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Ekya / April 14, 2022 Posted by : administrator

Source: Education

An independent education system would comprise of those schools that can design their own curriculum and assessments and do not come under the purview of direct government regulations. Such institutions would offer choice based curriculum that covers a vast range of learning areas suited to 21st century learning requirements; the pedagogy would have a variety of teaching tools and techniques that does justice to the curriculum. These independent institutions need not necessarily be for profit though.

Before we envision an independent education system, let us pause and think about where the education system is right now. There is a lot of buzz about changes to the present system, with NEP around the corner. In that context, let us first process the rudimentary causes as to why there is a desperate need for change.

Curriculum: India has been following the same pattern of education since independence. Does our current curriculum cater to the present needs of the society, country, world and of course! Employment sector. No! Subjects like history and geography need to be taught by making connections to the present. Otherwise, students do not understand the relevance of learning about the past.

Math needs to show us how scientific discoveries & inventions and commercial trade and commerce necessitated conceptualization of new Math concepts. Science subjects ought to make us wonder “How was this discovered/invented? Can I do the same?” Curriculum also needs to be linked to the interests of the students and the skills needed for 21st century jobs. We never knew that aspiring to become a doctor would mean spending a good number of years writing exams on subjects that weren’t related to “medicine”, and spending another five years in order to become a doctor. How about giving students (middle school onwards) a choice of subjects from which to choose? Students can pick those subjects that excite them and those that will contribute to their career ahead.

Apart from content knowledge, the skills that will help one succeed in 21st century jobs are creative thinking, problem solving and quick decision making. Does the education system focus on these skills?

Assessments, marks and grades: Right now, the education in India is highly “marks” oriented. Sure, we started off as kids who were taught that learning is fun and ought to be driven by curiosity. But with periodic exams & tests and emphasis on “marks”, soon enough, the only reason a student studies anymore is to get good grades. There is a constant pressure to perform, leading to stress, mental health problems and anxiety. Exams were meant to be a means to suggest where the student stands and where he / she needs to go, but scores and marks soon became an end in themselves. Moreover, half of these tests/exams test memory rather than actual understanding. This results in students developing a disinterest towards learning.

A child’s full potential can never be unlocked if the curriculum and assessments are not tapping into the same. In the same context, I do not see the purpose behind Board exams and personally, I think they could be replaced with alternate assessment mechanisms. If a student seeks admission to a higher educational institution, entrance exams and personality tests could be sufficient criteria.

Amidst all this, NEP is a ray of hope inching towards these changes.

While the above are long term policy changes that are undoubtedly needed, the current pandemic situation has surely rattled the way education is imparted. Technology enabled online learning is the new trend, necessitated by the need for social distancing. This online mode of learning has gone down really well with me. I have always wanted to try homeschooling. Now that I’ve got a taste, well a spoonful really, (It’s been more than a year!) it’s something that I’m enjoying. The E- mode of learning seems to be here to stay post the pandemic as well. As much as students enjoy writing down pages of notes, and teachers, the smell of chalk, this extended period of online schooling paves the way for technology-enabled learning.

In all, there are many perspectives to the system of education in India. It’s a developing system; the government, education administrative agencies and institutions have all been accommodating the basic changes for coping up with the dynamic 21st century environment, but I hope we soon see drastic changes for the better.

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Ekya / May 24, 2023

Fun in Sun: Ekya School Summer camps designed for children to Explore, Learn & Play

