Reflections from Learning Forward Saturday sessions

Learning Forward Saturday sessions are held every Saturday at 3:00 PM on Zoom and are open to all members of the Good Schools Alliance

Right vs Wrong

As a teacher, I can utilise this story to teach students important life values along with academic learning. I would use the story to spark discussions about trust, safety, peer pressure, and responsible decision-making, so students can connect the story’s events to real-life situations. 

Through the character of Roma, I would explain how a teacher should be caring, approachable, courageous, and supportive towards students. I can also use this story in value education classes, counselling sessions, and group activities such as role plays, debates, and reflective writing to help students develop empathy, confidence, and moral awareness. 

The story would help me encourage students to speak openly about their problems and understand that seeking guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness. As a teacher, this story also reminds me to maintain a balance between discipline and compassion, to understand students’ emotional needs, and to create a safe and trusting classroom environment where every student feels respected, protected, and guided.

Regards 
Ms. Rekha Sharma 
Sunbeam School Mau

Like vs Unlike

We learn that a teacher should not always react aggressively. 

We also learned that students share their problems only when they trust their teacher. Therefore, teachers should keep such matters confidential and not discuss them with everyone. In the chapter, Roma informed the parents, but the matter was kept private among the counsellor, the class teacher, and the parents.

Overall, the chapter teaches us that a good teacher should understand students, guide them positively, maintain confidentiality, and handle every situation with patience, care, and understanding.

PYDS Learning Academy

Love Learning vs Hate Learning

Learning Forward Saturday, March 28, 2026, with Brinda Ghosh and Sandeep Dutt

Today’s session was deeply thought-provoking, focusing on the emotional journey of a student who struggles academically. The passage highlighted how stressful and painful the waiting period for results can be, especially for students who lack confidence in their abilities. The line “The two months… had been sheer torture” clearly reflects the anxiety and fear students experience.

What stood out to me was how the student actually knew some answers and had put in effort, yet the rigid evaluation system failed to acknowledge partial understanding. This made me realise how important it is for teachers to appreciate students’ efforts, rather than just focus on final results.

The session helped me understand that many so-called “weak” students are not incapable, but often discouraged by the system and a lack of support. As a future teacher, I feel it is important to create a classroom where mistakes are valued as part of learning and where students feel encouraged rather than judged.

Overall, the session was insightful and reminded me to be more empathetic, patient, and supportive toward every learner.

Ankita Mishra

The reflection on ‘Love learning and hate learning’ resonates deeply. In this context, the role of a teacher is crucial. They can nurture the love for learning by creating a supportive environment, celebrating small wins, and making learning enjoyable. They can also help students navigate the struggles by providing guidance, scaffolding challenges, and fostering a growth mindset. By doing so, teachers can help students see learning as a journey of growth rather than a source of stress.

Monika Ojha

Today’s session was thought-provoking, highlighting the emotional struggles of academically weak students. The line “The two months… had been sheer torture” clearly showed the anxiety they faced. It made me realise that students often put in effort, but rigid evaluation fails to recognise it. I learned that “weak” students are not incapable; they are just discouraged. As a future teacher, I will focus on being empathetic and supportive, and on valuing effort over results.

Neha Pandey 

Today’s session gave me a deep insight into the emotional challenges faced by students who struggle academically. The line “The two months… had been sheer torture” strongly conveyed the stress and frustration such students go through during their learning journey.

It helped me understand that many students make genuine efforts, but traditional assessment methods often overlook their progress. Being labelled as “weak” can lower their confidence and motivation. In reality, these students are not less capable; they simply require more guidance, patience, and encouragement.

As a teacher, I want to adopt a compassionate and understanding approach. I will try to create a classroom environment where every child feels safe, respected, and encouraged to learn. 

