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Ekya / September 16, 2020 Posted by : administrator

The National Education Policy 2020 released this year requires teachers and school leaders “to learn the latest innovations and advances in their profession.” Ekya places emphasis on conceptual understanding, integration of technology for learning and professional practices, and student projects that result in their thoughtful response to real-world problems:

Most people choose teaching as a career unaware of the myriad complexities that mark this profession. Indeed, it is the only line of work where it is expected that one single individual on a day to day basis would address the needs of hundred other individuals of varied ages, socio-economic backgrounds, interests, and motivation, all in one sitting.

Certainly, teachers need a tremendous amount of support and as like the earlier times, the New Education Policy 2020, continues to reiterate enabling teachers and school leaders “to learn the latest innovations and advances in their profession esp. content, pedagogy and skills essential to teach, to lead or to manage. It proposes workshops, online modules, and online platforms as modes for learning, sharing of ideas, best practices, and engaging in self-improvement activities as per one’s own interests”.  

Where do we stand in these twin backgrounds of expectations and proposed national guidelines?

I feel happy to share that Ekya has long recognized the various challenges that surmount a teacher’s life and has thus committed itself in supporting them in their career trajectories. Capacity building initiatives at Ekya resonate well with the new policy guidelines as they set on creating spaces for learning, unlearning, relearning, reflecting on learning, and developing oneself on a continuous basis.

The Professional Development Institute (PDI) plans and implements such programs not only for teachers but also for school administrators i.e. the Coordinators and School Heads, throughout the year. At the heart of these initiatives is the vision for developing ‘self’ as adults in order to ‘lead students’ to develop themselves. Indeed, teachers have the power to influence students and make a difference in their lives by way of contributing in their process of thinking or styles of working. And, it is through these programs that we are able to support teachers to reach out to many students in an effective way.

How do we do this?

Workshops” both faces to face and online are integral to Ekya’s workplace education. Each academic year begins with a month-long “Orientation Program” both for new as well as returning teachers and school leaders. It aims at enabling all to revisit curriculum, instruction, assessments, resources, and environment of learning; and prepare oneself vigorously to inspire students for learning. This is the space for teachers to think, ask questions on curricula or professional practice, and engage deeply with emerging ideas in educational research and practice. Topics in these sessions are beyond mastery of a set of techniques for ‘eliciting’ desired student responses and information transfer. They encompass a holistic view of how students need to learn not just math or arts but also age-appropriate behaviors or value systems.

As teachers start putting these ideas to practice and as the school leadership along with them begins to feel its impact, newer concepts are introduced with another set of sessions in a phased manner throughout the year. Thus, areas that became a part of “Ongoing Workshops” for educators this year after the annual orientations included – the Flipped Classroom Approach, Tech-Free Instructional Strategies and Learning Area Tools, Wellbeing and Actionable Feedback, to name a few.

Self-Paced Learning” – is another set of opportunities for educators to strengthen their disciplinary content knowledge and specific skills. These are facilitated online through a learning management system comprising researched-based resources from leading educational institutions all over the world. This is the time for self-study, practicing concepts with assignments, and collaborating with peers by posting their own thoughts and acknowledging the views of others. Educators at Ekya not only work on these during the year but also carry these forward in summer breaks by choosing areas of study that match their interests and requirements.

The Learning Festival”- is a culminating PD day that celebrates teachers’ hard work and passion that they put in planning and implementing varied learning experiences for their students. Thinking along the lines of an action researcher, teachers share a problem or a challenge they noticed in their class and describe how they overcame that with specific strategies resulting in positive outcomes. This sharing not only reiterates teachers’ beliefs in self-motivated efforts but also enables peer learning with cross sharing of ideas and practices that worked.

What is the effect?

There are multiple pathways to learn and learning is not confined to attending mandatory sessions planned in an academic year. Participation in PDs is beyond marking attendance, and encompasses intense engagement  in the learning process – thinking, reflecting, sharing experiences, interacting with others, active listening, critiquing, asking deep questions and challenging one’s own thought processes. Similarly, education is not about gathering degrees but is a lifelong process of inquiry that requires looking back at one’s acquired disciplinary content knowledge and keeping oneself up to date with concepts and skills essential in today’s time.

