ReTHINK INDIA INSTITUTE

ALKA KAPUR

WHAT MAKES ME A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL

My academic programme is driven by my enduring respect for children as thinkers and explorers, curious scientists and mathematicians, imaginative writers and artists, and as makers of change in the interest of equity and justice. I believe that innovation and creativity are integral to all learning because the mind that is empowered to think is the mind that can create and invent. Hence the philosophy of my school is engaging students with hands-on investigations, projects and design challenges across the grades. I value the skills involved in formulating one’s own questions, as well as answering those of a teacher because it is equally important to view mistakes as important opportunities for both learning and assessment. 

While the 21st century education certainly demands mastering the content of core academic subjects, the teaching of skills such as innovation, collaboration and leadership are essential to the foundation that students need for long-term academic success, personal growth, and the ability to make change in the interest of equity and justice. I as a Principal ensure that the teaching learning methodology empowers children in every aspect – Cognitive, Psychological, Social and Physical thereby, helping the students to develop a wholesome personality, critical for future success. John Dewey who is remembered as the “father of Progressive education, believed that the school, as a “little democracy,” could create a “more lovely society”. A GOOD EDUCATION SYSTEM, I feel is not about rote learning but about inculcating values which would not only help an individual grow but would go on to create a better society. 

As principal, I try to design and implement a system in my school that encourages innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship among the children which equips them to meet the challenges besetting them. At a time when the world is shrinking into a global village, I try to give my students the opportunity to reflect and share their own points of view within a global society. I ensure that the Education system followed in my school has a holistic approach wherein children are prepared to be morally upright, socially concerned, emotionally balanced, physically developed and culturally conscious. I look to the future of the school and students with great anticipation and hope that we may be able to welcome every child to this community, so that we continue to share in that excitement of learning and play an active role in shaping their future, that of India and this world.

MY MISSION AS A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL OF INDIA

Being a Progressive Principal gives me the wings to my mission and vision. I intend to work towards building a school wherein the students do not learn through ‘Rote’ but through innovation and creation. I along with a competent team of teachers have been ensuring that learning is not confined to the classrooms. I actively incorporate 21st century skills in the school curriculum that prepares students to meet future challenges by cutting across the flow of current. 

My endeavour at MPS has been to transform every innocent empty mind into a reservoir of knowledge exploring and enhancing the power and potential of my students. I leave no stone unturned to accomplish my dream to strive for a school culture and that of teaching which deals with “A WHOLE PERSON IN THE WHOLE WORLD”.  

I ensure that the students in my school develop skills to become:  

• INDEPENDENT with confidence.  
• ACTIVE with openness, curiosity, energy drive & ability to solve problems.  
• CREATIVE and be prepared for change and be flexible and open but have a plan in position.  EMOTIONAL and learn to translate signals and be sensitive. 
• REFLECTIVE having a good general view of events and trends in society.  
• PERSONS WITH GREAT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL FOR THE FUTURE, prepare the youth who are in ignorance of the future. 

LEARNING BY DOING

“There is really one way to learn something and that is by doing it”. Experimental education is when learners actively engage in activities or experiences. I believe that I’m an experiential educator for my staff and students both. My practice in the school as a facilitator has always leaned towards the idea of “learning” as inherently tied to “doing”. The same is followed by my staff at all times. In my school students learn better as they are engaged in the learning process. Whether it is for academics or life skills, I strive to inculcate healthy habits among my children. 

Here are a few pedagogies to facilitate Learning By Doing. 

