EduTalks-April-June

APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 31

Message of Support Message of Support Dear Edu Talks community - We will get through this together These are unsettling times and COVID-19 is impacting our personal and professional lives, and those that we love. The Edu Talks team wish you, your loved ones and fellow colleagues safe passage through this difficult period. Please take care, stay positive and find activities to keep you motivated, engaged and smiling. It is a challenge navigating through these testing times; however, I am confident that we will get through this, together Amitav Dutta Managing Editor APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 1

SAMPLE COPY Con In focus A Forbidden Doomsday!04 APRIL - JUNE 2020 RNI No.- A/F Laxmanrekha PUBLISHER The authors suggest habits to be developed to improve learning managing EDITOR during the period of pandemic. This Includes habit towards digital Amitav Dutta literacy, developing resilience, self care, and purposefulness Sales & Marketing Head Vijay Kumar - 9319437575 Assistant editor Shilpi Shikha Phukan Regional Manager- West India Sanjay Thakare CREATIVE HEAD Abdul Rehman SUBSCRIPTION Email: [email protected] [email protected] 9319437575; 9899637492 Registered Office: 6, Ananda Path, R.P Road, Dispur, Guwahati-781008 (M) 9899637492 Customer Care No. 9319437676 In focus 08 Emotional agility in the midst of a pandemic The author suggests a more compassionate and understanding approach to dealing with childrens’emotions. The world, under the shadow of corona, needs emotionally agile adults who can give teach resilience and gratitude to the next generation Edu Talks has made constant care to make sure that the contents are accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and do not necessarily are the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. Edu Talks cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this website and errors and for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. In the magazine, you might find links to websites, third-party content and advertising. By using our magazine, you acknowledge that and agree that Edu Talks cannot be held responsible and shall not be liable for the content of other websites, advertisements and other resources. All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without written consent. 2 EDU TALKS AjPaRnIuLa-rJyU-NmEa2r0c2h0 2020

tents 10 26 36 Pedagogy Parenting Consciousness addressing READING TIPS TO DECIDE BEST Education – inability in school PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR Towards Its Inner children CHILD Significance - II The article seeks to help teachers Dr. Nirmala Krishnan guides you Debabrata biswas pens down a series of understand the cause of reading through five relevant questions write ups on education, consciousness inability in school children so that you should ask when deciding the and nation and explores they may resolve this problem Preschool for your child. The inner and eternal significance of effectively education. 28 early Education 16 Librarian Corner 40wellness Education Innovative practices in Early Education Reading Thought Vibrations and More… This article on the basis of scientific Fatema Agarkar speaks about various Guneet Kaur suggest that reading researches highlights that there is a significant trends for Early Years is important because if you can close relationship of thoughts and the Learning read, you can learn anything about well-being. The negative thoughts and everything and everything about emotions are the root cause of Illness anything. She also shares some best whereas the postive thoughts bring practices on Reading implemented at harmony in the mind and body. GEMS International School Event 44 Inclusive Education THE ART TO CONNECT 20Every Child Matters COMPETITION Dr Nirmala Krishnan revolutionised the Parul Patel asserts that Inclusive 32Concious Education mindsets of children from mainstream education is successful when all schools across India as they participated students, regardless of any challenges Compulsive Vs with more than 300 special needs they may have, are placed in age- Conscious Education children through ART TO CONNECT - An appropriate mainstream education initiative to establish EQUALITY for the special needs children 23Teacher Development The article explains that Conscious EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE education enables and allows us to IN LEADERSHIP accommodate education;however, compulsive education simply helps us in Prof. Handoo outlines various aspects accumulation of information. Education of Emotional Intelligence required for should essentially enlarge horizons of effective leardership human perceptions APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 3

in focus Ritwiz Gaur is a school leader, Laxmanrekha researcher, and passionate educator for the last 20 years and has a huge experience of various pedagogic and technology-based workshops and has also undertaken doctrinal and non-doctrinal researches. He is on Accreditation panel of Central Board of Secondary Education and worked upon new dimensions in pastoral care, pedagogy, and ethical curriculum. He has taken up a mission against “Substance Abuse” in youth and had agitated a movement in schools and colleges, “A Healthy Me, is Drug-Free”. A Forbidden Doomsday! Doomsday? Ashi Gaur is an educator for the last A fear-ridden society.... 18 years and presently is School The apprehension of an unknown.... Pedagogical Leader at The Presidency Lockdown mankind..... School, Ajmer. She had cherished innings at Mayo College, Ajmer where An atmosphere of distrust..... she added a new dimension to pastoral Desolated streets and colonies..... care and her innings at St Mary’s Convent School & Sophia School, A slowdown economy that is keen to engulf the prosperity..... Ajmer kept her abreast with changing A perplexed scientistand researcher congregation.............. trends of pedagogy, emerging parental aspiration, evolving teenage behavioural Are we in line with “end” time as described in the eschatological writings pattern and rapid transition of pastoral or depicted as a hypothetical event explored in science and fiction where care. She has worked upon Ethical human civilisation or life is at risk of partial or complete destruction? Curriculum for schools and submitted to MHRD and is also on the Accreditation Laxman Rekha panel of Central Board of Secondary Most of us had grown up with the belief that Laxmanrekha was “forbidden Education. She is a facilitator in reaching line” drawn by Laxmana meant to protect Sita against “demonic power”. out to student’s issues in today’s modern era of gross perplexity and escalating 4 EDU TALKS APpRrIeLss-uJreUsN. E 2020

in focus Paradoxically, today’s imposed mythologically it representculture Hypochondria “Laxman Rekha” at every doorstep (subset of Nature); where goddess is marked by the very situation Seeta represent Nature. After In the present Laxmanrekha era, that in today’s era of Kalayuga, all, she was the daughter of the “living within the four walls”; if the humankind could not Earth, Bhumi. Nature recognise no not properly managed can lead to recognise the “diminished Laxman ‘rekha” (boundaries) and defies all certain far-reaching complications. Rekha” out of “greed and lust”. restrictions; but in the culture, there Rhetoric Media hype (though in It marked the “utilisation” versus are boundaries, which distinguish balanced view, reports about “exploitation” of natural resources nature from culture. escalating death figures shared for “survival” versus “unquenched per se) about repercussions and accumulation”. In modern parlance, Laxmanrekha ramification of COVID-19 on the refers to a strict convention or a world; if not properly managed by All of sudden “Laxmanrekha” seems rule, never to be broken; what in the adults within the non-porous four to be “obvious” across the globe United States of America is known as walls of home may lead to “health (in terms of lockdown; quarantine “Bright-Line Rule”. The governance anxiety”. Adults are obsessed or curfew) and is driven by the has put Laxmanrekha on every over bodily functions (breathing, “uncurbed” (less Laxmanrekha) doorstep as a broader measure to heartbeat), physical oddities (skin expansion of the will.....the will to arrest the geometric progression of blemishes), and physical discomfort possess more; resulting in the vast COVID-19. It is irrespective of the (headaches, stomach aches, light- accumulation ... infact a source of long-lasting debate between those headedness, sore throat, lack of man’s brutality and cruelty – and favouring bright-line rules and those energy). It lead this idea of having this is more powerful and more supporting balancing tests based serious but undiagnosed medical unyielding than will to live or the will on “no single set of legal rules can condition to impact the mindset of to perpetuate life. ever capture the ever-changing other family members, especially complexity of human life.” vulnerable children at home. The The very concept of Laxmanrekhais kids are constrained, unlike Seeta, ironical because symbolically and A Devil within the four Wall - not to cross the Laxmanrekha against an unknown and unseen APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 5

in focus “Asura”. Such a dreadful condition Habit towards Digital they are accessing inappropriate make the complete family more Literacy content; “Contact” - who are distressed, whereby they are often Social media and screens have they interacting with—strangers unable to function or enjoy life due become ubiquitous in the lives of and people presenting with false to their fears and preoccupations. our children, and “We-the Adults” identities; “Conduct” - how they are no exception. present themselves and engage What within Laxman Rekha – with others, and the prevalence of Power of Habit We, adults, have always tended online bullying or other cybercrime. Human Connect is the key to rebuild to be ‘preoccupied’ with our and redefine the “Family bonding” - personal and professional domain “We-the Adults” need to understand a concept of past (culture of Sanjha whenever we faced the situation of the ramification of an idiom “Child is Chulha) which got diminished bya “unregulated” and “un-intervened’ father of the man” (originating from new wave of wind of “professional- access of digital technology at the poem “My Heart Leaps Up” by ism”. Crisis time is the best time to the hands of our children. When William Wordsworth). We should stand by someone and build bridg- Laxmanrekhahas confined “We-the sincerely posefour questions that es. It is apt time to Prioritise rela- adults” into a silo, then it is high time help us examine, and guide, our tionships by “Connecting” within we need first to sensitise ourselves own screen time - “Is screen time in and beyond families. and then lead our young generation our household controlled?”; Does by example, on the count of digital screen use interfere with what our “Power of habit” is the dominating literacy. It is apt time to understand family want to do?”; “Does screen factor in present “Lockdown for 21 that the screen time has immense use interfere with sleep?”; “Are days” as incidentally, it takes just potential risks classifiedinto the we able to control snacking during about 21 days to pick up a good ‘three C’s’: Content, Contact and screen time?”. habit or to lose some really bad Conduct. “Content” - what are ones. children looking at and whether Habit towards Developing Resilience It is the best time to teach “resil- ience” in ourselves and our chil- dren who are observing us within “shrunk” four walls marked by “Laxmanrekha against the fear of unknown”. It helps our children at homelearntoharnessinnerstrength that helps one to rebound from a setback or challenge. The present Laxmanrekha hadallowed“We- Edu- cators and Parents”; to understand and analyse what in 2019 made VG Siddhartha commit suicide when the same humble, unassuming entrepreneur, Coffee King in 2016 stated, “In a dire situation, I feel we’ll somehow get out of it. As an entrepreneur, you just can’t afford to lose hope. Your body better is like a shock absorber …”. Most of the time, “we-the adults’’ keep swin- 6 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

