Mentor Volume 11 Issue 05

RINVITATION to WRITE Share your thoughts! Tech Savvy Schools Quality Teaching Matters 21st Century School : Aesthetic SchoolCreating a Safe School Environment : Jaya Bhardwaj, Dr. Ravinder Singh Panwar Disabled Friendly School Premises : Madhu Singhal Share your thoughts and opinions on any of the topics above, and we’ll publish it in Mentor!* You can also send your article on “Teacher Retention” under any of the following categories: School Pedagogy, School Governance, School Innovation, or School Leadership.Word limit: 1,300 words | email: [email protected] | Submission deadline: 18 October | Email subject:“Mentor Magazine”* Subject to editorial discretion www.lxl.in

CONTENTSOctober 2017 | Volume 11 | Issue 05 | ₹ 40MENTOR THOUGHTS5 17Sultan Speaks Inside the mind of a leaderA lm festival that opens gates to learning beyondboundaries -Ms. Priya Peter, Mussoorie International School30 Be ready to learn, unlearn and relearnToday A Reader, Tomorrow A Leader 15Reading trends among Indian kids Inclusive Education34 Education at grassrootTogether We Stand, Divided We Fall SCHOOL LEADERSHIPCollaborative leadership is the solution 23SCHOOL PEDAGOGY Mind Mapping6 The gateway to fun teaching learning in schoolsJoyful Classroom Learning SCHOOL INNOVATIONLearning should be a joyous and full of excitement 269 Rote learning Is A PasseContextual Teaching Learning New age schools disapprove rote learningParticipation of students in teaching-learning process 28SCHOOL GOVERNANCE Bilingual Education12 Engage in communication via more than oneBeyond Boundaries languageInternationalism - a modern religion which must bepractised alongside other religions A Venture ofPublisher & Owner: Syed Sultan Ahmed Editor-in-Chief: Kalpa Kartik All Rights Reserved 2016Content Team: Parul Pandey & Upasana Jaipuria Designed by: Uday S EduMedia Publications Pvt. Ltd.Production: Praveen U.M., Sathish C., Guna V. Printed by: ManojPrinted at: Elegant Printing Works, #74, South End Road, Basavangudi, Bengaluru - 560 004.NOTICE:Authors/contributors are responsible for the authenticity of information they provide in the article. The publishers do not accept liability for error or omissions contained inthis publication. By submitting letters/emails or other publication materials to Mentor Magazine the author/contributor agree that it is the property of Mentor Magazine.All communication to Mentor Magazine must be made in writing. No other sort of communication will be accepted. All decisions regarding publishing of an article is theprerogative of the publisher and editorial team of Mentor Magazine. Mentor Magazine is owned and published by EduMedia Publications Pvt. Ltd. for and on behalf of Mr.Syed Sultan Ahmed. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts and forums in Bengaluru City.

The Making of a Successful Leader Shagun SikkaMs. Shagun Sikka, Principal of Rockford Senior Secondary Public School, Una (Himachal Pradesh) has earned her Master's Degree in Education and Philosophy. Prior to Rockford, she has worked at Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Mehar Chand College of Education Bhanopli andPine Grove College of Education, all in Punjab.What are the building blocks that make an Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligenceEfficient School Leader? What are the Do’s and along with other qualities in great leaderDont’s of Leadership? Educators as leaders empowers them to be empathetic and inspireoften wonder about such questions whenever trust in their staff.they face challenges.“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way Judgment: Making a right call is what help youand shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell gain trust as it is not simply a matter of acting alone, it is also about involving others andThese lines are not as simple to follow as they taking people forward together.sound but thankfully, they are neither asdifficult as we often assume. Leadership often Resilience: Being the head is at times grueling.seems to be a tough job but in reality it can be But staying optimistic, resilient, calm in a crisismade much easier by the following and still having the energy and positivity isfundamental elements like: what matter most. It is more about knowing yourself and having personal strategies so youVision: It is easy to dismiss the concept of are able to steady yourself in stormy waters.'vision' as vague and woolly, but the best schoolleaders are visionaries with a clear sense of Persuasion: Confident communicators andpurpose and an action plan to shape the future. storytellers, persuader and a great listener, a leader with all these qualities can make aCourage: Great determination with the difference.willpower and patience to see things throughmakes a person a successful leader. They are Curiosity: Curiosity in leaders is necessary forrisk takers and are steadfast in challenging creative thinking. A successful leader isuntoward situations. someone who is outward looking and curious. Someone who is ready to keep one foot outsidePassion: Passion for teaching, learning and the school looking at what's going on elsewherestrong commitment helps Leaders retain their and picking up good ideas. This make leadersvision. excellent networkers and great opportunists. 4 [email protected]

SULTAN SPEAKS [email protected] A Festival that opens gates to learning beyond boundariesSeptember brought a lot of cheer at LXL have partnered with the Culture House of Iran Ideas as 6 of our films made it to 5 and Children’s Film Festival Seattle to bring different International Children’s Film some of the world’s best Children’s FilmsFestivals in Boston, Chicago, San Diego, Lahore exclusively to our students. The festival willand New Delhi. However, this is not something feature films from over 25+ countries. In thisnew for us as more than often we receive era of screens and visual medium, it isaccolades for our School Cinema Films. In fact, imperative for schools to educate studentstill date, over 300 of our films have been about the fine art of cinema and IKFFI is aselected for various International Children’s great way to introduce our children to theFilm Festivals. magic of meaningful cinema. This is the opportunity for Schools to independently hostOver the years, I have had the privilege of a Film Festival in their premises by organisingtravelling across the globe to witness several a special screening for their students, inviteFilm Festivals that I thoroughly enjoy as the neighbouring schools, having familyfilms screened there are normally not available screenings and after-school screenings. IKFFIanywhere else. Such Festivals screen films with is the best way to celebrate Children’s week inthe diversity of languages and cultures, cover schools as it aims to bring inspiring,issues that can make you pause and think and meaningful and globally diverse cinema totheir innovation in the art of filmmaking leaves school students. To encourage young talentyou with questions that rarely ever get raised. IKFFI will also have a Students Film MakingThey also provide us a chance to interact with Contest.I invite you to partner with us andthe filmmakers' fraternity. I have noticed that organise IKFFI in your school. You canChildren’s Film Festivals around the world r e g i s t e r o n l i n e at w w w. l x l . i n o r c a l lscreen amazing content and as an educator, I +919019111110.feel our children should get exposed to suchthought-provoking content. The challenge, As a partner school, my team will provide youhowever, is that the Film Festivals organised online/telephonic support to organise theare very few and with limited accessibility. I festival. You will get an exclusive access key toalways wanted to create a Film Festival that is screen the films in your school and a step-by-democratic and accessible to children step Film Festival Guide. This Children's Dayinhabiting even the remotest parts of India. host a Film Festival in your school. Register now and bring the best of world cinema to yourThis November, my dream will become a school!reality when we will launch the 1stInternational Kids Film Festival of India Syed Sultan Ahmed,(IKFFI) celebrating 'Children's Week'. We Managing Director, LXL Ideas 5

