In today’s dynamic world, the significance of life-long learning and future job readiness has never been more crucial. In this interview, Dr. Bhavna Chibber, Principal, Laburnum Public School, Gurugram, Haryana, goes into the significance of Life-Long Learning & Making Students Future Job-Ready. She explains how Laburnum fosters a culture of continuous learning, equipping students with practical skills and competencies crucial for navigating today’s rapidly changing world and thriving in future job landscapes. Let’s dive in!
Laburnum Public School, Gurugram, Haryana.
How does your School promote a culture of life-long learning among its students, and why is this approach essential in today’s rapidly changing world?
Our school cultivates lifelong learning through curiosity, critical thinking, and self-improvement. We offer diverse experiences like workshops, seminars, extracurricular activities, and Co-curricular Activities (CCA) classes. Through learner’s diaries, students explore their achievements and passions, fostering self-awareness and vital life skills. Emphasizing adaptability, we prepare students for today’s changing world. For instance, skill classes provide hands-on projects with emerging technologies. Additionally, career counselling guides them in exploring paths. This holistic approach ensures students are equipped for future challenges.
Students take part in a environmental campaign.
What strategies does your school employ to ensure that students acquire not just academic knowledge but also practical skills and competencies that make them job-ready for the future?
We at Laburnum adopt a holistic approach to education, seamlessly blending academic learning with practical skill development to ready students for future job prospects. In addition to offering vocational training programs, internships, and industry tie-ups, we’ve facilitated skill education registrations for our students. For example, our entrepreneurship club guides students in crafting business plans and launching ventures. This integration of theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience equips students with the necessary competencies to succeed in their chosen career paths.
Students at the ‘Space Lab’.
Can you share examples of innovative teaching methodologies or learning experiences that could prove effective in preparing students for the challenges of the modern workforce?
In our school, we embrace a multifaceted approach to education, integrating innovative methodologies like project-based learning, entrepreneurship education, and STEM activities, alongside our Design Thinking Club, ICT integration, storytelling, and the AI-enabled tool, for gamification. Students engage in real-world challenges, such as creating sustainable solutions for local businesses, and participate in internships with industry partners to gain practical experience and professional connections. Through entrepreneurship education, they develop business acumen and launch ventures. Additionally, critical thinking exercises, global citizenship projects, and digital literacy activities are seamlessly woven into the curriculum, ensuring students are well-prepared for success in the modern workforce.
Please visit the link given HERE to see an SDG-centred community initiative created by our students.
What role do career guidance and counselling play in helping students identify their strengths, interests, and career pathways early on in their educational journey?
Career guidance and counselling form the cornerstone of our student support system, where we go beyond conventional methods to ensure a comprehensive approach. Alongside assessments, personalized one-on-one sessions, and workshops, we offer specialized preparation for students interested in joining military schools and competitive exams. Furthermore, through our partnership with different websites, each student has a personalized login ID, granting access to a vast array of resources tailored to their abilities. By providing such tailored guidance and resources, we empower students to make informed decisions about their future, paving the way for successful career pathways.
Students take part in a waste segragation demonstration.
In what ways does your school integrate technology and digital literacy into the curriculum to equip students with essential digital skills required for future careers?
At Laburnum, we prioritize digital literacy and technology integration, leveraging cutting-edge tools, VR, smart classes, and our innovative space lab. Students immerse themselves in immersive learning experiences through VR labs, exploring ancient civilizations in history class and conducting experiments in our space lab. In computer labs, they master coding languages, graphic design, and data analysis, while also utilizing digital tools across all subjects for research, presentations, and collaborative projects. Moreover, we place a strong emphasis on online safety and responsible digital citizenship, ensuring students are well-prepared for success in a tech-driven world.
Students attend a ‘Security Awareness’ talk.
Considering the evolving nature of jobs and industries, how does your school adapt its curriculum and teaching practices to stay relevant and ensure that students are prepared for future job markets and opportunities?
We regularly update the curriculum to reflect industry trends. For instance, we introduced courses in artificial intelligence and sustainability studies to address emerging fields. Flexible learning pathways allow students to pursue personalized interests, like internships or entrepreneurship projects. Teachers undergo professional development to incorporate innovative teaching methodologies, such as project-based learning and design thinking. We also foster partnerships with local businesses for real-world experiences. By staying responsive to industry shifts and fostering adaptable skills, we ensure students are prepared for diverse job markets and opportunities in the future.
