Why is Developing Social Awareness Important for Students?
Our Schools
Table of Contents
Introduction
Developing social awareness is an integral part of a child’s growth into adulthood. As such, it is crucial that social awareness instincts are instilled in a child from an early age. Social awareness is important for children as well as teachers to build a good and healthy environment in the school. A child should be taught to practise social awareness from a young age so that he/she may develop their character to be empathetic and kind towards others as they grow older.
What is Social Awareness?
Social awareness is the development of one’s emotional intelligence. It is the art of being able to understand the emotions and thoughts of people around us and learning to practise empathy. Often it is common for individuals to be concerned for their well being and focus on their desires and ideas. However, social awareness helps such individuals to learn to lend an ear to the ideas and desires of other people. It helps them develop an understanding of the lives being led amidst struggles and joys by the people around them. To practise self awareness requires the act of putting aside what may be self-absorbed thoughts and investing in trying to understand and empathise with the lives of those around the individual.
Why Is Social Awareness Important?
Social awareness is an important quality that every individual should possess to be able to live as one with society. It helps people understand and look at the world from a humanitarian point of view. Here are a few points that highlight the importance of social awareness –
- Effective communication
Developing a keen sense of social awareness helps the individual have a better communication cycle with those around him/her. The individual will be responsive to feedback and reciprocate as per the feedback without focusing only on his/her viewpoint.
- The art of empathy
Empathy is one of the most important qualities a human can possess. Developing social awareness and being sensitive to the needs and feelings of the people around you will help you become an empathic person.
- Valuable member of society
A socially aware person automatically becomes a valuable member of society. The individual who practices empathy and effective communication skills is liked by many and his/her opinions are valued.
- Constructive resolution of conflicts
With social awareness at the focal point, simple arguments and misunderstandings that could easily become large-scale conflicts at home, in the workplace or in the society as a whole become resolved in a constructive manner. Both sides of the party learn to engage in conflict resolution and reason out with each other while being aware of each other’s problems and weaknesses.
- Cultural awareness
Social awareness also leads to a sense of cultural awareness wherein individuals learn to empathise with other cultures and communities in the world. They learn to develop a sense of respect and regards towards each other’s customs and practices.
- Stereotypes
Social awareness helps break stereotypes. While a narrow mindset may have a particular train of thought or perception towards certain issues and peoples, being socially aware of the different kinds of people and their struggles helps break the stereotypic mindset.
- Standing up for people
A person who practices social awareness learns to stand up for the rights of the people around them. They learn to defend the people who have been wronged and are strong contenders of justice.
Why is Social Awareness Important in the School?
Social awareness is important in schools because it is crucial to train people from their early years to practise empathy and develop effective communication skills so that they may be good citizens of the society. As it may not be possible for parents to monitor their child for twenty four hours a day due to their hectic job schedules and work deadlines, the school becomes an important place to train children to practise social awareness. For parents it may also be difficult to understand where their child lacks or what weaknesses they have in regards to social awareness practices due to a biassed viewpoint of their offspring being perfect in their eyes. In schools, all the children are treated equally and are imparted the right training that they need as per their age group. Many schools in Bangalore have made social awareness training as part of their curriculum.
Benefits of social awareness for students
There are many benefits of social awareness for students. These are some of the benefits that are available in some of the best schools in Bangalore
- Learning about feelings
Practising social awareness helps children learn about different feelings. They can learn about different emotions such as happiness, sadness, sorrow, guilt, regret. They can also learn how different people display different emotions.
- The effect of their words
Often, children may not be aware of the effect their words have on different people. While being cared for with love and kindness in the home, they may learn different words and sentiments from other children. Such words could hurt their peers and make them sad. With effective counselling from teachers, students can be made aware of the importance of speaking kind words.
- The importance of manners
Practising manners are to be taught from an early age. Manners could include learning to say “Please,” “May I,” its learning to be grateful and learning to use “Thank You” as often as possible. Manners help the child become respectful towards other peoples opinion and refrain from intruding in between sentences. Manners are an important part of social awareness that is taught to children.
