From The Principal's Desk
MS. Sunita Swaraj Principal - The Heritage School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
“Connecting is important to learn well”
Since time immemorial, humans have thrived as a species by connecting with each other. Human connection plays a predominant role in creating a sense of closeness and belongingness among individuals. If we have learned anything during the pandemic, it is that in this grappling and adapting world, people need people. To grow, develop, express, and realize ourselves, we need the security of being seen and heard. As it is rightly said, “You have to reach the heart before you can reach the head.” Here at The Heritage School, Vasant Kunj, we believe that our fraternity fosters connections that promote motivation, knowledge building, critical thinking, integration of old and new information, and bridge the gap between the real and academic worlds.
The educational landscape encompasses various types of connections. These connections help create an environment of mutuality and inclusivity, fostering an ecosystem where students can overcome socio-emotional difficulties. We employ a spectrum of pedagogies and technologies for learning, adapting to an ever-changing educational landscape. Circle time is one such method where learners and teachers collectively share their ideas, developing mutual respect for one another and honouring all opinions. Strong relationships provide a foundation for student engagement, a sense of belonging, and ultimately, effective learning. We have noticed that the higher the qualities of relationships students have with their teachers, the more engaged they are in school.
Positive relationships build new pathways for learning and exploration. In our school, we strive to understand each other’s perspectives, making facilitation easier. Learners collaborate and contribute their viewpoints, enhancing work efficiency. Learning becomes effortless when there is a sense of understanding.
Students thrive when they perceive care and connection, either from their home or school. Establishing connections helps children feel valued, encouraged, confident, and capable. Safe spaces are environments where students feel free to make mistakes without fear of lasting judgment, ridicule, or hesitation. These spaces foster critical, honest, and challenging discussions on any topic. As teachers, we ensure that our classrooms are safe spaces for our learners.
Connecting involves blending the emotions and psyche of the learners, creating a learner-centric approach. Through communication and bonding, teachers gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of their students. When students feel supported, they are more likely to engage in learning and achieve better academic outcomes. Positive interactions with teachers also lead to fewer behavioural problems. Connecting helps students articulate their thoughts and ideas, fostering respect for others’ opinions and an understanding of group dynamics. It contributes to the holistic development of the education process. Building connections is essential for navigating the challenges of today’s generation.
School connectedness has lasting effects on learners and shapes their future. Building relationships also serves as preparation for future endeavours. In today’s education system, textual learning alone is insufficient; we must go beyond the text. The role of a teacher is that of a facilitator who aims to cultivate new patterns of thinking and encourage interaction and participation. Creating bonds is an extensive method that improves education and expands thinking possibilities for learners. As a school, we strive to positively transform the education system and embrace the connections we share with our students. It promotes student health and development and is fundamental to success.
Strong relationships with teachers and school staff can significantly enhance students’ motivation and promote learning. Students who have access to more strong relationships are more engaged academically, possess stronger social skills, and exhibit more positive behaviour.
We have created ritualistic settings at our school that not only alleviate student anxiety but also provide them with a sense of belonging and purpose. The future is always uncertain, but holding onto core values of honesty, trust, and mutual respect while navigating life’s hurdles is crucial in today’s materialistic world. This humane perspective can only be integrated into the education system through building connections and being empathetic towards others’ problems.
Building connections is the most effective way to bridge the gap between the student and teacher generations and to shape learners into mindful individuals. In the upcoming years, it will be crucial for learners not only to possess good educational qualifications but also to be well-rounded in terms of their soft skills, such as problem-solving, time management, critical analysis, and interpersonal communication.
Educator of the Month
Ms. Sudesh Singh Ex-Director - DPS, Sonipat
Ques1. What is your take on present-day educational leadership?
Ans – Educational leadership involves individuals’ behaviors that inspire and motivate others to willingly work towards common goals. However, contemporary leadership roles have grown more intricate. To navigate present challenges and the rapidly changing educational landscape, leaders must possess strong emotional intelligence. This enables them to effectively manage emotions, build confidence, and guide organizations towards success.