PEDAGOGY www.lxl.in Joyful Classroom Learning Beena RaoMs. Beena Rao, a Planner and Strategist, has 35-years of experience in Policy Formulations, Managing Administration and Operation in the education sector, Teacher Training, and Curriculum Planning and Development. An Educational Consultant, she is also the owner ofBeena Rao Consultants and provides transformational educational services to schools. She has receivedNational Mahila Rattan, Gold Medal by Indian Solidarity Council, Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puraskar byInternational Institute of Education and Management, Shiksha Bharti Puraskar by All India AchieversFoundation, Indira Gandhi Excellence Award by International Business Council, Bharat Gaurav Award byAssociation for Economic Growth and Development, Best Educationalist Award by Indian SolidarityCouncil, and Bharat Gaurav Award by India International Friendship Society.The true aim of everyone who aspires to be a tell when his/her influence stops. As teachers,teacher should be, not to impart his own we always want to create joy in the classroomopinions, but to kindle minds. The mediocre as it facilitates more and certainly fasterteacher tells the good teacher explains, the learning. The challenge is HOW do we createsuperior teacher demonstrates BUT, the great joyful learning in the classroom? How do weteacher inspires. infect our students with enthusiasm? How do we bring fun and joy in the classroom?“Learning should be joyous and full ofexcitement. It is life's greatest adventure; it is Why are our schools not places of joy? Now, aan illustrated excursion into the minds of the generation later, if you were to ask students fornoble and the learned.” a list of adjectives that describe the school, I doubt that joyful would make the list. TheIn short joyful learning is, \"Engaging, hearts and minds of children and young adultsempowering, and playful learning of are wide open to the wonders of learning andmeaningful content in a loving and supportive the fascinating complexities of life. But, thecommunity. Through the joyful learning school still manages to turn that into a joylessprocess, a student is always improving experience.knowledge of self and the world.\" Werecognise, however, that joy is experienced So, what can schools and teachers do to bringindividually and that context matters a great some joy into children's formal education?deal. If this is indeed so, then let's embark on Children typically spend six to seven hoursthe journey of making education a joyful each day in school for nearly ten months eachexperience. What happens inside schools has a year. During the school year, children generallydeep and lasting effect on the mindsets that spend more time interacting with their teacherschildren develop toward lifelong learning. A than with their parents. As educators, we haveteacher affects till eternity and one can never the responsibility to educate and inspire the 6

OCTOBER 2017child’s—mind, heart, and soul. Why do people sheer sake of doing it. If we want students tolearn? I don't mean inside school—I mean experience more flow in school—if we wantlearning as a part of life. Surely a large part of them to see school and learning as joyful—weour learning is necessary for survival and a need to rethink how and what we teach. Nobasic quality of life. longer can schooling be primarily about creating workers and test takers, but rather“ Children about nurturing human beings. By helping students find the pleasure in learning, we can experience joy make that learning infinitely more successful. when they feel a sense of We may transform unused and sterile spots in consistency, the classrooms into places for small groups of independence, students to work, cozy nooks for kids to read or and order within write, fill a foyer with plants and flowers, their community provide a large wall to the students to create and paint a mural. We can turn outdoor spacesBut there is another, entirely different reason into gardens, sculpture parks, walking paths,to learn. Learning gives us pleasure. Some love and quiet reading areas, immerse students in ato learn about cars, others love to learn about culture of good books.history, and some find great joy in learning howto dance. For the legions of children who have a special affinity for the visual an applied arts or sports,Learning is a state in which people are so classes in these subjects are golden times forinvolved in an activity that nothing else seems them to experience joy in school. We can alsoto matter; the experience itself is so enjoyable make assessments a more positive experience.that people will do it at even great cost, for the We need to help students understand the value of assessment. We also need to rethink 'failure.' Our schools see failure as a bad thing. But adults know that failure is a vital part of learning. If we want students to be charged with enthusiasm, if we want them to see school and 7

PEDAGOGY www.lxl.in 'teamwork' atmosphere Ÿ showing them that you care for them and promoting fairness Ÿ encouraging them, celebrating their success, thanking them for their effortslearning as joyful, we need to rethink how and Children experience joy when they feel a sensewhat we teach. Let them enjoy learning as well of consistency, independence, and order withinas they enjoy games. We need to find ways to their community. Joy happens when theincrease laughter in the classrooms. Students children are free to make mistakes and learncan be made to create newspapers and from them. If a child does not know how to zipmagazines, brochures, stories, picture books, up his coat, or where to put his lunch box, heposters, PowerPoint presentations, interviews, knows that he is free to ask a friend to help himoral histories, models, diagrams, blueprints at any time. Joyful environments are safeand floor plans, plays and role-plays, mock places to learn. We need to make sure thattrials, photographs, paintings, songs, surveys, everyone in our classroom (adults included)graphs, documentary videos etc. We as gets a chance to take 'brain breaks' at least onceteachers need to discover new things together a day. Whether it is doing a mobile activity orand incorporate mystery into the lessons. We just looking at a book in the reading corner,need to laugh at our students' jokes, replace taking a break to regroup your mind and bodylectures with conversations. is a good thing. Sometimes, we need to understand that not having all the answers is“We also need to just fine. A classroom cannot be a joyful place unless teachers take care of themselves both rethink ‘failure mentally and physicallyJoy can be implemented by: A classroom is not a place where the teacher is aŸ fostering a sense of independence and order preacher and the students are the listeners. It'sŸ having a love and enthusiasm for life and about the success of the whole team (teacherŸ by having a sense of humility and students). We can teach our students in aŸ using activities that keep the kids engaged joyful and happy environment by involving them in every part of the lesson. Do-it- and the lesson moving smoothly yourself, student-to-student teaching, project-Ÿ involving all students and promoting a based learning, and student-centered learning environments are some of the more encouraging programmes. Teachers are designers of learning and can create experiences tailored to suit their outcome. If we \"re-professionalise\" teachers as designers, they can create their own scripts for what they want students to learn. This will result in building mutual trust and respect are created rather than confrontation. Change is inevitable and there is a bright new hope on the educational horizon. 8 [email protected]

OCTOBER 2017Contextual Teaching LearningDr Ravinder Singh PanwarDr. Ravinder Singh Panwar has earned his Ph.D. in Education and holds M.Sc. (Botany), M.Ed. and MBA degrees. He has rich experience of 22-years in K-12 Education. Dr. Panwar has been honoured by Human Resource Development Ministry of India as an Efcient School Leader andis also a recipient of the International School Certication from British Council. He has also presented atthe International Conference for School Leaders at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in December2016. Dr. Panwar grooms young educationists into leaders with his motivational workshops. His articleshave been Published in Times of India, Modern Education Review, and other dailies. He is an ExpertReviewer for the series of Science Books in Mac Millan & Frank Brothers and has also givenpresentations/talks on All India Radio for the topics related to Science and School Education.A big chunk of Schools in our country have What is Contextual Teaching Learning (CTL)?been equipped with smart classrooms. Schools Contextual means 'included' or taking intoproudly announce smart classrooms in their consideration the surroundings. Contextualmarketing propaganda. However we need to Teaching Learning process involves thequestion, what percentage of teachers use participation of the students in the Teachingthem for lesson induction and concept and Learning process. It takes intobuilding? Sorry to state, but it's true that in consideration students' surroundings and thespite of the availability of fabulous teaching actual world. It is a learning process based onresources, many teachers are still using old real context.traditional teaching methodology in which thestudents simply listen to the explanation and In 2007, Hudson & Whistler defined CTL as acomplete their assignments. conception of teaching and learning that helps teachers relate the subject matter to real world situation and its application to the pupil's lives as family, citizens, and workers. In 2012, Satriani, Emilia, & Gunewan explained CTL theory as – “this theory emphasises on the students' interest and experience”. The main purpose is to co- relate the attained knowledge and its application to various contexts of their lives. The utility of CTL process: Ÿ Direct involvement of learners keep them connected with the topic Ÿ Learners become active participants which 9

PEDAGOGY www.lxl.in order to pass with a good percentage in B.Ed. examination, but we don't accept the written practises, we don't accept the contents from our inner core. Ultimately we feel comfortable with the way we were taught by our teachers during our school days. We say “it's easy to write about these innovative methods in books, it's easy to write the same in exam , it's easy to deliver the same in seminars and workshops, but the traditional way of teaching is successful for getting higher percentage in Board Exams, because ultimately that is the only thing which is going to matter”. enhance their concentration for the topic We have a number of excuses not to continueŸ It caters to all kinds of learners in one way doing same, but with changing requirements and trends, there is a need to change our or the other education system otherwise it will getŸ It develops concept building skills in the stagnated. learner “More than 95%Ÿ It instills problem-solving thought process of Indian in learners teachers are stillŸ Learners develop the skill to apply using the traditional knowledge in real life which is going to be methodology of one of the strongest life skill of the future teaching with teacher drivenThe Status Quo of teaching learning process in classesIndiaMore than 95% of Indian teachers are still Tips for teachers to adopt CTL:using the traditional methodology of teaching Ÿ Teachers need to declare a topic and act as awith teacher driven classes. In the B.Ed.curriculum, the most important and repeated source of invoking thought process amongsentence is “child centered teaching-learning the students about the topicprocess”. The Same sentence is repeated during Ÿ Begin the class through a very less timean interview for a teacher's job. The sentence is consuming audio/ visual/ open endedalso repeated again and again in various questioning in order to connect the learnersdocuments from the Education Department. with previous knowledgeIt is repeated several times Teachers'workshops, conferences and seminars. Severalbooks on the same are written (sold, boughtand read as well). But still, only 5% actuallyimplement it.Are our teachers ready to drift from traditionalto CTL process?The problem with us, is that we study well in 10