There is a strong relationship between teacher learning and student effectiveness.  If teachers have the understanding of how children learn, they can work skillfully with a wide range of learners. If teachers are passionate about their subjects, they can make their students enthusiastic about their use in the real world. If teachers take charge of their own learning, they pave the way for students to be independent and responsible learners.

These are our aspirations for our educators and these drive our PD initiatives too. Success in any endeavor like these comes only when people are involved whole heartedly. Indeed as is seen, educators at Ekya try their best to not miss participation in varied learning opportunities, and also apply gained understanding in their interactions with students. And, it is this silent contribution among other things, that is providing our PDs deeper meaning and sustainability day by day.  

 Introduction to the Series
The New Education Policy 2020 envisions a society high on social, economic, and scientific indicators with one key resource i.e. ‘its people’. It shows the possibility of tackling social and natural concerns with a renewed focus on education that is multi-disciplinary, skill-based, and liberal in nature. It envisions nurturing students who not only diligently acquire greater capacities for an independent life for themselves but are equally concerned about the lives of fellow human beings.

Ekya upholds each idea of NEP strongly and relates well with its philosophical and curricular strands. Much before the policy was drafted; it has been implementing many of its stated features such as- its instructional program that emphasizes conceptual understanding and not mere information accumulation; integration of technology for learning and professional practices and projects for student projects that result in their thoughtful response to real-world problems.

To disseminate many of these aspects with you and gain from your views as well, a series of blogs have been put together by various members of Ekya and CMR – K12 schools. We are happy to share with you the first part of this NEP blog series today. 

About the author

Priya Iyer holds an academic background in Psychology and Education and is associated with the education sector for more than two decades. This journey of hers has been a combination of teaching and research both in school and higher education institutions. She started her career with an NGO as a teacher, a school leader; pursued research work at Oberlin and Claremont McKenna College, USA and later, a field study at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Canada. As a faculty at Azim Premji University, she taught a course on School Leadership and Management to post graduate students and worked extensively with the Foundation’s initiatives on Pre-Service Education. As a UNICEF Consultant, Priya supported government efforts in implementing a program on education leadership that drives student learning outcomes. Currently, Priya Iyer supports concept, design and facilitation of capacity building programs at Ekya and CMR- K-12 Schools as well as CMR University as a member of the Professional Development Institute

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Ekya / March 26, 2024

The Hot Garlic Soup Inspired by ‘The Last Leaf’ by O. Henry

Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat on the third storey of an old house.
Johnsy fell ill in November. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. She would lie in her bed, gazing out of the window. Sue sent for the doctor. The doctor said to Sue, “Johnsy’s condition is not so serious yet. It seems she is unable to recover because she has lost the will to live.”
Sue became extremely worried for Johnsy’s well-being and mental health. She tried to make Johnsy interested in the things around her, but Johnsy never replied with more than a noncommittal hum.
One day, Sue was painting when she heard Johnsy counting backwards. Sue looked out of the window and saw an old ivy creeper climbing on the brick wall. The ivy was shedding its leaves in the strong gust of the wind.
“They are falling faster now,” whispered Johnsy. “Three days ago there were so many leaves. Only five are left now.”
“It is autumn,” said Sue, “and the leaves will fall.”
“When the last leaf falls, I will die” said Johnsy with finality. “I have felt this for the last three days.”
“Oh, that’s nonsense,” replied Sue. “Why do you believe your fate is tied to those old ivy leaves?”
“Human life is fleeting, just like those ivy leaves,” said Johnsy. “I got sick just as the ivy started shedding its leaves. It must be an omen. The last leaf will fall, and I will slip into slumber forever.”
Sue sat on Johnsy’s bed, kissed her and said, “You are not going to die. Plenty of people fall sick in autumn, and they recover soon enough. Do you want some soup?”
“I don’t want any soup. My time is almost up, I’m sure of it,” murmured Johnsy.
Sue decided to change tactics. She was not going to give up on Johnsy.
“It is true that human life is somewhat fleeting, but that’s exactly what makes life valuable. Do you not want to see what life has to offer before you slip into slumber? Will you not miss the cool breeze waking you up, the warm embrace of sunlight? Do you want to give up the feeling of the paintbrush gliding over the canvas?” Sue quavered.
“Look beyond the ivy to that tree over there,” Sue continued. “Even that tree is shedding its leaves, but it is also growing new leaves. It is going to live for many more years, just like you.”
Johnsy contemplated for a while. Then, she looked out of the window and smiled.
“Perhaps I will have some hot garlic soup. You made me realise that life is worth living after all.”
Written by Aahana,
from grade 9A

Ekya / March 22, 2024

Importance of Literature in a Classroom.

"Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity" - P.T.Barnum

We as humans are social beings. We can't imagine our lives to be solitary. Literature facilitates us to understand and communicate with one another in society. It helps us explore the world around us and is a medium to express our views and experiences. So it is of vital importance that the students are introduced to literature at a young age.

Literature is necessary for students as it helps them to develop imagination, improves vocabulary and language skills and even enhances creativity. Literature helps them understand the world outside their home and school.

It is disheartening to see that literature is often not put on the same pedestal as other technical subjects like Math or Science. where it shouldn't be the case.

Literature includes different types of texts like stories and fables, myths

and legends, poetry and drama or even informational texts that help them explore other subjects. It prepares students to read and understand the real world.

There are one too many benefits of including literature at a young age. It is like an exercise for the brain, keeping an individual mentally active and stimulated.

Exposure to cultures from different countries brings in a sense of respect and tolerance, a feat possible through literature. It motivates one to appreciate different lives and their ways and also to graciously disagree with something that may not be right. The different characters the students are introduced to become a source of inspiration. They start to imagine themselves in varied situations. they learn different solutions to problems they come across.

More importantly, reading is fun and literature develops an inclination toward reading and makes them self-learners.

It can be concluded that literature is a gateway to nurturing a child’s life skills more than any assignment or task

can ever do.

Written By:

Shruthi Prakash

English Educator - Primary

Ekya Schools BTM Layout

Ekya / March 22, 2024

A Day to Remember: Juniors Bid Goodbye to Seniors with a Spectacular Farewell Party.

As the academic year draws to a close, emotions run high at our beloved school. The time has come for the juniors to express their gratitude, love, and affection for their departing seniors.

And what better way to do this than by throwing an unforgettable farewell party?

The air was buzzing with excitement as the juniors meticulously planned every detail to make it a night that their seniors would cherish forever.

The audio-visual room was transformed into a place of nostalgia and celebration, adorned with decorations to welcome the seniors. Each performance was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and dedication. Each video played, spoke volumes about the memories shared and the bonds formed throughout their academic journey, blanketing the atmosphere with a mix of joy, laughter, and a hint of bittersweet anticipation.

Our seniors were all dressed up to the nines for the occasion with the girls in a blue and white saree and the boys in black suits.

But how did all of this come to be? I am a grade 11 student and let me take you through behind the scenes of this event and how we prepared for this event.

  • Many girls formed a group and decided to dance to “Paint It Red” and “All Is Well”. Everyone’s efforts are to be appreciated as they come up with new steps and formations. Well-coordinated teamwork led to an amazing performance that got everyone cheering.

  • Meanwhile, my batchmate, Lara,  and a few teachers were preparing to sing songs dedicated to the seniors. Lara sang a melodious rendition of “When You Believe” and the teachers sang a medley of songs which got the seniors singing along as well!

  • The boys planned on dancing to the song “Galti Se Mistake” and their performance was full of creativity and humour. The choreography was inspired by the original music video of the song and they worked hard together and taught each other the steps. This performance got everyone giggling and cheering so loud!

  • It did not end with the students, even the teachers chose to step into this grand celebration. They danced on a variety of songs and each song made the seniors hoot louder. Even though they had a very busy schedule they would still take time and dedicate it to the dance practice during after-school hours. Huge kudos for their coordination and effort!

  • Mohana and Arshia came up with a very engaging script which had the attention of the audience. A small game was organised for the students where they had to write something good about one of their batchmates. Everybody put their hands together and made 32 crowns of appreciation for their seniors. A video of the seniors was made including photos and videos of their dearest memories. Last but not least, our teachers also prepared a video message for the seniors bidding farewell and wishing them the best for their future endeavours.