Ques2. Suggestions for young educators to embrace changes in educational technology?
Ans – Rapidly evolving technology has automated routine tasks while also generating fresh prospects in data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. These fields demand specialized skills that individuals can acquire through upskilling or reskilling. With ongoing technological advancements, new job opportunities are anticipated, and proactive individuals who develop relevant skills will have an advantage. Organizations must prioritize well-defined strategies for investing in technology-based learning solutions to efficiently build essential skills and keep pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Ques3. Dialogue is an approach to teaching and learning that can really make a difference in a child’s life. What are your views on this?
Ans – Interpersonal learning is a critical process in child development, where teachers facilitate conversations to promote analysis of course content, inclusive practices, cooperation, and communication skills. It is essential to cultivate soft skills, such as language proficiency, as they are crucial in today’s world. By employing this technique, children can enhance their language command and communication abilities. Developing interpersonal skills not only helps students overcome shyness but also positions them to confidently face future challenges and outperform their peers.
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Voice of the Educator
Ms. Seema Behl
Principal - K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali
“You can analyze the past, but you have to design the future.”- Edward de Bono
In today’s globally & digitally interconnected world all learners from cradle to career, need new skills & technology. It has become tremendously important to develop students’ attitudes, skills & knowledge to understand & participate as awakened citizens of the world.
We don’t have a moment to lose but rally our efforts in preparing students beyond the classrooms to ensure academic, social-emotional, ethical, & workforce skills. It has become absolutely imperative to instil among students the 4Cs- communication, collaboration, critical thinking & creativity to make a place for themselves and succeed in school, work & life.
The functional amalgamation of technology & education is the call of the day. Technology is ubiquitous and one cannot ignore its pervasive nature. Technology has helped to bridge communication gaps. Instructors can use collaboration tools to form communities where they can interact with students, assign projects, resolve doubts, etc. The omnipresent nature of technology can potentially hamper the emotional well-being of students. It is required that the disadvantage be turned around as with technology there is more that can be gained than losing. Mentors must act judiciously and leverage technology to connect with the world and ensure a smooth flow of knowledge.
 Educators today are entrusted with the crucial responsibility to spark students’ curiosity, develop passion, and deepen understanding & resilience. The need of the hour is to create a safe space where pupils can freely express their concerns with the faith that they will be heard, understood and would be provided with a solution. By supporting inclusion, allowing students to make mistakes without lasting judgment or ridicule and where they can engage in critical, honest, civil, and challenging discussions about sensitive topics, mentors can provide that space. Once this is ensured, the students will feel comfortable approaching difficult subjects in the classroom.
As Mary Gene Saudelli puts it- ” I create a situation where I ask my students not only to think about things from multiple perspectives, but also allow their voices to be honoured.”
Rendevouz​
Ms. Arundati Shukla
Principal DPSG, Dehradun
Q1.As a school teacher what is your understanding of education?
Education in my opinion is a tool to find perfect combination of mind and soul by developing requisite life skills to forge ahead in the roller coaster of real time challenges and thus provide best possible solutions for them.
Q2. What are the best practices adopted in your school to import quality education to all the students?
We believe in imparting student lead education in our school that would eventually lead to foster critical thinking and problem solving. Teachers design their classroom transactions that are inquiry based and encourage children to research. We give equal emphasis on academics, sports, co-curricular activities along with Socio emotional and ethical learning for the holistic development of each child entrusted with us.
Q3. What according to you are the three most important aspects of quality education?
Communication, collaboration and creativity along with compassion.
Q4. Should parents/ guardians be a more inclusive part of their child education. Why?
Parents and teachers cannot work in isolation. Teachers need to work in loco parentis mode and in partnership with parents to ensure best possible education and growth of the children.
Q5. How do you view Indian education system after the implementation of the new education policy?
