The ability to thrive in today’s ever-shifting landscape hinges on two crucial skills: adaptability and resilience. In the interview below, Dr. Amita Saxena, Principal, J M International School Dwarka, New Delhi, shares insights on the importance of fostering these qualities in young minds. She explains how JMIS incorporates these concepts into its educational philosophy and the impact it has on its students. Dr. Saxena also shares the challenges educators face in cultivating these skills and the vital role teachers play in this process.
Q. What does adaptability and resilience mean in today’s context?
In today’s world, adaptability and resilience are two sides of the same coin and are very important when it comes to thriving in this ever-fluctuating world. Adaptability goes beyond just reaction to circumstance; it is an intentional choice to navigate changing currents with purpose. Resilience, on the other hand, refers to an individual’s ability to bounce back from difficulties, not just recover, but become stronger with new learnings.
Imagine a working professional navigating a constantly shifting work environment. To thrive in such a dynamic setting, adaptability and resilience become crucial. The first step on this journey involves self-assessment – a critical process for charting a course forward. This professional needs to not only embrace change and uncertainty but also develop the capacity to manage stress and emotions. After all, these internal hurdles can significantly impede performance. Finally, by learning from every experience, both successes and setbacks and applying those lessons, the professional builds a solid foundation for future adaptability and resilience.
Q. Do you think it is important to teach children adaptability and resilience in today’s educational landscape?
Absolutely, fostering adaptability and resilience in children is essential for their success in today’s ever-changing world. Imagine children equipped with these skills. They can approach new situations with a sense of purpose, not simply react to them. This flexibility allows them to adapt their approach to new circumstances, developing a love of learning that transcends rigid environments. Resilience, on the other hand, equips them to bounce back from challenges. They approach difficulties with a positive mindset, confident in their ability to learn and grow from each experience. This fosters not only emotional well-being but also a healthy capacity to manage stress.
By nurturing adaptability and resilience, we empower our children to not just survive but truly thrive in an ever-changing world. They develop strong relationships, effectively handle challenges, and confidently embrace lifelong learning. These qualities are the cornerstone of success, not just in today’s educational system but throughout their lives.
Q. What are some effective methods or approaches your educational institution employs to instil adaptability and resilience in students?
At our institution, we foster adaptability and resilience in students through a multi-pronged approach centred on the “7Cs” framework: Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, Contribution, Coping, and Control. This helps in:
- Building Confidence and a Positive Outlook: We integrate historical examples into our curriculum, demonstrating how people have overcome adversity and emerged stronger. This instils optimism and the belief that challenges are temporary, not permanent roadblocks. Children are naturally inclined towards positivity, and by highlighting these historical triumphs, we reinforce their inherent resilience.
- Experiential Learning: We understand that children learn best by doing. Through regular morning assemblies, collaborative class activities, and self and peer observations, students gain practical experience in all aspects of the 7Cs. These activities provide a safe space to develop competence (by mastering new skills), build confidence (through successful collaboration), and foster connection with peers (through teamwork).
- Developing Coping Mechanisms and Character: By encouraging student participation in these activities, we equip them with the tools to navigate challenges and setbacks. They learn to manage emotions (Coping), demonstrate integrity (Character), and contribute meaningfully to their community (Contribution). Reflecting on these experiences through self and peer observations allows them to refine their approach and develop a growth mindset – crucial for future adaptability.
Our approach goes beyond simply teaching resilience; we empower students to actively build their own “developmental toolkit” through a combination of historical context, experiential learning, and self-reflection. This equips them with the confidence and skills to navigate an ever-changing world with adaptability and resilience.
Q. What do you perceive as the main challenges in developing adaptability and resilience among children, and how do you address them?
Overprotective parenting styles can hinder a child’s ability to cope with stress and setbacks, preventing them from building resilience through independent problem-solving. Similarly, long-term physical or mental health issues can create additional barriers to navigating challenges. Furthermore, experiences with discrimination and hate speech can be incredibly damaging, hindering a child’s sense of self and ability to trust others.
At our school, we address these challenges by fostering a supportive yet empowering environment. We collaborate with parents, setting clear boundaries and expectations that prioritize the child’s development while improving their independence. Recognizing the growing prevalence of mental health concerns, we cultivate a school-wide culture of resilience. Staff are vigilant in ensuring vulnerable students have access to activities, hobbies, and sports that promote self-esteem and social connection. We also encourage children to envision their futures, nurturing hope and aspirations that fuel their motivation and resilience. By combining open communication with a supportive environment and growth opportunities, we empower our students to navigate challenges and build the adaptability and resilience they need to thrive.
Q. How do you incorporate adaptability and resilience into the overall curriculum or learning environment?
Resilience and adaptability, the capacity to rebound from adversity, are not an innate trait but rather skills that can be cultivated and nurtured from a young age. Our school incorporates problem-solving activities, encourages critical thinking, promotes collaboration, and gives exposure to diverse perspectives. To incorporate adaptability and resilience into the overall curriculum the school advocates active listening, communicating assertively, prioritizing tasks, being flexible, identifying learning styles, trying new approaches, managing time effectively, being willing to work in different environments, and being open to new ideas, individuals are guided to overcome obstacles, achieve their objectives and goals.
Q. From your experience, what role do teachers and educators play in cultivating adaptability and resilience in students?
Cultivating resilience and adaptability is essential for effectively navigating life’s challenges. We at JMIS believe that teachers must cultivate the skill to adapt to unexpected changes in the classroom, and flexibility and resilience have to be practised. Teachers should be prepared with alternative lesson plans and teaching strategies that can be quickly implemented in a change of scenario. A positive attitude towards change, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and innovation has to be embraced by teachers. Our teachers:
- Create safe and supportive learning environments.
- Celebrate student progress, not just success.
- Provide opportunities for goal setting and reflection.
- Develop a sense of belonging within the school community.