Empowering Students Through Self-Paced Learning

- Insights from Dr. Manisha Sharma, Principal, Venkateshwar International School, Sector-10, Dwarka, New Delhi

by Subeditor1

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the importance of self-paced learning cannot be overstated. In this interview, Dr. Manisha Sharma, Principal, Venkateshwar International School, Sector-10, Dwarka, New Delhi, underscores the critical role of self-paced learning in empowering students. She highlights its relevance in acknowledging individual learning preferences, nurturing autonomy, and developing essential skills crucial for both academic success and personal development. Dr. Sharma elaborates on how Venkateshwar International School integrates self-paced learning across all academic levels, emphasizing its transformative impact on student engagement and achievement. Let’s dive in.

Q. What is the meaning and importance of self-paced learning? Can you explain how your school implements a self-paced learning approach to empower students?

Students taking part in ‘Self Paced Learning’ activities.

Self-paced learning is an educational philosophy centred on recognizing the diverse abilities and learning preferences of individual students, encouraging them to take charge of their educational journey. It promotes autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and crucial skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and perseverance, all vital for academic and personal development.

At Venkateshwar International School (VIS), self-paced learning is ingrained across all academic levels, fostering independence and self-direction. In the primary wing, tailored and hands-on activities allow students to explore concepts at their own pace, instilling a sense of ownership over their learning from an early age.

Transitioning to the middle wing, interdisciplinary as well as transdisciplinary assignments and project-based learning immerse students in real-world scenarios, fostering autonomy as they pursue their interests. Whether conducting science experiments or creating historical documentaries, students deepen their understanding and sharpen critical thinking skills.

In the senior wing, students have the flexibility to engage in various opportunities such as boot camps, ‘Global Connect Skype-a-Thons,’ or internships tailored to their interests. Collaborating with local firms on real-world projects enables the practical application of classroom knowledge, nurturing responsibility and self-directed learning.

Through exposure to clubs, reciprocal teaching, cooperative techniques, and experiential learning, VIS empowers students to explore, take risks, and thrive as self-motivated learners. This comprehensive approach ensures a deeper understanding and mastery of concepts while fostering independence, responsibility, and a lifelong passion for learning, equipping students to excel in an ever-evolving world.

Q. What are the key benefits that students experience through self-paced learning compared to traditional classroom methods?

Students taking part in ‘Experiential Learning’.

Self-paced learning offers students numerous advantages over traditional classroom methods. Firstly, it allows for differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs, ensuring each student receives appropriate support and challenge. For example, while one student may excel in mathematics and advance quickly, another may require additional time and practice to grasp the concepts fully.

Secondly, self-paced learning promotes autonomy and ownership of learning, empowering students to set goals and take control of their educational journey. This fosters a sense of responsibility and motivation as students engage with topics aligned with their interests and aspirations. For instance, a student passionate about computer programming can pursue advanced coding courses independently.

Moreover, self-paced learning enhances engagement and motivation by offering interactive resources and project-based activities that cater to diverse learning styles. Students become active participants in their learning, collaborating on projects and delving deeper into subjects that captivate their interest.

Additionally, self-paced learning facilitates improved mastery of concepts through flexible review and practice opportunities. Students can revisit material until they achieve proficiency, reinforcing their understanding and confidence. For instance, a student struggling with algebraic equations can discuss them with the teacher and practice problems to strengthen their skills.

Finally, self-paced learning develops essential self-regulation skills such as time management and organization. Students learn to prioritize tasks, manage their learning schedules, and take ownership of their progress, fostering independence and resilience.

Overall, self-paced learning empowers students to tailor their educational experience to their unique needs and preferences, promoting deeper understanding, engagement, and personal growth.

Q. Give practical examples of how self-paced learning has led to increased student responsibility, awareness, and insightfulness at your school.

Students taking part in ‘Future Readiness Activities’ at the school.

Self-paced learning at Venkateshwar International School (VIS) has notably enhanced student responsibility, awareness, and insightful thinking. By fostering an environment conducive to self-directed learning, students take ownership of their educational journey. Utilizing online resources, interactions with guest speakers, and community partnerships, they probe into real-world issues like climate change and social justice, fostering a sense of responsibility for their education and societal impact. Students take charge of their learning journey by exploring diverse topics beyond traditional textbooks.