in focus dling between “when and to what meditation can also help people to develop the habit “not to touch extent”. When to be tough with our build connections and restore hope, the face” vis-a-vis imminence by young children and “when and to which can prime them to deal with worst viral disease outbreaks in what extent” to be accommoda- situations that require resilience. recent years -- SARS, MERS, Ebola, tive. It is more so when media had Marburg and likely the newly sensitised the contemporary genre Habit of Purposefulness arrived COVID 19 virus. We need of educators and parents with mul- Benjamin Franklin once said, to remember, habits become tiple stressors of young generation “The early morning has gold in its stronger and more ingrained the leading to “tunnel vision”, if parents mouth”. The quote emphasises the more people engage with them. and educators get tough. importance of starting one’s day the right way. He also said, “By failing to Habit – Namaskar as part of So, “resilience” has become the prepare, you are preparing to fail.”. life style “latest buzzword”. Each change Every day, we have an opportunity Namaste (Sanskrit: namah means affects people differently, bringing to practice. When we exercise our ‘to bow’, and te means ‘to you’)or a unique flood of thoughts, strong craft everyday as a lifestyle rather Namaskara is not a mere gesture emotionsanduncertainty.Yetpeople than just a job, we breathe life into or a word, and it is a way of showing generally adapt well over time to life- it. The practice defines our life and respect - By doing this both the changing situations and stressful what our purpose is for living. people bow to the divine power in situations — in part, thanks to one another. Namaste is a way of resilience.The current Laxmanrekha Habit Not to Touch Face recognising this oneness. As the time can be well utilised to make Researchers across the globe virus outbreak is jolting the very our childrenunderstand what claims that “Self-touching”is a survival of humankind; a common Arvanitakis and Hornsby postulated “fundamental behaviour of our form of greetings across the world, for “Life.Firstly, it is “mistakability” species”. They further inferred viz. Handshake, giving pecks on – the ability to make mistakes and that human being touched their the cheek, hugs and high-fives is learn from these; andsecond is face almost 25 times per hour abandoned. So, the Vedic kind of “adaptability”- the flexibility to adapt on average, rubbed their eyes, addresses is to be adopted and and learn accordingly. A sense pricked their noses, or stuck a practise “Namaste” as a way of of belonging is also critical to the finger into their mouth.But when recognising this oneness. creation of a supportive learning it comes to a disease like Covid- community and has a strong impact 19, “face-touching” is a recipe for Doomsday – a forbidden on the wellbeing and developmental fast transmission. So, in present reality! aspect of the child. “Laxmanrekha” regime, we The Trials and Tribulations of humankind need to avow ourselves Life (seems as Doomsday during Habit of Self-Care adversity) can be disheartening Self-care is a popular and trendy but they pass-by with new sunshine buzzword. Promoting positive lifestyle but infact our greatest teachers; as factors like proper nutrition, ample aptly stated by Rumi: sleep, hydration and regular exercise But that shadow has been serving can strengthen one’s body to adapt you! to stress and reduce the toll of emo- What hurts you, blesses you. tions like anxiety or depression. Darkness is your candle. Your boundaries are your quest. Habit to Practice You must have shadow and light Mindfulness source both. Mindful reading, yoga, and other Listen, and lay your head under the spiritual practices like prayer or tree of awe. APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 7

in focus Emotional agility G.Sumita Instructional Content Designer in the midst of a pandemic Soft Skills and Personality As the world grapples with the catastrophic impact of the deadly Development Trainer pandemic, this article by Sumita Gowdety focuses on the most The writer is a self-motivated, resourceful and goal-driven vulnerable group of people: our children. The author suggests a professional. T3-Certified Trainer, more compassionate and understanding approach to dealing with Soft Skills Coach, and Instructional Content Designer. An enthusiastic childrens’ emotions. The world, under the shadow of corona, needs and dedicated educator accredited emotionally agile adults who can give teach resilience and gratitude by CENTA, she has consistently individualized and customized modules to the next generation. on Personality Development, with The first quarter of the year 2020 would be reminiscent of many noteworthy special focus on Social and Emotional events- regional, national, and global. At one end, the world has risen together united, to face the ubiquitous virus that snuck up at everyone’s doorstep in the Learning for adolescents. quietest manner possible and caused the severest destruction. While there was With a career spanning 22 years, she cause for fear, there was also comfort. It is a shining example of humanity trying has been passionately contributing to to preserve and conserve itself with grace and humility. the education sector since 8 years. 8 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

in focus into tragic consequences for the child, parents, and society at large. In quite stark contrast to this, in choice of digital content, video games, While we understand that academic what could have been an avoidable television shows, YouTube videosall and co-scholastic outcomes will catastrophe, we saw our youth, our play a significant role in developing always be the benchmark for a students, and our streets polarized by their thought process. A growing school’s success, schools must make discourses on religion, politics, race, number of youngsters struggle with an equal effort in strengthening the and gender. Images of unprecedented their need to be heard and validated social and emotional quotient of their violence and an endless reserve as an individual. If they do not find stakeholders. Adversity Quotient, of emotionally disturbing content the right ventilation, they end up resilience, growth mindset, problem- paraded in front of an impressionable being submissive or aggressive. solving, assertive communication, section of our population—the These manifest mostly as behavioural gender sensitivity, and critical thinking, youth. It was, and, indeed, still is, an concerns during teenage years and are the essential 21st Century topics. immensely volatile environment for can be a significant cause of conflict, These must be given their due share in youngsters. While the statistics would both at home and at school. the mainstream curriculum to ensure be easy to find, the emotional toll of that students develop holistically, and such incidents on young minds is If our children are in such an are equipped to live and thrive in the difficult to ascertain. emotionally vulnerable state that the real world. tiniest of the reprimands can send It is only when these hapless children them to take extreme actions, then we Experience is the best teacher and let out a cry for help, that the adults must take immediate measures to fix teachers must utilize the benefits realize the abyss they have fallen. it. Who should take the lead to solve of experiential learning; not only to One such warning bell came when, In this problem? explain scientific and mathematical a shocking incident, a 12-year-old boy, processes but by building classrooms (name not mentioned), jumped to his Schools can play a significant role that resonate with the values and death from the top of a building when, in this process. In the microcosm of skills that they are trying to teach the in an attempt to stop an innocent curricular transactions, assessments, young children. Impulse control and scuffle between him and his brother, and classroom interactions, lie many problems of instant gratification are their father took the tab with which he tiny, but significant indicators of a witnessed more in students of primary was playing. child struggling with bullying, body ages. When these are resolved in a image, social awkwardness, academic calm, firm, but the reassuring manner, The ever-increasing influence of inadequacies, peer pressure, and self- children learn how to practice impulse smartphones, the changing societal consciousness. School Administrators control. fabric, and lesser parental supervision and Teaching staff must be vigilant and is opening doors to new ways of trained to look for these markers. If Often, a teenager’s act of rebellion is communication and lifestyle. Students’ overlooked, this can one day manifest his or her way of testing the adult’s boundaries. The best solution at this juncture is to listen to them, have a non-judgmental, open conversation with them, understand what’s bothering them and offer advice on the real issue, rather than engaging in a duel over superiority. The year 2020. The year of the persuasive youth. Let’s guide the youth well. We will not let them down. After all, ‘sab yaadrakhajayega.’ APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 9

Pedagogy READINGa d d r e s s i n g Nandita Nag inability in school children Director Would you be surprised to know that there are people who taught themselves to Agragati Education Foundation read on their own! She was formerly associated with Well! There are accounts of people who did so by comparing street signs or Biblical Bharti Foundation as Head of Training passages to speech.There are also cases of very young children learning to read & Curriculum. Nandita has extensive without having been taught. The novelist Nicholas Delbanco taught himself to read at age six during a transatlantic crossing by studying a book about boats.Such was school teaching experiences as the case with Truman Capote who reportedly taught himself to read and write at the Principals, HOD, Teacher in Iqra Public age of five. In fact, in the literate world, there will hardly ever be anybody who does School, DPS, Civil Lines, Aligarh; DPS not know reading. Guwahati; Army Public School, Narangi and KVS, Khanapara. Did you ever wonder as to how reading originated! Historically, reading came into existence along with the invention of ancient writings, hieroglyphics in India, China and Africa and runes in Europe, during the 4th millennium BC. Thus, writing is a humanmade activity and like writing, reading too was born because if a cypher can be made, it has to be unravelled. This momentous achievement of humankind happened because the species Homosapien is born with the ability to 10 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Pedagogy create and use symbols. a double disadvantage - lack of healthcare and nutrition on one And those who are avid readers and those that side and the absence of a supportive learning environment on read for pleasure will vouch that every reading the other. is a very personal and fulfilling experience. It is  School readiness or early childhood development indeed a very vivid and colourful journey, more and education activities have not had a high priority in the so than the most exciting and vibrant digital Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) system presentation or movie or anything else that you might have experienced. That’s because the The same grim picture resonates in the Annual Status of pleasure in reading is not limited by anybody Education Report 2019 (ASER), prepared by Pratham.A look at else’s interpretation but your imagination. Hence, the key findings will give you the status of reading competency it is practically limitless. Every reader experiences among 6-year-olds in Class 1 in India. a book uniquely.When you read a book over and over again, every time you read is a new The Annual Status of Education Report says that 40% of experience (Jacques Derrida).Though incredibly school-going children cannot even recognise letter at 6 years thought-provoking and indeed the most significant of age studying in grade one. rationale for why I am writing today, let’s put this strain of thought aside for another day. Only 19% of those in the same class and age-group attending government school can read, whereas 42% in the same My intent is nottourge on the greatness of category in private schools can read words. reading, but to consider it as a critical life skill. The “Writing Skill” as we know it, has undergone We must remember a larger population attends government a sea change since its inventionand may for all school than private schools, and hence the private school purposes become an exotic art/skill exhibited in figure is not necessarily an indicator of better performance. museums and art galleries in times to come. But the same will never happen with “Reading Skills”, Overall, 52% 6-year-olds in class one can read words, which is even with the sound byte revolution looming at some hope but still not age-appropriate. the horizon or already upon us with expanding cyber technology. All taken together, only 16% of 6-year-olds in class one can read the age-appropriate text. As we go higher up the grades Therefore, it is appallingthat a large number of the picture becomes bleaker because evidence suggests that children in the present times are unable to read. language ability impacts the learning of other subjects as It is an emerging problem across the worldand well. quite disturbing too for all of us who care. Let’s look at the situation closer home. The Draft New Education Policy (NEP), 2019 points out that close to 5 crore children currently in elementary schools do not have foundational literacy and numeracy skills and cites several possible reasons for it some of which as mentioned below:  Many children enter school before age 6. It is partly due to the lack of affordable and accessible options for pre-schooling. Therefore, too many children go to Std. I with limited exposure to early childhood education.  Children from low-income families have APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 11