OCTOBER 2017Ÿ Categorise them with heterogeneous groups remains alert and participative throughoutŸ Teacher has to guide the learners with new the period Ÿ Has to accept different forms of the same facts and deliver the content as well as their answer i.e has to be more elastic and outcomes through discussion receptiveŸ The teacher has to be a smart participant in Ÿ The learning outcomes have to be noted discussion and has to ensure that the down on the board and handed over to the learners are focused on the topic students in the form of notes.Ÿ The teacher has to plan and execute smart way to complete the things in time, hence What School Leaders can do for adopting CTL in has to be a very good time manager their School:Ÿ Has to provide equal opportunity for Ÿ Awareness about CTL among the students expression and help the students that lag behind through literatureŸ Has to make sure that every student Ÿ Divide the teachers into heterogeneous groups for an open discussion about the CTL and its application possibilities with pros and cons Ÿ Let the group leaders express themselves with the outcomes of their group. Ÿ Motivate the teachers with CTL related ppts and formulate a policy with required modifications in the tips mentioned above for executing CTL Ÿ CTL is just a fragment of innovative and modern teaching learning process, we the educationists can bring a mass scale change in the TL process to equip our students and ourselves to be successful in the super tech savvy world of Robos, Binary fuel and the Horizon system 11 [email protected]

SCHOOL GOVERNANCE www.lxl.in Beyond Boundaries Jaskaran SinghJaskaran Singh holds M.A (English), B.Ed, and Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching English degrees from the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. He has also done various online certicate courses from British Council and Southampton University (United Kingdom). JaskaranSingh has taught English (elementary to upper-intermediate level) to the students of many nationalitiesincluding Magnolia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Benin, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Laos. Presentlyhe is serving in Birla Public School, Pilani as English Communication Skills Trainer. Many of his articleshave been published in reputed magazines and dailies including The Times of India Publication (TheSpeaking Tree).“Sir, Taiwan has been hit by an earthquake, brotherhood and Aryaman's concern for the170 people have died there,” said Aryaman, one safety of the people of Taiwan was a clearof my students, with anxiety written large on indication that the seeds of Global Citizenshiphis face and a tone of concern in his voice while were sprouting in the minds and hearts of mywe were walking towards the school students.auditorium for the morning assembly. “Arethose students safe? Can we get in touch with Integration of internationalism into thethem?” said Aryaman without waiting for my curriculum of schools is the latest trend in theresponse to his first statement. 'Those students' school education. I, being one of the membersmentioned by Aryaman referred to the of the Internationalism Committee of mystudents with whom my students had an school, have experienced that if put intointeraction through video conferencing as part practise concertedly and effectively, theof celebration of the 20th anniversary of the concept of Global Citizenship can work as aTime Project (a multilingual and intercultural unifying force. Preparing and discussingglobal communications project for elementary international issues like the Plight of Refugees,and secondary schools, initiated for and Human Rights, Gender-Based Discrimination,developed in cooperation with the UNESCO Peace and Reconciliation etc. through videoAssociated Schools Project Network) on conferencing with their counterparts fromNovember 27, 2015 and the earthquake in other countries, I always notice my studentsTaiwan happened on 06 Feb 2016. Though it are not only getting insights into these issueswas a sad news but there was a reason for me to and feel motivated to contribute to solve thesefeel pleased also because such interactions of issues but they also develop a feeling ofmy students with other students across the friendship or affinity with the students whomworld were aimed at uniting the youth of they interact with and ultimately a bond ordifferent faiths and cultures through dialogue connect is formed with their countries. Iand cultivate a feeling of universal sometimes feel elated that I am helping my 12

OCTOBER 2017school to produce students who will grow up broadened outlook of the students and bring awith a vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam perceptible change in their perspectives withembedded in their psyche and that is what we student exchange programmes with theneed to overcome many problems afflicting the schools of other countries and participating inyouth across the world. The concept of a international conferences organised by theborderless world may have utopian Round Square and other such internationalconnotations but there is no second opinion school organisations.that the boundaries or the borders present inour minds in the form of prejudices, I personally feel that the Internationalism isfanaticism, chauvinism etc. can be erased like a modern religion which we must beespecially when we are in an impressionable practise alongside our other religions. I have noage. qualms about calling internationalism a religion because, like every religion it teaches“ Internationalism peace, harmonious existence, universal brotherhood and inspires youth to strive for a teaches us peace, better world. What more do we expect from a harmonious religion? existence, universal brotherhood and inspires youth to strive for a better worldIt was really a touching gesture on the part of The most important aspect of the integrationthe students of our school (a fully residential) of internationalism is the intercultural skills.unanimously deciding to celebrate a cracker- The intercultural skills are beautifullyless Diwali and donate the money to CRY formulated in the CEFR (Common European(Child Rights and You). The bond or connect Framework of Reference for Languages.also gets manifested when they express their CEFR, 2001, p.104). These include, the abilitydesire to visit refugee camps and other such to bring the culture of origin and the foreignsites during global tours; read and collect more culture into relation with each other. Culturalinformation about the culture of the countries sensitivity and the ability to identify and use a(on their own) with the students of which they variety of strategies to contact those frominteract through blogging and video other cultures. This give capacity to fulfill theconferencing as part of the Global Citizenship role of cultural intermediary between one'sor Global Competence training. These are someof the 21st century skills taught by our schoolIt doesn't take much effort to discern the 13

SCHOOL GOVERNANCE www.lxl.inown culture and the foreign culture that can citizenship and creating a Global Community.help to deal effectively with intercultural We, the educators and especially the languagemisunderstanding and will give the students teachers can contribute towards a better worldability to overcome stereotyped relationships. by integrating internationalism and global competence to the school curriculum instill itMore and more people are becoming aware of among the students with concerted efforts.the fact that there is interdependence amongnations along with revolutionary Let's embrace internationalism as anadvancements in communication technology integrated part of our teaching and help unitehave facilitated greater contact among people the world by bringing the youth of the worldacross the world. together. Let's create opportunities for the youth of the world to interact with each other,It is not a rocket science that local problems are know each other's perspective and plan andin fact intertwined with wider social processes work for a better world, which they visualiseon the international level. The schools can play and aspire to inhabit and inherit.a very important role in developing planetary 14 [email protected]

OCTOBER 2017Inclusive EducationUpasana JaipuriaMs. Upasana Jaipuria is currently a member of the content and creative team at LXL Ideas. She holds a Masters in Science in Natural Resources Management from The Energy and Resources Institute along with a B.ED. in Life Sciences. In addition to being a teacher, she has experience ofmore than ve years in the eld of environmental sciences. Ms. Jaipuria is also a gold medallist in hergraduate and postgraduate studies. Having cleared the UGC NET examinations, she has formerly beena lecturer at the Sunbeam College for Women, Varanasi. Before joining LXL Ideas, Ms Jaipuria was partof Young Development Fellowship Programme by Reliance Foundation where she travelled extensively tothe remote rural places of India to study the resource dynamics and its impact on development.Right To Education Odisha as compared to other Indian statesUnder the Indian Constitution, right to measures low on social and humaneducation has been placed next to the right to development indicators like Humanlife. Thus, denying education is equivalent to Development Index (HDI) and Genderviolating the fundamental right to live. Development Index (GDI). This State also lagsEducation is a one-time investment capable of behind the majority of states in 3Es namelyreaping long term economic benefits for any E n e r g y, E c o n o m y a n d E d u c a t i o n .country. From the socioeconomic and political Development here is slow with the tribalscontext of an economically prospering nation, inhabiting in remote forested pockets that areeducation is important both in terms of highly inaccessible to basic educationalsustaining growth and for converting its youth infrastructure.into a productive workforce. Koraput in Odisha is a part of KBK (Koraput,Today's education scenario is affected by Balangir and Kalahandi) districts, which arevarious barriers including lack of resources and the three most underdeveloped districts of thisgender discriminations to access basic services state. In addition to 89.9% of the populationand its entailed benefits. This gap is more inhabiting villages (Census of India, 2011),prominent for Rural India, making it a critical Koraput also comes under the Tribal sub planfactor for economic backwardness and overall region as more than 50% of the population iswell-being of individuals. Scheduled Tribe (Annual Action Plan for KBK Districts, 2008).Going to GrassrootsOne example of such disparity is the tribal In spite of several policies and schemes beingresidential schools in one of the most backward implemented for promoting educationand remote districts of an already amongst tribes, high illiteracy is still prevalentimpoverished state i.e. Koraput in Odisha. in tribal communities which have kept 15

