Embrace STEM Education for Future Job Readiness, says Hyderabad Public School Principal

Dr Skand Bali, Principal, The Hyderabad Public School, interacted with Shiksha.com on the holistic development of students, trends driving the education industry,  schools'  large alumni base, the importance of STEM learning and much more. Check out some interesting excerpts from the interview below:

With evolving trends driving the education system in India, Dr Skand Bali, Principal, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, in a conversation with Shiskha.com shared his thoughts on collaborative learning, the evolving education industry, the importance of STEM learning and more. Established in 1923,  the Hyderabad Public School is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Let us look at some of the important and interesting excerpts of the interview below:

Q: How is the school working on the holistic development of students?

A: I am pleased to share the comprehensive approach we undertake at The Hyderabad Public School to ensure the holistic development of our students. In the face of recent challenges, particularly the disruptions caused by the pandemic, our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals has only strengthened.

As per a leading journal, a staggering 35.9% of students in classes 1 and 2 have unfortunately missed out on any physical classroom experience due to the prolonged disruptions caused by the pandemic. This alarming statistic underscores the magnitude of the challenges our young learners have encountered in their educational journey.

At our school, we have established a robust foundation for holistic development, encompassing five key aspects that form the essence of our educational philosophy. Through a dedicated emphasis on physical development, we actively engage our students in daily activities that focus on fine and gross motor skills, ensuring each child progresses at their pace. Our approach to emotional development aims to cultivate emotional intelligence, empowering students to navigate a spectrum of emotions, including anger, happiness, fear, sadness, and surprise. Intellectual growth is a cornerstone of our educational ethos, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning within a stimulating environment. Beyond religious connotations, our commitment to spiritual development encourages students to explore and develop a sense of spiritual identity, nurturing qualities such as empathy, compassion, universal brotherhood, and kindness.

The holistic development we champion yields three significant benefits: the cultivation of resilience, enabling our students to face setbacks with fortitude; a focus on skill-building in an increasingly complex world, ensuring they are equipped for future success; and a commitment to overall well-being, fostering self-awareness, happiness, and logical thinking patterns. We firmly believe that this balanced approach to education sets the stage for success in every facet of life.

Q: How many teachers and students are there in the school?

A: The school has a faculty of over 198 teachers and an enrollment of 3800+ students spanning from pre-primary to the 12th grade across curricula spanning CISCE and IGCSE

Q: NEP 2020 has brought a massive change in the curriculum. What is your take on the same?

A: The transformative changes introduced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly in the realm of sports education are significant. Its broadening of choice horizons also adds to the potential-building of the student.

The discourse emphasized the pivotal role of sports in shaping a child's mindset to focus on both mental and physical well-being. Encouraging parents to permit children to engage freely in various sports activities emerged as a central theme.

Educating parents and children about the myriad of career opportunities in sports extends beyond mainstream perceptions. High-performance sports programs at the school level lay the foundation for nurturing future Olympians. It was heartening to receive expressions of gratitude from our alumni, now accomplished individuals in the sports arena, acknowledging our school's foresight in investing in Olympic-standard facilities.

In consonance with NEP 2020, we are enthusiastic about leveraging Artificial Intelligence to personalize the learning experience, tailoring education to the unique needs of each learner. This forward-thinking approach aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing a comprehensive and personalized educational journey.

Moreover, the emphasis placed by NEP 2020 on evaluating "higher order skills" such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, visualization, and idea generation resonates with our school's philosophy. We believe in cultivating well-rounded individuals who excel not only academically but also in sports, developing the skills essential for success in today's dynamic world.

As we navigate these educational advancements, The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing holistic development through sports, academics, and personalized learning, ensuring our students emerge as confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges.

Q: How is the school working towards facilitating skill-based learning to students?

A: At Hyderabad Public School, we are dedicated to facilitating skill-based learning by fostering a socio-cultural environment integral to our students' cognitive development. Embracing technology and innovation as keystones, we employ new collaborative approaches where teachers and students are co-learners. Departing from traditional delivery methods, our focus has shifted towards student-centric, facilitated, and constructive models.

Our commitment extends beyond textbooks, creating an environment that nurtures practical skills essential for real-world success. Through interactive learning experiences, we encourage students to actively participate in their educational journey.

Utilizing technology as an enabler, we incorporate innovative tools to engage students in hands-on, experiential learning. This approach ensures that our students not only grasp theoretical knowledge but also gain practical skills applicable to various domains. The collaborative learning environment at HPS is designed to empower students. Our Leadership modules, Activity-intensive Clubs routine, Exchange Programs, and Organised travel initiatives are all pathways to prepare them for the challenges of an evolving world.

In essence, our efforts toward skill-based learning revolve around creating an inclusive, dynamic, and technology-driven educational landscape that equips students with the competencies needed for success beyond the classroom.

Q: What is the importance of STEM Learning?

A: I recognize the utmost importance of STEM learning in shaping the future of our younger generations. STEM education, with its focus on individualized learning styles and interests, offers a unique approach that integrates subjects, emphasizing technology and interdisciplinary connections. In the evolving landscape of our Indian education system, marked by visionary policies and the aftermath of the pandemic, STEM education emerges as a vital necessity.

