss out on anything. Despite being online, it was a heart-warming experience and the students will cherish this memory for a lifetime.

2. The teachers working with children with special needs – It has been exceptionally challenging. The therapist shared home program/ modules with the parents. The teachers formulated academic portion in a quiz format and e-certificates were awarded to the students. The teachers also conducted a zoom session with the younger students to know how they are feeling. It was wonderful to know that our students were helping their parents in cooking, engaged in painting. Our school for special needs successfully conducted, for the first time, final exams online for both junior and senior school.

3. Counselling Cell- It has been a pillar of strength. A COVID Well-being Journal was shared by the School Counsellors with all students and parents which included games, activities, and mental health tips to keep that positive energy going.

Counselling services were opened out not just to the students and parents but also to the entire staff by creating virtual spaces where they were just a call away for students, parents and staff.

4. Outreach- The marketing team put up an array of Instagram activities like favourite movies to binge-watch, activities/books that make me happy, etc. engaging the entire school staff to create various videos to spread social messages like ‘Stay Home, Stay safe.’ The Student Council also organised a ‘Game Day’ for the student body.

Different games like Kahoot, Bingo, Quiz and Antakshari were played to keep the spirit alive.

5. Training- The Management is continuously providing the teachers with professional development sessions to equip themselves with online teaching and learning platforms.We have scheduled weekly Professional Development sessions where our Technology Coordinator and Integrator provides much-needed E-Learning support to the teachers by upgrading and refreshing their knowledge of various Educational Tools.

Different de-stressing activities have also been planned for staff to engage and stay connected informally like sessions of dance, cookery, flower making, etc.

There may be days when we get overwhelmed with this new normal. However, in these trying times, something magical happens and we know that it is all worth the effort! Our students have shared a video expressing love for their teachers and how much they miss them. Not just that, the Class Representatives shared a video of gratitude for the teachers. One of our school parents had conducted an online birthday party for their child and the children were asked to sing a song. All the children sang the school song which speaks highly about the bonding the children have with the school!

It is the time to connect, time to reflect and a time to savour. The connect that we have forged amongst us will remain intact in the future too. Well, I can say that we are still at sea… but, with our safety nets on.

Innovations in education during lockdown

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

Renewed focus on remote classroom technologies and software upgrades, a surge in refresher trainings and Teacher orientation, and preparation for online classes helped in making a smooth transition says Seema Handa, MD, Group of EKLAVYA SCHOOLS in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

These are trying times with the whole world coming to a near standstill due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nations have unanimously come together to acknowledge the role played by the frontline warriors – doctors, nurses, paramedics, policemen, sanitary workers, NGOs, and food and essential service providers – who have sacrificed their own safety and comfort for the larger good of humanity;

who have exposed themselves to risk so that we are all safe at home. But there is another set of unsung heroes who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to safeguard the vulnerable and most precious members of our community, our children. These Teachers are working equally hard, by stepping out of their comfort zone and embracing technology, so that their students are positively engaged and taken care of. Small children do not appreciate the reality of the current pandemic and are ill-equipped to deal with the present lockdown and its implications.

These Teachers, too, are warriors in their own rights. They are safeguarding the entire future of our generations; ensuring that each concern is resolved, no matter how small, and the children emerge from this lockdown, stronger physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically.

Also read: Leap Years Preschool Success story during lockdown

Best Innovative Measures

After the sudden curfew imposed in Punjab on 23 March, classes resumed online with hardly a gap at Eklavya and syllabus proceeded as per planning. This was only possible due to the young, enthusiastic and energetic Educators of Eklavya who are accustomed to ‘change’ and new challenges as part of daily routine. Technology has always been at the forefront of the teaching pedagogy at Eklavya and the move from physical classes to digital classes was seamless.

From early days of March we sensed the approaching changes and started preparing for them in advance. Renewed focus on remote classroom technologies and software upgrades, a surge in refresher trainings and Teacher orientation, and preparation for online classes helped in making a smooth transition. We moved quickly to establish communication and teaching online; through Skype to Google Classrooms, Google Meet, Grade Book to Whatsapp etc.