Engaging in project-based learning exposes students to authentic problems, prompting critical thinking and analysis of different viewpoints. Interdisciplinary projects lead to a deeper understanding of complex societal issues and global challenges. Hands-on experiences in our tinkering labs nurture insightful thinking. Through experimentation and reflection, students develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of their capabilities and interests.

Our students’ initiatives like Audio Drishti, Respo Buddy – Shvaask, Neer Sancayan – S- Shalankund Smart Sink, Plaso-Solar Cells, and Aloeplas exemplify their ingenuity and problem-solving abilities, earning accolades nationally and internationally.

Projects like HARITIMA demonstrate VIS’s commitment to environmental sustainability, showcasing students’ proactive approach towards finding sustainable solutions. Global exposure through scholastic and cultural exchange programs and Skype-a-thons foster empathy and a broader understanding of the world. These experiences cultivate responsible global citizenship.

Aligned with the vision statement of VIS, compassion drives all community outreach programs. Diverse clubs plan and execute myriad engaging activities. Regular newsletters curated by student members and initiatives like Literacy, Road Safety, Elder Care, Cyber Safety Workshops, Leprosy Awareness, Health, and Hygiene campaigns epitomize this commitment Overall, self-paced learning at VIS empowers students to take initiative, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world at large.

Q. How does your school balance the freedom and flexibility of self-paced learning with ensuring that students meet academic standards and learning objectives?

Students taking part in ‘Future Readiness Activities’.

At our school, we prioritize maintaining a delicate equilibrium between the freedom and flexibility of self-paced learning and the imperative of meeting academic standards and learning objectives. This balance is achieved through a comprehensive approach that encompasses several key components such as:

  • A Well-Structured Framework: Our self-paced learning model is anchored in a well-structured framework that outlines clear learning objectives and academic standards for each subject and grade level. This framework serves as a roadmap, ensuring students receive exposure to essential content and skills while allowing for flexibility in their learning journey.
  • Teacher Guidance and Support: Educators play a pivotal role in facilitating self-paced learning by providing guidance, feedback, and support to students. Through formative assessments, checkpoints, and one-on-one conferences, teachers monitor student progress and offer targeted interventions to address areas for improvement.
  • Integration of Innovative Clubs and Societies: Various clubs and societies at our school complement the self-paced learning experience by fostering innovation, collaboration, and 21st-century skills. For instance, coding clubs and robotics teams enable students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • Pedagogical Practices: Our pedagogical approach emphasizes deeper learning and mastery of concepts within the self-paced framework. Inquiry-based learning, project-based assessments, and hands-on activities encourage students to explore topics comprehensively, make interdisciplinary connections, and demonstrate understanding through authentic tasks and projects.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation processes ensure that students are meeting academic standards and learning objectives. Through regular assessments, benchmarking against national and international standards, and data analysis, we identify areas for improvement and adjust instruction to meet diverse student needs effectively.

By integrating these elements into our self-paced learning model, we successfully strike a balance between freedom and flexibility while upholding academic rigour. This approach ensures that students not only meet standards but also develop essential skills and competencies for success in the 21st century.

Q. Can you elaborate on the strategies used by your school to foster innovation and encourage original thinking among students to help them develop their true potential?

Students taking part in ‘Sustainability Education’.

Our school prioritizes innovation and creativity at the core of our educational approach. We achieve this by implementing a variety of strategies aimed at fostering original thinking and nurturing students’ true potential.

  • Through project-based learning, students actively engage in real-world problem-solving, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills while fostering creativity. We cultivate curiosity by encouraging questions and exploration and providing ample resources to fuel students’ interests. Additionally, we embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process, instilling a growth mindset that encourages risk-taking and experimentation.
  • Collaboration is emphasized through group projects, enabling students to develop essential communication and teamwork skills. Our school provides access to resources such as libraries and technology tools to support students’ exploration and experimentation, allowing them to turn ideas into reality.
  • Celebrating diversity, promoting reflection and self-assessment, and encouraging creativity through events and competitions are integral parts of our approach. Furthermore, our entrepreneurship programs empower students to develop business ideas, while design thinking principles foster human-centered problem-solving and innovation.
  • We promote cross-disciplinary learning, offer independent research opportunities, prioritize digital literacy, and advocate for environmental consciousness and global awareness. Continuous professional development ensures our educators are equipped to facilitate innovative learning experiences.