Source: Brain Feed
Summer camps are a great way for children to spend their holidays in a meaningful and productive manner. These camps not only provide a fun and enjoyable experience but also offer opportunities for children to learn and develop new skills. They allow children to learn new skills, make new friends and have fun while staying active and engaged. With this in mind, Ekya Schools and CMR NPS organized series of camps with an array of activities planned that cater to a range of interests and ages. The camps are being led by experienced and qualified instructors ensuring safety, enjoyable experience and engaging environment for children across ages. The camp began with a meaningful excursion to Munnar as a part of the Outbound Learning Pogram organized for children of Ekya Schools and CMR NPS exclusively, where children got to trek, go kayaking, watching and learning tea picking, and learning the process of tea making, enjoying the natural surroundings of tea estates, activities like raft building, watching martial arts of Kerala, etc. At Ekya Schools and CMR NPS, keeping in mind the benefits of organizing summer camps for its students, they have started offering a variety of courses and skill-based activities. Customized activities like LEGO Robotics / Coding and Robotics, Public speaking and creative writing skills, Art Courses like Drama & Speech, Theatre, Sculpturing and Art on bottle, Warli Art, Paper Mache Pots, etc. Performing arts like Hip-hop dance, Indian Modern dance, Sports activities like Swimming, Basketball, Skating, Karate, and many such personality development programmes have been a part of Summer Camps for students of Ekya, CMR NPS and others who wish to participate. Camps are held on several Ekya School campuses. The best part is that kids from any school may come to our campus, participate in camps and have a good learning and fun time by enrolling into the Summer Camps. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Anamika Radhakrishnan, Head – Student Development, Ekya Schools said, “The summer camps at Ekya School and CMR NPS are designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to learn and grow. Our educational programs are specifically tailored to develop cognitive and social skills and focus on physical fitness and overall wellbeing. Through various activities, we aim to encourage children to be active and engage in physical exercise, which is crucial for their holistic development. With a team of experienced and qualified educators, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that equips children with the necessary skills to succeed in the 21st century. At Ekya Schools, we are committed to creating a learning environment that fosters children’s holistic development.”

Ekya / May 24, 2023

Bee-lieve it! Students of EKYA School introduced to the new Bee Hotel Initiative to promote sustainability

Source: Education World
While options for summer camps are aplenty, Ekya school in Bengaluru is offering its students an innovative summer assignment- to raise bees. To encourage sustainability initiatives and promote the importance of environmental conservation, Ekya Schools has collaborated with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in their one-of-a-kind ‘Bee Hotels’ initiative. Interested students from all five branches of Ekya have opted for the Bee Hotel and will be participating in the activity. These bee hotels will be looked after by the students during the summer vacation. This initiative targets studying solitary bees in Bengaluru. Experts believe that unlike honeybees, solitary bees do not build hives or display any aggressive behaviour, making it safe for children. Ekya School Byrathi hosted an interactive talk about conserving biodiversity in cities where students interacted with researchers from ATREE. Dr Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools and Provost, CMR University, said, “We have introduced the Bee Hotels as we firmly believe in the importance of transcending the limits of the classroom and raising our students’ awareness of the world they inhabit. Moreover, the Bee Hotel initiative engages the entire family by facilitating collective learning about sustainability and conservation”. “We believe that our students must understand the impact of their actions on the environment,” said Smriti Agarwal, Head of School, Ekya School Byrathi. “By implementing this initiative, we are not only creating a secure environment for bees but also educating our students about the significance of sustainability and conservation.” Students will be recording their observations on the Bee Hotel App. These observations will help further the research program at ATREE to integrate these important pollinators into urban life.

Ekya / May 24, 2023

Gautam Aravindan: A Compassionate Youth Paving the Way for Robotics With A Purpose

Source: Edugraph

The soft hum of electronics filled the air as Gautam Aravindan tinkered with his latest creation in his room. It was a 3-degree of freedom (DOF) camera positioning system for machine vision, and it was his most ambitious project yet. As just a second-year PU student at CMR National Pre-University College, ITPL, Gautam had already made significant strides in the field of robotics and electronics, driven by a passion that had sparked in him at a young age.

Recently, he presented his projects in electronics, robotics, and single-board computers at CMR National PU College. The session covered basic sensors and actuators, delved into the world of robotics using a robotic arm controlled using a Raspberry Pi and a remote control, and discussed the exciting potential of single-board computers. Gautam conducted the session to spread awareness to his peers regarding the amazing potential of the world of robots and computing and that there are no age constraints to building robots. He hoped to have inspired his peers to explore it further.