- Self Reflection
The young minds may often not be aware of the impact of their words and actions. They may not fully comprehend what on their part is being done wrong or right. Practising self awareness helps the children to understand the importance of self reflection and learning to improve their weaknesses.
Social Awareness for teachers
Social awareness must be practised by teachers first so that the children can learn from them. Teachers are the model of behaviour for students and everything a teacher does is what the student will follow. As such, if the teachers practise effective social awareness, children will easily do likewise. Being socially aware helps the teacher look beyond their biases and to understand and empathise with each child. The children in one classroom often come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, it is important for the teacher to be respectful and mindful of the different beliefs and practises that the children have been taught from their birth. Being socially aware and respecting the students emotions will help the teacher become a better educator. It will also help the teachers improve their communication skills. Effective communication is of crucial importance for the learning cycle to be beneficial for children. The teacher will learn to listen to the children’s doubts and queries with an understanding that each child has their own set of weaknesses and strengths and deal with each child accordingly. Being socially aware, the teacher learns the art of patience and deals with the children gently even if they repeatedly ask her the same question many times. Social awareness is as important for teachers as it is for students, it is even more important for teachers because it is only by looking at how the teachers practise it that the children will learn.
How Teachers Use Social-Awareness to Improve the Environment of the Classroom?
Social awareness is very important in improving the environment of the classroom. It is only when the children practise social awareness that a good friendship can be formed between students and also between the students and the teacher. By teaching the children how to practise empathy and other traits of social awareness the students become less selfish and more considerate towards their classmates. The students learn to be polite and to say kind words such as “Please” and “Thank you.” This will help to build a cordial relationship among students in the classroom. Not just in the classroom, but if the children are seen to be practising these traits in their homes, it will impress the parents and improve the home environment too. It also helps improve the teacher to teacher relationship thereby elevating the overall atmosphere of the school. Such a healthy relationship between students and teachers as well as within the faculty will tend to attract many parents and encourage them to enrol their children in the school.
Strategies for Teaching Social Awareness
There are many strategies and steps the teachers can take to teach children about social awareness. Given below are some of the strategies for teaching social awareness in classrooms and schools
- Create different scenarios
Create different scenarios to understand how the children should react in various situations and teach them what is the correct way to react. For example, a child may be racially abused, how would the student react to their classmate being called racist remarks. There are also cases where certain children may have disabilities or mental impairments, the students should be taught how to help and be mindful of their classmates who are facing such challenges.
- Talk about social justice
Children can be taught about social justice from an early age. Help them learn to be concerned about news and various events that are going on locally, nationally or internationally. While it might not be possible to make them familiar with hard hitting news at a young age, they could be taught about news on the environment and how their actions affect the environment. Young children can spread awareness and touch many people’s hearts by the concern of the environment. Children can also be taught about other news categories like natural disasters, discussions can be held on how they feel about the situation and if they could, how they would help their fellow citizens.
- Practise kind acts
Children can be taught to practise kind acts such as helping a friend who has fallen in the park while they are playing. Children could be familiarised with the joy of practising kind acts by being rewarded with a sticker or bonus points on a scoresheet for each kind deed. They can also be taught to practise kind words to their classmates and lose a point anytime they use words or sentences that could hurt their classmates and peers.
- Culture based projects
It is important for children to be socially aware of different cultures across the country. They should learn to respect and understand the uniqueness of each culture. A culture day where each children speaks about different cultures dressed in different traditional clothes could be a helpful way to practise this. Other culture based projects such as selecting a state or country as a topic and speaking about it in front of the class could help the children become more interested in new cultures.
- Importance of group work
Group work is important in helping children learn to work with each other. Especially for children who grow up without siblings, it can be hard for them to understand the concept of sharing and caring for the needs and wants of children around them. Engaging in group work will help them become better in building relationships with their fellow peers and teach them how to work together towards a common goal such as a certain drawing or art project.
