In this enlightening interview, Dr. Jegatheesh T.R., Principal, Kovai Public School, Coimbatore, discusses the pivotal role of education in promoting social equality and national development. He highlights how initiatives like scholarships and inclusive curricula address societal disparities. Dr. Jegatheesh explains how value-based education fosters ethical awareness through projects and integrates STEM/STEAM with traditional subjects to boost critical thinking. He also details the use of technology in enhancing learning and emphasizes sustainability education’s role in cultivating environmental consciousness. Dr. Jegatheesh explains how his school tries to tackle the challenge of balancing academic rigour with holistic development, offering insights into strategies for ensuring well-rounded student growth. Let’s dive in!
Q. How do you view the role of education in promoting social equality and contributing to national development?
Education plays a vital role in promoting social equality by providing equitable access to opportunities and mitigating discrimination. For example, scholarships help low-income students pursue higher education, while inclusive curricula foster tolerance and understanding among diverse groups. Education also drives national development by boosting economic growth; South Korea’s rapid progress is a prime example. Moreover, education enhances civic participation by cultivating an informed citizenry. Programs like India’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme not only improve school attendance but also address nutritional deficiencies, further supporting social equity. Additionally, education underpins advancements in public health and innovation, contributing significantly to overall societal progress.
Q. Could you share examples of how value-based education is integrated into the curriculum to foster ethical awareness and social responsibility among students?
Value-based education is integrated into the curriculum through character education, service learning, and ethical discussions. Schools incorporate values like empathy and respect into their character education programs and weave ethical considerations into subjects such as history and science. For instance, students might engage in service learning projects, including community service or environmental initiatives, where they apply these values in practical settings. This holistic approach tries to not only develop students’ ethical awareness but also encourages them to act responsibly and contribute positively to society.
Q. What strategies does your school employ to integrate STEM/STEAM education with traditional academic disciplines while ensuring academic excellence? Why is this important?
Our school integrates STEM/STEAM education with traditional academic disciplines through interdisciplinary projects and hands-on learning experiences. For example, students might create art projects that incorporate geometric principles or use technology to analyse themes in literature. This approach fosters critical thinking and creativity, essential skills for addressing real-world challenges. By blending disciplines, students gain a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of concepts and their practical applications, which enhances overall academic excellence. This integration is crucial for preparing students to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Q. In what ways does your school integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences, particularly in STEM/STEAM fields?
Our school enhances STEM/STEAM education by integrating advanced technologies such as interactive simulations and 3D modelling software. For example, biology classes use virtual labs to simulate experiments, allowing students to explore complex biological processes in a detailed and safe environment. Additionally, coding and robotics programs are incorporated into the curriculum, where students design and build robots, applying their engineering and programming skills through practical projects. These technological tools could boost student engagement and comprehension, preparing them for future careers in a technology-centric world.
Q. How is sustainability education featured in your curriculum, and what initiatives are in place to promote environmental consciousness among students?
Sustainability education is a key component of our curriculum, emphasizing environmental science and eco-friendly practices. Students engage in projects such as maintaining school gardens and participating in recycling programs, which teach sustainable agriculture and waste reduction techniques. Additionally, courses on renewable energy and climate change raise awareness about global environmental challenges and encourage responsible behaviour. These initiatives aim to instil a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and foster a sense of responsibility towards our planet.
Q. What challenges do you face in balancing academic rigour with holistic development, and how do you address them?
Balancing academic rigour with holistic development presents challenges such as ensuring students’ well-being while upholding high academic standards. To address this, schools may limit homework to prevent burnout and allow time for extracurricular activities and personal growth. Implementing mindfulness programs helps students manage stress and supports mental health alongside academic achievement. These strategies could ensure a well-rounded education that promotes both intellectual and emotional development, creating a more balanced learning experience.
Q. How do you measure the success of your educational approach in terms of promoting social equality, academic excellence, and holistic development among students?
The success of our educational approach is measured using various metrics. To gauge social equality, we track the diversity of students in advanced classes and extracurricular activities, such as monitoring participation rates in STEM programs across different demographics. Academic excellence is assessed through standardised test scores and college acceptance rates, which reflect the effectiveness of our instructional methods. Holistic development is evaluated by gathering student feedback on well-being programs and tracking involvement in arts and sports, which indicates balanced growth beyond academics. These combined metrics provide a comprehensive view of the effectiveness of our educational approach.