Challenge of Virtual Classes

Each disruption brings with it painful change, new learnings and ultimately growth and progress. At Eklavya the move to online classes was quick and smooth, but it was also a journey of delving deep into the digital world. Some educators were more comfortable with technology than others. Others were better equipped with devices and wi-fi connections than some. Strong cooperation, an open mindset, sharing of knowledge, and expertise carried along everybody on the journey.

The internet is a bottomless pit of vast resources and e-content.

Quickly we segregated the useful platforms, apps, educational content and resources required for effective online delivery. Sustained communication with students and parents ensured course correction wherever required. Whether it was slower speed of curriculum delivery, or lesser homework, or more revision of concepts; teachers were quick to respond not only to classroom needs but also individual requirements. Independent parental surveys and feedback kept us all engaged and involved in the teaching learning process.

The challenge of virtual classes lies in its remoteness and social disconnect. Curriculum and syllabus are only one part of Education, what is equally important is the human interaction and life skills absorbed during time in class and in the sports grounds. Understanding these limitations Eklavya responded with a structured module on Value and Skill based education, graded as per the age and class of the students. A Home Period was created at the beginning and end of the online classes where each day some value / life skill is highlighted and discussed and Teachers and students dwell and share experiences related to the value. Student involvement in age appropriate household chores is encouraged as an essential life skill and active support to parent and family.

In addition, we brought online our robust Mentorship program by involving parents and students with a Mentor who extended interaction beyond academics, and focussed on personal challenges and support required by individual students.

Awareness Programs for Parents and Students

Eklavya believes in strong and regular communication across all stakeholders. Educators are available to resolve all issues, big or small, of parents and students. They keep in touch with parents and caregivers through telecalling, email and whatsapp. Frequent posts on our social media platforms and city notice boards keep us connected to our parents and also the larger local community.

We invite parents to be as involved as they desire in the daily e-classes and in the scheduled activities of the students. Yet it is our endeavour to make the students independent and self-reliant.

Online ‘Home Visits’ and family interactions encourage the whole extended family to be familiar with the educator and actively participate in the academic journey of the student. Planned online.

Parent Teacher meetings keep the dialogue open as the teacher discusses the monthly progress – academic, social, emotional, psychological and spiritual.

Greater involvement of parents due to online and home based education has led to more stress and time pressure for the parents. Realising this Eklavya started conducting online monthly surveys to understand the efficacy of the online classes and to adjust and realign the methodology keeping in mind the limitations and needs of the students and the parents. This helped to upscale the efficiency of the Teachers substantially and also improved the Learning outcomes of the students. The first online assessment was a challenge and yet a validation of our pedagogy. It was a learning curve for the educators of Eklavya.

We initiated a slew of online Workshops and Surveys to upgrade the technology awareness of the students and parents, and to overcome the new challenges thrown up due to extended use of devices and concerns about cyber security. The objective was a better grasp of the features of various platforms, apps and softwares. In addition, health and daily exercise, and safety and sanitation were emphasised by adding a small module on safe practices and Yoga exercises for greater focus.

Inspiration and Motivation

Eklavya has used unique methodologies to keep students engaged from a ‘Household Chores Survey’ to ‘Home Task Fitness Champ’. These initiatives have helped to direct attention towards co curricular and cross curricular areas. Similarly Art Integration and CBE initiatives and Learning Outcome projects of CBSE have further strengthened the knowledge delivery process.

To sustain the motivation of both students and parents we at Eklavya conducted online individual Parent Teacher meetings. These helped to bring a human touch to the detached and remote environment of online classes, and keep the students and parents engaged and motivated.

Teachers are shaping the world in crisis

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June 23, 2020

NPS International School has always believed that we can make the optimum use of the technology available to give the best available effective education to the students says Jitendra Nath Das, Founder & Chairman, NPS International School, Guwahati in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

With the onset of the pandemic crisis and the lockdown the situation, the whole world is going through a major economic crisis and NPS International School stepped into the scene with a sustainable ‘Forward-Looking ‘ vision and harnessed and utilized the suite of available technological tools to replicate regular classes and provide continuous effective learning for all our students. Turning a crisis into opportunity is the need of the hour and NPS International School has always believed that we can make the optimum use of the technology available to give the best available effective education to the students.