Conclusion
If you are looking for “best schools near me,” to see which would be the best primary schools in Bangalore, make sure to look for schools that are focused on building the social awareness practices of its students. This will surely help your child become a better citizen and make your home a happier place to be.
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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: Online Tool By, Samadrita Majumdar Teacher, IGCSE Biology and IGCSE Environmental Management, Ekya School Byrathi
Over the past two years, the world has been hit by a raging pandemic which has stalled the daily routine of humans and more importantly, students. The fact that attending school is no longer a necessity, was almost etched in the minds of everyone. So, to keep the ball rolling in accordance with the existing conditions, the entire schooling had to be converted to an online state, where all academic ventures had to be conducted virtually without any physical communication. With the inception of online methods of teaching as the pandemic continued, both teachers and students had to undergo major behavioural changes to adapt to the new system. However, simply organising get-togethers virtually was not enough to sustain an offline-like education system. The advent and integration of multiple applications and virtual tools played a very crucial role in keeping the boat afloat. We realised that these applications could be put to various uses to simulate offline classes on an electronic device. I start with an example of an application like Google Expeditions. This is an application that uses augmented reality to define various concepts and ideas in different disciplines. It helps create 3-dimensional diagrams of any object that would, otherwise, have been accessible very easily in an offline state. For example, in Biology, we study the structure of a cell. On paper, it takes intuition to visualise the structure of the cell with different organelles. However, with online tools, it is also possible to create mental images of the cell, exactly as it exists. This application is not just limited to Biology. Other disciplines like Chemistry and Geography can be taught using this application, as it becomes very intuitive for the students to remember concepts and ideas, once they have seen chemical structures and geographical landforms, respectively, in a 3-dimensional shape. Thus, across disciplines, such applications proved to be very effective in translating a real-world example into a virtual form. Similar user-friendly applications like this have been used to create an online, intellectual environment conducive to understanding the theoretical aspects of any subject.
#StudentBlogger: Walls of Wonder By, Gidugu Bhargavi Grade 12B, Ekya Schools ITPL
A cell in our body is very similar to a house we live in, they have walls, space in them, a person who tells everybody what to do, furniture, and everything else I missed. But the walls of the cells are not exactly like the walls of our house, in fact, they are very fascinating.These walls or plasma membranes to be fancy have the discrete power in choosing their guests. To get a little nerdier this property of the cell membrane is called semi-permeability, and so the cell wall can also be called the semi-permeable membrane. Taking a deeper look into this intriguing cell membrane it is found that it is made of a phospholipid bilayer, i.e a two-layered arrangement of phosphate and lipid molecules that form a cell membrane, this happens as the hydrophobic lipid ends face the inward and the hydrophilic phosphate ends face the outward forming two layers.
Initially, this cell membrane was considered static and immobile like the walls of our house, and just because they could, a group of scientists proved it wrong and established that the phospholipid bilayer is actually fluid and dynamic in nature. The experiment conducted to prove this is very interesting it is called FRAP or Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching.
In this experiment, the scientists tagged each phospholipid individually with a fluorescent marker so that when looked under a microscope one could see the fluorescent glowing. Then in a process called photobleaching, they shined a really intense laser on one particular part of the fluorescent membrane which causes the fluorescent tags to wear off the phospholipids. So now there was this dark spot in the membrane where there was no fluorescence. After a while the scientists found this dark spot that had been created went away or Recovered, which meant that the tagged phospholipid or the phospholipids that were still fluorescent (not photobleached) moved around, filling the dark spot.
The FRAP experiment led to the conclusion that the cellular membrane that consists of a phospholipid bilayer is fluid in nature i.e.the phospholipids in one leaflet of the bilayer could move around in the same layer.
Just the way we let in people we like into our home, the cell membrane to lets in molecules of its choice! Isn't that astounding.
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