My Expressions

Ms. Supriti Chauhan, DPS, Gautam Buddh Nagar 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. Supriti Chauhan, DPS, Gautam Buddh Nagar:

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. Supriti Chauhan: Let me begin by stating the irrefutable, technology cannot replace the teacher. Technology can certainly support the teacher, and make the teaching learning process more interesting, but it cannot take the place of the focal point- the teacher, who holds it all together. The role of technology is to upgrade lessons- by providing students with an option of multisensory learning. The teacher’s role is the filter the available resources of learning and integrate the best suited sources with the lesson plan- in line with the School’s vision and mission.

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. Supriti Chauhan: The NEP has erased the line that existed between curricular and co-curricular activities. This integration will have amazing impact on learning outcomes. The whole orientation of school changes if the definition of what is ‘important’ and ‘unimportant’, undergoes a 180 degrees rotation. Students of varying intelligence and skill levels would not be judged by the old parameter of ‘one size fits all’. Teaching will be reoriented to enhance available /natural skills instead of herding students on the beaten path.

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

Ms. Supriti Chauhan: Schools are key source of students finding their true potential. The new age processes of counselling, assessment and direction have ensured that students choose subjects and interest areas as per the best of their capacity and interest. Consequently, schools will truly help students find their way.

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. Supriti Chauhan: Mental wellbeing has been at the centre of all discussions and plans post 2020. Every person has felt the impact of a calm and sound mind. Schools and teachers have perhaps had the closest look at students struggling to manage their mental health, and that is why, they are best placed to help students overcome any mental hinderances. Schools can provide a safe haven from the troubled mind of the students, while the teachers lovingly guide them to share and open up about their experiences. Talking and opening up is the most important step in finding the right help for the students

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

Ms. Supriti Chauhan: Inclusivity is the way forward. The SDGs tell us so. We can leave no one behind and there are ways and means to ensure that each child can be accommodated in the mainstream. Irrespective of a student’s ethnic background or special abilities, Schools now follow a learning plan which is inclusive in process and outcomes, counselling and open parent with parent and student community can help achieve inclusivity. Teacher training to address the needs of special students is the key element of proving inclusive education.

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. Supriti Chauhan: Studies and teaching can never be ‘bad’ for the students. I have nothing against the coaching centres or the new age ed-tech companies. They are needed by some students, who need that extra bit of preparation. However, to lessen the burden of multiple mode/syllabi preparation on students, we can lessen the gap between school level curriculum/testing and competitive exams.

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