Pedagogy Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget was perhaps the first person to explain the way children’s thinking abilities change as they get older. Among other cognitive development, he said that from ages 2 to 7, children develop the ability to think symbolically, which may be the foundation for abstract thinking. They learn that symbols like letters, pictures, and sounds can represent actual objects in the real world. A child’s inability leads to numerous Directly speaking “Reading” is the we use our ears, as such reading challenges in its growth and process of looking at a series of written along with listening forms the two development. It affects cognitive and symbols and getting meaning from primaryinput processes available to us emotional development, leads to social them. That is, when we read, we use our for receiving information/stimuli, other and behavioural issues. May often lead eyes to receive written symbols (letters, than taste, smell and touch and which to personality disorder, delinquency, punctuation marks and spaces) and comprises our experience. aggression and depression in the child we use our brain to convert them into itself; in the least teaching-learning will words, sentences and paragraphs In other words, when we read, slow down, age-appropriate milestones that communicate something to us. we receive the symbols/marks may not achieve. So where, in fact, are our early-grade representing sounds of a language teachers, going wrong? visually. Whether on a piece of paper or ASER data shows that children’s a digital screen,our eyes recognise the performance on tasks requiring Decidedly, we have missed the sound segments, the chunks and then cognitive skills is strongly related to critical piece of information that “... our brain assigns meaning to them. their ability to do early language and when we read, we use our eyes to a gender divide further exacerbates receive written symbols (letters...)...” For common understanding, let us numeracy tasks and this gap. The table andyoung learner at this stage do not consider that following are the steps reproduced here (right above) from the get enough experience. The problem involved in reading. report makes it amply clear, how grim is compounded in consecutive years the situation is, for our country. as the child moves on to successive Step 1 Eyes see the written symbols classes, with no mechanism for [letters/words/sentences] On the one hand, we have avast addressing the learning gap. Step 2 Associating symbols with adult population, which is practically sounds/objects/ideas unread. Thus many socio-economic Language development is a Step 3 Brain assigns meaning developmental policies of the crucial contributor to the cognitive [assimilating and organising government never reach them or do development of the child and reading information] so via-media, getting diluted when it is a primary receptive skill. When we Step 4 Stored in memory [just like filing finally reaches them. read, we use our eyes. When we listen, system stores information] “Catch “em young!” is not merely a Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) catchphrase! We must indeed catch  ASER surveys use Census 2011 as the sampling frame. the “learner” as well as “reading”  ASER continues to be an important national source of information about “young” at the early childhood level at ABC... children’s foundational skills across the country.  In 2016, ASER switched to an alternate-year cycle where this ‘basic’ Therefore, as educators, let’s understand what reading is! ASER is conducted every other year (2016, 2018, and next in 2020); and in alternate years ASER focuses on a different aspect of children’s schooling and learning.  In 2017, ASER ‘Beyond Basics’ focused on the abilities, experiences, and aspirations of youth in the 14-18 age group.  In 2018 ASER had data on enrollment patterns in age group 4 to 8. 12 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Pedagogy Now let us consider what happens when a child is taught the alphabet in class nursery. Steps Learner Teacher 1 See each Letter Present each letter visually 2 Associate Letter to sound/objects/ideas Present the relationship between sound/objects/ideas visually and aurally 3 Brain compares, adjusts, organises information Teacher to actively encourage by creating a positive received emotional environment 4 Brain stores the experience 5 Recall when required Create opportunities for recall Step 5 Recall when required[proof that the text without the visual stimuli. It you! Haven’t I? This has puzzled the information is stored] is a very tricky situation; when this education system for years! It merely happens at an early grade it does means loud, and visually reading must All this does not happen linearly but happen everytime. The child continues happen in sync for it to be effective or simultaneously, or if they do, it is to rely on the sound of language rather helpful in developing reading skills. entirely undetectable, probably with a than the written symbol. If ignored for a Once the child has acquired the skill, time difference of nano-seconds. The length of time, it emerges as a reading you don’t have to make it, s/he will teacher must, therefore, continue to inability. It is an unfortunate situation, naturally get into silent reading or create more and more opportunities uncovered by the ASER assessment of reading with their eyes only, not even for reading, gradually increasing the school-going children. You will notice mentally sounding the words as the complexity of the reading material. that there is a reasonable success child will have an intrinsic need for There is no short cut to it. As the rate in Listening Comprehension [52%] speed reading! Reading will have child graduates from a nursery rhyme in the latest ASER Report published. become a critical process of collecting to a story and then to an article, this It also clearly indicates that no one information to stimulate the brain. At should continue through progressive is doing a commendable job in early this stage, the child is simple reading classes till the learner becomes an grade reading! for pleasure. This process may develop independent reader. quite quickly with some children, while We have defeated theearly 1970s others may take time. Hence, we can use all other pedagogical dual-route hypothesis to reading aloud. strategies to ensure learning and to According to the theory, there were In any case, the major predictors of optimise reading skills development two separate mental mechanisms, or an individual’s ability to read both in or outside the classroom. This can cognitive routes, that are involved in the alphabetic and non-alphabetic scripts Multiple Intelligence [MI] ,Learning case of loud reading, with an output of are phonological awareness, rapid Styles [LS], Activity Based Learning both mechanisms contributing to the automatized naming and verbal IQ. [ABL] ,Experiential Learning [EL], pronunciation of a written stimulus. However, as mentioned earlier, being Discovery Method, and so on. Above There I have managed to confound taught to read at an early age (such all, emotional security and positive as five years old) does not ultimately reinforcement are the two things result in better reading skills. The that will ensure a happy learning laterjourney through middle and high environment for the learner. We all school must also be carefully planned know that a happy child is a better or for language development. The key is more successful learner. to have a learner-centred approach to teaching-learning with language as Loud reading or reading aloud is well as other cognitive skills. effective when a child is doing it simultaneously with visual reading. Once we achieve letter and word level However, if a child read the same text of language learning at early grades, over and over again, she/he can recall we need to focus at other subskills of APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 13

Pedagogy Here’s an overview. reading at a higher level. Mind you; this is only suggestive; there are different  Beginning Reading Skills approaches and systems too. Decoding Syllabification Teaching reading requires the teacher Global Reading – Automaticity to plan specific activities again and  Reading Speed again and again. The following may  Reading Skills Involving Vocabulary help teachers to create such activities. Identifying Vocabulary in Context My suggestion is to take one at a time. Identifying the Structure of Vocabulary to Extract Meaning Integrate only if and when you and your Using the Dictionary students are comfortable  Reading Skills that Involve the Structure of the Text Genre – reading a specific text type to understand how it is formed 1. Encourage your students to make notes while reading. and how to extract the meaning Identification of specific text Structures (within a narrative, descriptive 2. Survey-question-read-recite-review (SQ3R) method, often taught in public or expository piece) schools, which involves reading toward Simple Listing, time order, cause and effect comparison/contrast being able to explain what is read, and Extraction of Sequence – often found in time order texts is appropriate for instructors preparing Recognition of cohesive features (at and beyond the sentence level) – to teach material without referring to notes. use of connectors, grammatical forms etc. this at both 3. Multiple intelligences-based Reviewing and prediction as an aide to comprehension methods, which draw on the reader’s  Reading Skills that Involve the Readers Interpretation of the Text diverse ways of thinking and knowing Reading for a Specific Purpose – Specific Information or gist (scanning to enrich appreciation of the text. Reading is fundamentally a linguistic and skimming) activity: one can basically comprehend Reading for the Main Idea and Supporting Details – when the ideas in a text without resorting to other intelligences, such as the visual the text are of the utmost importance to you (e.g., mentally “seeing” characters Inferencing or events described), auditory (e.g., Distinguishing facts and Opinions reading aloud or mentally “hearing”  Reading for Pleasure sounds described), or even the logical intelligence (e.g., considering “what if” 14 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020 scenarios or predicting how the text will unfold based on context clues). However, most readers already use several kinds of intelligence while reading. Doing so in a more disciplined manner—i.e., constantly, or after every paragraph—can result in a more vivid, memorable experience. 4. Rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) reading involves presenting the words in a sentence one word at a time at the same location on the display

Pedagogy Rates of reading include  Reading for memorization (fewer than 100 words per minute [wpm])  Reading for learning (100–200 wpm)  Reading for comprehension (200–400 wpm)  Skimming (400–700 wpm). Reading for comprehension is the essence of the daily reading of most people. Skimming is for superficially processing large quantities of text at a low level of comprehension (below 50%). screen, at a specified eccentricity. RSVP Many studies show that increasing requires knowing that skimming is eliminates inter-word saccades, limits reading speed improves comprehen- dangerous, as a default habit.Scientific intra-word saccades, and prevents sion. Reading speed requires a long studies have demonstrated that reader control of fixation times (Legge, time to reach adult levels. reading—defined here as capturing and Mansfield, & Chung, 2001).Reading decoding all the words on every page— speed is measured in experiments by According to Carver (1990), children’s faster than 900 wpm is not feasible RSVP controls for differences in reader reading speed increases throughout the given the limits set by the anatomy of eye movement. school years. On average, from grade the eye. 2 to college, reading rate increases 5. Reada text in three passes [mainly 14 standard-length words per minute To conclude, reading is a means for for non-fiction treatise] each year (where one standard-length language acquisition, communication, i. For the structure of the work, which term is defined as six characters in text, and sharing information and ideas. including punctuation and spaces). Readers use a variety of reading might be represented by an outline Note that the data from Taylor (English) strategies to decode (to translate ii. For the logical propositions made, and Landerl (German) are based on symbols into sounds or visual texts of increasing difficulty; other data representations of speech) and organised into chains of inference; were obtained when all age groups comprehend. Readers may use and were reading the same text. context clues to identify the meaning of iii. For evaluation of the merits of the unknown words. Readers integrate the arguments and conclusions Which implies it is important to choose words they have read into their existing framework of knowledge or schema. This method involves suspended the appropriate reading-rate, that is, Therefore, it would be smarter for the judgment of the work or its arguments school education system to educate until they are fully understood. reading flexibly, slowing when concepts their language teachers to understand [Belongs to “Structure-proposition- reading in a special way so that we can evaluation (SPE) method” popularised are closely presented and when the help our children to “READ!” by Mortimer Adler in his book “How to Read a Book”] material is new and increasing when the content is familiar and of thin concept. Competence-in-reading APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 15

Early Education Innovative practices in Early Education Fatema Agarkar Fatema Agarkar speaks about various significant trends Co-Founder, KA EduAssociates, Founder, Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE) for Early Years Learning. She also feels optimistic A veteran of two educational start-ups, with close to 2 that early childhood educators are getting together decades in the education space, setting up close to 30 schools pan India and recipient of several accolades, more often either via conferences or chatrooms to Fatema brings the balance of administration and academics. A keynote speaker at several conclaves, discuss and learn from each other and sharing of best her passion for teaching and learning and child-centric strategies stem from her passion for 21st-century practices learning. A sportsman’s wife, her focus on holistic education incorporating life skills, sports, creative and Every aspect of schooling, be it the Early or Primary Years, Middle performing arts as part of the learning process has or High School Years leading to the business end of the learning ensured that children evolve into confident lifelong programs - higher education,are essential building blocks in their learners who are future-ready. Her biggest joy is her unique way. Based on a set of parameters that are unique to a child’s 14-year-old son who continues to make her the teacher psychology and development – cognitive, emotional, physical and that she is - always on her toes now, very importantly environment based, each building block as I like to call it works almost like a building that needs its foundation, 16 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020 and then the floors follow a scaffolding effect. If the foundation is weak and diluted in any way, the challenges continue to intensify as the children progress through their journey in the education space. Often, these challenges manifest into severe problems and either the child gives up, or the system. That’s what makes Early Childhood Education such a fascinating and daunting space to be. In our Indian context, the proposed NEP draft (as I write this, I see an article in TOI that the PM is reviewing, although that was committed to us in early February by the Finance Minister) has an honest mention of the importance of Early Years. It extends its presence to Grade 1 and 2 as well.

