A study revealed that the engineering students belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST) or Scheduled Castes (SC) learn at a faster rate than those from the general category.
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) along with Stanford University and the World Bankhas conducted a study on learning assessment outcomes between October and November 2017.
The results of the study released recently also revealed that the male engineering students perform better in Physics and Mathematics than women engineering students. According to the study, boys have better higher-order thinking skills than girls.
The study covered 45,453 first and third-year students of one Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), seven National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and other engineering institutes under the AICTE across India.
“It points out that the overall learning curve for students, especially in mathematics and physics, from the first to third year, is very steep. The rate of learning of Indian students in mathematics and physics is much higher compared to China and Russia. Though in absolute terms China is much ahead,” said World Bank economist, Tara Beteille.
As part of the study, students have to appear in a test divided into two parts – Academics (mathematics and physics) and higher-order thinking tests (critical thinking, quantitative literacy, creativity and a test of relational reasoning).
While the learning levels of SC/ST and OBC students improve from the first year to the third year, for female students the differences between them and the male students remain the same as it was in the first year – except in public non-elite institutions where they make some gains.
Technology plays a large role in many aspects of day-to-day life, and education is no different. The new technologies rapidly changing the way students learn and instructors teach are explored by Silky Jain, Executive Director, Tula’s Institute, for Elets News Network (ENN).
Silky Jain, Executive Director, Tula’s Institute
With today’s tech-savvy generation the key is using technology for learning as it has impacted every facet of daily lives over the last few years – from personal and business interactions to our school systems and the ways in which we learn something new every day. On the other hand, Education has also evolved greatly from its earlier tropes of rote learning to the present day innovative procedures to leave a lingering impact on young minds and technology has a great role to play, here. Seeing how fast technology has evolved over the last decade, mankind is yet to see the best of it.
Currently, novelties which are used in improving and facilitating learning can be found in abundance. One can safely say that we have embraced technology in education where it is used for both teaching and learning, with the main purpose remaining in changing how teachers and students gather, access, analyse, present and transmit information.
The World Economic Forum reports that by 2020 there will be more than 1.5 million new digital jobs globally. In a world characterised by technologies that blur the lines between digital, physical and biological, education needs to evolve rapidly to meet the demands for a new type of knowledge worker. Technology-driven education has evolved rapidly and here are a few ways how technology is changing education:
Extension beyond Classroom
Delivering deeper engagement that goes beyond traditional textbook, the incorporation of e-books has led to learning/education beyond the classrooms. This enhances the connection between student and education at any time. In today’s era, technology has revolutionized the learning process and has taken it beyond classrooms.
Learning through AR/VR
Virtual reality inside classroom adds an unprecedented context in learning owing to the visual element. Augmented reality, which overlays digital content including hologram images onto a user’s view, allows the user to ‘maintain control’ of their environment by seeing the real world around them on a virtual scale. This would help in elevating the lessons to a more comprehensive and hands-on level. Educators are using this tool to harbour augmented analytical thinking, to go through various upheavals of life.
Teaching through Smart Devices
Smart devices such as tablets and smartphones have made significant growth as they continue to gain in popularity in the form of learning tools for students and educators. Offering easy accessibility, smart devices are also expected to play a significant role in bridging the education inequalities, through integrated learning as chalkboards become redundant.
Gamification and Coding
Computer games are continuing to reinvent themselves as credible education tools, as educators are opening up their eyes to the importance of this medium. Popular games like Minecraft are being utilized as aid, teaching creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. This educational approach to motivate students, bringing game design and elements into the learning environment, has gathered traction as is here to stay. Learning coding skills helps develop critical-thinking skills and problem-solving processes, by breaking down big challenges into smaller and more manageable tasks.
As the curriculum is rapidly inculcating innovation with the onset of technology, one can expect an increased efficiency and effectiveness on both, teachers and students. Technology is leading to a prompt pedagogical change while addressing issues that affect learning, teaching and social functionalities. Technology can, therefore, be seen as a tool alongside a catalyst for change. Students should embrace technology for their benefit and teachers should be open to introducing it into the classroom to innovate their teaching practices.
Education plays an important role in child’s personality development and future ahead. Research-based early planning may help a child to take right decisions in life, writes Adarsh Khandelwal, Co-founder, Collegify, for Elets News Network (ENN).
Adarsh Khandelwal, Co-founder, Collegify
A question we are asked quite often as academic advisors is the appropriate time to start exploring the International academic experience. Our answer is it’s never too early-the longer time we spend on exploration and research, the more informed our decision will be.