The Indian education system is going to see a paradigm shift after the implementation of the new education policy. It will be an amalgamation of high tech with high touch! We will be moving from rote learning to student led, inquiry based learning. It will allow children to learn how to think logically and research. The report card will also be a holistic one giving due importance to scholastic as well as non-scholastic areas of school life that are essential for the character building of the students and eventually the character building of the nation.
The Big League
Summary Of the School
Vision​
The vision of Satluj Public School is to prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities posed by the 21st-century. With a due emphasis on the importance of knowledge, skills, attitudes and moral values, we aim to create vibrant and fulfilling lives in the face of changing social, economic and digital world.
Mission
The students are encouraged to meet academic challenges with openness, enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Learning is enhanced by an insight into the national, global, and multicultural perspectives
Offering a diversity of curriculum and cultural experiences, we meet the individual needs of our students through a school-wide and community effort. We aim for an atmosphere of cooperation, with respect for individual differences and community values .We strive to ensure our students evolve into responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and are prepared for a variety of post graduation options.
Aim
The aim of the school, is to awaken the intelligence and the generosity of spirit in students so that they are able to meet an increasingly complex world without losing their humanity. The cultivation of a global outlook, a love of nature and a concern for mankind are all part of our educational aims. More specific goals of the educational philosophy of Satluj Public School are:
- To educate students so that they are able to explore both the world and their inner being.
- To inculcate a love for nature and respect for all forms of life.
- To create an atmosphere of affection, order and freedom without either fear or license.
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Not to condition the students in any particular belief, either religious, political or social, so that their minds may remain free to ask fundamental questions, enquire and learn.
Based on this philosophy, teachers attempt to create an atmosphere of space, freedom, care and security in which students are helped to enlarge their horizons and grow.The school is concerned with developing the individual talent and intelligence of each student.We feel that it is important for parents to be aware equally of their children’s talents as well as limitations, and allow them to develop in their own way, and not on the basis of predetermined expectations.
Principal's Note
Ms. RAJ RANI GOEL Managing Director - Satluj Public School , Ellanabad
Satluj Public School is committed to creating an academically brilliant, culturally awakened and globally inclusive learning environment. Satluj Public School seeks to create lifelong learners who not only excel in the professional sphere but also become responsible and global citizens with a deep sense of pride in the Indian culture.
We are proud to be one of the elite institutions of Ellanabad with a rich academic tradition. We relentlessly attempt to present our learners with models of excellence and prepare them to step out into the world as global citizens. We ensure that our students are well provided with resources for seamless learning, and help students develop special interests that enable them to hone their skills in different areas. Our students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning.  Learning by doing is the pedagogy that makes the teaching-learning experience more interesting and innovative and students continue to observe and reflect which leads to deeper understanding and building of competencies.
Teachers of Tomorrow
Empowering the 21st century educator
In this rapidly evolving world, education must adapt to the needs of the 21st century and beyond. We believe in transforming education into a holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary experience that equips educators with the skills they need to thrive in the modern era. By empowering teachers, we are empowering generations, ensuring that every student receives an education that not only meets their needs but exceeds their wildest dreams.
By arming teachers with this invaluable resource, we are fostering a community of continuous learning, where knowledge is shared and amplified, creating a ripple effect that touches the lives of countless students.
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Aspiration Know No Boundaries
AKNB, the “Aspiration knows no Boundaries” program, is a transformative initiative designed to empower students in setting ambitious goals, uncovering their true potential, and charting a fulfilling career path through comprehensive career guidance. Our program stands as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the way towards personal and professional success.
With AKNB, students gain access to a wealth of resources, including personalized mentorship, aptitude assessments, and comprehensive career exploration tools. We equip them with the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness necessary to embark on a purposeful career journey that resonates with their individual strengths and aspirations.
Editor's note:
Supriya Kapoor
Assistant Professor, Trinity College Dublin
To all our readers, we wish you good health in keeping up with the extremities of this summer season!
