#TeacherBlogger: Professional Humanism – An Approach of 21st Century Teaching Learning
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Online or offline our heart and soul are in line with our students. True, our lives as teachers revolve around children, we are continuously thinking about them, planning for them, taking feedback and implementing them; and learning, relearning, and unlearning for them and with them. Teaching-learning is a continuous process and is similar to the life process. And, online or face to face mode of teaching — there is no difference. We care, We share, We learn mutually and we grow together!
This year was very challenging and I learnt a lot. I learnt, unlearnt, and relearnt too.
I implemented professional humanism.
What does the term mean? Professionalism denotes a way of behaving in accordance with certain normative values, whereas humanism denotes an intrinsic set of deep-seated convictions about one’s obligations toward others. Viewed in this way, humanism is seen as the passion that animates professionalism.
We are all professional right but we are all the same in the level of heart, mind, and soul ( students and teachers). This implies that as professions we strive to include a variety of personal qualities and behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to effective performance in a given job. These include commitment and confidence, responsibility and dependability, honesty and ethics, and appearance and professional presence.
Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance that affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. Humanism stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethics based on human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. Humanism is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality.
When we are in the Classroom as teachers I try to understand that the child is going through a lot of challenges (if not more ) in this pandemic. Children are confined to their homes. They are missing their classmates, friends and all activities in school. These have psychological effects on them. When I do find they are disturbed a bit or a little irritated I stop for 5 mins and just chat with them. I say to them – Hey you know I understand what you are going through. It’s ok. Can you share how to make a yummy vegetable salad? Thanks, see you are a good chef.
The two terms: Professionalism and Humanism are not contradictory but complement each other. Now the question is how I implemented it?
First and foremost, I am viewing students as individuals who have their holistic perception of life. I respect them, understand that they are facing challenges as we are all facing in this difficult time. I am being flexible but firm with them. I am assuring them that I am there for you no matter what. You are more important to me than anything else in the world. We are a team. I love them no matter what irrespective of parameters. I show them my true self and uniqueness. We are all unique in our own way! We are different but we are one!
It’s not easy to implement these at times and there is no golden rule to make it work. So, here are some of my thoughts if you would like to reflect on and consider implementing:
- See children as holistic individuals. Also, make them see how unique they are.
- Make them believe it’s okay to have a bad day. A bad day does not make a bad life. There is sunshine at the end of the tunnel.
- Let your emotion flow through you but don’t define yourself based on your emotion.
- Take feedback from others but always their opinion is always based on their state of mind and it has nothing to do with you.
- Make other’s life and yours too easy- Be flexible but do your work. To cite an example- one of my students in class suddenly became stressed about the study and I said, “let’s connect for 10 mins after class”. I tried to make a study plan by understanding in which subject he /she needs to focus on buffer time and lots of flexibility.
- Be there for others and for yourself too!
I would like to conclude by sharing that we are different but we are also one! 21st century is driven by the principle – agreeing to disagree and being different but one on the level of humanity. We can learn, relearn and unlearn only if we make the life of others and us easy and more humane!
As E. O. Wilson has rightly said -” If those committed to the quest fail, they will be forgiven. When lost, they will find another way. The moral imperative of humanism is the endeavor alone, whether successful or not, provided the effort is honorable and failure memorable”.
By,
Rumni Dasgupta
Grades-XI- XII; Social Science, Political Science, Legal Study
Ekya School, 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
#TeacherBlogger: Chronicles of LitFest 2020 – Day 2
“Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of Humanity.”
- P.T. Barnum
The second day of Ekya Book Nook’s virtual Literary Festival was a combination of expressive Storytelling sessions, intriguing Writing Workshops and mesmerizing Author Speak sessions. There were three sessions planned for the first time slot between 2.00 to 2.45 PM. There was an Author Speak event by Ms. Lavanya Karthik for Pre Primary Students. She spoke about her book, ‘When Adil Speaks, Word Dance.’ She introduced the theme of making friends with a deaf friend. As a part of the session, she shared a lovely video to introduce sign language. She read part of the story. Also made students learn sign language of alphabets from A - H. Students were also taught how to express happy, please, sorry, and thank you through sign language.
The students of Grades 1 and 2 had a puppet storytelling session conducted by the professional storyteller and puppeteer Ms. Renu Chamarthy. She chose a story from the scholastic publication titled ‘The Fabulous Friend Machine.’ Which conveyed the importance of valuing the friends we have in our lives. It was an interactive narrative session where students had the opportunity to predict and voice out the choices each character would make in the story. Students were excited and participated actively in the session. The creative writing session for Grade 3-5 was facilitated by Ms. Dipti Das. Ms. Das is an avid reader with interests spanning from travel, blogging to Writing. She focussed on the concept of creating one’s style of writing. She encouraged students to start writing a minimum of 500 words to improve and work on their writing style. Ms. Dipti was keen on answering questions, doubts, and clarifications that students had concerning Creative Writing. It was an informative and interesting session.
The students of grades 6 to 8 participated in an Author Speak Session with the author Rajesh K K. The session began with Mr. Rajesh asks questions such as the genre of their interest, have they tried writing, the themes they have used. He shared his experience as a young reader and his writing journey. Threw light on tips for effective writing to young budding writers. The session concluded with a quiz on literature.
