In this illuminating interview, Dr. Neera Emmanuel, Principal, Maharaja Agrasen Public School, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, offers invaluable insights into the critical role of value-based education in shaping students’ overall development. Dr. Emmanuel discusses how integrating values such as integrity, empathy, and responsibility into the curriculum fosters holistic growth. She also shares specific initiatives and programs at her school that promote ethical behaviour and social responsibility among students, highlighting the balance between academic excellence and character development. Let’s dive in!
Q. What role do you believe value-based education plays in shaping students’ overall development?
The significance of value education in shaping a student’s future cannot be overstated. Literacy alone is not enough; true education encompasses moral values that manifest in one’s attitude and behaviour. In today’s society, we’re witnessing a decline in values, leading to a rise in barbarism. It’s crucial to instil honesty, loyalty, and goodness in our future generations. Traditional education plays a vital role in teaching faithfulness, gratitude, and morality. Without it, we risk raising individuals devoid of these essential qualities. The recent example of the doctors’ rape case is a stark reminder of the consequences of lacking moral character. Value education is the foundation upon which we build a society of compassionate and responsible individuals. This is a critical issue in today’s education system. By emphasizing value education, we can foster a generation of empathetic and morally sound individuals who will shape a better future.
Q. How does your School integrate values such as integrity, empathy, and responsibility into its curriculum and daily practices?
To instil empathy, responsibility, and sympathy in students, we must incorporate daily practices that focus on life skills. By connecting learning outcomes to real-life scenarios, we can teach valuable lessons. Here’s a plan:
- Integrate life skills into chapter lessons, highlighting empathy and sympathy.
- Organize sharing activities that encourage students to exchange thoughts, feelings, and personal struggles, fostering active listening and compassion.
- Schedule regular activities like ‘Shram Daan’ (voluntary service) to cultivate a sense of responsibility among students.
- Encourage students to participate in community service, promoting empathy and understanding.
- Incorporate role-playing exercises to teach conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Invite guest speakers to share real-life experiences, illustrating the importance of empathy and sympathy.
- Encourage student reflection and self-assessment, helping them identify areas for personal growth.
By implementing these practices, we try to empower students with essential life skills, preparing them to become responsible, compassionate, and empathetic individuals.
Q. Can you share examples of initiatives or programs at your School that promote ethical behaviour and social responsibility among students?
At Maharaja Agrasen Public School, we prioritize ethical behaviour and social responsibility, instilling value education in our students. Our efforts have been successful, as our students consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting ethical values. Through events focused on value education, mythological skits, and celebrations of national festivals, our students showcase their ethics in society through their behaviour, reflecting the true essence of our school’s education.
Our students actively contribute to social awareness initiatives, such as:
- Voting awareness campaigns
- Prabhaat Pheri (morning processions)
- Cleanliness campaigns
These initiatives not only shape their minds but also inspire them to become responsible citizens, making a positive impact in the community. We take pride in our students’ dedication to ethical behaviour and social responsibility, which is a testament to our school’s emphasis on value education.
Q. How do you balance the pursuit of academic excellence with the inculcation of moral values and character development?
Academic excellence and moral values are the cornerstones of a well-rounded education. At our institution, we recognize the importance of instilling good character and moral values in our students to prepare them for success in an increasingly competitive society. Our lesson plans are carefully crafted to focus on the holistic development of each child, encompassing academic rigour, emotional intelligence, and ethical growth.
By prioritizing holistic development in our annual planner, we strive to provide a balanced education that nurtures both intellectual curiosity and moral character. Our goal is to cultivate a future generation of leaders who possess not only academic excellence but also exceptional character, empathy, and integrity.
Through this approach, we aim to empower our students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world, making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Q. In what ways does your School measure or assess students’ understanding and embodiment of values?
At Maharaja Agrasen School, we categorize our assessment report cards into two divisions: Scholastic and Co-Scholastic areas. This comprehensive approach enables us to:
- Assess intellectual abilities and academic performance (Scholastic area)
- Evaluate the embodiment of values, social skills, and personal growth (Co-Scholastic area)
By using this dual approach, we gain a holistic understanding of each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential, providing a more accurate and well-rounded assessment of their overall development.
The Scholastic area typically includes:
- Academic subjects (e.g., languages, mathematics, science, social studies)
- Cognitive skills (e.g., problem-solving, critical thinking, memory)
The Co-Scholastic area typically includes:
- Life skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, leadership)
- Values and attitudes (e.g., honesty, empathy, respect)
- Creative and artistic abilities (e.g., music, art, drama)
- Physical and mental well-being (e.g., sports, yoga, mindfulness)
This division helps us assess both the intellectual and personal growth of students, providing a more comprehensive picture of their development.