Jyoti Pandey

The distinction between “loving ”and ‘hating’ learning is a powerful one. It highlights why the teacher’s role is so vital; by fostering a supportive environment and celebrating incremental progress, educators can transform challenges into growth opportunities. When teachers provide the right scaffolding and encourage a growth mindset, they effectively shift the student’s perspective from stress to a genuine love for the journey.

Jyoti Mishra

Love Learning vs Hate Learning

 

Learning Forward Saturday

To read and reflect on Chapter 3 of “Wanted Back-bencher Last-ranker Teacher” by Kavita Ghosh. Narrated by Brinda Ghosh and Sandeep Dutt

Key Takeaways

• Create a “classroom without walls” by replicating the joy and positive social dynamics students show outside. This requires shifting from a rigid, fear-based environment to one that fosters engagement.

• Prioritise patience over perception. Judgmental labels (e.g., “Supriya does not want to study”) are ineffective and disrespectful. Instead, treat students like your own children, focusing on their potential and providing support.

• Understand the neuroscience of stress. Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” blocks memory and learning. Humiliation and fear create “test trauma,” which is a major barrier to student success.

• Make reflection a daily habit. This is the core practice for professional growth, distinct from simple note-taking. Share thoughts in the WhatsApp group to build a reflective community.

Topics

The Problem: A Disengaged Classroom

• The chapter’s protagonist, Roma, observed that her students were happy and well-behaved only outside the classroom.

• Insight: This contrast signals a need to bring the positive energy and social dynamics of the outside environment into the classroom.

The Challenge: Judgmental Attitudes & Poor Performance

• Roma’s class performed poorly on weekly tests:

  • 15 failed math

  • 10 had single-digit science scores

  • 8 performed miserably in social science

• A former teacher, Sumita, dismissed these students with judgmental labels, blaming their personalities and past failures.

• Principal’s Counter-Directive: “We don’t give up on our own children, so why give up on our students?”

  • Principle: Treat all students with the same patience and belief in their potential as you would your own children.

The Solution: Empathy & Brain Science

• Roma’s past as a struggling student provided critical context for understanding her current students.

• Neuroscience of Stress: Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” is released during stress and anxiety, blocking memory and learning.

  • This explains “test trauma” and why fear-based teaching is counterproductive.

• Roma’s Experience: Humiliation from a teacher who publicly shamed her for a math failure created a lasting aversion to the subject.

  • Rule: Never humiliate students or publicly announce their marks.

Logistics & Future Sessions

• Next Saturday (April 4): Guest speaker Rahul Chug (Learn PF app) will present to The Teachers Academy.

• Saturday After Next (April 11): The group will resume reading Chapter 3.

• Reflection: All participants are encouraged to share their reflections on today’s discussion via WhatsApp or email.

Next Steps

• Brinda:

  • Coordinate with Rahul Chug for the April 4 presentation.

  • Share her LinkedIn post on “failure as a great teacher” with the group.

All Participants to share reflections on today’s discussion via WhatsApp or email.

Fathom AI-generated notes, read with care.

Cashing in on Confidence: Masterclass Saturday March 01, 2025

Chapter 16 Cashing in on Confidence: The Man Who Saw Tomorrow by Naga Tummala

Q1. The founders refused unethical shortcuts, such as buying leaked exam papers. How can integrity and ethical leadership shape an institution's long-term success, and how do we instill these values in students?

Q2. Overcoming financial struggles and setbacks required persistence and adaptability. As teachers, how can we model resilience in our profession and help students develop perseverance when they face academic or personal challenges?

Q3. The curry-leaf plant analogy emphasizes patience and long-term rewards. How can educators help students shift their focus from instant gratification to long-term success in academics and life?

Q4. The authors emphasize their goal of serving the community. How can teachers integrate community service and social responsibility into their teaching to inspire students to contribute positively to society?