The day finally came. The 10th of February came. It was the day - the day for which we had been preparing for days. The graduation.

The place was set, the background screen was ready, the mic was ready and the sound system was ready. Our seniors came one by one and the auditorium was filled with chatter until the anchors came in and the event started.

After a few minutes, the head boy gave a heartfelt speech, followed by the chit game of affirmations then Lara’s beautiful performance.

The girls donned black kurtis and sunglasses and danced to “Paint It Red”, which got a round of applause. The seniors loved the “Galti Se Mistake” dance by the boys for its creativity and comedic execution and what made it better was the shorts with shirt and tie combination. The dance finale was to the song “All Is Well” which got the audience cheering for the dancers with lots of enthusiasm.

Then a video filled with the memories of the seniors was shown which made most of them emotional. The dance which everybody was eagerly anticipating started - it was our beloved teachers who completely rocked the stage with their amazing performance.

Then a few teachers gave a very emotional message followed by songs dedicated to their students. The event came to an end with video messages by the teachers,  a crowning ceremony and high tea.

In conclusion, the event was successful, and enjoyed by all the students - juniors, seniors and teachers. It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s contribution and teamwork. It was an emotional roller coaster for everyone and a day which will never be forgotten.

Written By:

Stutee Samantray

(Grade 11, Ekya BTM)

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#EventsAtEkya: Hindi Diwas Celebrations at Ekya Byrathi

‘Language is the light of the mind.’

Ekya School, Byrathi celebrated Hindi Diwas on 12th September to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as one of the official languages of India. Hindi is a language that unites our nation with its rich linguistic diversity. It was adopted as one of the Nation’s official languages on the 14th of September 1949 on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Mr.  Beohar Rajendra Simha, a Hindi Stalwart who fought with great effort for making Hindi our country’s national language. 

The events organized included activities, competitions, and performances to educate and entertain children on the significance of the language to our nation. The event commenced with Ms. Diana sharing the history of the Hindi language followed by Ms. Richa Saxena who shared the importance of the same.

The students of Grade 1 were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisting of Esther, Myra, Naman, Nicole, Dhruv, and Rishika sang Aloo Kachaalo,  Chal mere ghode chal chal, Billi gayi Dilli, Haathi Raaja, Machali jal ki hai Rani, and Paani barsa cham cham cham respectively. These students used props such as hand puppets,  face masks, an umbrella and a potato during the recital.

The students of group 2 consisting of  Arjun, Emma, Jeremiah, Laxity, Mishika, Naina, Vidhyuth, Varshini, Varsha, and Prisha guessed the names of the objects shown in Hindi. They were shown items such as a watch, tomato, tamarind, car, mango, carrot, pen, scissors, watermelon, ring, egg, book, gift, toolbox, etc.

Grade 2 Students wore traditional clothes representing their respective states and shared interesting facts about the culture of their state in Hindi. Arav, Daniyal, and Tarika represented the State of Karnataka and shared facts such as the capital city, famous sweet, holiday destinations in the state, and the most popular aspects of the State which include Sandalwood, Mysore Pak, and Jasmine flower. Chris represented Uttarakhand's culture and shared that Bal Mithai is the famous sweet from the state. Geetanjali wore the traditional attire of Andhra Pradesh and spoke about the dance form Kuchipudi. Siddi dressed up in Gujarat’s traditional attire and spoke about the Garba dance form. Shivang wore Goan attire and spoke about the beautiful landscape of the state.  The students spoke fluently in Hindi about the culture they were representing. 

Up next was an energetic game named Khel Paheliyon ka where students of Grade 3 were divided into 2 teams and given picture riddles to solve. It was an enthusiastic competitive performance as students were attempting to solve the riddles. Team 1 consisting of Advika, Avishai, Claire, and Drisha, and team 2 consisting of Kabir, Lisa, Veda, and Tejaswini took turns to solve the riddles in Hindi.  

Our student Prashanth from Grade 8 delivered a speech about author Munshi Premchand emphasizing his life, his journey towards becoming an author, and contribution to Hindi literature and the awards he has received. 