We started effective learning classes from KG to Class XII and moved a step forward and conducted interactive Virtual PTMs to get feedback and suggestions from parents. And now we are have started to evaluate our students through Online Weekly Tests.

We have to understand that to ensure that a child gives full concentration in online classes, he/she has to be a happy child. To make a child happy, co-curricular activities is a must and this is what NPS International School is focusing on.

Also read: How we can Teach our Children During the Times of COVID-19

Some of the extracurricular activities we are doing online for the students include: Yoga, Aerobics, Zumba, Music and Dance, Physical Training, Quiz Competitions. We are involving parents also to participate in dance competitions with their wards and thus ensuring that there is always a fun element in the learning process. Parents’ feedback that we have received for our endevour has been excellent and this motivates us to do even better. Parents should be equally involved with the child now in an effective online learning process. A strong bonding will develop because of this crisis.

Teachers are playing a very important role during this pandemic. If Doctors and Nurses are healing the world, Teachers are shaping the world.

How we achieved what we did?

Finding effective, sustainable, quality, flexible learning options help schools during such challenging conditions. Our school identified three phases to counter this crisis and this is the way we moved forward:

• Immediate response or Relief Phase: Continuity of learning and teaching

• Interim Capacity Building or Recovery Phase: Moving to effective learning and homeschooling

• Sustainable or Integrated Approach Phase: Flexible effective learning and teaching options.

In phase one, schools audit available resources then make a plan for the next steps. Strategies like creating a timetable that combines asynchronous activities with practical activities like board games and many such games played with siblings and caregivers, and physical activity, and building in one-on-one catch-ups with students will help take the pressure off.

In phase two, schools put in place the structures and resources necessary to transition from face-to-face to online delivery, such as implementing a Learning Management System and training staff in online teaching. In phase three, schools have the organisational structures and teacher capacity to offer online, blended or face-to face learning with ease, making them resilient in the face of future interruptions to the school schedule.

NPS International School is the only school in the North East to introduce an online teaching platform from LKG to Class XII. Educators are encouraging homeschooling which is going to be the future of education in the coming years.

Mayo College’s success story during lockdown crisis

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June 23, 2020

Once the academics were taken care of, it was time to focus on the most integral part of a boarder’s life: co-curricular activities and pastoral care. says Sanjay Khati, Director of Cultural Activities, Mayo College, Ajmer in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

Covid-19 was an unexpected calamity which not only emerged as a life-threatening pandemic but also disrupted the well-planned schedule of many. The only effective way to steer through this crisis was to have an immediate action plan to mitigate the needs of the changing times and to have a business continuity plan to foster better crisis management

Mayo College, Ajmer anticipated the gravity of this situation too early and therefore, most of the boys were sent back home well-intime, way before the deadline. Next step was to quickly train the staff on Microsoft Teams and to equip them to handle forthcoming online classes rapidly and efficiently. The existing model of Module-based teaching definitely came handy and we commenced with our online classes as early as 30 March 2020.

Also read: Elets Exclusive | Marisha McAuliffe calls mentor system for students in COVID-19

This was indeed a new platform and tool of learning for students, teachers, and parents too. We all were working in a dynamic environment with changes and challenges coming our way on a daily basis. Keeping this in mind; Class Teachers were deployed as a focal point of contact for the parents and respective students. This move really helped in gathering timely and accurate feedback from the immediate stakeholders and in-turn helped us to work on the grey areas quickly. Class Teachers created WhatsApp groups and even conducted Online PTMs. Google forms were also sent to each parent to receive candid feedback. One IT Person was deputed for each online class to cater to the IT issues. These steps ensured smooth sailing in terms of online classes.