Gurdeep Kaur
Ambassador The Teacher's Academy

Heart Vs Mind - Sunbeam Suncity

Through the video HEART VS MIND, we have focused that how heart and mind often stand in contrast, representing emotion and reason. The heart symbolizes feelings, intuition, and passion, driving decisions based on love and desire. The mind, on the other hand, represents logic, analysis, and rational thinking, ensuring choices are made with careful consideration. While the heart may lead to impulsive yet fulfilling decisions, the mind focuses on practicality and long-term outcomes. Striking a balance between the two is key to making well-rounded choices in life. Too much reliance on the heart may lead to emotional turmoil, while excessive dependence on the mind can make life feel rigid and uninspired. The best decisions often come when the heart and mind work in harmony.

This will help individuals to manage his/ her work in day to day life and achieve the goal. Being an adult we start dealing things with the mind but being adolescent they use the heart as the frontal lobe of the brain is still in the process, this is the reason for the communication gap and anger issues in adolescents.

Hence, under such situations instead of being stern, rigid , not opening up to the children, we should display soft - power. Means we are supposed to be assertive and deal the situation with patience.

Mohini Rai 

Carol Henrick

Sunbeam Suncity 

Live recording Masterclass 2024 Session II

#HappyTeachers

Welcome to the first episode of season 16, where we meet Sandeep Dutt, a School Improvement Coach and the mastermind behind The Teacher's Academy at the Learning Forward India Foundation. 

Don't miss out on the Masterclass 2024, inspired by Kavita Ghosh's book "Wanted Back­Bencher Last Ranker Teacher." This unique program facilitates collaborative efforts among teachers in reading, writing, and research. By sharing real-life learning experiences, teachers create presentations that improve student learning outcomes.

Equip yourself with the tools you need to thrive through the power of reading, reflection, and building relationships. As teachers, your happiness should be a priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Let's embark on this journey together! (The photo used for representational purposes is from The Fabindia School, and a Professional Learning - PLP - session is in progress).

Enjoy the live recording of the session hosted on the 3rd of February, 2024.

Courage and Patience - Sharda Pullabhatla

Reflection 1 - A Fearful student 

Where there is fear, there can’t be any learning. This is the philosophy which I strongly believe in. Students who fear going to school, cannot pay full attention to what is being taught in the class and their minds are preoccupied with unknown and imaginary fears which dissuade them from letting their imagination go free. 

I encountered such a student from Grade 6, who was often dropped off at school by her father. She used to wail and used to get literally dragged into the classroom by her father. I never liked this as it made me think about what makes her dislike the school in general and her classroom in particular. 

Then I decided to sit in her classroom and observe what goes on in the class. I observed that she was leaning on her desk and looking out of the window, totally disinterested in the proceedings in the class. I being the coordinator, instructed the teacher to make her read from the textbook. When her name was called out by the teacher, she was trembling. She struggled to read even a line properly.  Further, when she was asked a few questions, she had no clue. I asked the student to follow me to my office. 

When she came to my office, I made her comfortable by offering her a few cookies. Initially, she was a  bit reluctant, but later she took a cookie. I could see that she was a bit comfortable then. I asked her about her interests, hobbies and what she liked to do in her free time. She told me that she was very good at drawing. I gave her a white sheet of paper and asked her to make a sketch of mine. She thought I was joking, but when I pushed her a bit she started sketching. Within a few minutes, she showed me the sketch.

Though it was a bit caricaturish, she did an amazing job. I congratulated her on that and wrote her name below the sketch and went with her and put it up on the Art Wall. She felt proud and I could sense that feeling of achievement in her eyes. I then rewarded her with candy.  I also told her that she should make a drawing and bring it to me every day. She just nodded her head.  I couldn’t decipher what she meant by that, but to my surprise, her father did not have to drag her to her classroom the next day. She hopped out of their car and ran inside the school gate. She had a paper neatly rolled up in her hand and she directly came running to my office to give me her drawing.  This time she drew the school building. I gave her a warm hug and rewarded her with candy. This practice continued and now she is one of the best artists we have got in our school. She has won several awards by participating in various competitions. 