• To impart, patience and tranquillity in the students, I’ve introduced the concept of ‘SILENCE PERIOD’ in my school wherein every child has to sit in silence and meditate for a couple of minutes. The classes have been empowered with smart boards and plasma screens to facilitate learning along with BALA (Building as Learning Aid) that can be witnessed in every nook and corner of the school premises. 
• FLIPPED CLASSROOM has facilitated the learning environment where students can learn that content on their own by watching video lectures or other online sources. 
• OPEN HOUSE DISCUSSION is held for the students wherein young adults openly express their views and concerns on day to day social abuses seen in the society. 
• QUALITY CIRCLE forms a group of students who meet together to identify, analyze, solve and implement the solutions to a given sensitive topic. 
• The School has organized special Speech and Drama classes by Julia Gabriel Center, Singapore based organization with an aim to lay emphasis on key features in child’s development with their creative and literary acumen. The pedagogy for transacting Life Skills Education is interactive and experiential. Different interactive activities like Role-plays, advertisements, Buddy Letters etc. are also designed for the most vulnerable group.
• THE KEY TO ZERO WASTE being embraced by Modernites is a comprehensive educational programme that extends across the entire campus. 
• Various International projects in the school under International School Award, an initiative by British Council of India and many others give an opportunity to tread global paths along. 
• RALLIES on various issues like pollution, saving the girl child etc. are organised to sensitise and educate people. 
• NIGHT CAMPS arranged every year is another such endeavour that aids my learners to grow more independent, learn various social skills, build confidence and develop life-long skills.
• Along with these, activities like ‘YOUTH PARLIAMENT’ bring out the best in the students and fosters the development of critical thinking, problem solving and collaborative skills through engagement in civic issues. 

The curriculum in my school strictly revolves around expeditionary learning which promotes rigorous and engaging syllabus, active-inquiry based pedagogy and a school culture that demands and teaches compassion and good citizenship. Making my young generation global citizens is another area where the work is constantly being done.   

INTEGRATED CURRICULUM 

In the bygone days, subjects used to be taught in isolation in the classroom. The concept of Mathematics weren’t taught in Science even though they had a strong relationship. But the education of today focuses on integrated curriculum wherein different areas of study are interconnected going beyond the subject matter and emphasizing unifying concepts. 

Teachers are encouraged to work on a common goal. Project based learning is implemented in such a manner that it not only involves all subject areas but also builds up strong team effort and connectivity amongst students and teachers. Students definitely learn more if Maths, Science and Reading are all incorporated in one lesson or if teaching is done on a theme based unit that focuses on cultural diversity. 

In the customized curriculum of MPS, every topic is covered under the Integrated Approach. For instance, to study the contribution of Freedom Fighters, the syllabus is designed in such a way that subject teachers of Social Science, English, Hindi, General knowledge, Mathematics and Science too take up the topics related to the theme simultaneously. Also learning is assessed by all subject teachers and there is mutual accountability connecting them with each other and synergising their inter disciplinary expertise. That’s how students not only connect and create connections in Integrated Classrooms but they are also more actively engaged. Integration helps to achieve retention. 

Interdisciplinary approach towards integration can be just as fun. We focus on celebrating a birthday and making birthday cards while still teaching Mathematics, reading and comprehension skills and communication concepts. The idea behind this interdisciplinary approach is to have students learn more than just the immediate content being taught. 

INTEGRATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTO EDUCATION THROUGH FACULTY

The idea of infusing entrepreneurship into education has spurred much enthusiasm in the last two decades. Our school also has been running a business enterprise namely Creative Connections since 2012. It is an effort to promote the budding entrepreneurs of the school. Students prepare an elaborate business plan every year highlighting all the aspects of a successful business enterprise. Brainstorming sessions are organized right from procuring raw material for the business, production, marketing strategies, financial management and even after sale service of the tangible and intangible goods that they produce. Some of the products manufactured by the students are Scented Candles, Envelopes, Diaries, A4 size sheets of recycled paper etc. The striking feature of the whole business initiative for the students of commerce is the amalgamation of theoretical and practical knowledge of entrepreneurship. Such projects are a regular feature of our school curriculum.  

PROBLEM SOLVING & CRITICAL THINKING AMIDST THE FACULTY 

Education system today should be reinforced by dynamic innovator, entrepreneur and critical thinking skills. It’s time to bring our education system out of the stone ages. And for this, I believe in education that is as entertaining and addictive as video games. The system of standardized rote learning is what the children do not need today. The need of the hour is to focus on teaching children to solve real world problems. 

I have always emphasized that educators at all grade levels should enhance their current curriculum with activities and lessons that help to develop critical thinking amongst students and educators. Activities such as writing essays/blogs on the burning issues and utilizing questions that need higher order thinking are examples of ways to engage students in critical thinking in the classrooms. The teacher is made to act as a facilitator and encourage discussion thereby leading to a freer thought process. Thinking critically sometimes ends in more questions and helps students to learn appropriate to conflicting evaluation and opinions. I have always encouraged activities that enhance critical thinking as they help the students to understand why something has occurred as opposed to just understanding what has occurred. 