SCHOOL GOVERNANCE www.lxl.inComposition of ST Students across classes in Residential Schools, UNICEF 20114500 Boys Girls4000350030002500200015001000 5000 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Koraput educationally backward. Koraput school infrastructure and difference in socio-ranks 23 and 30 out of thirty districts in cultural settings. Amongst infrastructuralOdisha in urban and rural literacy respectively. factors, enrollment in the schools seemed toKoraput has 14 blocks and all are labelled as depend on the accessibility of the school.educationally backward blocks (EBB) and Drop-outs of residents especially girls wasreceive funds through various schemes for attributed to non-functioning toilets andpromotion of education. One such scheme is bathrooms. In one of the school, a single toiletthe establishment of residential complexes for was being shared by 75 girls, which accordingtribal children close to their habitations to to the principal would affect their drop-outspromote enrollment and retention and better next year. In a few schools, due to inadequateeducational outcome. Koraput has 152 tribal classrooms, the classes were taking place inresidential schools, in which the number of girls hostel rooms and tin sheds.enrolled at primary level is higher as comparedto boys. However, the ratio reverses in upper- The multilingual scenario in classrooms asprimary level due to high drop-outs (United many tribal students spoke their uniqueNations International Children's Emergency language also made it difficult for the teachersFund, 2011). to teach them. The hostel rooms required major repair work. According to the female“Reasons for superintendent, this was resulting in increased drop-outs of girl residents. Only four out of drop-outs are nine schools had female teachers on board. poor school Although no direct correlation could be infrastructure established between the performance of and unique students and female teachers, psychologically socio-cultural parents and female students felt it was settings important for their development.The major reasons cited for drop-outs are poor Initiatives supporting infrastructure and socio-cultural settings are required at the grassroots level to help bring a quantitative and qualitative impact on education and bridge the gap between the privileged, urban and underprivileged rural population of India. 16 [email protected]

COVER STORY OCTOBER 2017INSIDE THE MIND OFA LEADERMs. Priya Peter, an alumna of All Saint's CollegeNainital, is the principal at Mussoorie InternationalSchool (MIS) , one of the finest all girls boardingschools in India. A graduate topper from KamounUniversity, Nainital, she subsequently went on to doPost Graduate in Literature, where again she topped.A passionate educationist with almost two decades ofteaching experience, she has had the privilege ofleading two of the best all girls schools. Prior to MIS,she was principal, Girls' High School & College,Allahabad, a more than 150-year-old institution, in2007, where she was the youngest principal in thehistory of the school established in 1861. She has anardent fervor and commitment for implementingeffective strategies in making teaching and learningenjoyable. It is her belief that surrounding girls withrole models is the secret recipe needed to build a schoolculture that is affirming and holistic, global andtraditional, joy-filled and girl-centric.What made you embark on this remarkable world motivates me to be there for them atjourney and what keeps you going every day? every step.When I started on this remarkable journey inthe field of education I realised that simple Tell us about you, about your story.things in life that layman may not understand I belong to the small hilly town of Nainital, myhave an extraordinary aspect. Taking up the childhood and my education took place in oneresponsibility of little ones and watching them of the very reputed institutions of Nainital, Allgrow into responsible citizens, gives me a Saints' College. My years there transformed mesatisfaction, which cannot be expressed into a nature-loving person. I am one of thosethrough words. Being a school leader you get an human beings who love to talk, not only withopportunity to observe the growth of your humans but also with animals. I got this traitstudents from being just a school girl/boy to due to my wonderful childhood days spentbecoming a leader, lawyer, economist, and amidst nature. My senses are strong as till date,entrepreneur. A tiny tot imitating you and I am nostalgic about some aromas andconsidering you as her/his role model gives an fragrances of my childhood. To state a few,immense pleasure, which no other field can give fresh smell of pine during the rainy season andyou. I would not deny the every smile and joy that of the forest are still my favouriteof each child I meet every day keeps me going, fragrances. I still remember, I used to lovetheir eyes filled with dreams to conquer the freshly baked bread and bun in that season and 17

COVER STORY www.lxl.in other affect them. As an educationist, I know who mentored me to what I am today. My mother, who was an educationist, made a very strong impact on me in my teenage years. She had her own way of handling children and for that they loved her and that always impressed me. She had once explained to me how important a teacher is in her/his students' life, what impact she/he has especially in a residential set-up. This motivated me to enter into the field of education as I wanted to changes lives in a way that could make a difference tomorrow.I still love to have them after a long morning Share an instance that tested your strength andwalk. I enjoy the simple things in life and take how did you overcome it?great pleasure in just breathing in the early I remember one particular instance when wemorning air. made games compulsory for all 5,000 plus students in our school and received unanimousTell us your core belief. disapproval of parents. They were opposing usI feel I am an adventurer and my motive is that because if this rule was implemented, they hadevery child under my mentorship should leave a to bring their children to school almost an hourmark in the world at large. early. While addressing those parents, I explained to them the importance of sports“I believe in the and games and surprisingly after that we received very positive responses. They not only motto 'Never cooperated with us but also helped us in Stop Learning', so creating a history in our school records for I am always having all students participate in the Sports ready to learn, Day be it in march past, drill, pyramid or any unlearn and other sports competition. From then onwards a relearn large number of our students regularly participate in different sports activities thusTell us about some of the instances that changed resulting in an increased number of District,your life? The instance that you felt was your State, and National Level participation.calling.Every human being goes through some life HOW?changing experiences which in one way or the How have you translated your aspirations into reality? I know that the values I have imbibed in my younger years have helped me reach where I am today. The following values have now become a part of my character, which helped my aspiration to become a reality. 18

OCTOBER 2017Ÿ Honesty and integrity are my persona and some standards, which I expect my team to I'm highly committed towards my follow, these are: responsibilities. The same is replicated by Ÿ I first work on 'We' not an 'I' culture. my colleagues and students. Ÿ Excellence- I feel, should not be an act but aŸ 'Optimism'- is my personal mantra for every habit. situation I face. I believe every event that is Ÿ I am firm with the values and the vision of occurring in our lives teach us something. the organisation, but I am also open toŸ I believe in the motto 'Never Stop changes required for the future generation. Learning', so I am always ready to learn, Ÿ Teaching and learning should be balanced unlearn and relearn. so that students can apply it in a realistic scenario.Ÿ I believe a leader should always be inspiring Ÿ Every student needs care and attention and approachable. If you do not stand up from their teachers. It is the teachers' duty for your values and ethics, you cannot and responsibility to focus on the inspire your team to work with perfection development of every student to help them that can match your expectations. become an extraordinary individual.Ÿ It is important to have a clear vision of “A team that where you want each of your students to reach. A visionary leader helps the knows its leader's organisation reach its true potential aspirations alsoŸ Another value which has become a habit for me is my ability to trust and empower knows how to others. 'A team that knows its leader's aspirations also knows how to work as a work as a team team.' I always first work on my team so that they know their potential and are able to accomplish goal oriented task as expected.Have you channeled your passion into your How have you impacted your school's growthpresent role as a leader? since your joining?Yes, I have been able to channel my passion I think my values and beliefs have helped ininto my present role as a leader, by creating bringing about a change in my institution. 19

