In today’s educational landscape, the fusion of 21st-century skills and character development stands as a cornerstone in shaping students’ success amidst a dynamic world. In this regard, we present an enlightening interview with Mrs. Neera Singh, Principal, Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. With her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to education, Mrs. Singh sheds light on the profound significance of 21st-century skills and character development, highlighting their vital role in moulding individuals prepared to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities of the modern era.
Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
What do 21st-century skills & character development mean to you, especially in the context of modern education?
21st-century skills and character development in modern education aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It encompasses a range of abilities and qualities that prepare students for success in the rapidly evolving world. This includes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, adaptability, empathy, resilience, and ethical decision-making.
We focus on:
- Critical Thinking: Students learn to analyze information critically, evaluate sources, and make informed decisions. For example, they might engage in project-based learning where they have to research and propose solutions to real-world problems.
- Creativity: Our education encourages students to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and express themselves creatively. This could involve activities such as art projects, music composition, or designing solutions to challenges.
- Collaboration: Students work together in teams to achieve common goals, developing skills in teamwork, compromise, and leadership. For instance, they might collaborate on group projects, presentations, or community service initiatives.
- Communication: Our education emphasizes effective communication skills, including verbal, written, and digital communication. Students might practice presenting ideas, writing essays, or creating multimedia presentations.
Mrs. Neera Singh interacting with students.
- Adaptability: Students learn to adapt to new situations, technologies, and environments, preparing them to thrive in a constantly changing world. This could involve exposure to different cultures, languages, or learning styles.
- Empathy: Our education fosters empathy and understanding towards others, helping students develop strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of people. This could be achieved through activities such as role-playing, community service, or discussing social issues.
- Resilience: Students learn to persevere in the face of challenges, setbacks, and failures, building resilience and grit. This might involve setting and achieving personal goals, overcoming obstacles, or learning from mistakes.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Our education emphasizes ethical behaviour and moral reasoning, encouraging students to consider the consequences of their actions and make principled decisions. This could involve discussions about ethics, case studies, or moral dilemmas.
Students taking part in a ‘Creative Classroom Activity’.
How does your School prioritize and integrate 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity into its curriculum and learning environment?
Our school is dedicated to nurturing 21st-century skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. We achieve this by seamlessly integrating these skills into our curriculum and fostering a supportive learning environment that promotes exploration, experimentation, and growth. We actively support various methodologies and approaches, including Project-Based Learning (PBL), Interdisciplinary Learning, Technology Integration, Team Projects, Participation in Seminars, Creative Expression and Experiential Learning, as well as providing opportunities for Feedback and Reflection. Through these initiatives, we aim to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, equipping them with essential skills and experiences for lifelong success.
Students working in ‘Peer Groups’.
Can you share examples of character development initiatives or programs at your school that focus on fostering leadership qualities, resilience, adaptability, and ethical decision-making among students?
Character development initiatives or programs at our school that focus on fostering leadership qualities, resilience, adaptability and ethical decision-making among students are:
- Student Councils: We have a Senior Student Council for Grades VI to XII comprising deserving and efficient student representatives from Higher Secondary and Senior Secondary grades. The Junior Student Council is from Grade V for pre-primary and Primary students. These Councils provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through organizing school events, leading service projects, and representing student interests to faculty and administration.
The Senior Student Council.
The Junior Student Council.
- Peer Mentoring Program: Our school runs a peer mentoring program where older students mentor younger peers, providing guidance, support, and encouragement. This initiative fosters leadership qualities among mentors while promoting resilience and adaptability among mentees as they navigate challenges and transitions.
- Leadership Workshops and Seminars: We organize and also participate in leadership workshops and seminars where students learn about leadership theories, practices, and qualities. These sessions include interactive activities, guest speakers, and group discussions, empowering students to cultivate their leadership potential and make ethical decisions.
- Service-Learning Projects: Our school integrates service-learning projects into the curriculum, allowing students to engage in meaningful community service activities. Our school runs ‘Project Prayaas’ where we run a manufacturing unit of sanitary napkins for free distribution to the needy girls and women of rural Marwar. These projects promote empathy, resilience, and adaptability as students collaborate with community partners to address local needs and make a positive impact.
‘Project Prayaas’ at the school.
- Ethics and Values Education: We incorporate ethics and values education into the curriculum through dedicated courses, discussions, and case studies. Students explore ethical dilemmas, analyze moral principles, and practice ethical decision-making, developing a strong moral compass and sense of integrity.
