Memory and Learning Styles

Brewing Knowledge Friday, 22nd August 2025

Introducing Neelashi Mangal, who joins us at the Learning Forward India Foundation as our Training and Programs Lead. Neelashi is currently working as a curriculum developer and a teacher-trainer at a Buddhist school in Bodhgaya. Earlier, she worked in Nepal. Trained as a Waldorf teacher after finishing her M.A. in Education at Azim Premji University. Some of the NCERT and New Education Policy makers have been her professors, which was a breakthrough for her and an opportunity to see education in a completely different light.

Quick recap

The meeting began with introductions and discussions about constructivist learning principles, with a focus on the importance of hands-on activities and open classroom discussions. The group explored memory retention and learning methods, with participants sharing insights on the value of memorisation and connecting education to real-life experiences. The session concluded with a discussion of a Rumi story about artistic competition and inner purity, followed by announcements about upcoming events and programs.

Next steps

• All participants are to write their thoughts and reflections in the WhatsApp group after each session.
• All participants are to register for the upcoming Saturday session on the website.
• All participants are to attend the Sunday session and explore the new topic with the guest speaker.

Summary

Constructivist Learning and Team Integration

The meeting began with Sandeep introducing the session and welcoming participants, including Manisha, Kunal, and Neelashi. Sandeep emphasised the importance of small group discussions for effective learning and introduced Neelashi as a potential new team member. The group discussed the previous session's focus on constructivist learning principles and procedural knowledge, with Sandeep emphasising the importance of hands-on activities and open discussions in the classroom. The session concluded with plans to start a new chapter in the book and a brief discussion on the topic for the students.

Constructivist Learning and Memory Retention

Sandeep discussed the importance of constructivist learning principles and procedural knowledge, emphasising the need for hands-on activities and open discussions in classrooms. He read from a handbook on child learning, focusing on memory and the role of memorisation in education. Sandeep questioned the long-term value of memorised knowledge and highlighted the importance of understanding concepts rather than just memorising facts. He also mentioned a study by psychologist Harry Berwick on the long-term retention of knowledge gained in high school, suggesting that learning over a more extended period is more effective for memory retention.

Enhancing Memory and Learning Strategies

The group discussed the importance of memory and learning, with Sandeep emphasising the value of understanding concepts and applying experiential learning. Neelashi read a conclusion about using memory more imaginatively, and the class discussed how teachers can utilise students' natural memory abilities to their best advantage. Meenakshi shared her thoughts on the value of memorisation and connecting learning to real-life experiences, emphasising the need to tailor education to local contexts. Sandeep encouraged the group to reflect on their knowledge and record their takeaways from the session.

Enhancing Learning Through Storytelling

Sandeep discussed the importance of sharing thoughts and reflections from sessions via WhatsApp, emphasising that writing detailed blog posts is not necessary due to time constraints. He encouraged participants to engage in discussions and learning activities, mentioning a "learning langar" initiative. Sandeep also introduced a weekly storytelling session featuring Rumi's stories, which he believes brings joy and helps participants reflect on life's wonders.

Chinese vs Greek Artistry Contest

Sandeep narrated a story about a competition between Chinese and Greek painters in Asia Minor, organised by the Sultan to settle their long-standing rivalry. The Sultan assigned two empty cottages to the competing groups, giving them one month to present their projects. While the Chinese painters focused on applying layers of paint to beautify their designs, the Greek painters spent countless hours removing old paint, mildew, and decay from their cottage's walls. After a month, both groups presented their masterpieces to the Sultan, who was astounded by the beauty of the Chinese paintings and the simplicity and transparency of the Greek artists' work, which perfectly reflected the Chinese paintings. The Sultan concluded that the Greek painters had superior artistry.

Rumi's Values in Art Discussion

The meeting focused on discussing the Rumi story and the values of transparency and purity in art. Sandeep led the discussion, emphasising the importance of inner purity and consistency in learning. Mamta shared a moral reflection on the difference between outer decoration and inner cleansing in art. The session concluded with Manisha inviting participants to attend upcoming events, including a Sunday session on "The Life of Animals" with a guest speaker. Sandeep announced details about future programs and encouraged online registration for upcoming sessions.

