New Teaching and Learning Approaches

Brewing Knowledge Friday

Exploring innovative teaching and learning approaches through collaborative book reading and reflection, aiming to transform school culture and improve student outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• The 5-Step Change Creation System is essential for schools to innovate and improve learning outcomes.

• Teachers need time, freedom, and professional autonomy to research, reflect, and develop modern teaching practices.

• Traditional school models may become obsolete; emphasis must shift to teacher development and student-centred learning.

• Reading, reflection, and relationships are foundational for developing a personalised "school of thought."

Discussion Topics

New Teaching and Learning Approaches

• Teachers must be given time to explore and implement change creation systems.

• Limit teacher workload (e.g., maximum 24 out of 36 periods) to allow for meaningful professional development.

• Understand learning theory—how learners absorb, process, and retain knowledge.

• Encourage teachers to become professional learners through research, collaboration, and reflection.

• Technology is not a standalone solution; the teacher's role as a learner and facilitator is key.

Change Creation System in Schools

1. Identify learning needs and form action teams.

2. Develop action plans focused on teacher training and student needs.

3. Implement inquiry-based practices to improve teaching and learning.

4. Evaluate the impact on teaching practices and student outcomes.

5. Share learnings and scale effective practices across the school.

Freedom to Perform

• Education should offer independence and choice in learning styles, subjects, and collaborators.

• Current systems often restrict innovation and performance.

• Genius thrives in environments that support intellectual ability, creativity, and originality.

• Support for passion-driven learning is growing among parents and educators.

Future of Education

• With widespread access to information, conventional schooling may lose relevance.

• Focus must shift to reading, reflection, and building meaningful relationships.

• Teachers must adapt to stay relevant, embracing continuous learning.

• Learning is multifaceted, occurring beyond classrooms through diverse media and platforms.

Next Steps

• Read the assigned chapter: "New Teaching and Learning Approaches".

• Reflect on the content and share insights with Manisha for discussion.

• Consider purchasing the "My Good School" book for deeper engagement.

• Join the upcoming sessions:

  • Saturday Masterclass

  • Sunday My Good School Session

• Explore the My Good School YouTube channel for past sessions.

• Begin implementing reflective and innovative teaching practices in classrooms.

Speaking as a skill: Kusum Sharma

Speaking is an important way of sharing our thoughts with others. It turns our ideas and reasoning into a discussion. A collaborative exchange of knowledge and ideas makes us speak fluently. It is an indication of the fluency of our thinking and listening. Our efforts help us to organize our own thoughts.

Speech has two components diction and fluency. Diction is the way and manner in which somebody pronounces a word. The word should be right, accurate and in context to the word used. Clarity of speech is important to get the message across. Fluency is the ability to speak or write a language easily and quickly. The spoken word adds music and movement as a powerful learning technique.

Some parts of our brain work together and lead to learning. To speak frankly and expressing themselves is the challenge that children face in school. It is difficult for teachers handling parents at the PTM and communicating with them. Proper communication is very important in every situation. Children learn better by listening to incidences and stories.

Communication is how we make our students understand as an educator. We must be very clear and accurate in our speech and teaching. We must listen more, talk less, listen to everyone’s opinion and share our opinions. In this way, we can become a good mentor and make the children understand in a better way.  

Kusum Sharma

ksa4fab@gmail.com