Grade 4 students presented the poster they had made on the chosen topic of Creating awareness about  Corona in their Apartments and in School. A team of students namely Kalyan, Myra, Rishabh, and Rian Gupta presented their thoughts on awareness in their Apartment which emphasized on sanitization measures, it’s importance, social distancing, and conveyed that staying home is the only way to stay safe. 

Kanish, Avni, Twisha, and Amy presented their thoughts which explained the measures to be taken once school re-opens. The need for gloves, masks, sanitizers, and tissues were emphasized and reminded their peers to sanitize their hands after having come into contact with any surface. It was a very effective and comprehensive presentation. 

The students of Grade 5 participated in Slogan writing using the Canva app on the topic ‘Corona Yodha’ translated as Corona Warriors, Aditi chose Policemen as her warriors expressing her gratitude by saying that the Police are available round the clock to ensure the safety of citizens, Anika chose to thank the Doctors for being lifesavers, Prarthana chose Chemists as her Corona Warriors and thanked them for providing medicine without a break while Talya created her slogan on Nurses and thanked them for their passion to serve.

Students of Grades 6 and 7 participated in a Hindi Extempore Competition. Students were given one minute and thirty seconds time, in which the first thirty seconds was for preparation and one minute was for the speech in Hindi. Prishetha of Grade 6 received a topic titled, ‘Lockdown Ke Samay Ki Meri Sabsi Priya Yaadien’ and shared that watching movies, preparing dishes, playing board games, and completing reading Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix will be some of the best memories she has created to cherish for a long time during this lockdown, While  Charvi from grade 6 received the topic ‘Mera Sabse Pasindida khana’ she shared that she likes ice cream the most and it is her favorite summer companion. 

Anshika from Grade 7 received a topic titled ‘Meri Pasindida Poshak’ and she spoke about how Jeans and a T-shirt are her favorite attire as they are the most comfortable. She also mentioned that she believes that one should wear what they like and they must be respected and acknowledged for who they are and not for what they wear. Dhanyata from the same grade received a topic titled ‘Mere bachpan ki sabse priya yaadien’ and shared three of her most favourite memories from childhood.  Hitha from the same grade received ‘Mera sabse priya mausam’ as her topic and said that she likes winter the most,  she enjoys winter mornings and relishes the spicy warm snacks during the time and spoke of the attire she wears during the season. 

The last event of the celebration was the rap song performance on ‘Online Classes’ by Porus of Grade 8. Students cheered and enjoyed the performance. The Head of School addressed the students about how Hindi is a familiar language throughout our country and read a poem signifying how Hindi unites people beyond cultural differences. Followed by the announcement of Winners of the Extempore competition. The first place went to Dhanyatha while the Second place was received by Prishetha and Third place was received by Hitha. 

 This multifariousness of Hindi day celebration came to an end by students dancing for the tunes of the song ‘Bum Bum Bole Masti me Dole’ from the movie ‘Taare Zameen Par.’  This was indeed a very meaningful way to celebrate Hindi Diwas through exhibiting the skills acquired in the language while having fun doing the same.  

#ParentBlogger: Ekya’s Online Classes is a Positive experience for our kids

The lockdown and the announcement of online classes could not have been anticipated. As parents, we had a hard time getting used to the idea in the beginning. But the actual experience has been nothing but positive for us. My daughters really enjoy the class and the format it is presented in. 

The younger kids have been introduced into the online curriculum with a lot of planning and the classes have been introduced in phases, gradually increasing the time spent online. All the sessions, assignments & the class notes that follow each chapter were detailed and helpful. In addition to the classes themselves, a lot of activities have been planned for supporting emotional well-being, skill development, and encouragement of an attitude of gratitude in kids. 

Though not without hiccups, it was very reassuring to see the teachers and management keep an open dialogue with us parents and are quick to iron out any challenges that arise. A lot of online courses fail because of the isolation, but kudos to the teachers and the management team at Ekya for all the preparation and the efforts they are put into designing the classes and the activities that kids can do together. We thank you for making this an enjoyable experience for our kids.

By

Miriam Korula

Mother of Claire Jacob and Nicole Jacob's

Ekya Byrathi

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