It all started when Gautam saw a robot on TV and was fascinated by its functionalities. From that moment, his interest in electronics and computing only grew, leading him to explore distinct ventures of robotics and ultimately becoming a field he wished to pursue when he grew older. With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping him indoors, Gautam utilized his time to learn the fundamentals required to build projects related to electronics, robotics, and single-board computers.

Amidst the pandemic, Gautam upskilled himself and expanded his knowledge, creating several impressive projects. From a Laser Security system for safety purposes to a reverse parking system using a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, he had done it all. He had even created several 3-D printed and designed home-based products, such as laptops and mobile stands.

During his journey, Gautam encountered various challenges that strengthened his persistence and determination to achieve his goals. For example - Amid the pandemic, when he couldn't access the required components for his projects, he dismantled his old toys and repurposed them for his work. And with every challenge after that, Gautam's unwavering dedication towards his projects sharpened his problem-solving abilities.

Amongst his numerous projects, Gautam had a particular social concern he wished to address using robotics and electronics - the growing necessity for elderly care. Gautam believes these fields have a wide range of applications and could be used to solve several real-world problems and assist in research ventures. He hopes to address this issue by building a robotic companion for the elderly based on their respective needs.

For people interested in learning more about robotics, technology, and computers, here’s what Gautam suggests - “Explore these ventures in-depth using the Internet. Take advantage of e-learning platforms that offer paid and free courses with certification. Get hands-on exposure by building projects - using beginner electronics kits which are easily accessible on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, etc”.

Gautam Aravindan's dedication to electronics, robotics, and single-board computers is impressive, and his work is an inspiration to many. His passion for these fields has led him to undertake several impressive projects and has given him a broader perspective on the role of these technologies in society. His work on building a robotic companion for the elderly is a testament to his commitment to solving real-world problems through technology. Gautam's journey in this field is one to watch out for, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.

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Call of the Great Outdoors Beckon Schoolchildren

Source: Summer Camp

"Kids cannot get enough of summer camps after a covid hiatus and schools say it is a good way to improve social skills and fitness levels"

After a hiatus of two years, summer camps are back in schools, and students cannot get enough of the outdoors.

Hiking, kayaking, zip-lining, swimming, and sports such as football and badminton are only some of the activities that schools have gotten back to as the fear of Covid-19 wanes. The majority of the schools are organizing these non-academic activities to boost children’s creativity and at the same time, keep them entertained.

CMR National Public School, an adventure camp called ‘Trail to Trek’ is helping the children reconnect with nature post-pandemic. “The last two years have filled the minds of the students with a lot of digital time and have infused anxiety, depression, and obesity. We decided to create an opportunity for them to connect with nature and exercise outdoors,” says Swati Soni, head of school, CMR National Public School.

According to her, they spent quality time educating students about the importance of the environment and some basic survival tricks, which will help in improving strength, agility, reduced stress, cardio fitness, peer bonding, and overall health. “We have always understood that children learn through experience, so we allowed them to explore their trail to trek at their own pace.”

Schools say, while most children are back on campus, many are lagging in social development. However, the activities planned under summer camps will help them in spending their vacation productively and experience fun learning with lots of stimulating activities.

“Our summer sports camp in football, badminton, swimming, and hockey has already started along with an online summer chess camp by renowned professionals. Children will also get to interact with their peers and take part in activities that will boost their mental and physical health,” said Aloysius D’mello, Principal, Greenwood High International School.

While these activities during summer vacations were common before the pandemic, schools say the response this year has been overwhelming. Both student and parent communities have come forward and physical interactions are finally happening on campuses.

“The number of participants is rising every day. We can see children running around and exercising which is important looking at the kind of experience they have gone through in the last two years. We started the camp on April 4 and we have received an overwhelming response. Parents are driven toward getting children in this setting,” said Anita Bijesh, principal, Delhi Public School, Bangalore South.