International universities and colleges have a holistic approach towards admission-they take into account not only grades but also demonstrated leadership skills, volunteering activities and extra curricula’s along with standardized tests like the IELTS, TOEFL and SAT/ACT. A writing component either in form of essays or a statement of purpose forms an integral part of the application. Given the fact that the application deadlines for most countries are over even before a student takes the class 12 board exams, it becomes imperative that an applicant works towards the international academic goals alongside his school work. More importantly, the US application forms record a student’s profile from class 9 onwards and this gives the applicant a definitive starting point.
Grade 9, in fact, is ideal for a student to start thinking about their career. Needless to say, the student’s interests and aptitude play a huge part and it becomes important to develop these both inside and outside of the classroom. This is the opportune time to build on your academic goals, the extracurricular profile, leadership skills and voluntary engagements. Along with academic abilities, it is important to demonstrate qualities like passion, commitment, ability to take responsibility and work towards raising the bar of excellence. So, participate in extra curricula’s in school, join the various clubs like drama, environment, photography, science and whatever interests you; volunteer your time for community service-all this works as building blocks towards your profile.
Studying Abroad requires thorough research-the Internet is a good starting point – explore the entire gamut of establishments which offer an undergraduate degree –from liberal arts colleges, public universities, Institutes of technology and fine arts schools. This will open your mind to the numerous opportunities available. Acquaint yourself with the admission criteria so that you are well prepared for the journey ahead.
Grade 10 is the right time to give your attention towards standardized testing especially if applying to the US. The preliminary exam to be taken is the SAT 1 ( Scholastic Aptitude Test) part 1 or ACT(American College Testing). Both the tests i.e. SAT or ACT is relevant and the student can do either. These tests happen only 4/5 times a year-it’s important to synchronise your school calendar and take these exams. Start preparing early so that you can take them in the summer after your board exams. The universities are constantly touring and keeping in touch with organizations like USIEF will help you connect with them. It’s important to explore the financial spectrum as well and plan accordingly. Continue your journey towards building your extra curricula’s and do not negate your academics.
Grade 11 is the time to streamline the process and priorities activities that will add depth to your profile. Your academics is now focused towards your future career goals-your subjects now are based on ‘choice’ reflecting your aptitude and academic strength. It’s important to work hard and maintain good grades through the next two years they should be a true representation of your potential. Your extracurricular activities become more specific adding to your area of interest and demonstrating your skills.The colleges will be scanning your application form to decipher the person behind it-your choices and performance should be able to communicate passion, integrity, sincerity, commitment and excellence. Supplement your academics with exams like Olympiads and online courses; choose a cause and volunteer your time consistently; involve yourself in school activities and show your ability to take responsibility; nurture your skills and talents with a passion and remain constant in your pursuit of excellence. Expand your reading habits and work on your writing skills-you are going to need every word you know for the innumerable essays that form a part of the application. Meanwhile, complete the standardised tests and ensure the score reflects your true potential.
Continue your research on prospective colleges and courses. Identify the country(s) you are interested in and understand the mandatory requirements in depth. Your due diligence for study abroad consists of a thorough investigation of schools that are offer courses in your chosen stream. Make a list of the top 8 or 10 colleges that are well-known for the specific field of study that you are looking into. Learn as much as you can about the curriculum, subject combinations, internship programs, faculty, departmental accomplishments, research facilities etc. Along with the college websites, use forums like college confidential, blogs, videos to gather as much information. Once you have narrowed down your possible choices, write to the admission office expressing your interest and establish your presence. Setting targets and maintaining a timeline will give you clarity on the goal to be achieved. The aim of your research is to get a comprehensive idea about your study abroad experience and eventual career prospects.
Your entry into grade 12 will mark the ‘last mile’ phase. Do understand that most of your forms will be released by September of this year and the deadlines end in last week December / first week January. It’s really the time to consolidate your efforts and present your best to the admission committee via the application form. Your college list should be final, you should have completed all entry requirements with respect to tests i.e. SAT subject tests and the TOEFL (English language tests), the summer will also mark the last opportunity for an internship or volunteering activity. At the risk of being repetitive; your grades need to reflect the best version of yourself.
Getting back to the topic of this monologue-starting early is definitely advisable. All your efforts in classes 9 to 11 will help ease your burden in class 12. A unique element in an international application is definitely the ‘profile’ of the student and the ‘shout out factor’ of the applicant. I would like to share an example of how student’s work towards building this.