The second part of the session was conducted between 3.00 to 3.45 PM. Where in the Pre Primary Students were part of a Storytelling session conducted by Neha Toshniwal. Ms. Toshniwal is a certified storyteller from Kathalaya and a German language coach. She freelances with Kathalaya and Scholastic Publishers and has been conducting workshops for children between the ages of 4 to 8 years for the last 8 years. She likes to bring out the creative side of children encouraging them to be innovative and imaginative. She believes the child acquires learning through stories that last forever. She narrated “The mountain that loved a bird”, “The stonecutter” and “Pete the Cat” stories. Children enjoyed the stories and also shared their thoughts about the story with the narrator. Mr. C. G Salamander read the extract of his recent book “Moodunit” to students of Grades 1 and 2 in an Author Speak session. Post introduction of the author, he guided the students to draw a comic. He shared tips on how to draw a comic. The session concluded with Q&A.
A skit writing workshop was conducted by Ms. Ayushi and Ms. Maitreyi for the students of Grades 3 to 5. The resource people are students from Srishti Institute of Design, Bangalore. The session began with a warm-up activity, followed by the introduction of skit and skit writing and the four important elements of it- character, storyline, scenes, and dialogues. The students voted and selected the topic titled, ‘A day in my life’ from the options given. They decided on three scenes, character names and were divided into three breakout rooms to create the scenes they were responsible for. This session came to an end after the reflection activity. Ms. Sindu Roy facilitated the workshop on how to write a travel blog for the students of Grades 6 to 8. Ms. Sindhu is an avid traveler, photographer, and blogger. The session highlights include how to write on travel, the components of a travel blog, and the layout of a blog. The second part of the session was dedicated to answering questions and students got their doubts clarified by Ms. Sindhu Roy. It was indeed a time of fruitful conversations.
Students of grades 9 to 12 had a Short Film making session conducted by Ms. Nisha Satpure. The session began when Ms. Satpure introduced herself as a cinematographer. She also shared her experiences in the field of cinematography. She played a video that depicted the backend struggles of all cinematographers and took over the session by conducting an interactive discussion with the students. Students shared their observations and the purpose of having each department in film making. She took us through the journey from mini shots to a complete feature film. She also shared her experiences working with the Marathi Film Industry. Students came up with a lot of curious questions geared towards creativity. It was a session of complete engagement from both parties.
The virtual literary festival came to an end with the final slot of events conducted between 4.00 to 4.45 PM. Where the students of Pre-primary students participated in the last story of the event narrated by Ms. Shwetha Narayan. Ms. Shweta Narayan, a parent of Ekya JPN conducted a storytelling session based on a book named ‘Room on the broom’ written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Students found it interesting and were engrossed in the story. Ms. Shwetha captured them with creative gestures and facial expressions. Overall this session helped the young minds to expand their creative thinking. A Puppet Making workshop was conducted for the students of Grades 1 and 2 by Mr. Karthik Shinde, who has been working with Ekya JPN as a visual art specialist. The session began by sharing a story titled ‘A Pair of Twins.’ written by Kavitha Mandanna. Post narration, Mr. Karthik instructed the students to make the puppet of the elephant and Sundari- two main characters of the story using paper and color pencils. The children were amused at their creation and were satisfied with the new learning resulted from the session.
Students of Grades 3 to 5 participated in an Author Speak session conducted by Ms. Rasil Ahuja. Ms. Ahuja introduced her new book “Unfair” to the audience. Read the extracts from the book and made it interesting for the students by having an interactive session. She provided tips on writing a poem with an example. The session concluded with Q&A. The Author Speak session for grades 6 to 8 was conducted by Vrunda Bansode. She currently heads India Data Insights, a data portal for the Indian social sector, at Sattva Consulting. She has co-authored the book Become a Junior Inventor. She spoke about her book and encouraged students to think like young entrepreneurs. Students were motivated by her talk and almost all participants had a question to ask her. She very promptly answered all their questions like; how to start a business, make a profit, a platform to reach the customers, etc. The session was very informative and uplifting for the students.
Dr. Rakesh Godhwani facilitated a discussion on Effective Communication for the Students of Grade 9-12. This was live-streamed on our social media handles and was very informative and engaging as Dr. Rakesh shared his personal experiences and how he decided to follow his passion and has been enjoying what he does. The session focused on the six C’s such as Confidence, Communication, Collaboration, Curiosity, Creativity, and Competence. There was a Q&A session towards the end and students posed some exciting questions to the Author. It was a time of energetic and lively conversations.
This Literary festival conducted by Ekya Book Nook was truly an opportunity for the students to meet and interact with professionals of literature. Explore the literary world and fall in love with its limitless ability through hands-on workshops and a great source of inspiration to kindle the joy of reading in young minds.
#StudentBlogger: Was it murder? – A poem by Arshia Puri, Grade 8, EJPN
Was it murder?
Obsidian night, in for a scare As angry voices filled the air, One was in fear, the other in despair And it is now, you must beware A turn of events will appear And in your mind, it will be seared “You don’t know what you did that day” “You left me in the tears” “And you made the nightmares appear” “My happiness is no more” you’ll hear
A peaceful end, must you reckon But not what this story beckons For, in just a second In the hand of the first man a weapon The screeching of the second will make you see The weeping of the first will make you feel Until all is silent, After a crash and a scream will reveal The other person is no more
“No,” “no,” “NO” is all you hear The first will claw at his hair For the weapon might be mere, But the destruction is severe “I was chocked” he will mutter “The nail marks on my neck will show” he will mutter “The feeling just stroke” he will defend A thump on a wall and a stutter The remorse will make him suffer Now the resentment is more
On you will the realisation dawn Only you will know the truth You will feel only Ruth But no one must you tell, The darkness that just befell Just hush and go your way Leave the man to his fate Ignore the reason of this day “I was never there” is all you will say For only you know That ‘she’ is no more
By Arshia Puri, Grade 8, EJPN
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