Chitra Joshi
WHAT MAKES ME A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL
I am innovative as students in my school are given new exposure everyday. They are progressive learners trying to maintain a balance between technology and learning. Recent techniques used in school are Skype and Flipped classroom.
MY MISSION AS A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL OF INDIA
This title will give new dimensions to my goals as a leader. My vision is to make students and teachers global stakeholders in education.
LEARNING BY DOING
The students are motivated to learning by doing as there are 10 days summer and winter internship projects in various industries like IT firms, hospitals, banks etc. for practical learning. All programmes alike annual days, MUN, Inter DPS/ inter school/ inter house are organized by students. This year my students are writing a book of their own short stories which will be shortly available on Amazon and Flipkart. These skills helps develop the organizational and leadership qualities in students.
INTEGRATED CURRICULUM
Regular sharing and demo class sessions during department meetings help this cause. In house training and reading club activities for teachers on all Saturdays further intensify the same.
INTEGRATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTO EDUCATION THROUGH FACULTY
Lots of exposure given by field trips and workshops for Science, Commerce and Humanities students. Regular interaction with experts from industries is a common phenomenon at the school. Science and Commerce Fest organized by students by bringing in sponsorship etc.
PROBLEM SOLVING & CRITICAL THINKING AMIDST THE FACULTY
I believe that the connect between teacher and student is very important. Teachers are trained to conduct quality circle time once a week wherein these skills are enhanced. Life skill classes are also undertaken to hone the skills of problem solving and critical thinking. Teachers are trained to take remediation on need basis.
GROUP WORK AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS AMIDST THE FACULTY
Regular team building games/counselling sessions/ stress and time management simulation are done for both students and teachers. They are motivated to take up community service as medical and health check up camps in the nearby village. Blood donation camps and street plays based on awareness are done by students and teachers alike. Regular sports have been integrated with curricular teaching which also helps in developing the social skills. Students participate and perform at levels like inter house/ district/ state and national.
UNDERSTANDING & ACTION BASED LEARNING
Teachers are guided to teach without books in class. The pedagogy revolves around use of VAK methods for heterogeneous learners. All students are motivated to write their own answers and free responses in exams. Conceptual teaching is focused and a lot of information sharing happens in classes.
COLLABORATIVE & COOPERATIVE LEARNING PROJECTS FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
I have introduced the peer observation and learning sessions for faculty members which helps them share best practices.
EDUCATION ACCENTUATING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY
Education no doubt makes one fearless. Students, teachers and parents are free to come and share their feedback/grievances with the Principal. The communication policy is an open door one. Recently the students shared their views on How Nashik can be a “Smart City” in an interview with the Mayor Mrs. Ranjana Bhansi.
DESIGN & DELIVERY OF A LEARNING ECOSYSTEM WHEREBY HIGHLY PERSONALIZED LEARNING ACCOUNTING IS DONE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL’S PERSONAL GOALS
I have designed a regular observation system for feedback along with a learning ecosystem called the “Self Reflection”. Teachers are motivated to share their own reflection and each aspect is discussed with each individual for solutions and better results. Parents are also involved to share their regular feedback and it helps to improve the system.
INTEGRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS INTO THE DAILY CURRICULUM
A wall of humanity (Neeki Ki Deewar) where all students put up their donated clothes and objects for the underprivileged people to take home. Old books donation drive is regularly done for orphanage. Tree plantation drive with the motto “EACH ONE ADOPT ONE” is ongoing with a target of planting 1000 trees in and across Nashik.
FUTURISTIC SELECTION OF SUBJECT CONTENT
I think all the 4 domains are important for the futuristic society. I have been a member of the curriculum development team for higher education and my focus was always encompassing all the 4 domains of education The subject selection is definitely need based and has something to offer for future to the students. The gap between industry ready and education must be bridged.
LIFELONG LEARNING AND SOCIAL SKILLS OF FACULTY MEMBERS
All of us are teachers and must be lifelong learners. There is a strong emphasis on research/reading/ knowing innovative and best teaching practices through lot of interaction with erudites from education industry. My teacher has written a book for students (available on Amazon) and more will follow.
FACULTY ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION OF THEIR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS & PRODUCTIONS
I do follow an assessment regime for teachers’ called “Self Reflection”.
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY TO FACULTY EMPOWERMENT
Teachers must be guided and trained on a regular basis to perform well. Lots of exposure through workshops/ seminars/training is continuously done. Research, reading and innovation in teaching is an important factor in faculty development. Technological support is also provided for being updated on a regular basis. Regular interaction and visits to schools following best practices is followed at the school.