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Ekya / September 13, 2021 Posted by : administrator

Herbert Spencer once said that “The greatest aim of education is not knowledge but action” and to me, independent education is one that enables us to bring our potential to light and drives us to take that action. Our education systems have been designed on an instruction-based school life to suit the needs of the occupations that existed years ago. But today, the world has about 5 billion occupations and it is almost impractical to align ourselves with a process of learning that is common to all. Our education systems cannot be a measure of memorising and retaining with heavy importance towards a mere figure of marks. Learning isn’t memorising for a test and forgetting about it later. Every concept learnt at school should be an asset and embed within us as we grow. With the rate at which the world is changing today, we can never predict what the future will be but we can prepare for it and that’s what India can achieve with the help of independent education. That is what will succour us to be remarkable individuals who are lifted off a large scale of comparison and mainstream teaching methodology.

Our country is working so hard each day to provide the right education facilities to our vast population but apart from infrastructure, we need to respect the occupation of teachers with considerable measures so that the quality of teaching in government schools is enhanced. The idea of lecturing does not appeal to modern ways of teaching because education should mean interaction and not losing focus halfway through hours long of lecturing. Technology is going to be with us all the way and as students, I believe that instead of being able to say the periodic table by heart, we should be taught filing taxes, self-awareness, how to appear in job interviews, career awareness, and most of all-working smarter than working harder. This will help us ensure that our ‘educated’ population is able to meet the expectations of skills required in our future careers.

Are we all still stuck in 2020 and don’t realise that 2022 is just five months away? Well, so much changed in just so little time- The green chalkboards have become slides and my classroom is now my bedroom! I would say that education has transformed so much in the past year and it’s time for online learning to shine. The amount of classes it takes to learn a chapter at an online school is half the number of classes we’d have at an offline school with the help of new learning tools and techniques. And from my experience of online school I’ve begun to believe that it has shown us so many new ways and methods of learning that when we get back to regular classes, everything is bound to change (even if it’s just a little bit). We found new ways to socialise and connect, study and teach that we can save so much of our time. It’s affordable and everything is just a button away. However, at these times it is crucial for students to be educated about cybercrime and security. At times sitting for hours in front of the screen has adverse health effects on many students and they must be encouraged to get out there and stay fit. Educational institutions must take measures to limit screen time with proper planning and involve students in various activities. Socialising and communicating on video calls have been difficult for many students. Many who cannot afford to buy phones and laptops have had a tough time coping up with these classes. Online classes earn my huge respect for all teachers who are making an effort to make classes enjoyable. It takes a while to get comfortable with everything but once you’re in the place you’ll be able to see the sunshine through the storm. Students today have so much time to take up internships involving social work, research, social media management and do remote courses that educate them on subjects crucial to their careers. I’d like to tell each and every student that life is going to throw so many challenges at us but it’s about how we perceive them and what we make of it that counts. Happy learning!

By, Anvita Grade 11 Ekya ITPL

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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

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#StudentBlogger: My Block Blog – By, Ishan Thomas 4C Ekya BTM

Did you know that there are over 400 billion Lego bricks in the world? My mother says I must have at least 10 million of those, looking at the clutter in my room!

My parents told me that my first word was “ka”, meaning “car” and that’s the start of my love for automobiles. I got my first Lego set when I was 6 months old, and started building many things with it. But what I built most of all were vehicles.

Since then, Lego and studying automobiles became my hobby. I have created trucks, boats, cars, cable cars, trains, submarines, planes, helicopters, hovercrafts, and more! I have even made animation films about my Lego creations. Now, I make better, more advanced, motorized, and programmable Lego models.

I like cars because I find the inner workings, how cars work, extremely interesting. I like watching classic car shows on TV. I understand them all because of Lego, which helps me with technical concepts I might not understand. Car shows also give me the opportunity to find some details in a real-world car that I can add to my Lego models. The history of cars is interesting, as well as the future. I can’t wait to see what automobile companies will think of next!

I like following the instructions of the Lego set as well as making my own inventions. Sometimes, when I make something with Lego before I start, I browse the web to see if I can find any images or useful information to follow. I see how others have done it, gather tips, and then make my own version of it.

