Effective communication, curiosity & high-order learning ability shape child's future: Principal Jonali Das

 Jonali Das, Principal, Modern English School, Guwahati interacted with Shiskha.com on collaborative learning, evolving education industry, the importance of STEM learning and more.

Q: What is the importance of STEM Learning?

A: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning is typically focused on project-based learning. STEM-based education not only focuses on understanding science and mathematics concepts but emphasises practical learning with real-world applications. To accentuate the practical implications of science, it involves students in collaborative projects and activities. It enables all children to acquire problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and creativity skills and helps them make wise decisions in the future.

STEM plays a very significant role in the economy as all sectors depend on STEM fields. This field is dynamic; therefore, STEM presents the opportunity to innovate and challenge students' existing knowledge. In addition, it helps students instill curiosity and stimulate interest at a young age, which in the long run can form interest to explore further and eventually become a professional.

Q: Why is an introduction to collaborative learning critical?

A: We need to shape our schools from the inside. The demand for better schools is a global priority. Better schools mean improved students' achievements and ability to fit in the worldwide market. Collaborative learning powers the process of continuous improvement.

Through collaborative learning, students can learn in a group and share their experiences. It necessitates all participants to active participation in achieving stated objectives. Accomplishing equitable workload distribution is sometimes challenging but fruitful for students in collaborative learning. It is indeed critical to introduce this in schools because it helps students develop higher-level thinking skills and boosts their confidence. In addition, the group activities develop interpersonal, leadership, and social skills, which are necessary to succeed in the 21st century. It also helps educators to make students recall material and help them understand crucial topics.  Students are more engaged in collaborative learning as they get the opportunity to express their ideas clearly.

Q: What are the guidelines to unite educators and communities to support the holistic development of children?

A: We need to strengthen the education system. However, creating and maintaining children's meaningful, holistic development is complex. Hence, it needs to be put as an important segment in school improvement policy by the educators, policymakers, and communities. The two most deciding elements for holistic development are the strengthening of teaching-learning practices and teacher-student relationships across all classrooms, in a school, and all systems.

Researchers suggest that a guaranteed and viable curriculum should be in place for an improved outcome or to sustain a supportive culture for the holistic development of children. There should be strong personal connections between students and adults. A school needs to set high expectations for all students. A strong positive relationship with parents and a practical engagement with the broader community can lead schools to successful holistic development.

Q: Can you talk about some trends that will drive the Education Industry in 2022?

A: The COVID-led pandemic transformed the face of the education sector. Changes witnessed during this time are expected to dominate the industry even in 2022. Therefore, the need for education trends such as online learning, experiential learning, outcome-based education, and skill-based learning will grow further.

Schools will adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and augmented reality to teach students and train teachers for new-age technology. Learning through game-based elements such as point scoring, peer competition, teamwork, and score tables to drive engagement helps students assimilate new information and test their knowledge.

With new learning trends, the education industry is also expected to explore new ways of assessing students' growth.

Q: How to develop effective communication, high-order learning ability, and inquisitiveness among Children?

Effective communication, curiosity, and high-order learning ability are three essential skills that can help shape children's present and future. Higher-order learning ability encompasses both critical and creative thinking. Researchers suggest that critical thinkers commit to thinking logically about the topic and refuse to jump to conclusions. Instead, they look for evidence to support the information and struggle to put away the biases. To develop creative thinking, teachers can start small with just one lesson and later encourage students to pose good questions and ask the learners what to do in those situations.

Encouraging active learning, providing the proper speaking and learning environment, giving feedback for improvement, asking questions, and clearing their doubts can also develop the high-order learning ability amongst the students.

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