Case 1:
Student ‘A’, outstanding academics with a deep interest in computers, started working on his profile from class 9. He took multiple online courses to expand his knowledge of computers, volunteered at an NGO to teach computers, wrote a textbook for easy comprehension of the same, sold it online and then subsequently was contacted by other NGO’s who expressed interest to use it as a resource material. An avid photographer he uploads his photography on blogging sites and has managed to sell some of them as well. In a collaboration with 2 other students, he raised funds for a differently- abled working on a pavement painter through a crowdfunding site enabling her to buy a permanent space for work. His computer and photography skills greatly enhanced the quality of the presentation. This student took guidance early and navigated the journey with ease and purpose displaying his motivation, commitment, humaneness and skill.
Case 2:
A student who was a trained modern jazz dancer volunteered with the blind school in the summer of class 9. Under our advice, she taught the students and put up a concert for parents and patrons; in the summer of 10th, while doing the same activity, we asked her to record her teaching template and leave it as a resource for subsequent volunteer teachers. In the summer of class 11, her students gave a public performance in a street festival-the result was that the school was flooded with donations which enabled them to employ a permanent dance instructor. The student used her skill for the community and left a legacy for the school. Needless to say, they got into the colleges of their choice with scholarships to the boot.
And we have many more students who use their time and skill efficiently and deserve a standing ovation for their efforts. But all this is only possible when the applicant has time on his hands. There are so many students who despite having potential, miss out on the opportunities because they start late in the process.
If International shores are on your mind, the earlier the better.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched an Online-interactive M Tech Programme for working professionals aspiring for higher education which can be pursued from the workplace.
Candidates from those industries, which are approved by IIT Madras and have the necessary infrastructure to support the programme, are eligible to apply for the programme. The candidates have to appear in test and interview for enrollment into the course. Selected candidates have to attend classes regularly through online, two-way connectivity and earn credits.
Under the supervision of the institute’s faculty, enrolled candidates will be accessed and evaluated through examinations during the course on the regular basis. Candidates earning required credits will be awarded degrees. There will be no difference between the degrees awarded to regular students and those pursuing it from their workplaces.
Candidates will also be allowed use the Institute’s laboratories for performing experiments as per the curriculum so demands. All enrolled candidates mandatorily have to visit at least once in a week for interaction with the course teachers.
As per the ranking released by the NIRF recently, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has been declared as the best engineering college in India.
NITI Aayog is going to establish Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across the country to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young minds.
Niti Aayog has selected 2,441 schools across the country to establish ATLs under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is establishing to inculcate skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc among the students.
“As per Unified District Information System on Education (UDISE) 2015-16, there has been an increase in the enrolment of students in science subjects at the higher secondary level from 62.18 lakh in 2014-15 to 79.52 lakh in 2015-16,” the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Upendra Kushwaha, said in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development has also launched the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA), a convergent framework across School Education and Higher Education to encourage children towards learning Science and Mathematics through activities related to Science and Mathematics.
EuroKids has transformed itself by adopting innovative and contemporary learning practices to stay ahead of the others, says Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder & Group CEO, EuroKids, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).
How has the recent transformation of EuroKids helped it to be different from others? What prompted this transformation?
Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder & Group CEO, EuroKids
The identity and its experience have undergone a huge transformation to provide both the children and the parents a superlative preschool experience. The transformation has enabled us to share a pre-school environment that is nurturing and provides holistic learning for the child. With an emphasis on child development, security, hygiene and establishing a close rapport with the parents of each child, our pre-schools have transitioned into the Child’s Second Home.
However despite our refreshed and modern appeal, what remains at the core of our efforts is the Child-First ideology. Our team of experts have dedicated years towards understanding the needs of young children and refined the delivery of curriculum at our pre-schools making it contemporary and engaging. In a digital age, the curriculum strikes the appropriate balance between digital learnings and conventional preschooling learning mediums like story-telling, rhymes, book-reading, group learning etc.
Our presence extends across three countries, 350+ towns and cities, 1000+ pre-schools, and has contributed to the growth and development of over 3,00,000 children. We now look forward to Reinventing Education across the country.
Being one of the oldest and most renowned brands in preschool education, how has EuroKids survived the competition due to the rise of various new names in the segment?
Competition is what makes the category evolve through constant innovation. In a competitive, only those pre-schools will flourish who have a ‘Child First’ ideology engrained at the core of all their initiatives. This means that a successful pre-school must focus on ensuring that all initiatives undertaken inherently have to be in the interest of the ‘child’. Every effort must then be made towards improving the lives of children at the pre-school by working positively with all stakeholders i.e. parents, teachers, partners and positively impacting the entire ecosystem.
