In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the pursuit of academic excellence is not merely confined to the boundaries of traditional learning. Embracing a holistic approach that nurtures critical skills and values essential for the 21st century is crucial. In this insightful interview with Dr. Kavita Jakher, Principal, Army Public School Hisar, Military Station, Hisar, Haryana, we explore the significance of 21st-century value and skill-integrated learning. Dr. Jakher shares invaluable perspectives on how their institution prioritizes academic excellence while fostering a learning environment that goes beyond conventional methods, aiming to equip students with the skills and values necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Let’s explore the essence of holistic education and innovative pedagogical practices!
Q. What does ’21st-century value and skill-integrated learning’ mean to you, and why is it essential in modern education?
It holds significant importance for me, especially in our current VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. Implementing this approach at APS Hisar is crucial as it enables our learners to become more flexible and adaptable. We prioritize the integration of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity (the 4Cs) to empower students in problem-solving and adaptability. Additionally, we emphasize value education and character-building to foster social responsibility. This approach is woven into our curriculum and co-curricular activities, including sports, debates, and international collaborative exchanges, ensuring a holistic education. In today’s rapidly changing landscape, this integrated approach is essential as it prepares students not only for the practical challenges of tomorrow but also instils in them the ethical principles necessary to make positive contributions to society
Q. How does your school define and prioritize academic excellence, and what strategies are in place to maintain high academic standards for students?
Academic excellence at APS Hisar refers to a deeper conceptual understanding and the development of competencies for real-life situations, extending beyond grades and the confines of the classroom. This type of excellence is prioritized through a conducive learning environment where rote learning is discouraged. Instead, students engage with the curriculum through simulations, projects, activities, gaming, and other innovative methods from the outset. They also participate in Olympiads and enrichment activities for holistic development. Their roles as leaders, such as cabinet members, discipline in-charges, prefects, and other key positions, are significant in fostering leadership skills and decision-making abilities. Academic excellence is ensured through the assessment of learning outcomes and medium-term strategic planning to address any identified gaps. We also promote effective stakeholder participation, with parents as partners actively involved in the teaching-learning process to support their child’s development. Additionally, the mental and emotional well-being of students is a key area of focus.
Q. Could you provide examples of innovative pedagogical approaches implemented at your school that have positively impacted students’ learning experiences and outcomes?
At APS Hisar, exploring and implementing innovative pedagogies is a regular practice. Our teachers actively share their pedagogical experiences and curriculum transaction strategies to determine the most effective teaching methods. Some of the innovative pedagogies in practice include toy-based approaches, art integration, and storytelling methods for foundational and primary classes. These methods focus on developing foundational literacy, numeracy, vocabulary, communication skills, moral values, ethics, and environmental awareness. For middle and senior-level students, constructivism and art integration are utilized to engage learners in activities where they explore new concepts and construct knowledge independently. Experiential learning is emphasized for senior classes, involving students in projects, events, and real-life situations to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Interdisciplinary activities are incorporated at all learning stages, tailored to students’ age and grade level. Additionally, hybrid and blended learning through various Microsoft tools, as part of the Project Carte-Blanche, enriches the learning experience. Technology integration ensures students learn about the latest advancements, with projects based on artificial intelligence conducted in Atal Tinkering labs and other facilities. Using buildings as learning aids provides exposure to various concepts, while health and physical education are integrated equally into the curriculum. Lastly, inclusive education for children with special needs ensures that every student receives the support they need to thrive.
Q. How does your school go beyond academic achievements to promote holistic learning among students?
Our school extends beyond academic achievements to promote holistic learning among students through various activities and achievements. Sports play a significant role, with our students excelling and winning awards at local, state, national, and international levels in various games, including boxing, football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, skating, taekwondo, and more. Additionally, our students have participated twice in international collaborative exchange programs, engaging in discussions on environmental concerns with peers from schools in other countries. The celebration of all festivals and observance of important days instil patriotism, responsibility, and global awareness among our learners. Career fairs and talks by eminent personalities provide valuable exposure to the latest employability skills for future planning. Furthermore, our students actively participate in various debates, declamations, quizzes, Olympiads, street plays, cultural activities, and inter-house and inter-school activities, ensuring that their learning transcends beyond academic grades.
Q. In what ways are values like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and global awareness integrated into your school’s curriculum and teaching methods?
Values like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and global awareness are integrated into our school’s curriculum and teaching methods as a regular practice. For instance, we employ inquiry-based learning and case-based studies to nurture critical thinking skills among students. Project-based learning, art integration, and activities conducted in our Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) foster creative learning skills. To promote global awareness, we organize international collaborative exchange programs, Model United Nations simulations, Model G-20 summits, and facilitate the publication of our students’ work in international books. Additionally, we conduct awareness rallies on various environmental issues and encourage participation in competitions, Olympiads, science challenges, heritage quizzes, CBSE enrichment activities, water harvesting projects, and waste management initiatives. These activities not only raise awareness about their surroundings but also foster teamwork and collaborative skills among our students.
Q. Can you discuss any interdisciplinary learning initiatives or projects that encourage students to apply their knowledge across various subjects and real-world scenarios?
At APS Hisar, we have interdisciplinary learning initiatives and projects designed to encourage students to apply their knowledge across various subjects and real-world scenarios. One such initiative is our robotics projects in the Atal Tinkering Lab, where students collaborate to construct sustainable solutions to issues of global concern. Additionally, we participate in Project Carte Blanche by Microsoft, which focuses on hybrid learning methods. These projects not only allow students to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines but also empower them to address complex challenges facing society today.
Q. What strategies or initiatives does your school plan to implement in the future to enhance the learning experience and ensure holistic development among students?
In our vision plan for the future, we are committed to implementing various strategies and initiatives to enhance the learning experience and ensure holistic development among our students. This includes short-term and long-term goals aimed at infrastructural and technological advancements. Our initiatives encompass personalized learning, focusing on upgrading all laboratories with the latest modern equipment and technology, along with the enhancement of school libraries and computer labs. Additionally, we plan to establish an Astronomy lab and heritage labs within the school premises. Furthermore, we are dedicated to the development of personalized learning through adaptive learning strategies and project-based learning approaches. Embracing emerging technologies, we aim to integrate VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) based pedagogies into our teaching methods. Moreover, we prioritize fostering entrepreneurial and 21st-century skills through diverse classroom experiences. Community engagement and promoting global citizenship are also key components of our future plans, with initiatives such as organizing more exchange programs in the near future.