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Memorable Letter To A Schoolteacher - Book Extract

Here is the extraordinary letter that JRD Tata wrote to K.C. Bhansali, an educationist who lived in Howrah, on 13 September 1965:

Dear Mr Bhansali,

I thank you for your letter of the 6tof h August, enquiring what have been the guiding principles which have kindled my path and my career. I do not consider myself to be an 'illustrious personality, but only an ordinary businessman and citizen who has tried to make the best of his opportunities to advance the cause of India's industrial and economic development.

Any such guiding principles I might unconsciously have had in my life can be summarized as follows:

That nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without deep thought and hard work;

That one must think for oneself and never accept at their face value slogans and catch phrases to which, unfortunately, our people are too easily susceptible;

That one must forever strive for excellence, or even perfection, in any task however small, and never be satisfied with the second best;

That no success or achievement in material terms is worthwhile, unless it serves the needs or interests of the country and its people, and is achieved by fair and honest means;

That good human relations not only bring great personal rewards but are essential to the success of an enterprise.

Yours sincerely,

J.R.D. Tata

"I think this extraordinary letter, and the principles it sets forth, withstand the test of time." Harish Bhat, Brand Custodian Tata Companies and author of the book #Tata Stories

Shared with students and teachers at My Good School to help them understand the meaning of a good life and how we need to look at values and ethics in the world and aspire to make it a better place. We have contacted Mr Harish Bhat and hope to hear from him soon.

What is in it for me? - RP Devgan

For me, it is the opportunity to make a difference. I am the blessed and the chosen one to take care of children, the future of our society. If I look at the enormity, the seriousness of my job, it is quite frightening. I have been bestowed with the trust and responsibility of the school and the parents to guide children to grow up into successful and endearing individuals. I have been given and I have taken on the responsibility of nurturing young impressionable minds. To do so I have to be a role model myself. 

Years of experience with children, especially ones who are a challenge for various reasons,  has taught me that nothing succeeds like affection and understanding. Children are very good judges of educators. They take their time to see whom they can trust and confide in. The minute they are sure of trust,  they need to know if the concern of the educator is genuine. Once the children feel that the educators genuinely care for their well-being, it is only then that they open up and are uninhibited. Children must feel that the educators ‘care' for them.

With information and knowledge available on the internet, the role of a teacher more than anything else is of ‘Pastoral Care’.The children should be brought up with the right values and empathy. This starts right in the early years in a primary school. Students are most impressionable when they are in primary and middle school.

Going back to the educator and the question: ‘What is in it for me?’

The Educators must realise the important role they play in guiding children in shaping their opinion, beliefs and convictions. Living up to principles in the teen years needs courage and willpower. This is the time students need to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong.

To carry out this onerous task the educators need to grow and change with the times. Their self-development must not be for themselves alone but for the benefit of the students. The self-development of educators is often associated with ambition and many believe that this self-development should lead to climbing the ladder and winning awards. Educators must stick to their jobs and realise that ambition can lead to frustration. Successful educators are those who follow their passion for educating children and not look for awards and rewards. They must be selfless and work for the good of society.

Today, an educator needs to be versatile and open-minded. Teaching in the classroom and online is not enough. Educators need to spend time outdoors, in a natural environment, to be more effective. Students are far more responsive to suggestions and advice when they are in a free and comfortable environment. Educators who are musicians, sportsmen, who direct plays or spend time with children outside the classroom are far more successful in getting through to them and winning their attention and trust. That is where holistic education steps in.

Students who are achievers, if guided properly, turn out to be good human beings without any effort. This is what the world today needs; students who pass out of school as achievers and yet are compassionate and caring human beings.

Unfortunately, this is not happening in most schools. Children are graduating from school confused and with the wrong values, unable to distinguish between right and wrong. An example is for all to see in the current pandemic crisis; black marketeers of medicines and oxygen cylinders today, a real shame to the society we live in. 

What can educators do today?  The answer is that they can make a difference to the lives of hundreds of children they come in contact with and make our society and the world a better place.

All educators should be proud of the profession and proudly say ‘I make a difference.'