During this lockdown, Lego has helped me learn to code. It has taught me about proportions when deciding the sizes of models that I make. Lego helps me concentrate and clear my mind of bad things, and instead fill it up with ideas of different engineering marvels I can make. Lego helps me with physics, engineering, and how things work - all this is perfect because I want to become an engineer when I grow up.

By, Ishan Thomas 4C Ekya BTM

#ParentBlogger: 2020-21 An Extra-Ordinary Year

Like everyone else, we went into the pandemic not knowing how long it was going to last or was this the end of the world or would we grow old and shriveled behind closed doors wearing our Kanchipuram's and Ramraj lungis.

When in doubt I always turn to food. We jumped on the banana bread bandwagon along with the whole world. I think the amount of banana we ate through the whole of last year we are definitely radioactive. I dislike coffee, actually hate it, but I have learnt that hate is a very strong word to use. Especially around children so let’s settle with dislike. But Dalgona Coffee became a staple. I don’t know what it’s with food in times of crisis that is what we all reach for. For some of us, it was cell nourishing food for others it was food that was nourishing their soul, but who cares we have all been on either side or in between that spectrum, and also we were in no hurry to fit into our outside attire, now pajamas and athleisure were our most forgiving friends. How can we forget Instagram? Ravenous kids or hangry husbands couldn’t stop us from posting pictures before we began eating. Instagram naivedyam was all the craze, and also what happened to our well-behaved evenly mannered children, overnight they turned into Bhakasuras. I knew we burnt a lot of calories when using our eyes, but these were new levels every “rest your eyes break “ between classes as I am hungry for more food break, their stomachs had turned into this constant instant crusher.

The world had changed, from physical books moved to virtual learning. The first hurdle was the scramble for a device that we needed and calling dibs for the best room in the house where the network was the strongest. So we could connect with the outside world. The Google baba’s and the WhatsApp University become our source of misinformation, everyone had an opinion be it in a family group, an extended family group, a core family group never understood groupism. My nightmare has always been my kids swimming in this digital soup and how their young brains will be fried, caught in this dark World Wide Web and it came true. THANKS, COVID. But kids being kids took to devices and online learning like fish takes to water.

During this period a lot of people embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys. We had our own budding entrepreneurs in our house. Our son started his journey by charging money to teach his younger siblings how to look interested on Zoom while doing other things without the teacher noticing. My daughter who hates to clean after herself thought mopping the floors could help her earn her pocket money, we didn’t mind paying. The best part was that mopping kept her engaged for an hour. That was mission accomplished. But on the flip side, she was so good at doing it we could eat off the floor.

Working parents had their own challenges. I teach yoga, so while taking the class I have to stay unmuted at all times. Other than the washroom, this was my hour of peace. The whole household knows that they have to maintain pin-drop silence, so do the kids. But even staying silent, a storm can be brewing between my children, Ankho hi Ankho me dangerous isharrey. My yoga class is the calm before the storm. It's time for me to leave the OM zone to get into the WAR zone, I am still getting used to it. So I can’t imagine what it must be for working parents with little kids or special needs. Let's not forget I have an 11-year-old and a 16-year-old. Audiobooks and podcasts were a mother's blessing during this time and any mundane task became interesting.

But what I think was missing the most was SCHOOL. What you can learn at school nobody can teach you that, not online not parents. The social interaction with their classmates, disagreements with friends, a place to voice their opinion, their first crushes, and a space to make mistakes away from the prying eyes of their parents. This piece would be incomplete without me acknowledging the support extended by teachers and staff of Ekya who adapted quickly to teaching online and also conducting activities to keep the kids engaged even during their holidays. I really appreciate all the efforts that they took which went beyond the school curriculum.

This year and a half have been hard on all age groups be it kids cooped up at home, parents working from home, stay-at-home mothers ( I salute you ), or grandparents having their children and grandchildren at all times. People who retired last year thinking they could travel the world, young adults finding their foothold in their careers or personal life. I can’t think of 1 person who hasn’t been touched by the changes this pandemic has bought to our lives. But what I am grateful for is that my family and friends are safe and healthy, it’s worth all the challenges the last year and a half has been. I am also hopeful that tomorrow will be great again.

By, Archana Alu Parent of Nakshatra & Hruday Alur

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