Another significant step was to assist the new members of the Mayo fraternity who were scheduled to join us in the month of April. It was equally important to apprise them about the ethos, culture, and heritage of this 163 years old organization. Therefore, an online orientation was organized for the new students and their parents. This step really proved fruitful in terms of hand holding the new boys.

Once the academics were taken care of, it was time to focus on the most integral part of a boarder’s life: co-curricular activities and pastoral care.

Various online competitions encompassing domains like Photography, Painting, MUN, etc. were planned and organized. Online Tutorial groups were created to encourage informal interaction between the boys and the House tutor and to take care of the EQ of the former during these trying times. Boys were also encouraged to join various webinars.

Post the completion of the online classes, Periodic Assessment was also conducted. Parents, being the major stakeholders, supported the process wholeheartedly and students appeared for the assessments under their supervision. Teachers were guided to frame the question paper in such a way that it tested the deep understanding and high order thinking skills of the examinee rather than focussing on rote learning. A proper plan was also made to deliver one-on-one feedback of the Periodic assessment to each student.

Mayo has already come a long way in terms of bridging the gap between the students and the teachers during these tough times and has planned numerous activities for near future. Fitness sessions, Hobby classes, Club and Society activities will be organized along with remedial classes. Boys will be participating in online Inter-School competitions for PPT and Multimedia, Quiz, Debates etc. Plan to organize Online Debating, Public Speaking and Dramatics workshop is already in place. Most importantly, the faculty is not only participating in various online trainings and webinars but they are encouraged to conduct webinars on their own too. They are using various online platforms like MS Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex etc. to conduct their sessions on most context-sensitive issues of the present time.

Overall, it has been an enriching and novel experience for everyone associated with this process: Parents, Teachers and Students. The idea of adaptability to changes while keeping a positive thought process has been pretty instrumental in driving the institution and its entities. Mayo is known for taking unprecedented steps and wishes to carry on with this legacy.

Chhattisgarh Board declares CG Board 12th result 2020

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June 23, 2020

Amidst Coronavirus crisis, Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) has released the CG Board 12th result 2020. Students can check their result of CG Board 12th 2020 exams on the official website- results.cg.nic.in. Students can also access their CGBSE 12th result 2020 via SMS.

Around 4 lakh students have appeared in the CG board 12th exam. Chhattisgarh Board Class 12 exams were conducted from March 2 to 18, 2020. The overall passing percentage for Class 12 is 78.59%.

Steps to check the CGBSE 12th result 2020-

-Visit the official website-cgbse.nic.in

– Click on the ‘exam results’ section.

-Click on ‘Higher Secondary Exam result 2020’ and select the mains exam.

-Enter roll number in the space provided

-Click on the submit button to get your result

-CG Board 12th Result 2020 will get displayed on your screens.

Students are advised to download cgbse.nic.in 12th result 2020 till they receive the final marksheet

Students can also check the Chhattisgarh Board Intermediate Results 2020 through SMS, by sending a text message to 56263.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh board declares HP Board 12th result 2020

After the declaration of Chhattisgarh Board 12th result 2020, students have to collect their original mark sheets from their respective schools. Students who are not satisfied with the CGBSE result 2020 12th class can apply for re-evaluation or re-totaling of the answer sheet.

Multi dimensional teaching pedagogy need of the hour

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June 23, 2020

Assessment and feedback are an integral part of teaching and learning process and for that, the school will be conducting online assessment through its own online test engine says Sashi Luther, Principal, GD Goenka, Kanpur in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

These are unprecedented times. G.D. Goenka is committed towards holistic development of our students. Planning for successfully imparting meaningful education and life skills to our students required a lot of brainstorming and also resources to implement the planning. The virtual classes are being conducted through multiple platforms simultaneously like GD Goenka YouTube channel GD Goenka e connect, WhatsApp groups and zoom sessions. This is done to ensure that no student suffers due to poor network connectivity. The videos made by the teachers to support the virtual classes has created a bank of digital data for future use also. Assessment and feedback are an integral part of teaching and learning process and for that the school will be conducting online assessment through its own online test engine. The results of of these assessments will also be shared online. To get authentic feedback the school has been regularly conducting online PTMs and has ensured that the suggestions of the parents are incorporated in our teaching methodology as far as possible. Not only this, but the school has also initiated online classes for the outgoing batch of grade 12 for better performance in their pending exams. And with the month of June round the corner, the school is ready with a virtual summer camp to make the summer vacation fun-filled and rejuvenating for our students. To conclude I would add, “Your limitation is only your imagination”, Lockdown or no lockdown, GD Goenka Kanpur will keep striving relentlessly in the best interests of its students and the society at large.