Ensuring fruitful vacation sessions this year, schools say the summer camps have brought students out of their covid bubble. “After almost a two-year break, students had the opportunity to step outdoors, connect and explore nature. We also had the chance to understand their fitness levels and their emotional progress when exposed to rustic hiking and adventure activities. Their excitement knew no bounds,” said Ayesha Sirajuddin, head of south campuses, Ekya Schools. The parents have had concerns about children’s behavioral and health issues due to the pandemic outbreak. Health experts say these activities will play a crucial role in reinstating physical and mental health.

“Outdoor activities allow children to enjoy fresh air and sunlight and bring them closer to nature. They engage in social interactions which develop empathy, collaboration, and cultural competence,” said Dr. Harish Kumar, consultant, pediatrics & pediatric intensive care, Aster CMI Hospital.

According to him, such activities also build strength, fight fatigue and improve sleep. Moreover, since children will be exposed to sunlight, their bone and mental health will improve too.

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Why training and upskilling teachers regularly is need of the hour?

Source: Training and Upskilling

Sreepriya Unnikrishnan, Head of School, Ekya School, JP Nagar, Bengaluru

The education industry is booming and we have witnessed a profound change in the field of education. Rapid development and skill enhancement for teachers are the need of the hour. Chalkboards have transformed into whiteboards and PowerPoint presentations. Access to new tools and technology has made education convenient across all the platforms. Hence, students have a plethora of material at the tip of their fingers. To provide quality education, students require a guide, and this is where the professional teacher comes into the picture. Teaching is an evolving skill because a good teacher needs to keep on upskilling herself to be able to engage the students productively in the class and ensure the intended outcome in our learners.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education creating a huge learning gap among students and many teachers. Teachers had to adopt the latest technology and methods to teach online. It was difficult for them to connect with each student emotionally online and understand their problems. Nevertheless, all the teachers acted as saviours during the tough times and guided students adequately. Few initiatives that demonstrate effective teaching in the classroom which will lead to the overall development of Teachers and Students are:

Induction and Orientation Program

It is important to organize induction and orientation sessions for new and existing teaching faculty. The training is provided with an aim to upskill all teachers with the academic year’s priorities. Few key sessions to be included such as;

  • Innovative pedagogical approaches
  • Advanced technological tools for online classes
  • Classroom management and school culture setting
  • Content-specific cohorts
  • Organizational vision and policies
  • Effective teaching and learning practices 

Continuous Learning Program

It is one of the pivotal parts of the teaching-learning process. Workshop emphasis on updating them with the latest research in the education field. Teachers should be given opportunities to develop their ways of teaching and learning throughout the year. Orientation programs are just a kick-start to this process. Under this, one can conduct various programs mentioned below;

  • Learning programs that provide educators with the tools they need to foster the development of emotional, social, and ethical intelligence for students and themselves.
  • Year-Long self-paced Massive open online course (MOOC), a model for delivering learning content online to any person who wants to take a course, with no limit on attendance
  • Summertime learning opportunities
  • Campus PDs (Boot Camps): Facilitating intercampus best practices sharing events
  • Campus-wise session: Based on the campus’s requirement
  • Faculty Development Programs: These are weekly sessions catering to the diverse learning needs of the school

The shortage of skilled and qualified teachers is a major problem that has plagued the education system. Skilled teachers are vital to ensure quality education, promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, and prepare students for a dynamic future. Nowadays, kid-to-professional learners have become smart and hence educators need to be one step ahead. Also, this will further help teachers come up with various teaching methods through the adoption of correct procedures to gain students’ confidence and help them to learn more effectively.

Teaching and learning go hand in hand

Great teachers identify students’ talent and encourage them for a better future. It enhances confidence and skills in the students for engaging with the teachers regularly. Providing workshops and inclusive training will make teachers more productive and give them more time to focus on the student instead of paperwork. Many teachers spend most of their time on student evaluations, curriculum development, and other paperwork in addition to the hours spent on classroom preparation.

Subject Enhancement & Management

Teachers should implement the latest developments related to their subject in their classrooms. For example, a math teacher can use upcoming technology to make learning fun in the classroom such as Globatoria, geometry pad, math playground, dragon box, etc. Tools make it easier for teachers to plan their lessons according to the sessions.

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