COVER STORY www.lxl.inToday we have the best academic results in the follow different strategies for each student asregion. Our students are today leaving a mark per their learning abilities. One such strategyon different national and International was the completion of syllabus way before timeplatforms. Our alumni today are part of many and regular evaluation– both oral and written.known national and international universities. This facilitated us in improving our students'We want to know what your leadership performance thus yielding better board resultsstrategy is in the field of education and how and academic success.you implement it.I have a simple strategy that I am clear about- WHAT?what is best for the child in academics and interms of their social and emotional learnings What all changes have you brought about inand with the collaboration of my team we set your school that are parallel to your beliefs for agoals to reach the excellence in education. As a better future for children?team, we walk the talk of the school's vision, so There have been many changes that I feel havethat our goals are met. made an impact on my students. Following are some of the practises that have some“Optimism - is my remarkable impact on the system of our institution: personal mantra Ÿ Change in the school schedule for every situation I face incorporating specific time for all three aspects of education- academics, sports,Take us through the process of – ideation, plan and cultural events. I feel discipline inof action and execution of one of the best terms of time helps in being morepractises/ idea that you implemented in your organised.school. Ÿ Bringing in the best of educationalWe do not have one strategy for all, instead, we practises so that our students are well prepared from early years to face the challenges of life and its different aspects. Ÿ Reading practise- being a voracious reader 20

OCTOBER 2017myself, I believe reading makes you wiser. I confidence so that every child is able to learnhave tried to instill the habit of reading in and grow from the exposure they receive. my students by introducing reading “ Self-condence issessions.Ÿ To bring about the creativity of my a must in everystudents, I initiated special creativity hour for them. In the creativity hour, they can childbring out their creativity through writing or visuals. We help them create their ownpoetry books, illustrations etc. The aim is to What did you do to bring to life your aspirationsteach them 'if a person does what s/he loves for your school?doing, they can create wonders.' I have lived a very disciplined life. This habitŸ Upgradation of the school magazine - a has helped me achieve whatever I have everschool magazine mirrors the institution's aimed for and I want the same for my students.mission and vision. Our annual magazine I have tried to instill the same passion for abrings out the creativity of our students disciplined life in each member of myand represents the school values and ethos. institution.Ÿ Learning beyond the classroom- we as ateam encourage and guide our students for What is the future you want for your school?participating in various national and What future do you see for your school? Whatinternational conferences and exchange will you do to bridge the gap, if any.programmes. Today, our students are As an educationist, my final goal for thistraveling around the world attending such institution is to get its name included in the listprogrammes and getting more aware of the o f w o r l d ' s m o s t r e n ow n e d a c a d e m i cworld at large. institutions and also as the creator of leaders. My institution has the potential to become theWhat have you done in your school that best institution providing holistic developmentrepresents the belief system that you would like For every student. We have already started ourto instill in children? journey and with our pursuance andThis helps them conquer any situation that collaborate effort I see my school reaching thethey face in life. We believe in instilling pinnacle of educational structure soon. 21

COVER STORY www.lxl.in Chai time chit-chatTell us your life's journey all the way from your Tell us about someone who has had a significantfirst steps into a school to right this moment. impact in the making of the leader that you areIt was an exceptional and outstanding learning today.experience. My Mother.What made you embark on this journey of As a leader what kind of changes do you aspire toschool leadership? make in the future of education?My love for children. I want that each child should be respected for his/her uniqueness and his/her potential to beTell us about some life experiences that shaped horned accordingly to the uniqueness.you into the leader that you are today.My childhood and education in Nainital, my What is the most unexpected thing you'veupbringing by an educationist mother, my learned along the way as a leader?belief that I could make a difference in the life You need to be a “Pupils Person” to be a greatof many. leader.If you could pen down your mantra for Tell us 3 policies issued by the government thatmanaging a school into words, what would it be? was either a boon to the education in India or a“Discipline directs your dreams into reality!” bane and why? Ÿ Scrapping the 'No Detention Policy' forWhat was one of your most defining moments inlife? grade 5 and 8– it is a boon for theBecoming an educationist. educational structure. A defined educational need of each child will now beDo you think you choose this profession or did it essential and learning in this process willchoose you? help in creating developmental milestones.I choose the profession to change lives. But Ÿ ICSE, ISC schools now have mandatorysometimes, I think it was both ways the yoga classes- a boon again as I believe 'aprofession chose me and I let it. healthy body creates a healthy mind.' Ÿ Making Sanskrit and other IndianIf you could witness any event of the past, languages mandatory under Newpresent, or future, what would it be? Education Policy (NEP)- this too is a boonTo see my girls doing wonders in the world as our students would understand the richtomorrow. heritage of Indian Languages.Share one of the finest advices you have been Tell us about a technological innovation that yougiven that you still carry along with you today. want to implement in your school in the next 5“This too shall pass way” years. We already have a well-equipped science lab,Tell us a time when you learned something language, performing arts and visual arts,important outside of school. departments. In the coming five years, I wouldLove and respect for nature during my want to have more technological support sochildhood years. that our students can understand the international educational structure.22 [email protected]

OCTOBER 2017Mind MappingDr. Gargee MitraDr. Gargee Mitra is an Incharge Principal at the MAEER'S MIT School of Education and Research, Pune. She has a teaching experience of 12-years as a teacher educator and a Ph.D. in the area of Mind Mapping. She is also a visiting faculty at various Nursing Colleges in Pune since August2007. She is an approved counsellor and project guide for IGNOU B.Ed. and other certicate courses.She has 14 research papers published in various national and international journals and has attendedover 50 seminars and conferences. Dr. Mitra has delivered talks at various schools, colleges, andinstitutes on topics like Study Skills, Brain-Based Learning, Innovative Teaching Learning Strategies,Multiculturalism, Graphic Organisers – MindMapping, Concept Mapping, Evaluation, ClassroomManagement, Differentiated Instruction, Time Management, Teacher as a Reective Practitioner, etc.Examinations are an unavoidable reality of the root cause of failure of students to retainour education system and this article content was due to the stress carried by thehighlights the significance of using Mind Maps student learners. Mostly the forgetting inin our regular teaching learning process so that learners happens because information inthe maximum potential of the students can be working memory was never transferred to longexplored and tapped. Mind Maps which are an term memory (Slavin, 1997). Thus learners failindividualistic form of learning is an excellent to retrieve the information learnt at the roteblend of words, images, numbers, logics, level. Here, by using Knowledge Map one canrhythms, colour and spatial awareness in a facilitate the recalling of information byunique manner. Using the principles of transferring certain aspects into a graphicalstimulation, association and imagination it form.unfolds the immense potential of each learner.This article illustrates the need to develop mind Majority of the learners spend most of theirmapping culture and emphasises the teachers academic time trying to make some sense ofto undertake this initiative and be the the teaching material and ultimately land uptransformational agent. It is not a rocket doing rote learning. This is because we fail toscience but a simple technique on brain based captivate the learners by using sensoryresearch that can turn our classrooms into a stimulations like colours, music, aroma in ourlearners paradise. teaching learning process.Recalling and Retaining Content Each person's brain is unique and each oneEducationists and researchers are always in the forms a 'personal cognitive map'. Teachers,lookout for better ways to help students learn therefore, need to plan brain friendlybecause learning is a complex human environment for their students. Human brainbehaviour. There had been a lot of discontent is poorly designed for formal instruction andin the education field till people realised that teachers' fail to help students learn in 23