This ideology ensures that the brand strives constantly to innovate so that it sets itself apart from the others in the segment. This difference or the edge that a brand delivers will be visible to its end beneficiaries – the parents who will acknowledge the proposition delivered and patronise the same.
It is crucial to create an experience that is engaging and nurturing and hence needs matured and experienced hands which possess the knowledge, understanding and experience of early child care education.
Given the situation what makes EuroKids unique and the right choice for parents and kids?
EuroKids aims to create a joyful pre-schooling experience for both parent and child. We believe in ‘Making Learning Fun’ for children. Our curriculum which is in its sixth upgrade has been powered by research findings from the world’s best universities and with our extensive experience of dealing with young children for the past 15 years our program aims to develop ‘Executive Function Skills’ (EFS), crucial for building positive behaviour in children from an early age. Our unique program also integrates Phonics, Motion Based Learning, Toy Library, EuroGym & EuroMusic for early years and they have been devised with an aim to integrate multiple representations, expressions and engagements that are vital for Next Gen learners.
In addition to exploration and fun based learning, our pre-schools are equipped with CCTV cameras, so the child remains supervised at all times whilst at pre-school. We have child-friendly furniture, and toys used in the school are of international standards and are 100% non-toxic in nature. Our teachers and support staff are hired post a rigorous background check including a police verification and previous employer check.
All Teachers and staff are trained in safety drills required in event of an extreme scenario. As part of our continuous improvement in Health & Safety standards, we partnered along with a leading international certification agency to co-create Safety protocols specifically for Pre-Schools and then ensured that the same was applied at our centres with third party audit & certification. This kind of initiative is a first by any Pre-School in the country.
The last mile in the pre-school ecosystem is interaction with parents. We reach out to our parents through various platforms like parent orientation programs, parent-teacher meetings, informal and casual conversations with parents on an everyday basis so that they are always assured that their child remains in the best of hands. Additionally, to keep the parents in the know of all the developments at the pre-school, we have the Buddy App which showcases all the fun activities, learnings, and fun times at preschool so the parent is aware of the typical day
at EuroKids.
This 360-degree preschooling expertise makes us the preferred pre-schooling choice for many parents.
It is crucial to create an experience that is engaging and nurturing and hence needs matured and experienced hands which possess the knowledge, understanding and experience of early child care education. At EuroKids, our academic experts are at the forefront, driving innovations & strategic initiatives and are responsible for recalibrating the benchmark of pre-schooling in the country, that enables us to deliver a high-quality pre-schooling experience.
Today technology aids education and learning, how much exposure should be given to students for avoiding any wrong outcome?
For us, this question can be answered in two parts. Technology today is all pervasive. However, when it comes to early childhood education, the amount of technology that a child must be exposed to in his formative years, we believe, must be monitored closely.
At EuroKids, we believe that what we provide is an engaging and interactive learning environment for the child where there is a balance between digital and traditional learning mediums. As part of our curriculum, we have Motion-Based Learning, which enables learning through digital media in the form of games, stories, rhymes, videos. Simultaneously we also have puppet learning, story reading, group engagements and special learning kits that provide hands-on learning coupled with exploration and DIY experiences.
Beyond pre-schooling, we believe technology has ensured a paradigm change in the manner in which education is delivered in this country. Most institutions today showcase digital curriculums and mediums to disseminate education to a wider network of students. Technology has also made it convenient to share the curriculum, revisit the same at convenience and hold easier procedures towards assessments.
All in all, when under a supervised platform, technology is a great enabler of education.
In a competitive environment, only those pre-schools will flourish who have a ‘Child First’ ideology engrained at the core of all their initiatives. This means that a successful pre-school must focus on ensuring all initiatives undertaken inherently have to be in the interest of the ‘child’.
What is the way forward for EuroKids?
We have chosen franchising as the predominant manner in which we distribute EuroKids Pre- Schools. We currently work with more than 1000+ entrepreneurs in more than 350 towns and cities and have now drawn up very ambitious plans to scale this network to 2000+ preschools in the next 48 months. We have all the ingredients for the aggressive scale up, a 15 year time-tested product and highly motivated team.
We also now sense an opportunity in the daycare segment and have now built our capabilities in this segment and now offer both on-site and near site solutions to corporations who desire to incorporate this much required service for their employees. We currently have two on-site care facilities and 2 upcoming near sites at Mumbai & Trivandrum. The plan is to operationalize 100-daycare centres in the next 36 months.
