Fill a vessel? Or “Kindle a fire”? – What do you do?
Our Schools
One of the core character strengths that help any individual excel in any field is “curiosity.” When I hear the word “curiosity” as a mindset or attitude, I remember what Plutarch said “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
How often are we as either parents or educators guilty of “filling the vessel” vs “ kindling fire”? I often see parents and educators in a hurry to “fill the vessel”, and to share “the correct answer” to a question posed by a child. Well Yes! Some questions are to be answered “correctly”, but there are many more which can be left open for exploration.
Dear Parents and Educators,
We are in the 21st century and children can “fill their vessels” through books and internet sources. Then, what is your role in helping them learn?
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To clarify misconceptions
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To kindle thoughts and ideas that they can explore
Let me share examples based on my work with children.
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To clarify misconceptions.
When could we clarify misconceptions? – When we notice that misconceptions if carried forward, could come in the way of correct conceptual understanding.
Teacher: Identify the common noun in this sentence. “ Saraswathi likes reading books.”
Student: “Saraswathi”
In such scenarios, the teacher could ask some leading questions to guide the student to the correct answer because there is only one correct answer!
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To kindle thoughts and ideas that they can explore
When the topic under discussion is open-ended and can lead to multiple perspectives and contradictory views, we could ask leading questions to kindle thoughts.
I share one of my experiences in an “Early Years” classroom; a group discussion during lunch hour.
Syed: I got cucumbers today.
Rahul: I got idli and coconut chutney
Nisha: I got paratha and pickles.
Syed: All these are vegetarian foods
Rahul: I know! Apples, oranges, and tomatoes are all vegetarian foods
Syed: All foods that we get from plants are vegetarian foods.
Nisha: I eat chicken and meat; those are not from plants and so are non-vegetarian foods.
Manoj: I like icecreams
Syed: Is ice cream a veg food?
Manoj: Yes, ice cream is veg
I was quiet all the while but now stepped in to kindle a thought.
Me: Ice cream has milk as an ingredient and milk comes from animals.
That left all of them wondering and they started to think. My job was done. The reason I left it at this was because there is so much to explore in the world of “defining foods”. There are some dictionary definitions of who a vegetarian is. We have some more vocabulary like – vegan, eggetarian etc. New definitions could emerge; old ones could become passe. So, why do we need to “fill their vessels” with definitions of today?
I invite all educators and parents to carefully strike a balance between “filling a vessel” versus “kindling a fire”.
Explore more
Ekya / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Ekya / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Ekya / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
Should debating become part of the school curriculum?
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers. -Socrates
Debating is a skill that extends beyond its traditional association with competitive debate clubs or specific academic disciplines. It has a pervasive presence in various streams of academics and can benefit students across a wide range of subjects. The benefits of debating are critical thinking, being research and information-focused, empathizing with multiple viewpoints rather than being dogmatic, problem-solving skills, communication skills that include listening other than elocution, the art of articulation and engagement, collaborative teamwork, and finally a holistic development of the children.
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about debating is the ability it creates in children to think critically. It encourages them to think; and analyze issues from different perspectives, arguments, and evidence. This skill is applicable and very handy in every academic field, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and mathematics. Whether it is analyzing literature, interpreting data, or evaluating theories, the ability to dissect and critically evaluate information is crucial
Regular practice of this skill takes a seed in the minds of the students. Subsequently, it becomes an important habit that is slowly and organically manifested. This habit is none other than being research and information-focused. Debating requires its participants to gather relevant information, conduct research, and evaluate the credibility and validity of sources. These research and information literacy skills are automatically transferred to various academic disciplines, assisting them in conducting effective literature reviews, sourcing scholarly articles, and distinguishing reliable information from misinformation, a valuable skill in today’s world of fake news.
When one researches a debating topic, an underlying instruction is to research from both sides i.e., from the pro side as well con. It encourages them to understand and empathize with different viewpoints, even if they disagree with them. This skill fosters open-mindedness, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to engage in constructive dialogue. It is valuable in today’s academic settings that require interdisciplinary collaboration or dealing with diverse perspectives and cultural contexts.
The ability to research from different angles of a problem kindles a habit organically and that habit is the ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate different solutions, and make informed decisions. These problem-solving skills are applicable across academic disciplines, from mathematics and computer science to social sciences and business studies.
The whole idea of debating depends on your ability to communicate all the information that you have gathered in a persuasive argument and convey your ideas convincingly. This skill is beneficial in academic writing, where students need to present well-structured arguments, support their claims with evidence, and engage with existing literature to make a persuasive case.
Today with social media and all the different forms of communication it is important to be able to articulate your ideas in a way that someone would want to listen within the available time. For this, your thoughts need to be organized, and you should be able to express them persuasively. To put across a proposal, we need to know what the other person wants, since everyone is busy putting their thoughts out in a public forum, then who is listening? Debating requires active listening to opponents' arguments, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and formulating effective responses. These listening and engagement skills are transferable to academic environments, allowing students to actively participate in class discussions, engage with course material, and understand different perspectives. These skills are not just vital in academic settings, such as delivering presentations, participating in class discussions, writing research papers, or collaborating with peers on group projects but also being heard in their social groups (of any form).
Debating often involves teamwork, where we collaborate with our peers to develop arguments, conduct research, and present our cases effectively. This cultivates leadership skills, collaborative work dynamics, and the ability to work collectively toward a common goal—skills that are beneficial in multiple forums (viz., academic group projects, extracurricular activities, and even everyday life). Debating involves presenting ideas, engaging in discussions, and potentially facing challenges or opposition. Those who debate develop a certain level of social and emotional maturity to handle these aspects. They are capable of handling disagreements respectfully, accepting constructive feedback, and managing any potential frustration or disappointment.
One thing that we all know and agree upon is that debating hones students' communication skills. What we always miss is that it just doesn’t do that. We as adults think that it is only for outspoken, outgoing, enterprising people. What we miss is that it provides the holistic development that we are looking for in our children, where they can think independently. One doesn’t become a master debater overnight (just like any other skill). One needs to persevere and believe in the method. This belief needs to begin in our schools where it should be made part of our curriculum. Every child will benefit from it in some way or the other. Starting at an appropriate age allows children to gradually develop their debating skills and confidence over time. It also provides a foundation for them to continue honing these skills as they progress through their academic and professional journeys. However, it is important to note that children can engage in informal discussions and activities that promote critical thinking, respectful communication, and the exploration of different perspectives from an earlier age. These activities can lay the groundwork for formal debating when they are developmentally ready.
Today, society is always in an argumentative mode, and thanks to our news channels naming loud, unabashed, unapologetic screaming as the debate we the public have forgotten the definition of it altogether. Hence, It’s important to foster a positive and enjoyable experience, allowing children to develop their communication, critical thinking, and persuasion skills while nurturing their passion for learning and exploring diverse perspectives.
Anasuya Misha Middle School English Educator Ekya School JP Nagar
My experience at Ekya!
JANAN ANUPAM SHAH, GRADE 6
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