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Ms. Supriya Mastud, Principal, Bloomfield House of Knowledge, joins Curious Times to celebrate Teachers Day and shares her views on Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining Future! She is a Senior 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. Supriya Mastud, Bloomfield House:

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. Supriya Mastud: Technology has changed the roles of teachers and learners. In the traditional classroom, such as what we see depicted in de Voltolina’s illustration, the teacher is the primary source of information, and the learners passively receive it. This model of the teacher as the “sage on the stage” has been in education for a long time, and it is still very much in evidence today. However, because of the access to information and educational opportunity that technology has enabled, in many classrooms today we see the teacher’s role shifting to the “guide on the side” as students take more responsibility for their own learning using technology to gather relevant information. Schools and universities across the country are beginning to redesign learning spaces to enable this new model of education, foster more interaction and small group work, and use technology as an enabler.

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. Supriya Mastud: Education is fundamental for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable and just
society, and promoting national development. Providing universal access to quality education is the key to India’s continued ascent, and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic growth, social justice and equality, scientific advancement, national integration, and cultural preservation. Universal high-quality education is the best way forward for developing and maximizing our country’s rich talents and resources for the good of the individual, the society, the country, and the world. India will have the highest population of young people in the world over the next decade, and
our ability to provide high-quality educational opportunities to them will determine the future of our country.

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

Ms. Supriya Mastud: A range of skill-based subject options and entrepreneurial courses must be provided to students to choose from. Critical-thinking, problem-solving, and time-management skills, which are the requisites in any workplace, are fostered through entrepreneurial courses. Since there is no magic solution that can ensure their success in work-life later, providing students with a well-rounded curriculum including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), history, communication courses, music and arts, skill-subjects, entrepreneurial courses, can be helpful.

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. Supriya Mastud: Education helps meet the psychological needs of children affected by conflicts or disasters which disrupts their lives and social networks. Education is a tool for protecting and safeguarding children in emergencies as they are extremely vulnerable in situations. Education provides a channel for conveying health and survival messages as well as tools and techniques for teaching new skills and values, such as peace, tolerance, conflict resolutions, democracy, human rights, environmental conservation.

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

Ms. Supriya Mastud: Inclusivity is a shared responsibility. An inclusive environment is one of shared responsibility between all stakeholders. Schools with an exclusionary culture divide responsibilities between general education teachers, special education teachers, counselors, ESL teachers, and others. Inclusion requires that all staff take responsibility for all students. Teacher collaboration is a must. In an exclusionary setting, teachers and other staff remain isolated from each other. They work independently and don’t share information or experiences. When they begin to share responsibility for all students, teachers collaborate. The school environment in an inclusive school supports teachers spending time together, developing lesson plans, co-teaching, and sharing resources.

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. Supriya Mastud: We can develop some essential skills and values through co-curricular activities at school, these are:
Logical and analytical thinking – Analyzing reasons behind events and situations
Critical thinking – That is examining concepts, ideas as well as problems and issues
Creative thinking – In other words, thinking of newer ways to solve problems; visualization; thinking of new ideas
Problem-solving skills – For instance, solving problems utilizing various concepts, solutions, etc.
Leadership skills – For instance, taking initiatives and responsibilities; influencing others in working for a good purpose; setting goals; motivating others to work towards goals; taking accountability
Social skills – Includes collaboration; teamwork; building good relationships with others
Emotional skills – Understanding your strengths and weaknesses; controlling your emotions as well as empathy for others
Communication skill – Includes the power of expression, listening to others, public speaking etc.
Technology skills – Using various computer software and apps to get things done
Social values – In other words, respecting differences among individuals, respecting others’ values and culture
Ethical values – For example, maintaining ethics in public life; good moral values etc.
Recreational values – Understanding the importance of leisure and recreation; participating in leisure and recreational activities.

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