RP Devgan, Chairman Learning Forward India
With near five decades of experience as an Educationist and having served as a School Leader for schools in India and overseas, Mr Devgan brings in rich experience as an administrator, sports person and champion for teachers.

Teaching Children Good Sportsmanship - Abhay Raj Singh

Parents and kids alike love sports, and it's easy to get caught up in a game and become focused on winning. Yet there is much more to be gained from the sports experience than a winning record. When children and teens are involved in sports, they are able to learn and put into practice values that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Courtesy: Sportsengine.com

Good sportsmanship is one of the life lessons that children can learn from sports. You can help your children understand and value good sportsmanship while making sure they have a safe and fun sports experience.

Good sportsmanship may seem hard to define, but its hallmarks include being able to win without gloating, respecting one's opponents, and being able to lose gracefully. 

Here are some important principles to instil in your children:

If you lose, don't makeup excuses.

If you win, don't rub it in.

Learn from mistakes and get back in the game.

Always do your best.

If someone else makes a mistake, remain encouraging and avoid criticizing.

Show respect for yourself, your team, and the officials of the game.

Courtesy:https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=teaching-children-good-sportsmanship-1-4524

Abhay Raj Singh

ash@fabindiaschools.in

The Fabindia School

Importance of Festivals in Our Life - Monika Vaishnav

Courtesy: pxhere.com

Festivals are meant to rejoice special moments and emotions in our lives with our loved ones. They give us a distraction from our day to day, the exhausting routine of life, and give us some inspiration to remember the important things and moments in life.  Festivals were started to pass the legends, knowledge and traditions onto the next generation. They bring excitement in life. 

All festivals are cultural in one way or another.  There are many types of cultural festivals such as National, Religious etc. They all serve the purpose of bringing happiness to our lives and strengthen our sense of community.

National Festivals:  They connect us as a people of a nation.  National festivals connect citizens to important moments of a nation’s history such as our independence day. They solidify patriotic spirits in society.

Religious Festivals: Religious festivals are important for families.  To keep this simple we can all agree that religious festivals help us to teach principles and ethics to our next generations.  All different religious festivals bring the same message of love, tolerance and understanding.  On these occasions, we express our gratitude to God, for the special thing or event that originated on this particular festival.

Overall in simple terms, all the festivals are related to harmony, peace and happiness.

Courtesy:http://www.hattours.com/blog/

Monika Vaishnav

mvv@fabindiaschools.in

The Fabindia School 

Simplicity and Trust - Swabhi Parmar

Living simply entails stripping away the nonessential and focusing your time and energy on the things that matter the most. When you simplify, you’re left with a life filled with meaning, a life that is lived on your own terms. You have the time and space to pursue your interests and to create the life you truly desire. If you are simple in your life then you tend to have more opportunities in life. You can make your life simpler when you have the ability to make simple decisions. A simple person usually wins the trust of any person in any situation. A simple individual can be a trustworthy person. So these two values have a special meaning in life. 

It is often in the most simple things that we find true happiness. Living a simple lifestyle allows you to see the reality of the situation more easily. Your mind is less stressed because it has less to worry about. It is easier to make a wise decision when you know your principles in life. You only say yes when you can and firmly say no when you can’t or don’t want to. It’s easier to focus on the other person when your life is simpler.

The interaction is also sincerer since you’re free of the need to impress them. Choose people in your life whom you can really trust. If the level of trust is low in a relationship or organization, people limit their involvement and what they are willing to do or share. They might think to themselves, “This is all you deserve,” or, “This is as all I am willing to give.” In contrast, when the trust level is high, people reward it by giving more. But, more often than not, people feel that their distrust is not safe to share. So a leader or loved one may be slow to discover that they have lost a person’s trust. 

To be effective, a leader must earn the trust of his or her constituents to ensure their participation and allegiance. Indeed, any successful relationship — whether it’s the leader to follower, consultant or coach to the client or the relationship between spouses, siblings and friends — relies on a level of trust that must be earned. Yet even trust that is earned can be quickly lost and cannot be quickly regained. If members of a team or relationship lose trust in each other, it takes a great deal of work to restore it. People are not quick to reinvest in a relationship where trust has been broken. They generally move on. So yes, trust can be blended with simplicity. If you have simple desires and choices in life then you have the power of controlling your lifestyle, expenses etc and you can be a great partner in a relationship with anybody in the course of life.