Educators must identify the strengths of the students and work on them, rather than forcing them to learn everything. Results are important, but making the student love the learning environment and develop a sense of belongingness in the school environment is the beginning of the entire learning process.

Reflection 2 - An Impatient Student 

Patience is a virtue, but impatience can be a superpower when it comes to learning. I realised this when I met a student from Grade 8.  

Teachers regularly used to complain about him as he was never seated in one place and used to roam around the class, disrupting the usual proceedings. His impatient nature irked the teachers greatly as he never liked sitting in his place. I then asked the teachers about his academics. They had no complaints about that. In fact, they appreciated his academic performance and further, they added that his work is always complete and he was one of the first students to submit his work. I then got intrigued to figure out the cause of his restless behaviour in class. 

I decided to call him to my office and ask him how he felt in the class, as he was a new admission.  He was in a different school till Grade-7. Then I asked him what was the difference between his previous school and our school. Then he said that in the previous school, the students, who finished the classwork first were allowed to walk around the class and help the other kids. We did not have a similar practice in our school. In fact, I understood that the student’s behaviour was not out of indiscipline or insolence, rather it was a practice which was deeply ingrained within him by the previous school. In fact, this was a good practice. 

I encouraged the student and let him go. In the next teachers' meeting, I shared this best practice with all the teachers and our principal. Everyone liked the idea. We adopted it and we could see that students felt more engaged, responsible, and involved. This made the learning environment much better. 

Things may not be the way we see them. We need to go deeper and do a root-cause analysis. This helps us understand the students' behaviour and connect with them and can make our teaching and learning places more effective and livelier.

Sharda Pullabhatla @KNPS Phagwara

A fearful and Impatient Student: Saumya RPKM

What is fear? 

Fear is a powerful and primitive human emotion which alerts us to the presence of danger. It is the good side of fear but on the other side, too much fear can harm self-confidence, it can prevent from achieving heights of success by destroying reality or being grounded in false beliefs. 

A fearful and impatient student 

There was a child in my class who used to stammer. He found it impossible to participate in any competition like poem recitation or elocution etc. When he stammered, he got anxious and when he got anxious he stammered even more. He used to sit still in the corner, knowing all the answers and just watching other kids— never participating in the activities. He also never participated in any conversations for fear that he might stammer. 

He was known as a good listener, but the fact was he just avoided talking because he knew what would happen if he spoke. I observed him for a few days to know the reason behind his behaviour: why he was so shy or different from others?

One fine day, I got to know about his stammering issue. I started talking to him, being friendly with him but he didn't involve himself much. It didn't stop me from encouraging him. I used to encourage him and provide him with chances to speak so he could regain his confidence.

It took time but his stammering lessened which boosted his confidence. Through encouragement, he got the courage and strength to face his fear and regain his lost confidence. In the teaching profession, we see these kinds of children who are struggling with speech issues. But with patience and consistency, teachers can help them. 

Advice to educators: As an educator, I and my group would like to suggest- 

1. Teachers should deal with these kinds of children (lack of confidence, shyness etc.) with calmness. 
2. Teachers should encourage children by giving them as many chances as possible. 
3. Teachers should teach them the attitude of never giving up in difficult or frightening situations (like exams, competitions etc). 
4. Teachers should boost children's morale so they can stand up on their feet firmly (without hesitation). 

"Courage is the Power of the mind to overcome fear" - Martin Luther King JR. 

Patience is the art of concealing your impatience.

In the past, I encountered an impatient student who was eager to move ahead with the lesson. To address their restlessness, I took a moment to talk with the student privately after class. I listened attentively to their concerns and empathised with their desire for more challenging material. 

I acknowledged their enthusiasm for learning and explained that while I understood their feelings, it was crucial to ensure that all students grasp the foundational concepts before progressing. 

To keep the student engaged, I promised to explore more advanced topics in the near future and encouraged them to take an active role in class discussions. 