- Mindfulness and Wellness Programs: Our school offers mindfulness and wellness programs that focus on building resilience, stress management, and emotional intelligence. Students learn mindfulness techniques, participate in relaxation exercises, and engage in reflective practices to enhance their well-being and adaptability in challenging situations.
- Outdoor Education and Adventure Programs: We organize outdoor education and adventure programs that challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and develop resilience.
- Conflict Resolution Training: We provide conflict resolution training to students and teachers equipping them with strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully and ethically. Through role-playing exercises, mediation sessions, and communication workshops, students learn to navigate interpersonal conflicts and make constructive decisions.
These character development initiatives and programs at our school aim to empower students to become compassionate, ethical, and resilient leaders who are capable of making positive contributions to their communities and the world.
In what ways does your school promote digital literacy, technological skills, and information literacy to prepare students for the digital age?
Our school promotes digital literacy, technological skills, and information literacy in several ways to prepare students for the digital age:
Technology integration in the classroom.
- Technology Integration Across Subjects: We integrate technology into different subjects to enhance learning experiences. For example, students use educational apps, multimedia presentations, and interactive simulations to explore concepts in Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Environmental Science and Literature.
- Technology Clubs and Competitions: We offer Tech Clubs and Competitions where students explore their interests and develop technical skills in areas such as Robotics, Digital Art, and Video making. These extracurricular activities provide hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for creative expression.
- Professional Development for Teachers: We invest in professional development for teachers to enhance their digital literacy skills and integrate technology effectively into teaching practices. Teachers attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to stay updated on emerging technologies and pedagogical strategies.
Students taking part in ‘STEM Education’ activities.
By promoting digital literacy, technological skills, and information literacy, our school equips students with the competencies they need to thrive in a digital-centric society, pursue higher education, and pursue careers in STEM fields and beyond.
How does the school nurture social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies such as empathy, self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills among students?
- Curriculum Integration: We integrate SEL into the curriculum through dedicated lessons and activities, on topics such as emotions, empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Morning Assembly and Zero Period: We start each day with morning assembly or Zero period where students gather to share experiences and participate in activities and events that celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and reinforce positive social norms.
- Workshops and Training: To provide practical tools and strategies for nurturing social and emotional competencies.
- Community Service and Volunteerism: Students participate in service-learning projects and programs to support and address social issues.
A ‘Morning Assembly’ in progress.
These initiatives create a cohesive school culture that values empathy, respect, and interconnectedness. These initiatives also prepare students to navigate relationships, manage emotions and thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Could you discuss any specific extracurricular activities or projects that encourage students to apply their learning outside the traditional classroom setting, promoting practical skills and real-world experiences?
- Competitions and Challenges: Our school encourages students to participate in competitions and challenges where they apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. Students compete in robotics competitions, science fairs, model making and challenges where they design and build solutions to environmental, technological or societal issues. These competitions foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while showcasing students’ talents and innovations.
- Cultural Exchange Programs: Our school facilitates cultural exchange programs and international excursions that allow students to interact with peers from different countries and backgrounds. Through trips, pen pal programs, or virtual collaborations, students learn about diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives.
A ‘Cultural Exchange Program’.
- Community Service Projects: Students engage in community service projects that address local needs and make a positive impact. Students volunteer at homeless shelters, food banks, nursing homes, or community centres, applying their skills and talents to serve others.
- Debate and Model United Nations (MUN) Clubs: Our school hosts debate and Model United Nations (MUN) clubs where students engage in simulated debates and diplomatic negotiations on global issues. Students research, analyze, and present arguments on topics such as human rights, climate change, and international relations, honing their communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills.
‘Model United Nations’ (MUN) at the school.
Looking ahead, what are the future plans or initiatives that your School intends to implement to further enhance 21st-century skills & character development among students?
- Global Citizenship Initiatives: We aspire to expand our global citizenship initiatives to foster a deeper understanding of global issues, cultures, and perspectives among students. This involves international collaboration exchange programs and global learning projects on virtual platforms that promote empathy, intercultural communication, and civic engagement.
‘Global Citizenship Initiatives’ of the school.
- Wellness and Mindfulness Practices: We aim to prioritize student well-being by implementing wellness and mindfulness practices that promote resilience, stress management, and emotional intelligence. This includes wellness workshops, and initiatives to create a supportive and inclusive school community where students feel safe, supported, and valued.
‘Har Ghar Dhyan’ initiative of the school.
Overall, these future plans and initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to preparing students for success in the 21st century by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
