The Solution: Productive Failure

In a Masterclass Session with Sandeep Dutt, we will explore a transformative approach to teaching and learning from Manu Kapur's acclaimed book Productive Failure. Can failure be intentionally designed to deepen understanding and promote transfer? We discuss the chapter "The Solution: Productive Failure," highlighting how allowing learners to struggle meaningfully before instruction can activate deeper learning pathways and foster long-term retention. Sandeep read about Productive Failure and its implications for learning, challenging traditional direct instruction methods. He then read the book by Dr Manu Kapur. He shared his research and thought experiments, demonstrating how allowing learners to explore and struggle with problems can lead to deeper understanding and creativity. The session concluded with discussions on paradigm shifts in education, the importance of well-designed issues, and the potential for discovery learning to enhance students' capabilities beyond their initial expectations.

Emotional Intelligence - RP Devgan

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one's emotions. It also involves recognising the feelings of others with compassion. Most children today are unprepared to face the challenges they encounter and give up far too easily. This results from the environment in which they grow up, their exposure to social media, peer influence, and feelings of insecurity.

To be emotionally strong, one must confront occasional failures and setbacks. Those who rise above the odds succeed in life. How does one cultivate emotional intelligence? 

Participating in team games, project-based activities, and solving problems together helps build self-esteem. Team games and activities are essential because they teach us to cooperate, plan, and share ideas. In the event of a match loss or setback, the team comes together to strategise on overcoming weaknesses. The sense of togetherness fosters strong relationships, providing a feeling of security while helping to combat challenges.

Sportspersons are generally emotionally intense because they have learned how to cope with losing. Failure is a great teacher. Losing a match or being unsuccessful is not the end of the world. One must be tough and resilient to get up once again and overcome the odds. This teaches us to manage our emotions both in victory and defeat, and emphasises respecting others' feelings.

Compassion, humility, kindness, and helpfulness are the virtues of an emotionally intense person. In today's world, where people tend to be self-centred, relationships and friendships play a crucial role in building confidence and a sense of security. These life skills help to develop emotional strength and prepare one for any setbacks.

RP Devgan is the Chairman of the Learning Forward India Foundation and a lifelong teacher with experience leading schools worldwide. He advises schools and serves on the board of a residential school in India.

Sharing my thoughts with all the parents fraternity....

We all are facing a tough situation these days and fighting major pandemic which has forced us to be locked at homes. This is something we never imagined and thought of. As it's said, ”Tough times don’t last, tough people, do.”

Our children are with us at home, globally there are online classes happening, children are kept busy and we are worried about their academics, curriculum and studies. We are so tempted to create a time table for our children to ensure their learning, online stuff and many other things. And technology these days is helping us a lot but let’s introspect and reflect.

Our little ones and our children are also in a state of fear and panic. They are anxious as they haven’t experienced this situation before. They have mixed feelings about this lockdown and stay at home scenario. They don’t know whether they need to be happy because they have got a break from school or they need to be sad because they are unable to meet their teachers, friends and not been able to playground and play.

Next few days are going to be challenging as well witness an increase in their behaviour issues. They might be nervous, aggressive, throwing tantrums and much more. Let's understand them and be patient with them. They need our love, care and comfort. Let's not bind them and be free with them. We must talk to them about the sensitivity of the issue and assure them that this shall pass too and we ll overcome the situation. Let's use this time to create lifetime memories with them.

·      Play board games like ludo, scrabble, carrom etc

·      Draw and paint with them

·      Bake and cook

·      Read together

·      Discuss current affairs and news

·      Snuggle together

Let's not worry about academics, curriculum and studies. When kids get back to school, their teachers will fix it. Education and learning are never confined to any syllabus, books or walls of the classroom. It's much more than that.

 Remember the famous quote by John Dewey, ‘ Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.’

- Vasudha Neel Mani <vneelmani@gmail.com>

Kalpana Jain in her wonderful Hindi shares how traditional Indian games make learning fun

Kalpana Jain

Kalpana teaches at The Iconic School, being an experienced Hindi teacher,

she has a wonderful way to share stories and inspire young people. 

Hear her out, she explains how traditional Indian board games and gamification are the most fascinating tools for a teacher in and out of the class.

https://www.facebook.com/theiconicschool/

Mradula speaks about learning beyond the walls of the classroom!

School Counselor at The Iconic School

Click here to hear what Mradula has to say!

Mradula talks about learning beyond the four walls, about resilience and empathy, all by the use of games as the better form of learning. (Photo courtesy Facebook profile)

Bhawna Sharma: Speaks about the Joy Of Learning

Listen to the post and figure out how the child will find the joy of learning.

Click here

Bhawna Sharma from The Iconic School shares her experience of using simple games to strengthen social and emotional learning. Remember, the child will learn only when the games give him an experience of the joy of learning. #HappyTeachers #MyGoodSchool #SchoolsCanChange

Nikita Ghalphate: Taking Learning Forward with Khol Khel!

Why we need to play board games at school, with family and friends?

Click on the question and hear what we have to say!

Nikita Galphate of The Iconic School has found the joy of learning, she feels traditional Indian board games are the best way to deliver social and emotional learning in the classroom. Listen to her Khol Khel experience and immerse yourself into the Buddhi Yoga experience. Nikita Galphate, The Iconic School, Email events@iconicshool.in #HappyTeachers #MyGoodSchool
Set up a Learning Forward India Academy at your school and make the school future ready!

Manish Rajpal: Khol Khel, our way of gamification!

Why play is essential for an enhanced learning experience? Play and Learning are very intrinsically linked and Manish Rajpur from The Iconic School is inspired by the Buddhi Yoga session on the 11th of June 2019!

Manish Rajpal, The Iconic School Bhopal

Youth and Sports

As part of the 2010 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting - and to celebrate the spirit and values of the Commonwealth Games - we will be hosting a Youth in Sports photo exhibition at the British Council New Delhi in October. If you would like to submit your photos from the region, please upload them to the following site http://203.19.70.21:8080by 31st August. Pictures must be provided in a jpeg format.