INNOVATIVE TEACHING
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Schools are now using
innovative teaching methodologies to help students understand complex
subjects
By Mithila Mehta
The thought of trigonome try, organic chemistry and physics is sure to
give a nightmare to most of us. However, gone are the days when students
follow conventional modes of learning, where the motive was to pass
exams and not necessarily increase the
scope of knowledge. Explains Savita Desai, Education Counselor, EduPlus
India, “Education is evolving and awarenessabout how children best learn
is also growing. Championed by various boards and international
schools, we are seeing the advent of alternative learning models for
students. From the manner in which teachers are
trained to the format of classroom sessions, role of practical learning,
style of teaching, manner of testing knowledge, everything is very
different.“
DIALOGUE AND DISCUSSIONS
Teaching through technology centres on learners. Technology driven learning develops effective approaches to teaching and learning and works seamlessly within different global contexts. Students are exposed to diverse cultures and languages, while exploring and constructing their own personal and cultural identities through technology. Additionally, there is a focus on developing interdisciplinary understanding, rather than looking at individual subjects in isolation. Explains Desai, “Education aims to transform students and schools as they learn through dynamic cycles of inquiry, thought and reflection.Teachers enable and support students as they develop the approaches to learning they need for academic and personal success.“
SHIFT IN PHILOSOPHY
While these philosophies are all well in theory, how do they come alive in practice? Says Manisha Gupta, whose daughter is pursuing her IB Diploma at a global school says, “Whether you are a six-year-old child or a sixteen year old diploma candidate, the alternate way of learning is evident.Most of the learning happens in a very involved, hand-on manner. This is through discussions, solving case studies, field work and projects. The school organises interactions with relevant industry professionals, visits to interesting places, movies screenings that enhance learning. Every single session is unique, carefully planned is very dynamic in its approach!“ Agrees Nidhi Rathi, who graduated from UWC Mahindra College, Pune, “The learning experience was great. There is so much focus on encouraging cultural exchanges and interactions. Text books are purely in cidental to the learning it is about understanding and applying concepts yourself. The focus is always on the student asking the right questions, rather than giving the right answers a fundamental shift from conventional education system.“
Teaching through technology centres on learners. Technology driven learning develops effective approaches to teaching and learning and works seamlessly within different global contexts. Students are exposed to diverse cultures and languages, while exploring and constructing their own personal and cultural identities through technology. Additionally, there is a focus on developing interdisciplinary understanding, rather than looking at individual subjects in isolation. Explains Desai, “Education aims to transform students and schools as they learn through dynamic cycles of inquiry, thought and reflection.Teachers enable and support students as they develop the approaches to learning they need for academic and personal success.“
SHIFT IN PHILOSOPHY
While these philosophies are all well in theory, how do they come alive in practice? Says Manisha Gupta, whose daughter is pursuing her IB Diploma at a global school says, “Whether you are a six-year-old child or a sixteen year old diploma candidate, the alternate way of learning is evident.Most of the learning happens in a very involved, hand-on manner. This is through discussions, solving case studies, field work and projects. The school organises interactions with relevant industry professionals, visits to interesting places, movies screenings that enhance learning. Every single session is unique, carefully planned is very dynamic in its approach!“ Agrees Nidhi Rathi, who graduated from UWC Mahindra College, Pune, “The learning experience was great. There is so much focus on encouraging cultural exchanges and interactions. Text books are purely in cidental to the learning it is about understanding and applying concepts yourself. The focus is always on the student asking the right questions, rather than giving the right answers a fundamental shift from conventional education system.“
As a part of the holistic
curriculum, students undertake activities beyond just regular subjects
to those involving creativity (the arts), action (sports) and community
service every week. This ensures that students are exposed to diverse
experiences which will ensure they grow into well rounded individuals
while expanding their scope of learning. Student exchange programmes
between IB schools ensure diversity of cultural experiences.
Testing students is simply never about exams that encourage you to cram. From in-depth practical sessions in labs to long projects, experiments, presentations, oral conversations, case studies and other creative testing tools, a more holistic measure is achieved of where the student can strive to do better.
Testing students is simply never about exams that encourage you to cram. From in-depth practical sessions in labs to long projects, experiments, presentations, oral conversations, case studies and other creative testing tools, a more holistic measure is achieved of where the student can strive to do better.
Source: Nov 24 2016 : The Times of India (NaviMumbai)