Also read: BVDU College tackling COVID-19 digitally: Dr Anand Bhalerao

A multilateral collaborative approach involving the educators, facilitators, parents and students is quintessential during a pandemic. This type of school closures have never been witnessed and so it is imperative to rethink and re-invent teaching pedagogy to blend with the present scenario. GD Goenka Kanpur adopted a progressive approach and when the pandemic was in its initial stage in the country, GD Goenka Kanpur was ready with the strategy to provide the facility of online classes to the students. The biggest challenge in implementing the strategy was to think and choose the tools of learning which would provide opportunities for blended learning. For this purpose the school management consented to move ahead with a multidimensional teaching pedagogy and empowered its team of facilitators as well as students with all possible resources for successfully conducting the online classes. The text books were delivered at the doorsteps of around’ 800 students living in various areas of the city. The students follow a set time table which includes assemblies, activities, academics and even special competitions organised to mark National and International events. To add on, motivational sessions and counselling sessions by icons from different walks of life are organised from time to time for both parents and students to help them overcome the monotony of the lockdown. All these efforts of the school had been highly appreciated by the stakeholders and parents.

The Punjab Public School’s Success Story During Lockdown

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

“In the present scenario, technology has become the new essential and a must-have in an education world. Online classes are the new norm, Zoom is the new boom,” says Dr Jagpreet Singh, Former Headmaster, The Punjab Public School, Nabha in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

Who thought we would learn to dance in the rain in the month of March? This is exactly what has happened and continues to sum up our lives. Schools were always meant to prepare children to face hardships, make the best and most of what life gives to us. Should we run away and hibernate? The answer is simply no.

With uncertainty becoming the new certainty, life has completely undergone a 360 degree. And so did we, as schools underwent a complete overhaul, transforming, unlearning and relearning with the changing times and demands of the world.

Barely three months ago, technology was a luxury used by educators to aid the classroom teaching, making lessons interesting to captivate the audience at large. In the present scenario, technology has become the new essential and a must have in an education world. Online classes are the new norm, Zoom is the new boom. Google hangouts, web meetings are the new hashtags ruling our lives. Were we prepared for this?

Also read: Technology to play important role in COVID-19 crisis

Both students and teachers had their inhibitions to start something which was unheard of. Yes, we did face initial hiccups but learnt to overcome them and after almost two months, have begin to eventually sail smooth in the world of what is called “Virtual Learning” , adjusting our sails every day.

Orientation programs, webinars by experts have enriched and empowered my staff who stand tall and have become more tech savy than the younger generation to ensure the online classes are as lively as four-walled classrooms, the connect is maintained between the tutor and taught.

The onset of lockdown happened when most of the schools were about to end with their academic session and begin with a new one. But this didn’t stop us from doing the same. We connected with new admissions, got them on school rolls, with Headmaster conducting his usual “Orientation session” with new parents via Zoom. New admissions are as much a part of PPS Nabha as the previous students.

Keeping in mind the bundles of energy in children which are waiting to be tapped, several societies of school such as Round Square in collaboration with schools across the globe have initiated many activities such as Online Art Competition, Online Photography Competition expressing gratitude to COVID Warriors etc.

My staff is regularly attending webinars, online workshops and courses to enrich themselves in the changing world. I am sure this will help them stay abreast of the challenging times. Lot of collaborative learning on the new and virtual form of learning on regular basis is of a great help to make their teaching effective.