The educators are given to understand that they have to engage the students in active learning situations that require critical thinking skills, they need to guide them through the process to create a comfortable thinking through an answer. Project based learning activities require students to apply their knowledge and think critically and constructively. In fact, critical thinkers must be creative thinkers as well, generating possible solutions in order to find the best one.  

GROUP WORK AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS AMIDST THE FACULTY

The development of empathy, compassion, gratitude, and other social-emotional skills among our twitter generation is a humongous task. Only socially and emotionally competent teachers can bring the desired result. Instead of quickly resorting to punishments, teachers with great social skills recognize their students’ emotions and have insight into what’s causing them, which then helps to redirect the students’ behaviour appropriately. 

I have strong bonding with my teachers and it is this bonding that gives confidence to the teachers to give their hundred percent honestly and diligently. This mutual trust plays a critical role in shaping the school learning environment. They are free to discuss and seek advice whenever they have a problem whether professional or personal front. Healthy practices like yoga and meditation are being promoted among them by conducting various workshops. Stress buster picnics and dance therapy are also being enjoyed by the teachers in my school. To promote group work, peer learning, peer assistance and peer observation are integral features of school practices.   

UNDERSTANDING & ACTION BASED LEARNING

I believe that when a child participates in the learning process instead of just rote learning, it leaves a lasting and positive impression. Focussing on seeing or making theories come to life, solving problems and generating ideas are the building blocks to deeper learning. When children are able to master subject matter using this approach, the impact definitely multiplies. 

For example, as a part of social science studies, field trip to nearby places is organised to make the children learn about the soil structure, types of crops that can be grown, organisms present in the soil etc.  In science, students are shown models, specimens, diagrams, lab visits etc. Students are taken periodically to chemistry and physics labs in order to demonstrate the theoretical concepts. Various speaking activities are organised in languages that lay stress on vocabulary enhancement.   

COLLABORATIVE & COOPERATIVE LEARNING PROJECTS FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

Group activities and Team Work has always been a great experience at Modern Public School. Teachers here are encouraged to work together in groups to accomplish a given task. Diverse groups of teachers with different aptitudes are brought to work together to bring perfection and different hues to the learning environment. 

We have interdisciplinary subjects these days, which require different teachers to work together to give their best to the students. This makes the teaching learning process a dynamic activity. Through collaborative learning teachers also learn various new teaching methodologies from each other. We have weekly peer observation activity which helps teachers to learn from each other. Here are some of the collaborative practices undertaken to ensure holistic development of the Faculty. Teachers are connected with each other even during vacations, through the google groups. As a result they stay connected and updated with the latest changes happening around them. Teachers are encouraged to read various new books on child development and modern pedagogy. It is then followed by the group presentations by the teachers.  

Morning assemblies are charted in an innovative way where each class prepares theme based programs which is an amalgamation of facts, thoughts, proverbs and cultural events under the able guidance of their facilitators. Excellent Performance in the assemblies by the students is a testimony to the fact that collaborative and cooperative learning yield fabulous results. The School has organized special Speech and Drama classes by Julia Gabriel Center, Singapore based organization with an aim to lay emphasis on key features in child’s development is yet another glaring example of collaborative learning at my school. We have our teachers involved in various activities of the school like the ‘International School Award’ activity, in which, teachers irrespective of the subject they teach, work together to organize enriching activities for the students of various grades.

‘Atal Tinkering Lab’ has brought together the science and maths teachers to work on new projects related with modern technology and its real life applications. A team consisting of teachers of varied academic background work together for a global competition of ‘School Enterprise Challenge : Teach – a Man to fish’. Cooperative learning and collaborating with each other help the teachers to stay connected and work for the progress of the institution as a whole.   

EDUCATION ACCENTUATING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY 

Democracy is a breather for any institute as it gives vent to one’s expression. I believe that democratic attitude is one of the ways that leads to prosperity and if we talk of educational institutions, freedom to express oneself gives a sense of responsibility. Therefore educational activities at the school are designed in such a way the children of today feel themselves as an important part of the society.