Early Education While the policymakers continue to the Early Childhood Association (ECA), public sector as well. This collaborative work on their decisions, the Early whose President, Dr Swati Popat Vats effort will create a more significant Childhood Education space has been is a forerunner in leading changes not impact to help ALL the youngest evolving rapidly and exponentially. only across private schools but getting citizens of this wonderful country. Our This is largely due to the significant the private players to contribute to the children, after all, go to both public and number of operators who bring in their private schools. As Mr Gurcharan Das expertise and experience from other wrote in his brilliant article in Times industries. These operators have made of India – reform must have two legs their foray into education and value – autonomy for private schools and innovation, technology, audits and a quality for government schools. more professional way of organising resources and learning. They are What are the trends that have got all constantly looking for an “upgrade” to of us looking towards the future with make the teaching-learning process optimism and I often say, concepts more seamless for the little citizens like Futures Thinking speak about who are only beginning to understand preparing us for scenarios in the phonic sounds, numeracy, emotions, future and working out different among other things. permutations so that we are simply not in the present and the immediate What’s exciting about future, but are thinking way ahead! this need to continually reflect? The significant trends: It is about leading associations like - International best practices have APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 17

Early Education come to the forefront be it the Finnish that there are now Indian and Western educators and get them to incorporate curriculum or the New Zealand authors but importantly as focusing on drama as a routine curriculum have added a touch of re- regional language books be it Hindi, thinking, re-evaluating and using their Marathi, Gujarati to name a few - Inclusion of technology and AI – time-tested formulas add value to mapping every learner’s learning story our cultural context. In essence, the - The infrastructure and design of and setting individual learning targets intense research and development pre-school are more flexible, inviting based on their understanding so that behind these programs and their and allow children to learn through children learn and set personal goals success have made our programs its unique design. This element was for themselves instead of standardised more robust from a scientific escalation neglecteduntil a few years ago, and formats. More personalised and of subject areas and associated now the thought-process - making it customised learning as a result of learning. The hands-on activities, multi-dimensional, more stimulating this. field trips, experiential learning, and by making equipment and furniture allowing children to explore more even more flexible is a huge positive that - More qualified and trained teachers when they are learning “concepts” aids the teaching-learning process whose skills are continually updated means that children learn in a non- threatening manner and with more in- - An upgrade in terms of the teaching- For me, the biggest one is that early depth understanding! learning aids now available to pre- childhood educators are getting schoolers to experiment and learn together more often either via - Work of Early Childhood educators independently like Lego, or Square conferences or chatrooms to discuss like GijubhaiBadheka and other Panda are good examples. Pre- and learn from each other and this progressive educators being given their schools today have a range to choose sharing of best practices remains an importance and using their approach, from and toys and resources that are integral part of the innovation. When making the teaching-learning process cost-effective making it possible to one is not territorial about the work more relevant today in our pre-school. “buy” more and make it a one-on-one they do and allow others to learn and These leading pre-independence experience for every child, and that evolve, it leads to a healthier industry educators were far ahead of their makes learning more impactful that is continually upgrading. time and made a serious attempt to “evolve” as per the children in their classrooms and how they learn and not what they wanted to teach - Incorporation of life skills as part of the Early Years learning – simple inroads into skills like time management, decision making, relationship management emerging ahead of the language development targets, or numeracy or sciences - The focus on reading, reading - Increased attention to creative, Like I said before, for me, this space is and reading and involving families performing arts and sports as part of a special one and close to my heart, for into more conversations especially the curriculum and allowing every child I firmly believe that the foundation that about gender neutrality etc. – there to hone his/her skills and interests these years give a child are priceless! A organisations like Scholastic that and treat it also as an essential life solid start leads to a more progressive have well-researched age-appropriate skill. There are specialist service mind, and we sure hope our little ones material for children forlearning in providers like Theatre Professionals who will make the decisions for us in schools and at home and I love the fact that do wonders with early childhood the future have that winning start! n 18 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

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Inclusive Education Parulata Patel Inclusive Director / Administrator, Education The Riverside School Every Child Matters Ahmedabad Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Parul Patel have 29 years of - Nelson Mandela experience in school administration Parul Patel asserts that Inclusive education is successful when all and is associated with The students, regardless of any challenges they may have, are placed Riverside School since its inception in age-appropriate mainstream education classes to receive high- quality instruction, interventions, and experiences. in 2001. Parul was actively involved with the Design for Giving Every child has the right to be supported by the community to grow, learn, and develop. They need to go to school to be welcomed and included by educators and School Contest in 2009, and peers alike. The RTE Act defines a ‘child’ to include children from the Scheduled is an integral part of the Design Castes and Scheduled Tribes, children facing disadvantages from social, economic, for Change Global Contest since gender and religious factors, and, lastly, children with disability. Social Inclusion is when all children, regardless of their economic, social, physical, emotional, 2010. 20 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Inclusive Education cognitive differences, are educated and are instrumental in changing supportive, context-appropriate together. Inclusion is not merely discriminatory attitudes. School is about physical proximity but is about the first relationship with the world environment for learning demonstrate intentionally planning for the success outside their families which enable the of all children. development of social interactions and far better outcomes whereas separate, relationships. Children learn to respect Inclusive education is when all students, when they interact, play, socialize and special schools offer no guarantee of regardless of any challenges they may learn together with children of diverse have, are placed in age-appropriate abilities and backgrounds.Inclusive success for children who need special mainstream education classes to education values diversity and the receive high-quality instruction, unique contributions each child brings attention. The success of students with interventions, and experiences. to the classroom. Inclusive education not only accepts disabilities in more inclusive settings but celebrates the diversity each The driving principle is to make all child brings to the classroom. Every students feel welcomed, appropriately depends on meeting both their child should feel safe, valued and challenged, and supported in their have a sense of belonging.Successful efforts.It is also crucial that the adults academic, social and emotional needs. inclusive education happens primarily are encouraged, too. It includes the through accepting, understanding, regular teacher, the special education It requires a school culture that is a and attending to children’s differences teacher, as well as all other team and diversity, which include physical, members and most importantly, psychologically inclusive space where cognitive, academic, social and parentstoo. emotional. These schools provide all children understand one another better quality education for all children Inclusive schools that provide better, feel safe and cared for, have positive relationships, and are more respectful and accepting of each other. Co-curricular activities, peer support, and specialized interventions involve the entire school community working as a team. It is necessary, for a variety of reasons, including having special educational needs or coming from an economically weak sector, children may find it harder to be accepted by their peers and appreciated for what they have to offer. APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 21

Inclusive Education Therefore, the school team should have processes to review efforts, plan, and Education. It is a process and not an the training, support, flexibility, and engage in continuous improvement. end product of a series of interventions resources to nurture, encourage, and Parents also have a big part to play, process. Children with disabilities respond to the needs of all children. though at times parents are not sure have the same need to belong as all Educate students and the team whether inclusive school is the right children do. Inclusion in Education about Social Inclusion and its ethical choice for their children with special does not limit merely to schools, but importance in formal and informal abilities. brings around attitude changes in school settings. children and adults. Children learn Some of the challenges to respect differences and learn to Social Inclusion is not about some that all schools need to develop better interpersonal skills children “helping” others and some overcome are: and live in harmony even when they of them being “helped.” It is about • Accessible buildings, campuses, grow up as adults. everybody finding meaningful ways to contribute, which may not necessarily toilets and other facilities be reciprocal, but they must provide • Transportation facility with severe regardless of ability level. Points to Ponder …. support needs • If mainstream schools accept all Leadership must be cultivated right at • Availability of Attendants the young age, make sure to include • Pedagogical support for children children then, is there a need of children of varied abilities within the Special schools? leadership structure. Shared and with learning disability • Will all the mainstream schools inclusive leadership is a fundamental • Individualized support to maximize have the needs of the children aspect of a truly inclusive school. addressed which includes- academic and social development including specialist teaching and Students, teachers, and administrators • Last, but not the least..Trained equipment, and the therapies and should engage in ongoing reflective medical support some of them Educators to cater to children with depend? If not, does it deprive different abilities the parents and the children the choice? n Conclusion Collaboration is the key of Inclusive 22 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Prof. (Dr.) B. L. Handoo Teacher Development Educational Innovator EMOTIONAL Prof. B.L.Handoo has been in the INTELLIGENCE field of education: teaching, teacher- IN LEADERSHIP training, mentoring, innovating, managing schools and advising Prof. Handoo outlines various aspects of Emotional Intelligence management for over four decades required for effective leardership. Emotional intelligence is a powerful tool critical for exceeding goals, improving critical now. work relationships, and creating a healthy, productive workplace He researched extensively at RCEM, and organizational culture. Ajmer on Piagetian Concept of To be effective, leaders must have a solid understanding of how their emotions Cognitive Development, for his and actions affect the people around them. The better a leader relates to and Ph.D. in Cognitive Development. works with others, the more successful he or she will be. He has been awarded a Doctorate Take the time to work on self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and in Educational Psychology by the social skills. Working on these areas will help you excel in the future! Cosmopolitan University, USA. APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 23

Teacher Development May I request you, dear reader, to ask yourself these two questions. 1. Does your emotional intelligence lift your team to new heights? 2. When you think of a “perfect leader,” what comes to mind? You might picture someone who never manage each of these areas, the matter what the situation, you can lets his temper get out of control, no higher your emotional intelligence. always choose how you react to it. matter what problems he’s facing. So, let’s look at each element in more Or you might think of someone who detail and examine how you can grow 2. Self-regulation has the complete trust of his staff, as a leader. Leaders who regulate themselves listens to his team, is easy to talk to, effectively rarely verbally attack others, and always makes careful, informed Emotional Intelligence in make rushed or emotional decisions, decisions. Leadership stereotype people, or compromise These are qualities of someone with a their values. high degree of emotional intelligence. 1. Self-awareness If you’re self-aware, you always know Self-regulation is all about staying in What Is Emotional how you feel, and you know how your control. Intelligence? emotions and your actions can affect Emotional intelligence or EI is the the people around you. Being self- This element of emotional intelligence, ability to understand and manage our aware when you’re in a leadership according to Goleman, also covers a own emotions, and those of the people position also means having a leader’s flexibility and commitment to around us. People with a high degree clear picture of your strengths and personal accountability. of emotional intelligence know what weaknesses, and it means behaving they’re feeling, what their feelings with humility. So, how can you improve your ability mean, and how these emotions can to self-regulate? affect other people. So, what can you do to improve your self-awareness? • Know your values – Do you have a For leaders, having emotional clear idea of where you absolutely will intelligence is essential for success. • Keep a journal – Journals help you not compromise? Do you know what Who is more likely to succeed? – a improve your self-awareness. If you values are most important to you? leader who shouts at his team when spend just a few minutes each day Spend some time examining your he’s under stress, or a leader who writing down your thoughts, this can “code of ethics.” If you know what’s stays in control, and calmly assesses move you to a higher degree of self- most important to you, then you the situation? awareness. probably won’t have to think twice • Slow down – When you experience when you face a moral or ethical According to Daniel Goleman, an anger or other strong emotions, slow decision – you’ll make the right American psychologist who helped down to examine why. Remember, no choice. to popularize emotional intelligence, there are five critical elements to it: 1. Self-awareness. 2. Self-regulation. 3. Motivation. 4. Empathy. 5. Social skills. The more that you, as a leader, 24 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Teacher Development • Hold yourself accountable – If you • Be hopeful and find something • Respond to feelings – You ask a tend to blame others when something useful – Motivated leaders are usually member of staff to work late – again. goes wrong, stop. Commit to admit optimistic, no matter what problems And although he agrees, you can hear to your mistakes and to face the they face. Adopting this mindset might the disappointment in his voice. So, consequences, whatever they are. take practice, but it is well worth the respond by addressing his feelings. You’ll probably sleep better at night, effort.Every time you face a challenge, Tell him you appreciate how willing he and you’ll quickly earn the respect of or even a failure, try to find at least is to work extra hours, and that you’re those around you. one good thing about the situation. It just as frustrated about working late. • Practice being calm – The next might be something small, like a new If possible, figure out a way for future time you’re in a challenging situation, contact, or something with long-term late nights to be less of an issue (for be very aware of how you act. Do effects, like a valuable lesson learned. example, give him a day off or pay him you relieve your stress by shouting But there’s almost always something for extra time put in). at someone else? Practice deep- positive if you look for it. breathing exercises to calm yourself. 5. Social Skills Also, try to write down all of the 4. Empathy Leaders who do well in the social skills negative things you want to say, For leaders, having empathy is critical element of emotional intelligence are and then rip it up and throw it away. to managing a successful team or great communicators. They’re just as Expressing these emotions on paper organization. Leaders with empathy open to hearing bad news as good (and not showing them to anyone!) is can put themselves in someone news, and they’re expert at getting better than speaking them aloud to else’s situation. They help develop their team to support them and your team. What’s more, this helps the people on their team, challenge be excited about a new mission or you challenge your reactions to ensure others who are acting unfairly, give project. that they’re fair! constructive feedback, and listen to those who need it. Leaders who have excellent social 3. Motivation skills are also good at managing Self-motivated leaders work If you want to earn respect and loyalty change and resolving conflicts consistently toward their goals, and of your team, then show them you diplomatically. They’re rarely satisfied they have incredibly high standards care by being empathic. with leaving things as they are, but for the quality of their work. don’t sit back and make everyone How can you improve your empathy? else do the work: they set an example How can you improve your with their behaviour. motivation? • Put yourself in someone else’s position – It’s easy to support your So, how can you build social skills? • Re-examine why you’re doing your point of view. After all, it’s yours! But job – It’s easy to forget what you love take the time to look at situations • Learn conflict resolution – Leaders about your career. So, take some from other people’s perspectives. must know how to resolve conflicts time to remember why you wanted • Pay attention to body language – between their team members, this job. If you’re unhappy in your role Perhaps when you listen to someone, customers, or vendors. Learning and you’re struggling to remember you cross your arms, move your feet conflict resolutionskills is vital if you why you wanted it. Starting at the root back and forth, or bite your lip. This want to succeed. often helps you look at your situation body language tells others how you feel • Improve your communication skills in a new way. about a situation, and the message – How well do you communicate? • And make sure that your goal you’re giving isn’t positive! Learning Always improve. statements are fresh and energizing. to read body language can be a real • Learn how to praise others – As • Know where you stand – Determine asset in a leadership role because a leader, you can inspire the loyalty how motivated you are to lead. If you you’ll be better able to determine how of your team by merely giving praise. need to increase your motivation to someone truly feels. Itallows you to Learning how to appreciate others is a drive, go-to resources that can help. respond appropriately. fine art, but well worth the effort. n APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 25

