Morning assembly, back-to-back classes, a rushed lunch and then back to classes. And it still does not end because you would have to prepare for the next day. Such is a day in the life of a teacher. Hands down, the recipe to a successful day in teaching and learning is a thoughtfully designed, executed, and technologically aided lesson plan.
A year into the pandemic, the world stands witness to a massive shift in the way our children were/are being educated. With the classrooms turning virtual, teaching and learning became a coveted privilege - for those who had access to a stable internet connection. A study by UNESCO1 shows an average learning loss of two-thirds of an academic year worldwide due to COVID-19 school closures. We can imagine what this learning loss would look like in a country like India where even a regular power supply is a challenge in some parts. The field study by Azim Premji University2 suggests that not only are children not achieving learning outcomes of their current grade, but there is also a learning loss from the previous grade (forgetting previously learnt concepts).
The art of asking the right questions needs to be necessarily built into the teaching-learning processes in our classrooms. While learning, ‘Questioning the answers is as important as answering the questions’. And children need to learn this in their formative years.
Transformation in learning is not a momentary wave. At Chrysalis, we believe it is like a ripple. A ripple that grows and builds itself up, gaining strength as it moves forward, and most importanly, causing more ripples on its way.
People often talk about their ‘pedagogical approach’ to teaching and learning. But what does it actually mean?
This is a Social Studies class on ‘New Religions’ of the world. But this is not just about learning the years in Lord Buddha's life or the basic tenets of Buddhism. The children explore these tenets on their own.
Think deep.
Discuss the efficacy of the tenets in their every day life. And draw their own conclusions and answers.
“I was battling between two thoughts. Should I correct the spellings or should I focus on how well the child has understood the question and how creatively she has woven her understanding in the form of an answer. I chose the latter. Spellings...made a note in my handbook to include it in my lesson plan.” - Teacher, Chrysalis Partner School
Note: Have you ever received "A Letter from the Future"? A letter from one of your current 2nd grade students maybe? Here's one such letter. Dear Educator, the future looks up to you. There's a lot of hope and joy in store there. Because, we know you cared for this child today! Read on...
Presenting, some #SmallBigIdeas that can transform Formative Education in your schools. They are seemingly small but definitely impactful. Because, all you would need is an open mind and a willing heart.