We give ample space to students to share their valuable feedback to incorporate constructive changes in the new world of 2020. Parents have become the new teachers and are closely monitoring the performance of their wards. It is something new and challenging for boarding school parents.

The bottom-line is that despite the sudden unforeseen circumstances, we educators have come out shining adding new feather in our caps. Sadly, we contradict our own statement made few months ago; excess of screen time is bad for teens. It generates anxiety, makes them more aggressive etc. Are we mincing our own words ???? Time to ponder educators ……….!!!

Manchester International School’s success story during lockdown

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June 23, 2020

Learning without the constraints of confinement, Manchester redesigned the curriculum right from Kindergarten to Grade 12 says, Rajesh Vasudevan, Head of School, Manchester International School, Coimbatore in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

“No Lockdown to Learning” is what we at Manchester International School reinforced to all our stakeholders- be it Covid 19 or not. Learning is a process, and this process never stops, as we firmly root our educational beliefs to the philosophy of ‘education is not just preparation of life; education is life itself!

However, like many other schools across the globe, Manchester too has its share of success story to weave- the whole experience of teaching and learning moving out of the physical infrastructure and getting closer to the pupil. This Educational Renaissance as we love to call it was predominantly a key to unlock the potential, both of the teachers and the taught. Learning without the constraints of confinement Manchester redesigned the curriculum right from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Also read: Elets Exclusive | COVID-19 impact: Hiring to take huge jolt in coming days

Running online sessions from Monday to Friday, and Saturday too in some cases, were more of a fun exploring sessions for the Primary Year Program. Story Telling Sessions by the homeroom teachers, Circle time with family and Preparation for the Digital Exhibition- PYP (Proposed for the first week of June) kept our young champions busy. Many parents volunteered to teach certain skills like Impromptu Speaking, Phonetics, Recitation, Rangoli, Cookery, since they were too bored at home and literally our sessions had greatly inspired them to involve in the journey of active learning.

Google Classroom, Google Meet were the two platforms that the PYP (Primary Year Program) team employed to run their sessions. Teachers were already familiar with Google Classroom. Google Meet was an extended platform to be visible to learning. Students were truly excited to see their friends and teachers during this period one could see them eagerly waiting every day for their sessions to commence.

Middle Years Program pivoted on concept-based learning took the focus of learning to a larger expanse. Students from MYP3 and MYP4, introduced to various social and cultural issues viewed the bigger picture using Design Thinking, came out with Blogs, Posters, Digital Doodles and PowerPoint Presentations to demonstrate their understanding of what they had learned.

The senior students had their entire focus purely on academic experience, with scheduled lessons, assignments, and assessments. These sessions were not just tutorial classes but more of an acceleration, where the teachers introduces the concepts and gets the pupils to co construct the lessons and make presentations. Flipped Teaching and Blended Learning saw their best employment in these sessions, as senior graders were technologically confident than compared to the other graders. The Sessions conducted in Zoom and Google Meet took the whole learning to a new dimension. Collaborative Learning using the 70-30 model (30% teacher directed and 70% student directed) proved more successful than the actual face-to-face classroom learning.

‘Unlock Creativity’ is a series of weekend activities that involves the parents and other family members. ‘Cook with Dad’, ‘Art out of Waste’ ( whole family), ‘Paint your Dreams with Mom’, ‘Sing a Song with Family’, ‘Music Mania’, ‘Tap your Feet’, were some of the activities that we had conducted to make sure learning can be more fun, when parents also take onus of the teaching and Learning.

Though most of the curriculum demands, Differentiated Instruction as a mandate to reach out to all types of learners, most of the schools do not actually employ it beyond the lesson Plan. Nevertheless, these sessions actually forced to the teachers to ensure learning is diverse, student-centric and purposeful an affair. The dynamic nature of the lesson plans were truly visible. Sans fear of exasperation and pressure, Students actively partook in the true culture of learning.

This Lockdown was a blessing in disguise for a few teachers across the globe, who never thought that they would have to depend on technology to this extent. Moving from the comfort zone, keeping the texts books away, this pandemic truly gave the teachers an experience of Educational Renaissance!

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