This way, they could contribute their knowledge and potentially spark deeper conversations. By validating the student's eagerness and providing a plan for future learning, I aimed to channel their impatience into positive motivation for academic growth. 

Patience is the skill to accept or tolerate delay without becoming annoyed or anxious and without responding in disrespect or anger. 

Experience has taught me, that we undo ourselves through impatience. 

"To lose patience is to lose the battle" - By Mahatma Gandhi 

Saumya @ RPK School Moradabad

Rashmi Wright, Ekta Sharma, Rajni Gupta, Shafali Johri, Asha Singh, Beena Singh, Nidhi Narula

Courage and Patience - Arya RPKM

A Lesson on Courage and Patience 

Once upon a time, a schoolteacher named Mr Rajesh and a young student named Ishan lived in a small town. Ishan was kind-hearted but had a difficulty that often scared him – he couldn't write as nicely as his classmates did. His letters were often messy, and he struggled to form words properly.

One day, during a writing exercise, Ishaan's frustration peaked. He stared at his paper, tears welling up in his eyes. Mr Rajesh noticed his distress and approached him with a warm smile.

"Hey there, Ishaan! Don't worry. Writing takes time and practice. I'm here to help you," Mr Rajesh said gently.

"But it's so hard, Mr Rajesh," Ishaan replied, his voice filled with disappointment.

Mr Rajesh placed a reassuring hand on Ishaan's shoulder. "I understand, Ishaan. But remember, everyone learns at their own pace. Let's take it one step at a time."

And so, Mr Rajesh patiently began to guide Ishaan through the process of writing. They practised forming letters, spelling words, and crafting sentences. It wasn't always easy for Ishaan, but Mr Rajesh always kept his patience. He offered encouragement and praised Ishaan's efforts, no matter how small.

As weeks passed, Ishaan's writing began to improve gradually. The lines on his paper became neater, and he felt more confident in expressing himself through words. His classmates noticed the positive change, too and praised his progress.

One day, the school held a writing competition. Ishaan was nervous, but Mr Rajesh believed in him. "You've come so far, Ishaan. Just do your best," he said.

Ishaan poured his heart into his writing. He didn't worry about winning; he simply wanted to express himself. When the results were announced, it turned out that Ishaan had won the competition! He couldn't believe it.

"I won, Mr. Rajesh! I won!" Ishaan exclaimed, beaming with joy.

Mr Rajesh congratulated him with a warm smile. "I knew you could do it, Ishaan. You've worked hard, and your patience paid off."

From that day on, Ishaan continued to improve his writing skills, but more importantly, he learned the value of patience, courage and perseverance. He realised he could overcome any difficulty with patience, courage, support, and a determined spirit.

How to develop courage and patience: 

1. Never give up easily.

2. Take challenges. 

3. Set your priorities.

4. Understand that Fear is just in your mind.

5. Only Courage, Patience and dedication can take you to the top of the world.

Prakriti @ RPK School Moradabad
Dhiraj Gupta, Naina Soni, Rekha Kapoor, Suman Singh, Sandeep Negi, Naushaba Sami and Isha Sharma.

Courage and Patience Part 2 - KNPS Phagwara

 Kajal Sharma

Courage and Patience: Powerful Tools

1. Courage and patience are two essential traits, Which grow within oneself to make the base.

2. Courage requires making everything settle,
   Patience can give us positivity by giving us a great battle.

3. Courage and patience give us a way towards success, As it reduces the work’s stress.

4. These traits are like magic, Making our life cool and dynamic.

5. Let’s apply courage and patience in the circle of life, To go with the flow and reduce crime.

   - Poonam Rani

Raman Sood

In the depths of trials, where darkness looms, Courage ignites, dispelling gloom. A flickering flame, bold and bright, Guiding souls through the darkest night.

Patience, a virtue, a steadfast grace, A gentle current in life's tumultuous race. With steady resolve, it softly whispers, Navigating obstacles like skilled river blisters.