STEM graduates possess enhanced employability prospects, aligning with the prediction that 80% of future jobs will require Math and Science skills. To prepare our students for the 'Jobs of Tomorrow,' it is imperative to adopt STEM education that fosters problem-solving, life skills, technology, and deep learning.

Acknowledging the necessity for a shift away from conventional classroom practices, we are committed to offering our students distinctive learning opportunities. Our goal is to cultivate creative thinking patterns and stimulate an enthusiasm for STEM subjects. The present-day education system extends beyond physical classrooms, embracing the utilization of online schools and digital resources.

As educational leaders, we must break free from conventional patterns, creating an atmosphere that embraces new ideas and encourages out-of-the-box thinking. Our government's support for STEM education is commendable, and we must collectively work to make learning fun, engaging, and aligned with the dynamic demands of the future, ensuring students thrive in an ever-changing world.

Q: What is the school’s teaching-learning pedagogy?

A: Our pedagogy is to develop cognitive skills through evaluation, detailed analysis, comprehension, and practical application. At Hyderabad Public School, our teaching-learning pedagogy is a dynamic and student-centric process that prepares learners for success in an ever-evolving world.

Embracing Constructivist principles, we empower students to be active contributors in their learning journey, fostering critical thinking and a meaningful connection with the subject matter.

Our Collaborative approach encourages students to form groups, engaging in joint intellectual efforts to solve problems, develop strategies, generate ideas, and complete tasks. This collaborative environment, whether among students or with the guidance of teachers, enriches the learning experience.

In line with an Integrative approach, we provide a learning environment that facilitates connections across the syllabus. This includes understanding the learning process, differentiating issues by relevance, applying lessons in practical scenarios, and associating concepts with everyday life.

The Reflective approach encourages students to evaluate themselves by observing classroom activities, analyzing the actions of teachers and peers, and understanding the underlying reasons for such actions.

Our commitment to Inquiry-Based learning goes beyond answering student queries. We aim to cultivate a culture where ideas are explored, challenged, improved, and refined, guiding students from curiosity to a comprehensive understanding of topics.

Adopting a Student-Centered Approach, our pedagogy places students at the forefront, fostering a sense of responsibility for their learning. Continuous assessment is a cornerstone of our approach, allowing teachers to monitor student progress regularly. We also prioritize teamwork and group projects, providing students with opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals.

Q7: Why is an introduction to collaborative learning critical?

A: Collaborative learning at HPS is a transformative experience that equips our students with the skills necessary for success in an interconnected and dynamic world. As we introduce collaborative learning, we are shaping individuals who not only excel academically but also thrive in the collaborative, diverse, and innovative environments they will encounter beyond the classroom. Our commitment to and belief in collaborative learning extends from recognizing its benefits to understanding its broader implications for overall skill development.

On an individual level, collaborative learning transforms the educational experience into a dynamic and active process. Students engage in an exchange of ideas, fostering a diverse perspective that promotes critical thinking and quick decision-making. Furthermore, this approach teaches students to embrace constructive criticism and advice, enhancing their ability to listen actively and articulate their thoughts effectively. It serves as a platform to develop essential life skills, including public speaking and active listening, fostering cooperation and teamwork.

The overall benefits of collaborative learning are extensive and impactful. It is a critical component in the development of self-management and leadership skills, nurturing individuals who can navigate complex challenges with resilience and confidence. Moreover, collaborative learning is an integral part of preparing students for future workplace environments, as it contributes to increased employee skills and knowledge. This method is proven to enhance knowledge acquisition and retention, ensuring that students internalize it through shared exploration.

Q: Can you talk about some trends that will drive the Education Industry in the upcoming year?

A: The education industry's trajectory in the upcoming year to be profoundly influenced by innovative trends. Mobile Learning and Digital Content Platforms will continue to redefine accessibility, ensuring students can engage with educational materials at their convenience. Embracing AI-powered learning environments aligns with our commitment to personalized education, enabling tailored experiences for each student.

The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will provide immersive and interactive educational experiences. Recognizing the importance of gamification, schools aim to infuse elements of game design into our educational approach, making learning not only informative but also enjoyable.

Automated Assessments will streamline evaluation processes, providing timely feedback. Furthermore, the rise of Adaptive Learning aligns with our commitment to tailoring courses to meet individual student needs, fostering a dynamic and personalized educational journey.

Q: Please tell us about the school’s large base of alumni.

A: I take immense pride in the remarkable achievements of our extensive alumni network. The Office of Alumni Relations, established by The HPS Society, plays a pivotal role in fostering enduring connections between our alma mater and these accomplished individuals, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

Our esteemed list of alumni features prominent figures on the global stage, including leaders, influencers, CEOs, CXOs, international athletes, national representatives, advocates for social reform, global actors, musicians, and many others.

We take pride in nurturing a strong and vibrant alumni community, united by shared values and the commitment to make a positive impact globally.

Q: Are there any support programs for talented students coming from weaker sections of society?

A: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. We recognize the importance of providing opportunities for talented individuals from weaker sections of society.

To ensure equitable access to quality education, we have implemented support programs specifically designed to identify and nurture the talents of students facing economic challenges. These programs encompass scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and additional educational resources tailored to individual needs.

Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, aiming to create a level playing field for every student. By offering targeted support programs, we empower talented students from weaker sections to excel academically, fostering their holistic development and preparing them for future success.

At Hyderabad Public School, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education and are steadfast in our commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential.

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