Our school creates leaders. Keeping this in mind, the first activity of every academic year is the investiture ceremony where the students have the right to choose their representatives. The candidates nominate themselves for the prefectorial board. Every student has the right to express his/her views on any policy or practice of the management. In case of any disciplinary action required, students’ jury handles the case under the guidance of an experienced teacher. Parent teacher meetings are held on regular basis to let parents put forth their viewpoint on the issues related to their wards. Even during normal working days parents have their liberty to meet their class representatives. Students can voice their concerns by putting their suggestions in the suggestion box which is scrutinized by the Principal regularly.  

DESIGN & DELIVERY OF A LEARNING ECOSYSTEM WHEREBY HIGHLY PERSONALIZED LEARNING ACCOUNTING IS DONE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL’S PERSONAL GOALS

I have been able to design and deliver a Learning Ecosystem whereby Highly Personalized Learning Accounting is done to accomplish each Individual’s Personal goals. The progress of each student is tracked religiously so that follow up can be done timely. The school sends regular reports to inform the parents about the performance of their wards.  Graded tests and homework are assessed regularly. Standardized Test scores are given. Parents are intimated about the behaviour or social skills of the students through notes and emails.  Our school maintains a cumulative file which includes Personalized Identification Data, Standardized Test Scores and Report Cards of each child. Individual data including personal, academic records , achievements etc are available online for the reference if required. Hence every individual is tracked with the help of EDIMS (Educational Department Information System Software)  software.

INTEGRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS INTO THE DAILY CURRICULUM

In my opinion, values are the seeds from which all behaviour grows. With an aim to inculcate strong values like compassion, respect, responsibility, perseverance, initiative, and integrity, various activities are undertaken in Modern public School to let students deliver their responsibilities towards the society.

The school in collaboration with an NGO ‘Sarthak Prayas’ is running Nav Chetna Shiksha Kendra, an educational centre after school hours for the underprivileged sections of the society in the neighborhood area. Donation of blankets and other necessary commodities like thermals, caps, socks etc. to the less privileged class near ISBT area is done annually. 

Monthly donation of minimum Rs. 1 for students and Rs. 50 for teachers is mandatory. The amount collected is used for various charitable purposes. Our school in collaboration with ROTI BANK, an initiative by a self group that is especially dedicated towards feeding the poor and needy people in India, has started a campaign to make the society free from starvation. This noble act is to help the starving people by satiating their hunger by providing them with daily food and this sensitizing experience has fostered the spirit of community service. 

To make a difference in the lives of our less fortunate fellow beings by making them feel that they are a part of us, the students and teachers bring chapati and dry vegetables from home to ensure that the underprivileged section of the society in the neighbourhood gets square meal a day thereby turning the idea of ‘Right to Food’ into a reality.

The Interact Club has joined hands with Sarthak Prayas (NGO) and participated in Adopt an Elder program. The Interact Club has also joined hands with Social upliftment and life support foundation(a charitable trust) and donated the old books to the underprivileged. Under social service campaigns visits to Old Age Homes like Vanprastha, orphanages like Palna and other slum areas arouse emotions like compassion, empathy among the children. The school organizes Blood donation camp every year in association with Rotary club.    

FUTURISTIC SELECTION OF SUBJECT CONTENT 

While designing the curriculum, I along with my Curriculum Development Team take due care of the fact that the three domains of learning namely the cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills are developed. Age appropriate academic standards are supplemented by the activities that could prepare my students for the challenges that the environment will impose upon them. 

Culturally Conscious Curriculum has been designed so that the students are able to understand and respect the cultural variations as students belong to different cultural communities. In junior classes visual and performing arts reflect a unique blend of cultural diversities. Skill based learning is another area where ample of time and finance is invested. In middle school, Clubs are introduced wherein students are free to choose their clubs based on their interest. 

Science and Electronics Club, Eco Club, Interact Club, Performing and Visual Arts Club, Astronomy Club, etc are a few out of many that are available to the students. Under the able guidance of professionals students are provided with a vast ocean of opportunities to hone their skills. Most importantly, at this stage they are able to explore and identify the field that they would like to go far.  