SCHOOL LEADERSSHIP www.lxl.inaccordance with the way the brain is naturally bunch of key words with visually appealingdesigned to learn, as they do not want to leave colours, pictures, and symbols. Moreover, notheir comfort zones. Change is inevitable and two individuals shall have the same mindwe need to change the rudimentary 'one size fits maps. Mind Maps are an individualised form ofall' approach. instruction where the creators' experiences and imaginations are reflected. Mind Map is a wholeWhat is Mind Mapping? brain thinking tool and stimulates the brainA Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique like no other graphic organiser.which provides a universal key to unlock thepotential of the brain. It harnesses the full Power of Mind Mapping:range of cortical skills – word, image, number, The power of Mind Mapping if transacted withlogic, rhythm, colour and spatial awareness – in a conscious effort will have a tremendousa single, uniquely efficient manner. A diagram impact. Mind Map has an immense power tothat is used to represent words, ideas, tasks or equip the student fraternity with skills thatother items linked to and arranged around a can boost their potential by multiple times.central key word or idea is called a Mind Map, The earlier we adopt the technique of mindoften referred as 'the Swiss army knife for the mapping the better it shall be for the studentbrain'. community to preserve their uniqueness in learning. Mind Map helps the learners to beThe principles of Mind Mapping are: more in sync with their surroundings thusStimulation, Association, and Imagination. creating a more sustainable learning community.How to Create a Mind Map? Mind Maps can help students embark on aThe information contained in a mind map is journey of self-discovery and blossom intothe same as that of any continuous form of students with diverse abilities. These studentstext but the most important difference is that can in their turn pass on the fun and activeinformation is not presented in lines and rows learning environment to the next generation ofusing a monotonous colour. Mind Map uses a learners. 24

OCTOBER 2017 chunks of information Ÿ Contribute in transforming assessments which are an unavoidable reality Ÿ Help in retention as graphic organisers are used to display information Ÿ Can be used for testing the previous knowledge of the learners; to develop the lesson during teaching; for brainstorming; for summarising; for evaluating the contentMind Mapping is a habit that we need to The effectiveness of mind maps has beendevelop in our learners. As, habits are often repeatedly validated by various researchers.learnt by imitation, the teachers serve as the Apart from gaining confidence, mind mapbest role models for students to learn and users have an extra edge over the non-users andeventually master this art. This will lead to a there seems to be no flip-side to using mindmore humanised and less mechanised learning maps except that you may become addicted toenvironment for students who need to be them.nurtured in an atmosphere of care,understanding, and respect while conserving Those who are technology addicted also needtheir uniqueness. not be disappointed as softwares are available to assist. Though I would personally alwaysWhy do we need to develop the Mind Mapping prefer the beginners to initiate with a hand-culture in our classrooms? drawn map and once they fall in love with thisMind Maps has multi-dimensional benefits to technique they may use softwares to ease theirevery learner at different stages. Some benefits efforts and create more maps in lesser time.are: Some popular softwares are iMindMap,Ÿ Add an aesthetic element to the classroom Concept Draw Mind Map, Novamind, MindMeister, etc. and help learners explore their creativityŸ Flexible and applicable to almost any topic, There is an urgent need to bring about the mind mapping revolution and the sole responsibility any subject and at all levels of initatiating this transformation lies with theŸ Sustain the interest of the learners by use teachers. We all should work towards bringing a mind map culture to the extent that people of colours, pictures, images, key words, follow and like each other's mind maps on personalised symbols, etc. Twitter, Facebook, and other social media.Ÿ An individualistic form of learningŸ Help students correlate between subjects Let mind mapping become a global and between different content phenomenon.Ÿ Provide a platform for learners to link the Let us revive the uniqueness in every learner. new learning with their past learning thus Let us gift the art of creativity to our children transferring it from short term memory to and promote a healthy learning behaviour. long term memoryŸ Assist in effectively representing greater Mind Maps are the much- needed break that our students are desperately awaiting in education. 25 [email protected]

INNOVATION www.lxl.in Rote learning is a passe Aditi MukherjeeMs. Aditi Mukherjee, the Principal of GEMS Akademia International School, began her career in 2000 as a Teacher. She has managed ICSE and ISC divisions of the School, Teacher Training, departmental Coordination, Introduction of E-Learning, and Board Examinations. She has alsobeen in-charge of the Academic Delivery and Quality Control. She became the founder Principal of UshaMartin School in 2010 and set up the new school Policy Formulation and Governance, StrategicObjectives and its Implementation. During her 17-year career she has also handled Curriculum Delivery,and other Administration processes from Recruitment to Mentoring and Handling Stakeholders. In 2012,Ms. Mukherjee became Principal of Vibgyor School, Bengaluru where apart from teaching English she isalso the Cost Centre Head managing people, systems and processes.Teaching pupils should start at the human actively participate in the learning processlevel. When natural curiosity is kindled in makes for a successful learning experience.students, as educators, we can be sure that the Teachers conduct experiments to demonstratelove and eagerness for learning will become scientific processes and children are encouragedtheir lifelong companion. Education is all to write reports on the same. This way, theyabout building characters, and not mere prove to the teachers how much they have'human robots' who work on commands. comprehended. This should ideally be theChildren have unique ways of recalling and process of teaching in class than rote learningretaining content and that uniqueness must be or the traditional lecture method that many ofrespected and supported by educational us have grown up doing!institutions. Age appropriate topics taught with the help of“New age schools experiments makes every lesson student centric and yields better understanding and disapprove rote retention. Today, teachers cannot just resort to learning notes, text books and lectures. With the advent and advancement of technology, a plethora ofIn fact, the education system has changed in options have become available for teachers,these years and teaching through creative students and parents. Keeping this in mind themethods are promoted by schools across the teaching learning process has also undergone acountry and around the globe. sea change. The process of teaching-learning cannot be conducted in isolation anymore.The uniqueness of pedagogy makes each school What was luxury, even a few years ago is aspecial and different from others. Activity necessity now. Projectors and audio visual aidsbased learning where students and teachers are extensively used in the day to day teaching 26

OCTOBER 2017 strategies between layers of reading; whether to explain the concept of the Setting, Characterisation, Atmosphere or Figures of Speech.learning process. Questions asked by pupils and Another pertinent example that is done in classtheir answers define a 'good' class and help is while explaining a story, 'Virtually True' bydifferentiate it from a 'mediocre' class. But this Paul Stewart that uses four imaginary virtual,can happen only when schools are freed from psycho-driven games. The eager students werethe 'target-driven, exam-obsessed' culture and allowed to come into the foreground. Withreplaced by a system which focuses on active participation in sharing theirdeveloping a pupil's 'character, resilience, self- experiences of the virtual world, online gamingesteem, and character'. or necessary gadgets like a visor or helmet. They were found to be most keen to take upLet us consider a lesson of English Literature in independent research-based projects on thea grade VIII classroom that is occupied by topics. Offering them a chance at presentingenthusiastic and curious young, adolescent their own presentations that only motivatesstudents. The text in focus is a vintage short- them further along with boosting theirstory called 'After Twenty Years' by O. Henry. confidence, pride, and morale. They feelFirst things first, nothing precedes the ability empowered and happy! The educators alsoto read the original text written in the English achieve the objective of assessing theirlanguage and be able to comprehend it at the Language skills as well as Information andfoundational level. Communication Technology.The learning objectives must set it as the top- Meaningful learning occurs when studentsmost priority and strive to implement the build the knowledge and cognitive processesreading skill in practise in multiple ways. The needed for successful problem-solving.devices may include group reading, individual Problem-solving involves devising a way ofreading, pair reading, instantaneous role-plays achieving a goal that one has never previouslyand even complimentary dramatisation! achieved. This also involves the teacher'sThrough this very first basic step, the teacher participation as an agent to promote learning.plays the significant role of the facilitator. It is Students understand when they buildthe educator's prerogative to introduce or connections between the new knowledgeinterweave different teaching-learning gained and their prior knowledge. Interpreting occurs when a student is able to convert information from one form of representation to another. That sums up the very task of a teacher! A child placed on the 'hot-seat' of a creative challenge will churn out to be his/her best self maybe not in the first, second or even third attempt. What will result here, is the willingness to perform better, analyse, introspect and hone the desire to achieve perfection. 27 [email protected]