Parenting Dr. Nirmala Krishnan is currently TIPS TO DECIDE engaged as an Education Consultant BEST PRESCHOOL for projects in Malaysia and Australia FOR YOUR CHILD after her contribution as Country Dr. Nirmala Krishnan guides you through five relevant questions you head in Education with Jindal Group should ask when deciding the Preschool for your child. and Principal of Mahindra World 1. Positive Classroom Design School. She is the Founder of ART TO CONNECT that brought millions of What you can observe in the classroom : children from mainstream schools in Neatly demarcated areas of learning - Art , Drama, Kitchen, Science, Reading India to collaborate with children with corner, Age-appropriate material and not primary level multiplication charts, Enough Art supplies, Books about various cultures, Puppets depicting ethnicity, special needs. Manipulative’s for self-paced learning Walls displaying many kids work She is the recipient of India’s largest What you can ask : Education award, her professional Do kids get to decide what they learn each day? How much time do they spend in indoor and outdoor play? How much time do they spend in group activities? Can I acumen includes Design Thinking from get to see the washrooms? Are the materials safe if kids put them in their mouth? MIT Sloan School of Management How do train kids to use the materials in classroom? USA; Educational leadership from NIE Singapore; Education Management from IIM Ahmedabad with 22 years of value addition to education globally, making her the most sought after as the proponent of the “Humanistic approach to education”. 26 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Parenting 2. Social Emotional Development & Discipline What you can observe in the What you can ask : What you can ask : classroom : Is the curriculum based on educational What is your philosophy about Pictures on the wall for kids to research? Academic goals for the year? teaching Pre-schoolers? How long understand their feelings, No corporal How will you track my kids academic have you been in teaching? What do punishment, Calm spot for upset kid growth and how will you guide my kid you like about Preschool teaching? to relax, sharing is most important in if they require more support? How will How would you like us to contribute in the process of learning you keep me informed? Is there any the class? Posters on - How to follow rules, other means of communication? How Learn about themselves, identifying will you encourage my child to be a 5. Safety as way of life their own emotions, , children are lifelong learner? never being punished, never exclude What you can observe in the any child, activities that they get to classroom: do together, individual activities to 4. Effective Teacher Furniture secured, rounded corners, express their emotions, engagement no exits for kids to walk out un-noticed, an extra staff to monitor all the time What you can ask : Safelearningenvironment encouraged in the class, furniture not too high so How do teachers behave with kids by the teacher results in lifelong better that teacher can see all over the class who misbehave? How do you handle learning patterns for a child room and kids do not get place to when kids bite / hit each other? Do hide there. First aid plans, fire safety, you suspend any kid? How do you What you can observe in the No chemicals or loose wires. No train kids in conflict resolution? classroom: open bodies of water even in kiddie Role model through behaviour, voice pool, check how the entry system for 3. Lifelong Academic of the teacher is warm and loving, strangers walking into school works. interactions language and gestures are comforting Cleanliness all over. for kids, encourage kids to talk to What you can observe in the each other politely, sits at ground What you can ask : classroom : level with the child, can get hands How do you handle when a kid is hurt/ Kids showing enthusiasm to teachers dirty with them, quality of teachers injured? How do you train children for questions and responding. More open communication is good because kids emergencies like fire? Are background ended equations being asked to kids. pick from them check of staff updated? Do you have a The teacher patiently listening to kids Teacher should not be seen speaking nurse / doctor on call? If you are not responses and encouraging them to anything comparing other students able to reach me for an emergency think further. Hands on activities and performance with your kid and should situation my kid has faced, what will audio visual aids used for learning. focus on sharing only your kids’ be your next step? Learning in Science language math interests and learning patterns. using themes around subject areas. Kids get to discuss plan for the day before the day begins in school. They get to do one activity of their choice at the end of the day which they specify during the discussion on plan for the day. This teaches them to plan their day and have an agenda to achieve for each day. Kids get opportunities to try different things APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 27

Librarian Corner Guneet Kaur Bhusari Reading Librarian and More… GEMS International School, Gurgaon “To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide Guneet has been an educator terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many from the last 6 years with GEMS inquiries.” —A.C. Grayling International School. She wears many hats, from that of the school It is one of my favourite quotes. How true—we cannot give a greater gift to a child librarian to that of the organiser of than the ability to read. I constantly hear and observe that the children who can all things books- be it the essential read come from homes where reading is given prominence. The parents read, link between the school and the and they begin reading to their children at the earliest of years with the result publishers, or the person who helps that these children love books and reading. For them, it is no difficult educational students bring to life the exciting task to be managed at school. They will seek out books and internet information world of their favourite books and easily. authors with her interesting take on Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about out-of-class learning activities. everything and everything about anything. Being an avid reader from her childhood, she believes in the Reading skills is the ability of an individual to read, comprehend and interpret undeniable power of reading and the written words on a page of an article or any other reading material. The possession doors it opens for imaginative young of a good reading skill will enable the individual to be able to assimilate a written minds, equipping them for a happier, work within a short period while reading. If an individual develops a reading skill, it is a lifelong activity. And while reading, the individual should think critically on the better tomorrow. 28 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Librarian Corner particular topic or subject. Reading school as they have ability can only be developed through little meaningful un- constant reading, teaching reading derstanding of what culture or habit as a hobby. they are expected to do in school. The development of these reading skills is vital to a child’s development, In our institution and a sheer volume of studies has demonstrated a link between GEMS International competency in reading and overall attainment in school (literacy School, special attainment and other outcomes). According to OCED’s report on reading significance is for change, Program for International Student Assessment (PISA): “Reading given to the reading for pleasure is more important for children’s educational success than culture, and it is part of the curriculum. Programmes like Oxford Reading their family’s socioeconomic status.” Tree and others, they start reading Besides, there are some other Reading is the strongest focus area fluently in K-2 levels. Imaginative key benefits of engaging children Story-telling, role-playing and various in reading from an early age. It is ofour school. At GEMS, we strongly other activitiesalso enhance reading because the development of reading comprehension and other sub-skills. is key to future success both in school believe, if each child develops good Reading is done through Silent and in life. reading, Paired reading, etc. reading and comprehension skills, I regard comprehension as number Authors of the month are selected five on the list of basic language skills, they will in-turn develop the skills to as theme authors every month for i.e. listening, speaking reading, writing, differentage-groups.Apartfromgetting and comprehension. Many students learn, unlearn and re-learn. We believe books, children also learn about the may be able to read with some de- author of the month and their work gree of proficiency but are still unable in developing reading habit as a skill to in detail during Library lessons. They to understand what they are reading. also research the authors and share We sometimes have to deal with stu- equip our students to become lifelong the information during the Library dents who can speak and read with lessons by giving group/individual apparent fluency but are struggling at learners and make them ready to face presentations. Students even dress up as certain authors and characters the world as global citizens. created by those authors and speak as the author or the role they are If each child in the school can read, depicting. It helps them to know more comprehend fiction and non-fiction about the author and ignites their easily and develop sheer love for reading and books, our goal is achieved. Our students’ love for reading impacts their learning outcomes at every level today. While children begin with pre- reading skills in Early Childhood and slowly develop reading abilities through Phonics and integration of Reading APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 29