In senior classes although the curriculum and the instructions are given by the Government, yet I continuously try to customize it so that this google generation learns 21st century skills i.e. Problem Solving Skills, Critical Skills, Decision making and most importantly admiring the differences, accepting and amalgamating them with their ideologies gracefully. 

Use of ICT is yet another endeavor that I have put in into the curriculum to facilitate teaching learning process. Also to come at par with the latest technology in the Education sector, Flip Classes, Cloud based learning, Use of Edmodo etc. have made the curriculum of my school at par with the global standards.   

LIFELONG LEARNING AND SOCIAL SKILLS OF  FACULTY MEMBERS

To foster a learning environment for the Facilitators and to keep pace with the challenges of the changing society, a number of strategies are implemented frequently for the MPS Fraternity. Seminars and workshops are conducted to familiarize the teachers with the nuances of their chosen subjects under the guidance of the experienced resource persons. This is essentially a platform where topics are discussed, questions are raised and debates are conducted amongst teachers. With an aim to stimulate professional growth of teachers, Peer Observation is conducted every month. A teacher in her free period visits any class to observe the teacher teaching in that particular class. The observer assesses her on various parameters such as blackboard work, clarity etc. Thereafter the assessor shows the remarks to the peer so that she can improve her learning, teaching paradigms. Such an endeavour sensitises the teacher to improve pedagogy and skill development. Teachers do online courses in various subjects and administration to raise the bar of excellence and gain perfection in teaching methodologies in collaboration with British Council of India. In order to refresh themselves from the challenging yet regular tasks I along with my family of MPS go out once in a month. It has really helped me a lot to form strong social bonds with my teaching staff. Social gatherings are organized wherein even the family members of the teachers also participate enthusiastically.   

FACULTY ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION OF THEIR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS & PRODUCTIONS

The assessment regime adopted in the school focuses on the parameters and the rubrics that can make the institution closer to the mission statement of the school. 360 degree evaluation technique is followed to ensure fair assessment. 

Peer Observation is done twice a month where in the teachers observe the classes of their colleagues and give their valuable feedback. It is worth mentioning here that the purpose of this observation is to give opportunities to the teachers to overcome learning barriers and also strength the weak areas if any.  

Annual Confidential Report is one of the most confidential tools used for the assessment of the teachers. This comprehensive report gives an insight into the progress that the teacher has done for the students, for her peers and for her own professional development. 

Senior Staff and HODs of various subjects observe the classes and evaluate the teaching process on the basis of innovation, creativity and how well the learning objectives concourse with the learning outcomes. Detailed findings are then discussed with the teachers concerned. 

I believe if you cannot reward success, you reward failures. So due recognition in terms of monetary and non-monetary gains is given to the teachers who bring their innovations into effective implementation in the school curriculum.  

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY TO FACULTY EMPOWERMENT

I believe Professional Development is one of the core principles of success. Success of any institution is based on the quality of teachers it has. Hence teacher empowerment is a key ingredient to attain the mission of the school. Today when the Google generation is flooded with information, it becomes imperative for the teachers to remain a step ahead of their pupils to continue to bask in the glory of being addressed as ‘Guru’.  

I ensure and personally look into this aspect that every staff member of mine grooms well in all spheres of life whether it is Intelligence Quotient or Emotional Quotient. Rigorous workshops are conducted frequently so that the teachers can sharpen their tools to give their students what technology can’t give to them. In-service Training Programmes, Peer Learning, Outsourced Training Personnel on subject specific etc. are organized for my teaching fraternity to continue the journey of Teacher Empowerment. Professional Learning Communities collaborate to ensure that they benefit from each other. I firmly believe that the role of the principal should revolve around the objectives to make her staff learn to adapt proactive approach while dealing with their students so that they can strengthen their core competencies. 

I owe the success of Modern Public School to my teachers who continue striving hard to articulate my vision for my pupil learners. I deem it as an honour to submit that the faculty of this institution is one of the strongly empowered creative thinkers, who through their strong command over their subjects along with humanitarian values have taken this institution to the global level.