INNOVATION www.lxl.in Bilingual Education Dr. L. MahespriyaDr. L Mahes Priya is currently working as an HR at Orison Academy, Coimbatore . She has a Doctorate in Social Work with specialisation in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work. Dr. Priya has been earned the University Rank for her Master in Social Work (MSW) from The BharathidasanUniversity, Tiruchirappalli. She has also worked as an Assistant Professor at Mar Gregorios College ofArts and Science, Chennai and in Karpagam University, Coimbatore and as a Counsellor at ImayamSocial Welfare Association, Coimbatore, India. She has served as a Research Guide for more than 80Post Graduate students of Social Work. She is a regular writer and columnist whose articles have beenpublished in many reputed publications. She is also a recipient of 'Mother Theresa Young Social Worker’sAward' 2011 by Puthiya Puyal press club Association, Coonoor, The Nilgiris.The history of language is replete with It produces bilingual who think in both theexamples of language contact leading to languages. Co-ordinate Bilinguals learn onebilingualism. It is generally defined as the language at home and second at school. So, thedemonstrated ability to engage in neurological components of both thecommunication via more than one language. A languages remain separate.person who is able to produce complete andmeaningful utterances in two languages is saidto be a Bilingual. Two modes of reality and twoorders of sensitivity to the wonders of theworld. Bilingualism has been treasured bysocial and intellectual elites throughout theworld and the ages. In the first stage ofbilingual education programme, attention ison the ethnic language and then it is shifted tothe national language as an unifying force. Theneeds of the learners in terms of their personalcircumstances come as the next step.Types of Bilingual In second language learning the use ofThe pursuit of various instructional methods linguistic and non-linguistic context ofproduce two types of bilinguals. The language leads to confusion and ambiguity.compound or interdependent bilinguals and the Difficulties with our pupils involve socialco ordinate or independent bilinguals. Theformer learns both languages in the samecontext and both depend on the sameneurological components. 28

OCTOBER 2017 Ÿ Bilingual method is the combination of the direct method and the grammar translation method.unease at using the target language and need Suggested Procedure in Bilingual Teachingfor the quickest and easiest way of Ÿ First the teacher reads out a dialogue to thecommunication. Mother-tongue comes tohis/her help with its affective involvement. It is class. The students listen to the teacherused for quick, informal check on with their books closedcomprehension. For clear understanding of Ÿ The students repeat the lines with theexplanations and instruction and of foreign teacher with their books opened. Thevocabulary items and structures also mother- second reading can be translated intongue can be made use of. bilingual Ÿ The teacher can teach through a“The compound or documentary films interdependent Bilingual Environment bilinguals and A learning environment includes the physical, the co ordinate social, and pedagogical context in which or independent learning occurs. An innovative environment bilinguals are supports strengths-based teaching and two types of learning. It offers students and teachers fl e x i b i l i t y, a g e n c y, u b i q u i t y, a n d connectedness. The Environmental Studies programme is strongly committed to the principle that making connections to 'real' research problems is invaluable for experiencing the in depth of the discipline in which students are working. Bilingual education as it is practised in the public schools means teaching non-English speaking students to read and write in their native tongue, teaching them content in their native tongue and gradually transitioning them to English. bilinguals Nelson Mandela once said, “When you speak in a language that someone understands it goes to hisPrinciples of the Bilingual Method head, but when you speak in his native language,Ÿ The understanding of words and sentences it goes into his heart. That's what happens for many of the children who are acquiring a second in foreign languages can be made easier by language in this country. When you speak to them the use of mother tongue in their native language respectfully they willŸ There is no need to create artificial always remember.” situations for explaining the meaning of words and sentences of the target language 29 [email protected]

MENTOR THOUGHTS www.lxl.in Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader Dr. Sagneet KaurDr. Sagneet Kaur works with LXL Ideas in the Research and Development domain. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with more than 9-years of experience in the area of Cognitive Developmental and Applied Psychology. Her doctoral research entitled 'Facilitating Ego-Identity Formation inAdolescents: A Psycho-Educational Intervention' was to design and test the impact of an identity-relatedintervention on ego-identity establishment in adolescents. She was appointed Research Intern byMaulana Azad National Fellowship, which included full-time teaching assignments for postgraduatestudents in the university. She has maintained her connection with the industry by leveraging her skills inthe domain of Behavioural Sciences to develop Marketing and Pre-Launch Plans for various companies.Applied Psychology and Impact Measurement have been her areas of major interest.Pursuing a habit or a hobby that relaxes our Ÿ Girls value strong writing (36% boys & 44%mind and body is considered Leisure time. girls), reading skills (54% boys and 66%Usually, Children guided by natural instincts girls) and social skills (31% boys & 40%and accompanied by their socio-emotional girls) as compared to boys, who valuedevelopment tend to get excited with leisure computer (50% boys & 39% girls) andtime. Among many physical and intellectual physical/ athletic skills (45% boys & 26%activities, reading books or valuable content is girls)found to be one of the most powerful tools thatcan empower one's intellect and result in a Reading can be described as an activity, aholistic development. process and a mindfully selected task to grasp information about something. Everybody is a“What we eat defines our physical health, reader but they prefer different genres ofsimilarly what we read defines our mental and books.social health”. Ÿ Research evidence suggests that despiteŸ Research conducted on reading indicates having their reading preferences children that parents feel reading relaxes the mind, like both series and non-series content increases imagination and teaches culture. equally, whereas they are more inclined to Good and valuable content can have a read fiction as compared to non-fiction powerful impact effect on young minds. (Scholastic, 2015). Another study Research indicates that 87% children cited conducted by Mishra & Yadav (2013) found reading books which help them initiate that girls prefer to read story books (41%) healthy discussions with friends and epics (26%) more, followed by comics (Scholastic, 2015) (17%), jokes and magazines (6%) andŸ Younger children (aged 6-14 years) consider magic books (4%). However, boys like to reading as most important skill while for read jokes (25%), comic books (22%) and older children (aged 15-17 years) magazines (21%), followed by the story 30

OCTOBER 2017 (13%), epics (11%) and magic books (8%). and are about the experiences that theirŸ Among magazine reading habits, girls child has in life (35%). Ÿ Reading for fun always seems to relate to prefer reading Reader's Digest more (39%) , the emotional core of the reader. Research followed by film fare (31%) and other done by Scholastic in conjunction with magazines (30%), whereas boys prefer YouGov (2015) highlighted: reading other magazines (42%) more as Ÿ More than three-quarters of children aged compared to film fare (30%) and Reader 6–17 and 89% of parents believe reading Digest (28%). books for fun is very importantŸ On comparing the reading of children on Ÿ Eight in ten children aged 6–17 say they three newspapers, it was found that both love reading books for fun with girls being girls and boys like to read Indian Express more likely than boys to say they love (50% girls and 38% boys) more followed by reading books for fun Times of India (36% girls and 31% boys) Ÿ One-third of children aged 6–17 report they and Dainik Bhaskar (14% girls and 31% are frequent readers, but overall, nine in ten boys). kids say they read books for fun at least one day a week“Children have Ÿ While half of the children aged 6–17 say they read books for fun mostly out of started school, one-third say they read at home and preferring school about equally, and 13% say they reading books read for fun mostly in school online or go for ebooks and book Research says that: readers like Ÿ More than six in ten children aged 6–17 Kindle have read an ebook; this likelihood increases with age. Ÿ Eighty percent of children aged 6–17 agree they will always want to read print books, even though there are ebooks available.Therefore, research suggests that while picking Parents Look for Good Books At:up any reading content for children aged 6-17preferably pick something on the basis of the Book Fair & book Clubs (68%)following (Scholastic, 2015) Bookshops (63%)Ÿ Older children are more likely to pick and Libraries (61%) Online (44%) read problem-solving, mysterious and scary School Reading (36%) content as compared to younger kids. Girls, Social Media 25% as compared to boys prefer reading books Authors & Readers Blogs (25%) that make them laugh or fuel their imagination.Ÿ Parents want their children to read content that makes them laugh (61%), provide role models that they get inspired from (53%) 31