Librarian Corner interest to read the books written by and reading by choice. It’s an effort Parents are expected to spend around that author. to move away from prescribed to 15-20 minutes of this reading time learner-chosen texts. with their children daily.By supporting Students after reading the books children to read in their leisure time at engage in various activities like Author Speaks, and Storytelling every age, parents can help to ensure writing the review of the book, making sessions are organized regularly for that children are equipped with the book jackets, doing book talks, the students to ignite interest in them necessary skills to succeed in later making bookmarks, writing about the to read a different genre of books and life. favouritecharacter of the book and to know about various forms of books, enacting a role-play based on a special how the author writes the book, how is Reading is the basic foundation on scene from the book. These activities the plot of the book made etc. which academic skills of individuals not only increase their comprehension are built. As we know the paramount and creative skills but also develops Students visit publishing house to importance of reading, it is given the interest and curiosity among other learn about the journey of a book top priority in primary education.Many students to read those books. from conceptualization to printing. believe that reading is a true measure They also learnt how they could get of a person’s success in academics. While school and class libraries the books written by them printed. Most of the subjects taught to us are make reading and books an integral based on a simple concept – read, feature of their lives, our Corridor Library in our school is not only understand, analyze, synthesize, and libraries developed through books for reading but is a storehouse of get information. donated by children are a real boon. information and research. It is a Children are encouraged to donate place to disseminate information and It is not enough to simply teach ‘books already read’, to the school encourages the students to study. children to read; we have to give them for Corridor libraries. These libraries something worth reading. Something are completely free for everyone, We engage parents as partners in that will stretch their imaginations— and we call them ‘Honesty libraries’. each endeavour of the school. Thus, something that will help them Children/support staff can pick up, workshops on Phonics, Reading make sense of their own lives and take home and keep back books at Programmes, Story-telling etc. are encourage them to reach out toward free will. Sheer respect for books regularly conducted for parents. All people whose lives are quite different ensures that none are lost. When parents fill Daily Reading Logs. In from their own. —Katherine Patterson children place books already read, these logs, we maintain a record of they tend to discuss and ignite the daily time spent by parents with When each child develops a love for curiosity among their peers. Thus, their children exploring reading, other reading, I achieve my purpose as an we see every child picking up books than school prescribed textbooks. educator. n 30 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Swwubscribe Now! learnersCreating a community of Digital Subscription `250 for 1 year new subscribers 20% DISCOUNT TERM SUBSCRIPTION FEE DISCOUNTED FEE 1 year 1000 800 2 YEAR 2000 1500 3 year 3000 2100 Name: Mr/Ms Address: Pin: School/Institute Name: Principal Name: Mob Phone: Email: Find enclosed Cheque/DD No: Dated: for Rs.: drawn on (bank) favouring lEARNsHARE cONSULTING Fill in this order form and mail it with your remittance to LearnShare Consulting , LearnShare Consulting C-21/D, Sham Nagar, Near Pacific Mall, Subhash Nagar, New Delhi- 110018 (M) 9811482902 Subscriber can also deposit the fee in our bank account. Bank details are below: Account Name: LEARNSHARE CONSULTING Account number: 055763300001418 IFSC Code: YESB0000557 Branch: YES BANK Ltd,5A/15 TILAK NAGAR NEW DELHI 110018 Terms & Conditions Rates and offer valid in India only. Subcribers are requested to allow us three to five weeks to process the subscrition details. Please mention your name and contact details on the reverse of the cheque/DD. LearnShare Consulting does not take any responsibility for postal or courier delays. For suggestions and complaints, please contact, LearnShare Consulting at [email protected] LearnShare reserves the right to change the subscription rates and other terms and conditions without prior notice. APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 31

Concious Education Sudhanshu Shekhar Nayak Compulsive Vs Conscious Sudhanshu Shekhar Nayak is currently the Principal of Podar Education International School, Pune. He worked for Pearson School in “The mind is not a vessel to be filled; it is a flame to be kindled. Education is not Karnataka before joining Podar just learning things, it is the capacity to see the world clearly and something about Education Network of Schools in the it.” (Savitribai Phule). year 2014. He is a CBSE Certified “When one becomes aware of one’s conditioning, one understands the entire Master Trainer, IECS Board has consciousness. Consciousness is the total field in which thoughts, functions, and empanelled him as the “IECS Mentor relationships exist. (JidduKrishnamurti).” of Change”, and also engaged as a resource person for Principals and A magnetized piece of steel is capable of lifting about twelve times of its weight, Teachers Training of Podar Education and if demagnetize this same piece of steel will not even lift a feather. Similarly, Network of Schools. He strongly there are two types of people. There is the magnetized, who is full of confidence believes “HAPPY CHILDREN LEARN and faith. They know that they are born to win and succeed. The second BETTER” and travelled passionately to every part of India just to make this dream come true. He completed M.A., M.Phil from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from JNU 32 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Concious Education category of people is de-magnetized. They are all full of fears and doubts. Opportunities come, and they say, “I might fail; I might lose my money; people will laugh at me.” Purpose of Education is to ensuring the longevity of education, socializing knowledge, social justice and citizenship. The education process should be an totality of consciousness, then one robustly that “who we are and what evolving process, always. As we can is functioning in full attention, not we have gathered are two different develop our muscles by doing regular partial attention. In such a state there things.” Whatever I have gathered does exercise; similarly, one too can improve is usually no friction. Friction in life not determine who I am and because intelligence. For a long, long time now, arises when one tries to divide one’s all kinds of people teach us what has we have always probably mistaken consciousness (JidduKrishnamurti).” not worked for them. We did not have information gathering as a substitute systems of mass education; they were for ‘education’ by overburdening the Intellect vs Intelligence: invented, or we may categorize it as brain with too much unnecessary All of us are born into two worlds; part of the industrial revolution. It is information. there is a world that existed before a massive piece of social engineering you came into existence, its the world which is prevalent till date; we need Conscious education enables and that existed whether you lived or not. a majority of the people to do blue/ allows us to accommodate knowledge; There is another world that exists white collar job. For this we have had however, compulsive education because you exist. It is the world of a broad-based elementary education simply helps us in the accumulation our own consciousness, the world of and a very small group of people to do of information. It is the reason why our self. Compulsive education is filled clerical and administrative jobs. This we must realize at all time what we with the outer world, and most of the is the main reason why we have had accumulate and who we should. We problems that our children face have small university sector everywhere in should not be influenced by what to do with the inner world. The role of the world and this is more so in our garbage we collect over the years. education is to help them understand country. Intellect is mistaken for intelligence; the world around them and also the intellect functions with gathered world within them so that they can All kinds of problems are being created information but knowledge does not become compassionate, fulfilled and by a system that we need to address need the support of memory. engaged. and not what we are inherently capable. Nobody is interested in our “Consciousness can be divided into “Doors in the world may open a little disabilities, but everybody seems to be two broad categories, i.e., active and late for you but once they open they involved in what we are good at.There the dormant (the upper and lower will remain open forever because is a need to create an environment levels). We are occupied with one little those doors are not opening for you that is holistic and which addresses corner of consciousness, which is most because of your qualification but for our spiritual development, physical of our life; the rest, that we call the your competence.” development, and which recognises subconscious, we do not even know that the very essence of human life how to get into it. The subconscious We need to understand one thing is not linear but organic. We need does exist, and it is as trivial and stupid as the conscious mind; as narrow, as bigoted, anxious, conditioned, and tawdry. When one is aware of the APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 33

Concious Education to realize that the industrial conditions are bound  Professional Learning. to create further problems for social generation variously than what we are witnessing today. It  Some pedagogies deliver integration, and they is all about taking a centre scale but taking to centre scale does not mean replicating it. There are progressive too. Today, the best education is no perfect school, and there are no two schools which are alike or for that matter, there are no two requires few costly props and equipment they individuals who are alike. There are principles which can be applied everywhere and the most significant may be categorized in the following manner (4 challenge that we are facing today is getting those principles in place. Cs): MUTUAL BENEFITS: Coming Together  1. Communication. 2. Creativity. 3.  Schools Needs: Skilled and courageous Collaboration. 4. Critical Thinking leadership. Quality educational research and innovation. Skilled and innovative teachers.  Balanced excellence = Creativity + Science +  Teachers Needs: Skilled and courageous leadership. Quality educational research Imagination and innovation. Skilled and innovative staff members. We live our life in fragments. We are one person at  Role and Purpose of Schools: (Confused and work, another with friends, and another at home. Confusing): A mind that is fragmented shall never be aware of full consciousness. One must uncover one’s mind, Challenges: layer by layer, to understand the fragments one by  There is a mission and desire to integrate high- one. It is a process that may take weeks, months or even years (Krishnamurti, 1983). quality education.  To create a sea of change in the culture of Attention vs Concentration: Attention is not the same thing as concentration. independent learning. Concentration involves exclusion, while attention  Tackling the impossible and generating ways to excludes nothing. It is that we concentrate on our problems, our ideas, and our world, such that we respond to legislative demands. are not objectively aware. Verbally we can only be superficial. What lies beyond cannot be put into Expected Outcomes: words. One needs to be aware. Awareness about  Failing integrity and corrupt practices to deliver how we walk, how we speak, how we talk, and how we think, is necessary. It is with a choiceless metrics. awareness that doors shall open and one would  Emphasis on quantity and number over quality know a consciousness in which there is no conflict and no time. Once we change ourselves, we can (do less but do it better) change society and the world in which we find  Limited confidence and leadership experience ourselves. Understanding ourselves marks the beginning of wisdom. and development of staff within the school  The strain on public sector schools and their Conscious Education – Need of the infrastructure. hour!  Optimism in private sector school with If we perceive something new, if we learn something new; it is such a job. But why our schools are such a developing and innovative infrastructure. painful place. We have not put ourselves sufficiently  Frustration with the quality of student skills and into it. We must create a school where the “Child” wants to go instead of being forced to attend. knowledge. A child belongs to a segment of naturally joyful  Pressure to admit students without the people. Is it challenging to create a substantially joyful environment of education which a child appropriate and requisite skills that schools needs today? First, we need to be joyful; we really anticipate. cannot inspire or do anything that would be joyful. 34 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Concious Education All of us experience “joy” in our life; there is no human being who has not witnessed this state of mind; however, the degree may differ from person to person. If given a choice, every human being would love to be joyful and happy; none would choose to be otherwise irrespective of caste, class, race, ethnicity, colour, creed, sects or religions. We are investing too much in the past sky is the limit. FUTURE LEARNING: THINK and future; however, our concentration SYSTEM - ACTION - AND which should be in the present. In the The very human potential is distorted INVENTIONS 21st Century, we are too much goal- because people are in compulsive oriented and have little knowledge competition instead of being conscious FUTURE OF WORK AND WORKPLACES about the process and protocol to of their competition. Human genius is OF FUTURE: We know that the future achieve what we need today to reach completely missing today as we are of work will be different. We know our where our goal lies. Goal without the teaching competition through our relationship with machines changing. Soul of today is not going to fetch us education. We need to compete within Artificial intelligence is replacing roles anything substantial. rather than competing with others. and changing economics across the world. We will have to think, re-think Education is essentially for enlarging What we have gathered is useful in and adapt our skills, knowledge, and of horizons of human perceptions. creating comfort and convenience, competencies constantly, re-learn, But unfortunately today, education but the same is helpful for creating listen better, and consider how we has been perceived as enforcing well being. If well being has to learn collaboratively and continuously of information, and hoarding of created, then we need to access the through conscious education and knowledge is considered equivalent dimension of intelligence which are insight. to being educated, which is neither not intellectual because the intellect real nor the reality.Data is useful, but cannot function without accumulated An ideological apparatus that this is just a means to an end and not information. Hence, we are defying addresses a major intellectual an end in itself. It is not going to make the very purpose of education, problem in society, for example; who your life. It will undoubtedly enable us that is to expand the horizon. This we are, living well and social justice. to earn our living. is not happening through current As a mechanism of selection and education. As more people are getting socialization of dominant social elites. Competition vs Compassion: an education, they really cannot As generators of new knowledge and Everyone of us finds ourselves in a rat get along with anybody, and in this new societal insights (but not the race called competition; we compete process, they are getting isolated.To only one). As engines of workforce with each other for every damn thing move from compulsive education to development and skilling the next on this earth. We have competitors conscious education, we need three- generation of workforce. Irrespective at home, in the office, in a close dimensional change, i.e., change in of global aspirations and claims to relationship (i.e., as husband and curriculum, change in pedagogy and interdependence schools are subject wife, brother and sister, etc), localities above all turn in our assessment to and part of national infrastructure we live in, clothes that we wear, food process. and its demands. n that we eat, technologies that we use, gadgets that we possess, cars/bikes/ houses.When we stop competing with others, we will explore the possibilities of what we could do; then probably APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 35

