It is a good time to reflect on how this disruptive crisis can help us define what learning should look like. Our curriculum should address; what kids like, what they don’t like, what they are curious about, what they value more, what their dreams are or what their dreams could be. Let’s weave the curriculum with self-awareness and self-reflective assignments, fostering independence.
Collaborative and Blended learning will be more engaging and interesting, learning with Blackboard, Whiteboard, Learning Management Systems and Zoom or Hangout will yield significant benefits when these will be layered up into face-to-face instruction, it will be learning for life. Online education will not become obsolete so it's better that we get accustomed to it to stay in the race.
COVID-19 has taught us that there are no isolated issues and actions. We should look at more opportunities to build Learning Collaboratively. Plan activities that give students the opportunity to work and collaborate together to learn and grow from each other. Collaborative learning helps develop higher-level of thinking skills, boost confidence and self-esteem. Students learn how to work with various types of learners and develop their leadership skills.
Life Skills will prepare students for the real world. “Students’ social and emotional skills are not personal attributes, but are dependent on teacher support.” Life skills are the building blocks or framework that allows students to apply knowledge to the real-world. Skills that employers will be looking for will be creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal skills.
Values, educating children to become thinking, confident, responsible and caring citizens. The main principles that guide us in our thoughts and actions.
How about teaching Financial Literacy; to teach wants and needs. To prepare students for sustainable livelihood.
Let’s alter the future of teaching and learning.
Rajeshree Shihag
Principal at The Fabindia School