The Yogi Adityanath Cabinet has approved a bill to regulate the fee and also check the arbitrary fee hike in the private schools of Uttar Pradesh (UP) including minority institutions.
The Self-Financed Independent Schools (Regulation of Fees) Bill 2018 is supposed to provide relief to parents and students of UP by tightening noose around schools charging staggering fees. The government has decided to issue an Ordinance to implement the provisions of the proposed bill from current academic session.
“Provisions in the Ordinance will not only regulate fee structure in all private schools across state much to the relief of the parents and students but also bring in changes in imparting quality education,” said Deputy Chief Minister and State Education Minister Dr Dinesh Sharma.
The new ordinance will be effective on all CBSE, ICSE, UP Board-run private schools charging Rs 20,000 fees annually from students up to Class XII.
Under the new ordinance, private schools will not be allowed to charge admission fees every year or the entire fees of session in one go. Schools can charge admission fee once at the time of the admission and second time after the student pass out Class X.
To bring transparency in fee regulation, schools are also instructed to upload the statement of total fees realised at their websites by December 31 of each year. School managements will also have to upload their balance sheets.
The Government has also decided to set-up Fee Regulation Committees at the commissioner level in all zones across the State to resolve fee related disputes.
The, said that the present government has taken a major step on Tuesday to bring in qualitative changes in the education system of Uttar Pradesh.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced first of its kind initiative in the country of providing reservation benefits up to one per cent in government jobs and education to orphans.
According to a Government Resolution (GR), the state women and child development department has issued orders to implement the initiative immediately.
The children or persons who cannot trace their parents or any relative and do not know their caste will be eligible for the reservation. Such citizens must have a orphan certificate issued by the state government, the GR further stated.
The decision will help orphans to avail the benefits in every recruitment process for government jobs across all categories. However, the GR states that the vacant posts will be filled up with other candidates if there are none from the new category.
Along with jobs, orphans will be eligible for the reservation in all scholarship schemes, fee reimbursement schemes for professional courses and admissions in government-run hostels.
The Chief Minister has taken the decision after coming across the case of a woman who had passed the Maharashtra Public Services Commission (MPSC) exams but did not get a job due to not getting shortlisted in the merit list of open category. He then announced for a separate quota in state government services for orphans.
Now, according to the GR, the government will create a separate category within the general category for the orphans.
The Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar has announced the NIRF India Ranking 2018 with Indian Institute of Science Bangalore as the top institute in two categories: Overall and University.
Announcing the ranking at an event in the Vigyan Bhavan, Javadekar said that the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) has been adjudged as the best engineering college and the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) as the best management institution.
For the first time, NIRF has also ranked medical, dental, architecture and law colleges. All India Institue of Medical Science (AIIMS) Delhi ranked number one institute under medical college category.
As per the ranking released by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), IISc Bangalore is followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in the university category.
Delhi University’s Miranda House was the best college and NLSIU-Bengaluru the best law school in the country.
The first NIRF ranking in 2016 had four categories — universities, engineering, management and pharmacy. In 2017, overall and college categories were added. In 2018, over 4,000 institutions have applied for ranking under different categories.
James Dyson Award-2018 today announced to have opened entries for India-based Engineering and Design student innovators to showcase their innovation at the global platform.
James Dyson Award has been felicitating budding student innovators from various nations for last 14 years. This time, the organisers have announced to include student innovators from Mexico, the UAE, Sweden and the Philippines as new entries among 27 nations on the fray.
The Award will give away Rs 26 lakh to the international winner, Rs 4 lakh each to two international runners-up, and Rs 1 lakh to all national winners, the statement read.
This is the second season of the award for India. Last year, three Indians made it to the top-20 international list. The Founder of Maattam—a retrofit patient transfer system—Asish Mohandas was held the national winner for India, and Canada-based McMaster University students developed sKan—a low-cost, early detection melanoma skin cancer device, engineered to prevent misdiagnosis—was held last year’s international award.
James Dyson, Founder of James Dyson’s charitable trust facilitating the Award said: “The James Dyson Award celebrates the inventive young people embarking on the long and daunting process to develop a product or technology. The Award champions our next generation of inventors and will propel them towards future success.”
Entries at first are judged at the national level before progressing to the international stage. Further, a panel of Dyson engineers will shortlist 20 international entries, which are then reviewed by James Dyson to select the international winner, the statement read.
Interested student innovators can enrol themselves via official Website of James Dyson Award by 20 July, 2018.