Consciousness Education – Towards Its Inner Debabrata Biswas Significance - II an enthusiastic, dynamic School Leader DEBABRATA BISWAS PENS DOWN A SERIES OF WRITE UPS ON EDUCATION, – Visionary Educator - Counsellor – CONSCIOUSNESS AND NATION AND EXPLORES THE INNER AND ETERNAL Educational Consultant - Motivational SIGNIFICANCE OF EDUCATION. THE ESSENCE OF HIS OVERALL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION IS BASED ON THE FACT THAT – EDUCATION IS TO TRAIN ONESELF Speaker, has been in the field of TO LIVE THE LIFE OF THE TRUTH, FOR THE TRUTH AND BY THE TRUTH. education for above 19 years and served [Dear Esteemed Readers/Thinkers/Educators - It’s my humble effort to write a different prestigious schools of India ‘Series of Articles’ on ‘Education and Nation’ in the line of greatest Thinkers of as HOD Physics, Director and Principal past and present, both from East and West. The sole purpose of compiling this in Swami Hariharanand Public School, series is - to spread the message of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam amongst our next Swami Vivekananda Heritage School, generation from the furthest corners of the nation through you, the Educators – so that our country would one day become pollution free, corruption free, peaceful, Manava Bharati India International prosperous, self-reliant, superpower, invincible, indomitable and incredible for School, NEIIL World School, Kothari eternity. International School, Physion, Maharishi Vidya Mandir. He is the Founder Principal of Saumyakashi Heritage International School, an upcoming 21 Century Unique Consciousness Based Green School in Uttarakhand.. 36 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Consciousness Words are always relative; hence it is into the most concise and profound itself; it is beyond any opinion, human subjectedtotime,place,circumstances definition of human which will constitution, speculation, resolution, and eligibility of the pupil or enquirer. encompass the essence of all other amendment, notification, circular, law, Even the word ‘Absolute’, used to definitions – order of supreme court, assumption, indicate ‘The Absolute’, itself is postulates, theory, notion, fanaticism, relative and indicative only. It cannot Ahaar Nidraa Bhay Maithunam Etat- dogmatism, faith, trust, ism or ego. define The Ultimate Knowledge or Bhi Samanaam Pashubhi Naranaam! Realization completely and can just Dharmo Hi Tesham Adhika For Example: What is the give a direction of thinking. Hence, Visheshaam Dharmena Hinaa distinguishing ‘Dharma’ or property of Educationists are requested to take Pashubhi Samanaa!! a fluid? Asnwer is: to flow. What is the the thoughts presented here as one distinguishing ‘Dharma’ or property of perspective only, out of infinite others, ‘Eating, sleeping, defending and a proton? Answer is: It’s a positively cogitate and contemplate on it and mating – these four basic impulses charged nucleon. We can just explore disseminate it amongst children, or propensities are equally found in or discover their Dharma; we cannot parents and youth of the nation.] animals and humans; but one special decide it. It’s all about facts, not faith. attribute or intrinsic characteristic [Continued from Series I, Jan-March, is there which distinguishes human b) ‘Kartavya’ or Duty. 2020 Issue, Edutalk ….. Readers from animals.’ What is that special For example: Putra Dharma – Duties are requested to refer Series I to prerogative? Answer is: Dharma, of a son; Shikshaka Dharma – Duties contextualize Series II.] without which human is nothing but of an Educator; Pitri Dharma – Duties another animal. [Eating, sleeping, of a Father; Rashtra Dharma – Duties We mentioned in the previous series defending and mating are just of a citizen towards his or her nation that – root cause of all problems synonyms of Ahaar, Nidraa, Bhay etc. is ‘Identity Crises’. Solution to all and Maithunam on surface level. problems is – ‘Seek the highest first These Sanskrit words have far deeper ‘Dhaarayati Iti Dharma’ or ‘Dhaaranaat as because outer depends on inner’. meaning which will be explained in Dharma Iti Ahu’. All other problems are the subset of coming series.] From the two etymological meanings the ‘Identity Crises’. of the word ‘Dharma’ we can define What is Dharma? – The intrinsic attribute and function Indentity Crises The word ‘Dharma’ has derived from or natural duties of something or Erwin Schrodinger – “To find out the ‘Dhri’ which means ‘which beholds’. somebody which distinguishes it from answer of the ultimate question ‘Who The etymological meaning of ‘Dharma’ anything else of the creation is called am I’ is the real science.” is – its ‘Dharma’; or the intrinsic and unique Athaato Brahma Jigyaasaa! Let us a) Inherent/intrinsic/inborn/innate/ attribute and/or function or duties of now enquire about ‘The Absolute’ or basic/fundamental/natural attribute something or somebody upon which it ‘I’. or feature or characteristics or exists is called ‘Dharma’. property or quality or trait or aspect Before discussing on the ‘Ultimate or facet or individuality or uniqueness [Unfortunately 99.99% people of Question – Who am I’, let us throw or distinctiveness or character or our country (and world also) do another fundamental question – peculiarity which distinguishes not know the true meaning of this ‘What is human?’ We hear about so something or somebody from anything word and speculates it or translates many definitions of human or Homo else of the world. it as religion. From parliament to sapiens. Most of the people would pavements, everyone is ignorant, say that human is a rational animal. It is the neutral, non-secular, non- arrogant and opportunists utilize this But ‘Reasoning Power’ or ‘Rational sectarian, non-religious, non- ignorance to run the biggest industry Thinking’ is found in amoeba also. All communal, eternal, feature of that of war and riot in the world. Value of pi those definitions are correct relatively; particular body or thing or object or planks’ constant does not depend however, let us delve more deeply attributed by the nature or creation upon any political, religious resolution APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 37

Consciousness or decision of any business chamber Srishti Dharma – Natural attributes Neeti Shatakam - without wisdom a or influential person or underworld and duties/functioning of the creation man is nothing less than an animal industry or fashion industry or mass and/or towards creation. only; even far inferior than animals or mob. If you jump from the top roof as not a single species except human of a hundred storied building, the What is the distinguishing breaks the laws of nature . Unless gravity and its numerical value will and until someone is not wise (and be applicable to you, irrespective of feature of human? the nature or the universe will decide whether you are President of USA, After understanding the meaning of whether someone is wise or not, not Prime Minister of India, MP or MLA, film the word ‘Dharma’, next question mass) he or she will not be considered star or gang star, literate or illiterate, naturally arises – what is that unique Homo sapiens or human. majority or minority or anything else. Dharma that distinguishes human The gravitational aspect or Dharma from all other species of this planet? Manushyarupen Mrigaah Charanti! of earth is non-secular, non-religious 13. Neeti Shatakam and non-communal. You cannot even As per the most accurate census of They pass through the world like blame anyone for this. Media cannot beasts encumbering the earth. do anything of it.] Hawaii’s University to date, a total Orangutan, guerilla, chimpanzee etc A learner or student must know the of 8.7 million species [According to also have their spinal cord vertical – true meaning of this word ‘Dharma’ as but not absolutely perpendicular. Why – Education is nothing but nurturing Padma Purana, there are eighty four has the nature or creation given this and nourishing the innate potential unique feature to human only? Is it or Dharma of an individual. He must lakh species in this planet; difference accidental or random or whimsical or realize that – realizing these under just partiality? No. mentioned Dharma and to become a in number is due to classification only; responsible global citizen is the very ‘Nature likes symmetry’. - Louis de purpose of education: remember - Purana and Mythology Broglie, French Physicist. Vidyarthi Dharma - Natural attributes/ are not at all synonyms.] live on the From multiverse to universe, aptitudes and duties of a student. macrocosm to microcosm, nebula Adhyaapak Dharma - Natural planet and 1.3 million species have to nucleus, galaxy to gluon, animals attributes/aptitudes and duties of a to amoeba, nephron to neuron, teacher. been identified. We have described supernova to retina – there is perfect Vyakti Dharma – Natural attributes/ order and symmetry everywhere. There aptitudes and duties of an individual. only 15% of all the organisms that is a Big Brain behind the Big Bang. We Manava Dharma – Natural attributes/ see pattern and design everywhere aptitudes and duties of a human. live in our planet. Out of these 1.3 (except the horrible mess or disorder Parivaar Dharma – Natural attributes created by one single species on this and duties/functioning of a family million or 8.7 million, there is only one planet - so called humans). The very and/or towards family. word ‘cosmos’ means ‘an orderly, Samaaj Dharma - Natural attributes species in – harmonious, systemic universe’. and duties/functioning of a society and/or towards society. Kingdom : Animalia We study about 14 types of crystal Raashtra Dharma - Natural attributes structure arrangements like FCC, BCC, and duties/functioning of a nation Phylum : Chordata HCP etc of different elements. Where and/or towards nation. did all these exquisite order come Vishwa Dharma – Natural attributes Subphylum : Vertebrata from? On one extreme level, we find and duties/functioning of the world the smallest molecule, the hydrogen and/or towards world. Class : Mammalia molecule, which contains only two Order : Primates Family : Hominidae Tribe : Hominini Genus : Homo - On this planet which has absolutely vertical or perpendicular or normal (90o) spinal cord with the surface of earth and that is - Homo sapiens or Human. In Latin, Homo sapiens means ‘wise man’ and the word was coined by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Astonishingly, the scientific meaning itself is emphasizing on wisdom or knowledge. Only having human physique does not make us homo sapiens as we have seen in 38 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Consciousness hydrogen atoms (the only element with vitamin B12 molecule. Altogether, 99 Gaam Aavishya Cha Bhutaani no neutron in its nucleus as it does not scientists from 19 different countries Dhaarayaami Aham Ojasaa! need a neutron – a conscious designer were involved just to accomplish this is behind it.). On the other extreme, one small task. And for that also, they I, the Absolute, entering everything, there are giant molecules such as took the ingredients or raw materials support everything by the Absolute proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and from nature and utilized their own Energy or Consciousness. RNA) that contain innumerable atoms body, senses, mind, intellect and soul made for a definite function. These to perform the task which were not at ‘You refuse to believe that this puny atoms are arranged in amazingly all created by them. However, their contraption of small scale model of intricate and definite patterns, like the inquisitiveness, effort, determination the solar system kept on the table double helix of the DNA molecule. We and dedication were obviously came about by chance and yet you can engage ourselves for never-ending admirable and nature naturally had are convinced that the great original, births to explore the explicit orders in awarded them for that. the actual solar system, of which this the creation; still list of the examples mechanism is only a model, has come will not be finished. ‘We perceived the order in surprise into being without either a designer and our cosmologists and physicists or maker. Now tell me, by what sort Science can only unfold the existing continue to find new and astonishing of reasoning do you reach such truths about nature. We have not aspects of the order …. It is a miracle an absurd conclusion?’ – Sir Isaac created this order. At best, we …’ - ‘Discover’ magazine. Newton to one of his friends who used scientists can only take an effort to to opine that universe just popped up imitate the wonderful craftsmanship ‘… The orderliness of the whole by chance. of universe. We cannot even do this universe …. Galaxies were all travelling properly and most of our attempts lead in prescribed orbits in relation to Hence, from these examples and to failure and disappointment. Even one another. …. Could this have just evidences, we can understand that when we are partially successful, it is happened? Was it an accident that a universe is characterized by superb only with great difficulty. For example, bunch of flotsam and jetsam suddenly organization and this exclusively Prof R. B. Woodward of Harvard, a started making these orbits of its own attributed perpendicular spinal cord of Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 1965 accord? …. Some power put all this human cannot be accidental. Question and Prof. A Eschenmoser of Zurich into orbit and keeps it there.’ – John is naturally intriguing – why? took eleven years to synthesize the Glenn, Former Astronaut. [To be continued ….] APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 39

