The 73rd Republic Day was celebrated with pride and reverence at Ekya School, Byrathi by Grades 1-4. The celebration started off with a short speech highlighting the significance of our constitution. A plethora of activities were organised to infuse the spirit of unity, brotherhood, and patriotism among the students.
The students of Grades 1 and 2 made an Indian tricolour flag with pulses as a craft activity. Wherein, Grade 3 showcased their creative skills by participating in a Tricolour Thumbprint Bookmark activity. The students of Grade 4, we’re encouraged to take part in the activity which involves the making of “Unity Dolls” depicting various themes related to Republic Day.
The session came to an end with the National Anthem. It was indeed yet another time of vibrance and enthusiasm.
I strongly believe that life for everyone is full of experiences. Some are worthy and some are ruthless. The cherished are those which are most exciting and interesting. I really admire the quote - Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. Such an escapade in my life is my teaching at Ekya School.
Coming On-board
I still recall the day when I was first interviewed by the HOS, Ms. Sreepriya, and Coordinator, Ms. Mathangi. My interview went well but I was still wondering whether I would get another interview call and will they select me? It had been a year-long since I had shifted my role from a teacher to a homemaker. But now I again wanted to go back to my teaching world, my passion. With all the thoughts just running in my mind I was prepared for any answer that I would get. Fortunately, the answer was YES!
And, here I am sharing my experience of teaching at Ekya with you all.
Enriching Experience
This journey began in July, though not the beginning of the academic year with all the support from the teaching staff and the coordinator I got comfortable and followed the system soon. The teaching approach in Ekya is more elevated than the approach followed in other schools that I have worked at earlier. I was initially flabbergasted with all the methods and techniques. But, it slowly settled. I could now relate and deliver the things as they were supposed to be done. This change wouldn’t have happened without the help that I received from Ms. Meenakshi from Ekya – BTM. Things now started getting really better.
The Rush
Whether online or offline. The methods and the tools used in teaching really act as a special kick for me. Yaa! You got it right, Kick as in – adrenal rush. The games or the quiz played with the students during the class are a lot of fun which also helps in testing their knowledge. The bonding increases due to various activities like the practice to welcome kids into the class and sharing good things.
Funtime at Ekya
The celebrations during the festivals are so motivating. They make you feel special and wanted in the structure. And the enthusiasm of all teachers when we all are together is just amazing. Hence, all the get-togethers ROCK!
The Journey has just begun
Being new to the system I always keep waiting for something more to learn and adapt. The learning sessions, meetings, touchpoints just keep adding bit by bit to my knowledge. Yet, there is so much more to learn, discover and adapt. I am just at the beginning point.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”- Helen Keller
Knowledge is powerful, but it’s much more powerful when it’s shared! The organization's progress depends on how well the team members collaborate with each other. Instead of individuals in possession of the knowledge of doing something; when the same know-how is shared on a common platform with collaborators; then the doors are opened to a whole host of benefits!
Educational and teaching expertise is a powerful gift, especially when shared. Sharing each other’s experiences can help discover these successful behaviours and strategies and promote their adoption. Sharing their expertise means having new conversations that open up what they have learnt to a new perspective, helping them and others to grow. Sharing good practice builds a teachers' reputation and contributes to their professional value. Rather than telling people, they're an expert, sharing lets other teachers discover it for themselves in a way that helps them to raise their own level of expertise.
Sharing good practice is a great start. However, sharing alone isn’t enough.
David Hargreaves explains it best in ‘A self-improving school system: towards maturity’
“The people who originally designed the new practice had to develop it over time, learning to adjust it in minor ways until it assumed its final shape. But this learning on the job is difficult to transmit to a listener or reader, who without help and support may find that the transfer is simply too difficult and so give up. The practice was shared, certainly, but not actually transferred.
However, if the sharing also includes mentoring and coaching, then the necessary help and support are at hand, so when problems in the attempted transfer arise, they can be talked through and demonstrated with reassuring encouragement.”
How can we teachers and educators collaborate with each other?
Videos of the classroom practices of successful teachers provide a means to identify exactly how they are being successful. These videos can be annotated with detailed, specific explanations of exactly what is happening in their teaching practice.
Subject teachers may sit together and exchange thoughts, plans for the classes, use instructional tools and design your micro plans.
Discussion forums are an effective way to share your thoughts and expertise with the group.
Co-Curricular activities may be planned with your buddy teachers and the results will be a great experience for your students.
My own experience
As a teacher, I find that the touchpoints from respective subjects provide a great platform to know the best practices followed and that can be adopted, without having to reinvent, in our classes.
While studying the behavioural issues of a child we teachers discuss ways and means to contribute to the development and betterment of the child and follow the same.
I have always collaborated with other teachers when in doubt while planning for the classes or while using instructional tools. Also have contributed and learnt through discussions with teachers on micro-planning and successful delivery of lessons to the class.
I have worked together with teachers in planning the assemblies or learning showcase. I have learnt a lot and the final outcome has been exceptional as compared to the individual approach.
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