- Swabhi Parmar, The Fabindia School

Honesty: Direct Proportional to Respect - Jitendra Suthar

Honesty means having moral principles, to which a person sticks forever. When a person is honest, the first principle is not to compromise with anything happening wrong. Being honest means keeping truth on top of everything.  

As per Human tendency, we all love the feeling of getting respect. Respect itself is a great value of kindness everyone should learn. Respect will bring a lot of change in one's life. A polite, kind & helpful person gets respected.

An incident of class, where there was a child who was always shy to express himself in front of the whole class. There were times when a teacher forced that kid to answer and express himself in front of everyone. The teacher observed that child for two weeks. After that, she decided to bring out the best of that child.

Later on, she started making him speak, read and explain whichever topic he felt was easy. She practised this for a week and every time he answered something, the teacher appreciated him. With this, that child started taking more and more part in-class activities. This built his confidence and made him respected more in class.

Kids in class are honest in any situation, only thing is we, as a teacher, should try to make them express themselves to get respect also and when these kids start getting respect, they automatically start building honesty. No one will be dishonest with others because gaining respect is not easy and once we get that respect and appreciation for our work, we always try to keep things going on.

Jitendra Suthar
The Fabindia School

EI Dialogues, we converse with Ashish Dhawan, founder of ChrysCapital

In this episode of EI Dialogues, we converse with Ashish Dhawan, founder of ChrysCapital, a private equity firm, and Central Square Foundation, a grant-making organization and policy think tank. In this conversation, Ashish shares why he made the switch from the corporate sector to philanthropy, his approach to giving, how one can apply management principles in running and scaling a non-profit, and what he believes is the current need of the Indian education sector. Time Codes: @08:45 - Bird's-eye view on the issues in the education sector @16:24 - A framework for philanthropic investments @27:32 - Milestones for achieving scale @37:41 - Changes in the education sector budget for better investing About the Guest: Ashish Dhawan is the founder of Central Square Foundation. He is also a founding member of Ashoka University, a not-for-profit university that aims to offer an Ivy League-quality undergraduate program in India, based on the US liberal education system. About Central Square Foundation (CSF): Central Square Foundation is a non-profit organization with the vision of ensuring quality school education for all children in India. Its mission is to transform the school education system towards improving the learning outcomes of children, especially from low-income communities, and to ensure that all children get equal access to opportunities needed for leading a better life. About the Host: Pranav Kothari is the head of the Large Scale Education Programmes division at Educational Initiatives (EI). He leads EI's work in student assessments and implementation of their adaptive learning software (Mindspark) in vernacular languages in government and affordable private schools across India. He has spoken on various platforms advocating the need to leverage the twin levers of cutting-edge educational research and technology-based solutions to revolutionize how children in the K-12 space learn. About Educational Initiatives: Founded in 2001, Educational Initiatives (EI) is committed to improving learning outcomes and aspires for a world where all children learn with understanding. Large Scale Education Programs is the vertical of Educational Initiatives that exclusively works with low-income government schools, specializing in diagnostic assessments for students and teachers, capacity building of teachers and governments, implementation of adaptive and intelligent e-learning systems for personalized learning, impact assessment studies and exploratory research studies that focus on bringing a systemic reform. This is done in collaboration with state governments, international grantmakers, corporate foundations, and NGOs. To know more, visit https://bit.ly/2OSIeNu For other episodes, check out: www.youtube.com/user/eivideos DISCLAIMER All content and opinions expressed in the conversation are that of the guests and are not necessarily the opinions of Pranav Kothari or Educational Initiatives Pvt Ltd. Views expressed in comments are the personal opinions of the author of the comment. They do not necessarily reflect the views of The Company or the host of the video series. Participants are responsible for the content of their comments and all comments that are posted are in the public domain. The Company reserves the right to monitor, edit, and/or publish any submitted comments. Any third-party comments published are third party information and The Company takes no responsibility and disclaims all liability. The Company reserves the right but is not obligated to monitor and delete any comments or postings at any time without notice.