Mamta Jaiswal
WHAT MAKES ME A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL
Preparing the students for the future is given prime importance. Inculcation of positive values along with developing life skills is given due weightage in the school. I feel quality leadership with a collective vision for school improvement and initiating change to spur innovation, ensure student learning and increase achievement are the most important traits of a Progressive Principal that I possess and pursue to the best of my capacity.
MY MISSION AS A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL
By dint of being recognized as a Progressive Principal will develop more faith in our stakeholder vis a vis the parents, teacher and students. Parents will surely be more supportive of the endeavours taken up by school. It will further enhance and boost my confidence to develop a more proactive approach towards learning and delivery in schools.
LEARNING BY DOING
The philosophy of ‘Learning by doing’ has been meticulously embedded into the curriculum. All kinds of teaching – learning aides are being used at all levels in the school. Effective use of digital learning, projects in Science and Social Science, educational tours and expeditions, Jodo Gyan kits for maths, practicals in Maths, English and science Labs are amongst a few practices that are in place in our school system.
INTEGRATED CURRICULUM
The curriculum in the Kindergarten and Class-I level is totally designed as per the thematic approach. The craft work too is aligned to subject like Ev.S. Integrating the curriculum on inter-disciplinary lines in classes-II upwards is in progress and plan to implement it by next session. Otherwise in Senior classes all project works have been weaved along this approach. Besides the faculty is trained to build a connect with all subjects in their delivery pattern.
INTEGRATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTO EDUCATION THROUGH FACULTY
Integration of entrepreneurship into our educational curriculum is properly planned and executed as a genuine collaboration between school and few outside agencies. The school is running successfully 26 Leisure Time Activity classes which is helping them to learn skills which may help them to take it up as their vocation in later life. Experts from the city are employed to take up these classes. We are teaching the kids the ethics of ‘to do’ and not just ‘to consume’.
PROBLEM SOLVING & CRITICAL THINKING AMIDST THE FACULTY
Strong emphasis is given in developing Problem Solving and critical thinking amongst students. All delivery (teaching-learning pattern) are designed accordingly. All our worksheets (compiled into a booklet called Learners Comate) have questions and tasks related to developing this skill. Question papers, projects etc. all focus on this aspect. Conscientious effort is made to develop it through tasks like – 1) Observe and draw conclusions, 2) Compare and contrast 3) Discuss and analyse stories, 4) Collaborative learning (teamwork), 5) Opinion Writing, 6) judging credibility of information etc.
GROUP WORK AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS AMIDST THE FACULTY
My expertise has been in developing the curriculum for junior school. Very categorically the development of social skills have been mentioned in the syllabi of every month. Besides this, events are organized to put these into practice. In senior classes too it is given due weightage through life skills classes, assemblies, celebrating etiquettes week etc. Reinforcement with high resources also done for developing it as a habit. Table manners, Special Camps, Etiquette Birthday Clubs, special in house training sessions, outsourcing such sessions are amongst a few efforts taken by us to develop social skills in children.
UNDERSTANDING & ACTION BASED LEARNING
There is no such system of Rote learning in school. It is totally discouraged. Teaching Faculty on a regular basis are being trained by outsourcing training sessions suggesting alternative methods. Curriculum is designed in such a way that ‘concept building’ is given more importance than just learning through hands on experiential learning.
COLLABORATIVE & COOPERATIVE LEARNING PROJECTS FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
Many projects and events are designed for teachers to learn collaborating. Examples being – Book dissemination by each faculty, counselling sessions, special weeks presentation, Annual Functions, sports Day, Mapping of Soft content, research based assignments are assigned for them to work together in groups and it is shared with others.
EDUCATION ACCENTUATING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY
This has not been achieved 100%, but a lot of assembly and classroom talks lead to understanding of social responsibilities amongst students. A lot of debates and group discussions are organized to encourage the children to share their view points. The motivation and fire is building and the day is not far when the school as a whole will achieve it.
DESIGN & DELIVERY OF A LEARNING ECOSYSTEM WHEREBY HIGHLY PERSONALIZED LEARNING ACCOUNTING IS DONE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL’S PERSONAL GOALS
There are ‘N’ number of opportunities provided to students as well as staff. Teachers are sent for exposure and learning to various sessions organized all over the country. A well-equipped TRC and Library is provided for their ready reference. Opportunities to appear for Higher Studies is given. Opportunities to participate and present their portfolios for teacher related awards etc.
INTEGRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS INTO THE DAILY CURRICULUM
There are 4 CSR plans working in 4 blocks of the school – namely – KG Sec – Cleanliness of our surroundings I to III – Save Water IV & V – Preserving national heritage (awareness program) VI to VIII – working for the inmates of Kashi Anathalaya. Children of classes III to VIII come back and attempt an assignment based on their learning, experience, feelings, future plans for improvisation, their duty towards society and their role in the society.
FUTURISTIC SELECTION OF SUBJECT CONTENT
Not too much has been done on this front but yes, the faculty sits for detailing and critical analysis of the content provided in books while planning the syllabi. Selection is made on the basis of the ‘Need in future society’ – the skills and knowledge which will be important.
LIFELONG LEARNING AND SOCIAL SKILLS OF FACULTY MEMBERS
For this many practices are in place.
1. In-service Training of all faculties done by myself every month.
2. Regular training is outsourced again for all faculties in all subjects.
3. Sessions on development on basic counselling skills taken up by Ms. Salony Priya (Umeed Foundation)
4. QCT Session/training program by Teachers’ Foundation, Bengaluru.
5. Sessions on IBLD
6. Sessions on bloom Taxonomy, MI etc.
7. Sessions on grooming personality development and developing social skills by experts.
8. Assessment and evaluation of the faculty is also in place.
9. Observation of staff in action also happens regularly.
FACULTY ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION OF THEIR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS & PRODUCTIONS
There is no proper assessment developed for this. But we do observe and record the innovative projects and practices of teachers. They are appreciated for this through monthly reward system as well as yearly Award Ceremonies. Monetary appreciation is also in practice. They are given opportunities to lead excursions and other tours too.
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY TO FACULTY EMPOWERMENT
Faculty empowerment is the most important link that needs our 100% attention. The vision & mission of an education institutional as well as the nation is badly affected if the faculty is not equipped in all ways. Therefore, we implement a range of training programs in focus with enhancing the skills set of the teachers. These programs are designed to enhance the teacher’s skills as a whole in a better way of delivery. The programs include not only digital literacy, but also personality development, pedagogy, child psychology, child attention, time management etc. Faculty development programs encourage faculty members to gain knowledge on the subject areas and provide innovative approaches to develop the right pedagogical tools for the teaching learning process. The program definitely aims to raise the quality of the teaching process.