In this edition of Edlines Today we feature Satluj Public School in our Big League Institutions. The school carries a mission of encouraging students to meet academic challenges with openness, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. We have a special message from the school’s managing director, Ms. Raj Rani Goel, who strive to create opportunities for students so that they are not just good learners but also responsible citizens and carry the Indian culture around the globe.
Next, we had the opportunity to interact with Ms. Arundhati Shukla, an educator from the past 32 years, in our rendezvous section. Her views on quality education and inclusive teaching are progressive and must be implemented by educators around. This edition of Edlines brings views on how connection and communication promotes knowledge building and critical thinking in the Principal’s Desk column by Ms. Sunita Swaraj, Principal, Heritage School, Vasant Kunj.
Further, the Voice of Educator section by Ms. Seema Behal, K.R. Mangalam World School brings thoughts on how it has become extremely important for educators to instil qualities of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity in students. Educators today are entrusted with the crucial responsibility to spark students’ curiosity , develop passion and deepen understanding and resilience. This edition also features the importance of digital literacy among teachers in India by Ms. Devyani Kapoor. Finally, this edition features Ms. Sudesh Singh in the Educator of the Month column who gives us very candid views on her journey as an educator.
Devyani Kapoor
Founder and Director Edudevs
Digital Literacy Among Teachers in India: Why It Matters
Digital literacy among teachers in India is vital for the education sector to thrive in the digital future. As the digital era becomes increasingly prevalent, education is rapidly shifting towards digitalization. Ed-tech tools and online learning have become mainstream, necessitating teachers to acquire the necessary digital skills. This article explores the significance of preparing teachers for the digital future in India and outlines the steps required to achieve this goal.
The digital revolution has arrived, and it is reshaping the world of education. With ed-tech tools and online learning taking center stage, teachers must equip themselves with the essential digital skills to thrive in this new era. This article delves into the significance of preparing teachers for the digital future in India and outlines the necessary steps to achieve this goal.
The Need for Digital Literacy Among Teachers
In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy has become imperative rather than a choice. It encompasses the ability to effectively utilize technology for communication, accessing information, and problem-solving. Teachers must be proficient in a range of digital tools, such as email, social media, and video conferencing, to enhance their teaching methodologies and communication with students.
Importance of Teacher Training Programs for a Digital Future
Teacher training programs play a pivotal role in ensuring teachers are well-equipped with the requisite digital skills. These programs enable teachers to learn how to seamlessly integrate technology into their teaching practices, develop engaging and interactive online content, and create personalized learning experiences for their students.
Incorporating Edtech Tools in the Classroom
Edtech tools, such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and learning management systems, are revolutionizing the classroom experience. These tools empower teachers to create more engaging and interactive lessons, while also saving time and increasing efficiency in their teaching methods. To fully leverage the potential of these tools, teachers need to develop a thorough understanding of their effective implementation.
The Role of Online Learning and Blended Learning in Teacher Training
Online learning and blended learning are invaluable approaches to train teachers for the digital future. Online learning offers flexibility, enabling teachers to learn at their own pace and access a vast array of resources and courses. Blended learning combines online learning
with traditional classroom teaching, providing teachers with hands-on experience in utilizing various digital tools.
Fostering Collaboration and Sharing Best Practices
Digital literacy among teachers can be further enhanced through collaboration and the sharing of best practices. Online platforms and communities facilitate connections between teachers, enabling them to exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences. Such collaboration is instrumental in nurturing digital literacy among teachers in India.
Government Initiatives and Policies
The government plays a pivotal role in promoting digital literacy among teachers. By prioritizing digital skills training, providing necessary resources and infrastructure, and fostering collaborations with educational institutions and organizations, the government can significantly contribute to improving digital literacy among teachers in India.
As we embrace the digital future of education, digital literacy among teachers is of paramount importance. By prioritizing digital skills through teacher training programs, incorporating ed-tech tools effectively, leveraging online and blended learning approaches, encouraging collaboration, and implementing supportive government initiatives, we can equip teachers with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital era. Together, let us embark on this transformative journey to shape a brighter future for education in India.