MENTOR THOUGHTS www.lxl.inBenets of Reading According to Parents(Scholastic, 2015)Vocabulary & Language (69%) (45%) New ExperiencesInspiring Characters (56%) (45%) Emotions & Problem ManagementImagination (55%) (44%) Achieve Success in SchoolRelaxation (47%) (38%) Time Away From TechnologyReading Habit (47%) (18%) Forget Real Life IssuesInculcating reading habits among children time to read books in the school but onlyParents and school play a major role in 11% follow the routine and utilise this timeinculcating reading habits among kids, . properlyResearch says that parental reading habitshave a great influence on the child's reading Nowadays, Reading Trends are changing withhabits. One of the major factor cited by digitisation, the flair for reading andresearch is the parents reading aloud in front of comprehending things online is also increasingchildren from an early age help children day by day. With the advent of social mediadeveloping reading habits. Research has found and social networking sites, the technology isthat 85% of younger children feel great when getting hold of kids bringing the reading fortheir parents read aloud. fun to a fast end. KPMG media and technology report (2015) highlighted few important facts:Children develop reading habits if (Scholastic, Ÿ Smartphones users are expected to cross2015):Ÿ Parents are frequent readers (57%) 690 million from 180 million in 2015Ÿ Parents show confidence in picking best Ÿ Wireless internet users in India are likely to books or content for children, 65% children cross 790 million in 2020 with more than go to parents, followed by 60%users using the internet on mobile teachers/librarians (45%) and friends phones (42%) to seek help in choosing the books to Ÿ Worldwide virtual reality gaming market read reached to USD5.1 billion in the year 2016Ÿ Parents like reading books for fun (92%) with installed base of 55.8 million usersŸ Parents or school give chance to the kids to Ÿ Video consumption grew at a CAGR 62% pick books of their own choice (93%) between 2015-2020Ÿ Children get a chance to independently Ÿ On an average Indians spend 186 minutes choose and read the content of their choice. per day on the devices, of which 30 minutes Children aged 6-17 love to read what they spent playing mobile games choose independently (72%) and what they Ÿ 78% of Indians prefer watching video like (87%). 90% of children aged 6-17 feel content in local languages proud and have a sense of accomplishment Ÿ 56% of Indians showed preferences for when they finish reading a book of their video content own choice. Ÿ 85% love to consume short-form videoŸ School give opportunity to read books of content (under 10 mins) on smartphones as choice independently during the school against 71% on laptops hours, 50% of children get the designated Ÿ Among the apps installed in the year 2015, gaming apps had the maximum share 32

OCTOBER 2017Strategies used by Parents to Inculcate Reading Habits In ChildrenGifting Books (51%) (41%) Routinise Reading Every DayChoice Of Books (51%) (35%) Read & Discuss BooksSuggest Different Books (47%) (31%) Provide eBooksReward for Reading (44%) (27%) Limited Screen TimePrint Books At Home (43%) (26%) Watch Book Based Movies or ShowsTake To Libraries & Bookshops (41%) (23%) Child's Teacher Choose Book (70%), followed by e-commerce (30%), time online on popular social networking sites communication (25%), travel (20%), has been found to increase with age. Older entertainment (9%) and other (5%) children show more such habits than younger children (Scholastic, 2015)“Reading Trends There is a paucity of research on what content are changing children try to search and read online. But the with digitisation changing trends have indicated that with the advent of a new era of technology, educatorsResearch indicates that as a result, the especially parents need to map what today'sattention spans of human beings are kid like to read online. This also highlights thedecreasing. A study conducted by Microsoft need to have governmental regulations on(2016) stated that the attention span of human under age content and keeping a check on thebeings has fallen down from 12 in the year 2000 content being made accessible to the children.to 8 seconds in 2016, which is less than theattention span of a goldfish (Watson, 2015). With parental and school support in choosingThe attention spans are bounded by the level the right content online and offline will helpof interest. Research says that children are positively channelize the Indian youths'adversely affected by the after effects of reading habits towards the healthy future.indulging in too much social media. ReferencesNowadays children feel pleasure reading andexperiencing online content in the form of Mishra. K & Yadav. B, (2013). A study of the library reading habits of studentsvideos, apps, articles, and blogs online. 85% of the senior secondary section in some in English medium schools ofparents acknowledged their kid's involvement Mandleshwar city. Social Science & Humanities, 4 (1)with excessive screen time; where 55% parentsciting their children prefer to be on electronic Scholastic in conjunction with YouGov (2015). Kids & Family Readingdevices than reading something offline Report: India.(Scholastic, 2015) Watson.L. (2015). Humans have shorter attention span than goldfish, thanks to the smartphone. The Telegraph. Retrieved from h t t p : / / w w w. t e l e g r a p h . c o. u k / s c i e n c e / 2 0 1 6 / 0 3 / 1 2 / h u m a n s - h ave - s h o r t e r - attention-span-than-goldfish-thanks-to-smartThe tendency to visit and spending maximum 33 [email protected]

MENTOR THOUGHTS [email protected] Together We Stand, Divided We Fall Kalpa Kartik, Editor-in-chief, Mentor Magazine, Director, LXL Ideas\"Boredom is a disease of epidemic proportions. Ÿ Share experiences and learnWhy are our schools not places of joy?\" Ÿ Collaborate and build a team-John I. Goodlad, A Place Called School Ÿ Follow your passionLearning is meant to be a joyful experience, for While every position in the school has a specificstudents as well as for other stakeholders of the task assigned and growth graph, the role of theschools. In light of the recent episodes that leader though well-defined fails to grow withhave come to the forefront, schools are under the same vigor. Finding successful learningscrutiny and the entire teaching and non- network communities:teaching faculty are under the radar, making Ÿ Help share best practisesSCHOOL EXPERIENCE stressful and Ÿ Allows use of inquiry-based andexhausting. Perhaps shifting the focus fromjust academics to other areas of running a collaborative coaching model to discuss andschool is what the leaders of school need to solve challengesfocus on today. Ÿ Help maintain a sense of mutual accountabilityGreat ideas do not belong in a vacuum, each one Ÿ Inculcate a feeling of commitment amongof us as an educator has to continuously strive to help each other by sharing their learningsfor excellence by sharing our ideas. Only under Ÿ Help analyse leader actionsa unified fraternity will education attain its Ÿ Inculcate a sense of mutual responsibilityultimate goal of making every student ready and inspirefor 'Life'. It is high time for us to start learning,unlearning and relearning from others beyond Be aggressive about learning and support andboundaries and reciprocate. But learning is train yourself. As leaders at the top, you mayalmost impossible when you are firefighting often feel lonely and responsible for not onlyevery day. So then how do you make this work students but adults as well. But to be afor yourself as a leader? successful leader, who has a life beyond the day-Ÿ Seek out networks and groups that share to-day challenges, you need to understand that 'you are not alone in this journey.' the same concernsŸ Network and connectŸ Interact and growTo subscribe or to contribute articles please contact 34

DECEMBER 1 & 2, 2017 J.N. Tata Auditorium, IISc, BengaluruSessions and Speakers Think and solve Mr Tirthankar Dash Improve school governance Mr Roshan Abbasproblems creatively! with communication Design Thinker, COO Quantum360⁰ Film Director, Communications Wiz, Design Solutions Lab Managing Director – Encompass Events Mr Syed Sultan Ahmed Managing Director, LXL Ideas Parameters for Ms Sujata Sahu Charting New Mr Karthik Srinivasan ‘SAFE’ Schools Heights Founder, 17000ft Foundation National Lead, Social – Ogilvy & MatherLegal, Media and Branding and branding HR challenges Mr Gourav Jaiswal identity for schools Mr Savio Mascarenhas Founder Agrini Group Art Director, Amar Chithra Katha Mrs Kalpa Kartik Ms Sonia Manchanda Director, LXL Ideas, Editor-in-Chief, Founding Partner, Spread Education Mentor magazine and Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Mr N. Shekar Collaborative Mr Vipul Redey Leadership HR and Corporate consultant Head - School Enablement Khan Academy Problem solving Mr Rahul Matthan and decision making in CL Mr Prashant Mehrishi Partner, Trilegal CEO, iTeach Ms Faye D'Souza Mr Anil Kher Executive Editor, Mirror Now, Member, Board of Technical Education, Goa Times Network Member ,CII Primary Education CouncilIdeologies, inspiration and Ms Sabbah Haji Ms Eika Chaturvedi Ms Deepti aspiration in education Director, Haji Public School Banerjee Corporate Mythologist, Head, ICT Initiatives, Learn Today, Doda, Jammu and Kashmir CEO Future Learning Learning Division of the India Today GroupCurators Kalpa KartikSyed Sultan AhmedFor Registrations : +91 90191 11110 | [email protected] | www.mentor.lxl.in