Courage rises, a warrior's might, Facing fears, ready to fight. With bravery as its trusted shield, It conquers doubt, refusing to yield.

Patience, a companion, serene and wise, In stillness, it learns as time flies. It endures through trials and tribulations, Embracing delays, steadfast and sure.

Courage and patience are inseparable, Hand in hand, a testament, rare. Together they embolden the human soul, Leading us forward and making us whole.

So let us embrace these divine virtues. In courage and patience, our spirits align. In the face of adversity's wrath, We shall find strength on life's arduous path.

- Reena Sisodia

In the face of fear, courage stands tall, With a heart so strong, it never will fall. 

It whispers, "Keep going, don't lose your way, For every storm, there's a brighter day."

Courage is not about being without fear, But facing it bravely, with strength sincere. 

It's taking a leap when doubts arise, Trusting your instincts, and reaching for the skies.

Patience, a virtue, oh so profound, Like a sturdy oak tree, deeply rooted in the ground. 

It teaches us to wait, to endure and believe, That every setback, we can still achieve.

Patience is calmness, a tranquil stream, In the face of chaos, it keeps our dreams. 

It whispers, "Be steady, don't rush ahead, For great things come to those who tread."

Together, courage and patience intertwine, Guiding us forward, their light will shine. 

With courage, we face challenges unknown, With patience, we wait, and our seeds are sown.

So let us embrace these virtues each day, As we navigate life's winding way. 

We'll conquer mountains with courage and patience as our guide, our spirits will glide.

Seema Rani

Courage and Patience Part 1 - KNPS Phagwara

Composed by: Pooja Bawa <poojabawa96@gmail.com>

Assignment: Courage and Patience

Write/develop 2 Reflection pieces:

Think of two (2) situations where you as an educator were faced with (preferably real)/might face the challenge of dealing with:

1. A Fearful Student

2. An Impatient Student

How did/will you deal with the student?

A) If it was a real-life situation, were you successful in helping him/her overcome their problem?

B) What is your advice to educators who want to inculcate these values in their students?

Reflection Piece 1: Dealing with a Fearful Student

Situation:

During my time as an educator, I encountered a fearful student who was struggling to participate in class discussions and activities. The student appeared visibly anxious and hesitant to engage with peers and express his thoughts.

Recognising the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment, I prioritised addressing the student's fears and helping him overcome his challenges.

Approach:

First and foremost, I approached him with empathy and understanding. I had one-on-one conversations with him to understand his fears and concerns.

Outcome:

His confidence and active participation in class significantly improved. He began to offer insightful contributions during discussions and even volunteered to lead small group activities.

Advice to Educators:

To help fearful students overcome their challenges, educators should consider the following:

1. Foster a safe and supportive environment

2. Establish a personal connection

3. Gradual exposure and positive reinforcement

4. Encourage risk-taking and learning from mistakes

Reflection Piece 2: Dealing with an Impatient Student

Situation:

As an educator, I encountered an impatient student who consistently exhibited signs of impatience during class, often interrupting others and becoming frustrated when tasks required more time or effort than she anticipated.

Approach:

I began by having a private conversation with her to address her impatience. I wanted to understand

the underlying reasons behind her impatience and identify any specific triggers. To address these challenges, I implemented several strategies.

Courage propels us, like a wild hurricane. It fuels our dreams, empowers us to soar, To conquer mountains, and unlock every door.

With courage as our ally, we face the unknown, Embracing challenges, seeds of greatness sown. For in every heart, there lies a flame untamed, Waiting for courage to ignite, unashamed.

Post by Chahat Sharma <chaahatsharma2@gmail.com>

---

Courage and patience are two sides of a coin,

Together they make a person who can join,

The fight for what is right and true,

And wait for the right time to pursue it.

So, be brave and patient, my friend,

And never let your spirit bend.

For courage and patience will see you through,

And lead you to a life that's bright and new.

Poem by Vandana Sharma <vandnasharma144@gmail.com>