To what extent does the teacher’s behaviour influence a student?
Learning happens through a process of imitation and role modelling. According to social constructivism theory, behaviour and learning happen through social interaction. As the saying goes – Children see children do. They have their favourite teacher who is their influencer.
Your opinion on inclusive education.
Each child is unique. Learning goals might remain the same but the content, process and the effect will be varied as per the need of the child. So, they cannot be treated with one standard process. Inclusion is a part of mainstreaming. It can be realised by removing the physical, attitudinal, teaching and examination barriers. Children should receive adequate scaffolding to help them cope with their limitations.
Your views on NEP 2020
NEP has a new pedagogical and curricular structure of school education (5+3+3+4): Three years in Anganwadi/pre-school and 12 years in school. Core essentials are critical thinking, interactive lessons and experiential learning leading to independent learners. Independent learners are those who take responsibility for learning. They move away from rote learning.
Importance is given to peer tutoring as a voluntary and joyful activity under the supervision of teachers. From the rigid curriculum, a move toward flexibility is introduced. Equal weightage is given to curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
Ten days are earmarked as bagless days and these cater to the learning of craft – at least one skill. Genius hour is set aside for pursuing one’s passion.
To add to this the teacher is expected to enhance her professional capabilities by upskilling and 50 hours are mandated for this in an academic year. NEP 2020 is a progressive shift towards a more scientific approach to education. It’s been long awaited by educationists. The prescribed structure will help to cater to the development of the child.
With the evolution of technology, the mindset and information gathering methods of students have changed. What are the newest methods of pedagogy that need to be incorporated?
The 21st century skills should be at the forefront. The methods of teaching have to be oriented towards inculcating critical thinking, problem solving, experiential learning, leading to independent learning. There should be collaboration leading to teamwork. Under NEP, I have explained this. My book to be published ‘From Crust to Core – The Alchemy of Teaching’ deals with these in detail.
Can hybrid learning, which includes both online and face-to-face interactions, benefit students in the long run?
With the pandemic, Hybrid and Blended learning have become the focus of teaching and learning. Hybrid learning is about finding the right mix for you out of all the possibilities in learning, no matter if they are offline or online.
Blended learning deals with both offline and online learning,
Difference between blended and Hybrid learning
In a hybrid class, face-to-face class time is replaced to some extent. Online interactions may be synchronous or asynchronous.
In a blended class, online material supplements the face-to-face interaction. Instructors could use podcasts, blogs, quizzes, videos and such materials to enhance the teaching learning experience. Blended learning must include student control in terms of time, place, path or pace.
Advantages of Hybrid Learning
Personalised learning
Self-directed learning
To my mind, this is here to stay.
How can Learning Management Systems effectively coordinate the interactions between educators and students?
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement and assess a specific learning process. The LMS concept emerged directly from e-Learning.
An LMS allows you to easily incorporate quizzes, situations, scenarios, and other interactive elements into your training. Gamification, messaging, and forums also contribute to a lively learning ecosystem. Coupled with a strong and intuitive UX design, this makes training more appealing and effective for your learners.
An LMS saves money, delivers better engagement, retention, and helps the learner to prioritise their workload. It is consistent and flexible.
Many educators are stressing on the need of experiential learning. But nobody is taking any initiative for that. What is your take on that?
Everyone is trying to introduce the concept. However, given the constraints of completing the syllabus and the timelines, it is difficult to practice it.
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand,” said Confucius. Experiential Learning is the process of learning by doing.
It gives a better understanding of the course material.
Advantages are many; it results in insight into their own skills, interests, passions, and values; facilitates collaboration, develops self-confidence and leadership skills, makes learning relatable, increases effectiveness, links theory to practice, leads to development of skills for lifelong learning, and assists in memory retention.
(Pramila Kudva was the Principal, Pawar Public School, Kandivali, Executive Producer, Navneet Edutainment Ltd, Manager Product Development, Zee Interactive Learning Systems and teacher trainer at various institutions.)