By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a dynamic learning environment that prepares students to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Q. How does your School collaborate with parents to ensure students’ holistic development and cultivate global citizenship?

Students taking part in STEM Activities.

At VIS, we recognize the pivotal role that parents play in the holistic development of students and in fostering values of global citizenship. Our approach is deeply rooted in the belief that a strong partnership between the School and parents can significantly enhance the educational experience and personal growth of our students. Here is how we achieve this collaboration:

  • PTA (Parents Teachers Association): They are a vital aspect of our collaborative effort. We meet once every three months to discuss various initiatives and student progress. These sessions are interactive, allowing for a free flow of innovative ideas.
  • Parents as Judges: We often invite parents to be part of our interactive activities. They witness student performances and provide productive feedback to enhance them further.
  • Environmental Awareness Programmes: VIS collaborates with parents to undertake various environmental awareness initiatives such as:
    1. Plantation Drives
    2. Nature Walks
    3. Water Conservation programs
    4. Cleanliness Drives
    5. Nurturing stray animals, and more.
  • Story Sessions by Parents and Grandparents: At VIS, we often invite parents and grandparents to bond with children during story sessions. These sessions serve as a platform for value and cultural exchange, fostering deeper bonds among students and extended family members and enriching students’ emotional quotient.
  • Global Citizenship Curriculum: At VIS, our curriculum is designed to inculcate a Global Citizenship education system, covering topics relevant across the globe such as environmental sustainability, social justice, and intercultural communication skills. We achieve these goals through various student exchange programs and foreign trips organized for students to witness various cultural and environmental awareness aspects. VIS has proudly hosted students from different countries who come to observe Indian culture and learn about sustainability in the Indian context.
  • Parents Workshops and Seminars: To empower parents in supporting their child’s development, we regularly conduct workshops and seminars on topics such as teenage psychological awareness, behavioural changes among adolescents, and drug abuse.

 Q. In what ways does your school prepare students for the future by helping them embrace technological advancements and fostering a global perspective?

Venkateshwar International School, Sector-10, Dwarka, New Delhi.

Preparing students for the future involves a multifaceted approach that integrates both technological literacy and a global perspective. Here are several ways VIS achieves this:

  • Integrating Technology in Education: VIS has always been a trailblazer in incorporating technology into our teaching methods. This includes using educational apps such as Kahoot, Quizzez, Google Colab, Wordwall, Padlet, EdPuzzle, Geogebra, ThatQuiz.org, Google Forms, O365, and Microsoft Teams, as well as interactive whiteboards, online resources, and digital simulations to engage students in their learning process. We not only teach students how to use technology but also how to critically evaluate and leverage it for their benefit.
  • Encouraging Collaboration and Communication: We utilize Office 365 tools like OneNote to foster teamwork among students, encouraging them to communicate with peers from different cultural backgrounds. This helps them develop interpersonal skills and gain a broader perspective on global issues.
  • Teaching Digital Literacy: Students are equipped with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly. This includes teaching them how to evaluate online information for credibility, understand data privacy and security, and practice good digital citizenship. Regular workshops and peer-teacher talks on internet safety, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations are conducted.
  • Global Current Events: Students are updated on global current events during school assemblies and encouraged to analyze and discuss international news stories. This helps them understand how global events impact local communities and vice versa, fostering critical thinking and a broader understanding of global interconnectedness.
  • Virtual Field Trips: Regular virtual field trips are conducted with schools in South Korea, Japan, and Australia. An annual online local global connect event is organized where students travel virtually to the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and interact with guest speakers to share their experiences and insights. This exposes them to diverse perspectives and helps them develop a global mindset.
  • Project-Based Learning: Subjects such as Artificial Intelligence and Design Thinking have been introduced, allowing students to develop projects that tackle real-world problems with a global perspective. For example, students have created projects like a lung cancer detection project, an organ donation query handling chatbot, a chatbot on mental health issues, and a hate speech detection app. This promotes critical thinking, creativity, and empathy towards global issues.

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