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Ms. Sonali Sen, Principal, DPS, Newtown, Kolkata joins Curious Times to celebrate Teachers Day and shares her views on Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining Future! She is an eminent Leader and Educationist and has been inspiring students and future generation of teachers.

Curious Times, the leading school newspaper and children’s website is pleased to bring perspectives of Senior Educationists and teachers to our readers on Teachers Day 2022. Over the past 3 years a lot has changed in the education sector, teaching methods, curricula, use of technology, introduction of NEP 2020, emphasis on mental wellbeing of children and how schools shape careers of next the generation. We believe that the energy and enthusiasm of the leaders to adapt to these changes will help not just leading through the crisis of learning gaps but also reimagining the future of education.

Here is our conversation with Ms. Sonali Sen, Principal DPS Newtown, Kolkata:

Curious Times: Technology has brought about a shift in the teaching and learning ecosystem. As you reimagine future, what, in your opinion, would be the role of technology and what would be the role of teachers?

Ms. Sonali Sen: Technology has to be used as an aid in the teaching learning process. The teachers should be equipped to keep pace with students since children of this generation are more tech savvy. Students need to be guided to use technology in a meaningful way. Students should be made responsible for their learning and teachers have to be facilitators. Flipped learning, reading and research, project and paper presentations are a few of the areas where teachers can guide students in the learning process and evolve as mature and effective learners instead of being rote learners.

Curious Times: NEP 2020 puts a lot of emphasis on skilling and co-curricular activities. How will this have a positive impact on learning outcomes in the future?

Ms. Sonali Sen: We need to be ready for a future that we cannot even envisage. Integrated learning and an amalgamation of skills, activities and theory is the need of the hour so that students learn to apply and think beyond the curriculum and textbooks.

Curious Times: What role can schools play in making students reach their potential careers?

Exposing children to various activities, giving children a free hand to experiment and innovate, involving them to attend webinars and talks and encouraging them to read articles will help them become more aware and allow them to decide their goals for the future. Making them aware of the various career options available will help them make judicious choices instead of jumping on the bandwagon and following the conventional beaten path.

Curious Times: The pressures in the 21st century are different from earlier times. What will be the role of schools and teachers in mental wellbeing of students going forward?

Ms. Sonali Sen: A lot of sessions in life skills is the need of the hour. Children should be allowed to share and express themselves and also learn the skills of listening. Close contact with teachers is a must so that children know they have a support system in school, and they can open up and share their problems. Teachers should also be trained in the basic skills of counselling and inculcate in students a positive approach and problem-solving attitude. In case of psychological issues, parents need to consult experts and give their children the help they need. Teachers should be non-judgmental and approachable so as to give a platform for children to seek help. We need to empathize and not sympathize and pamper. Getting students involved in a hobby definitely helps as a stress buster and creates in them an urge to follow a passion.

Curious Times: As you reimagine the future, how can schools become inclusive and accommodate students from all ethnicities or with different abilities?

Ms. Sonali Sen: The schools should develop a curriculum that will embrace diversities and give children opportunities to explore. There should be flexibility that will allow students to follow their heart and gain expertise in the fields they are passionate about. New-age technology and modern themes of study must be included in the curriculum. Specially- abled children, those with learning problems or behavioral issues can be transformed if we are able to identify their talents and help them to explore their inherent potential.

Curious Times: Schools prepare children for higher education. Should competitive exams have a different curriculum than schools?
Coaching classes and ed-tech companies have been supplementing the school education. What do you think should be their role?

Ms. Sonali Sen: The curriculum should be more application based that will focus on understanding rather than rote learning. Coaching classes should focus on the same. Competitive exams are necessary for selection since we will never be able to cater to the huge numbers who wish to follow a particular career choice. However, the focus should be on self-learning and self-understanding and the question pattern in the competitive exams should be modified accordingly. Stress should also be given to ensure that students select their stream as per their abilities and interests.

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