wellness Education Dr Dass Director- Thought Eduvrata, Founder Vibrations Director-IHF Wellness The Matrix of Orbitarium and Total Well-being Chief Mentor- Global Wellness ultimately is a balanced state of mind, body and soul. It is a state of bliss, Wellness Forum joy, harmony, creativity and dynamism. The internal factors play more important role than that of external factors. Enemy is within and enemy within is doing more harm Dr. Dass is an educationist, than the enemy outside which is a product of society and environment. wellness adviser, trainer, and author. He is an exponent of Life Wellness depends on our thoughts, feelings and emotions. Wellness depends on Skills Education, Value Education, our attitudes and life style. Wellness is created and maintained and it is neither and Wellness Education. He has bought nor it is borrowed. It is mind script that we write on our mental screen worked as Principal in some of which blesses us with the gift of wellbeing and this mind script comes from the the prestigious Public Schools affiliated to CBSE, CISCE, and CIE in the country. Presently, he is working as the Director- Quality Assurance of Superhouse Education Foundation, Kanpur. 40 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

wellness education information that we learn and acquire Energy itself is not enough to describe view that “subatomic particles such as from family, from school, from college, the direct organization of the cosmos, electrons are not simple, structure less from work place and from society. galaxy, solar system, life on the particles, but highly complex, dynamic An information which is guided and planet and ultimately human body. entities. controlled either by our emotional or Information is what organizes energy thought energy has tremendous effect without which energy would be more In addition, there motion not uncertain on our personal life, our growth and chaotic. or ambiguous, but they follow a specific development, our achievements and path. failures, our progress and stagnation, The word information means to give our dreams and desires and our hopes material form to (from the Latin: This path is determined not only by and frustrations. informer) in other words, information conventional physical forces, but by at the quantum field level is actually a more subtle force that he calls the The fundamental truth is that we create an active, creative force intimately quantum potential. This quantum our own reality. Truth appears to be the involved in the form and manifestation potential pervades all space and way we look at things; the way we feel of reality. According to 1984 noble provides direct connections between about the people and circumstances; laureate, Carlo Rubbia, matter is Quantum System.It is able to guide the way we experience and explain less than a billionth part of manifest the motion of particles by providing social and political phenomena. universe, the rest is pure energy “active information” about the whole phenomena of interaction. Information environment. Information and energy fields put things where they are and make up our reality hold them there. Everything is basically TheBritishresearcherRupertSheldrake Most of us are familiar with Einstein’s just information. has also conducted experiments that equation: E=mc square. suggest that instantaneous transfer E is energy, m is matter and c is the David Bohm (1917-1992) one of the of energy over a distance is possible. speed of light. It tells us that matter most distinguished (noble prize winner) There exists a “morphogenetic field” and energy are equivalent. It tells us physicists of his generation had this which is outside time and space that matter is pure energy. because it lacks energy. (Morph= form; APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 41

wellness Education Genesis = giving birth to) it does not diminish with distance as do various forms of energy. It is an information field. It contains the details needed to create form but lacks the energy to manifest it. We need both energy and information. We can now write a new equation: information + energy= reality. Research at the frontier of biology reveals that the body is a structured network of information and energy fields. Disturbances in the body are documented and interpreted clinically using a number of tests and tools. A. Kirlian Photography - disturbances electrons and photons are the carriers for all metabolism and growth. in the electromagnetic field generated of this information, was supported 2.At energetic level- as the body’s by the body. by the experiments performed by internal and external aura. B. Thermography - disturbances in the freeman, W.Cope in the 1970s 3. From a Quantum Electrodynamics heat patterns of the body. & paper published in 1978 that perspective- as the magnetic vectors C. Electro- Dermal Screening Devices superconductive pathways play a that direct subatomic particles to their - detect interferences fields of the controlling role in biological functions. optimal positions in the body. body. New model of biology- according to Ultimately we enter a new realm The first device for measuring and Peter Fraser, “Human body field” is not of possibilities where it is the harmonizing the body’s electrical a Mechanistic Newtonian Construct, information generated through our patterns was created by Reinhold it is dynamic web of interrelations thought vibrations that play the most Voll, MD, in Germany in 1950 with the among all the physiological processes significant role in our total well- being help of EAV (electro acupuncture by that the body must perform. and well -being of individual as well as Voll ). He confirmed the existence and well -being of society. location of acupuncture meridians or The body field is in constant interaction pattern of energy flow. with the environment, influenced by Beware of your thoughts, feelings and responding to geo-pathic stress, and the information you possess European researchers following magnetic fields, toxins, stress and the and transfer because their energy Voll reasoned that to heal itself, the like. has potential to create an Orbitarium human body system was looking not of wellness or sea of sickness and for chemicals or drugs but for new or This body field can be viewed at many abnormalities. lost information. It is thus enforced levels: “sarve bhavantu sukhina , sarve santu the idea that everything has its own 1. In Bio-chemical terms- as the supra- niramaya unique vibration or signature. chemical control system of the body Sarve bhadrani pashyantu, ma acting as the master control system kashchid dukh bhag bhavet”. n Matti Pitkanen, a Finish Theoretical Physicist’s idea that information transfer in biology takes place via a super conductive pathway , and that 42 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

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Event THE ART TO CONNECT COMPETITION “This is a competition in which children from Krishnan, Founder, Art To Connect Festival regular schools participate with a special Celebrities champion the cause of child in four categories of competition. We are inclusion doing this to create a society where differently- Well-known film star Prakash Raj and squash abled children and children from mainstream star Dipika Pallikal Karthik are among the schools can be more empathetic towards supporters of ART TO CONNECT. each other. They can co-create a painting, or a piece of music or a dance performance or sing “Every child is born with a lot of curiosity and together. In this process of working together energy in them and receptive abilities, and they will grow up to be individuals who will have we are not able to understand the power and respect for each other’s talents”– Dr Nirmala magic of their perceptions and expressions”, 44 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020

Event says Prakash. We need to sensitise For the first time in India, over 300 disabled children society, and we need to co-exist showcased their skills in painting, singing, music and share and search through one and dance in partnership with 2000 students from another”. mainstream school from across India. Dipika says her association with schools for disabled kids has convinced her of the power of such initiatives. “I have believed in the power of compassion, understanding and empathy to win each day in the life”. Many differently-abled achievers expressed their joy of knowing each Nirmala was inspired by a quote have expressed support for other and painting together despite on education by her mentor Dr ART TO CONNECT. They include the challenges faced by Jordon. DaisakuIkeda.“What our world most Karishma Kannan, a well-known requires now is the kind of education artist, self-advocate and a young Dhrov buddied with Zaid (Autism that fosters a love for humankind, adult with a condition called Down Spectrum Disorder) from Cambridge that develops a character which syndrome, motivational speaker School, Srinivaspuri, Delhi to create provides an intellectual basis for DaneshKanagaraj who is a a painting. realization of peace, and empowers wheelchair user and Jijo, a drummer learners to contribute to and improve and a passionate artist/illustrator Vivaan, a student of Dhirubhai society.” with Down syndrome. Ambani International School, Mumbai, is thrilled to partner with The specially-abled and their families “Children from mainstream schools Saloni, who is blind. “I take this suffer a lot because the policymakers participating in ART TO CONNECT as an opportunity to showcase my are oblivious of their essential competition are going to be future buddy’s talent to the world”. needs. Dr Nirmala observed that policymakers for India, so we are when we have positions of power, we starting a revolution”, adds Nirmala, Painting pals Owais and Manthan, can make a difference in so many who says she has received an who has cerebral palsy, are excited to ways. When these children—who are enthusiastic response from different be together. “I take this opportunity experiencing ART TO CONNECT—grow states including Puducherry. to make my buddy feel like an asset up to be people in positions of power, of society”, says Owais, a student of they will be more compassionate The 2000 children are from Manipal School, Mangalore. and effective policymakers for the mainstream schools across India. people with special needs. Being a humanistic educator, Dr Rhythm singing a song and Anushree (vision loss) on the table from City Pride School, Pune shared their enthusiasm to participate in the music category and went on to be one of the National winners. Krishna and his buddy Jordon (Mental Retardation) are one of the National winners in painting category from St. Antony’s School, Kizhakkambalam, Kerala. They APRIL - JUNE 2020 EDU TALKS 45

Event It also effectively leads to them In this process, over Few parents like those of Karishma ( developing “4Cs & 1E” which stands two lakh children model, artist ), JiJo ( artist, drummer for Collaboration, Communication, from across India ), Pranav, Rohith and Mira ( artist ) Critical Thinking and Creativity along got sensitised have shown courage in raising their with Empathy as an outcome of their about Sustainable children with special needs. They interactions through ATC. Development Goal nurture the talents that they identify, 10, which is that of with support from special educators Dr Nirmala met setbacks when she and excellent medical facilities, and approached many organizations reducing inequalities. are fortunate and willing to present with her idea. All were excited about their stories to encourage many the idea but didn’t dare to test the parents of children with special others across India and the globe. unknown waters. The best part was needs, and schools taking care of all of them inspired her to come back specially-abled children responded The community of special needs is to them in year two of her program. with utter shock when Dr Nirmala providing strength to each other. shared this with them. The brighter side for them are the Initially, Dr Nirmala thought that voluntary organizations, NGOs, parents would come forward by Thankfully, school principals and and CSR programs which are very themselves to register, and had managements welcomed this meticulously supporting them and her first significant learning. It’s initiative as an easy way for them to help them connect to people they the schools that drive all initiatives bring positive change in the attitude can grow faster with. around children. Many parents and behaviour of their students. stated that they did not have the They shared that the experience The over-all scenario is improving time to engage their children in of ART TO CONNECT is going to be with widespread reach of internet. anything more than their homework lifelong for everyone in their school. The early intervention through or fixed classes in dance, sports etc. mobile phones as soon as the child after the school day finished. The stories Dr. Nirmala heard each is born is helping many parents day from the participating school in the remotest villages of India to Furthermore, many parents found principals, teachers, parents, and handle their child as prescribed by it quite challenging to search and students provided her with timely experts leading to better adaptability connect their child with a specially- encouragement to fight one more and improved learning milestones in abled child to participate in this day to make this initiative a life- children. program. Many backed out after the transforming experience for all those initial enthusiasm because they were who are supporting the cause. Reported and edited by Dr. Nirmala unable to find a child with special Krishnan needs in their vicinity. However, 46 EDU TALKS APRIL - JUNE 2020