Reverse the Page

Today’s task? Analysing a business segment report.

Reaction? Silence. Confusion. Hesitation.
The data felt unfamiliar. The faces looked lost.

So I gently said, “Let’s reverse the page.”
📄 On the other side: a student report card.

Subjects	Unit Test 1	Unit Test 2
Maths	78	85
Science	82	80
English	70	75
Social Science	65	68

“Now tell me what comes to mind.”

Suddenly, the classroom lit up. The task was familiar. Their faces softened, eyes sparkled with understanding. They compared test scores, calculated percentage change, and spoke confidently — using the language of their own experience.

💬 “The student is doing well in Maths.”
💬 “Needs to work on Science.”

I asked, “How do you know that?”
They built tables, performed calculations, and explained their reasoning:

Subjects	UT1	UT2	Change	% Change
Maths	78	85	+7	8.97%
Science	82	80	-2	-2.44%
English	70	75	+5	7.14%
Social Science	65	68	+3	4.62%

Then I said, “Now flip the page again.”
“Can you tell how different segments of the business are performing?”

This time, they smiled. It wasn’t alien anymore. It was familiar.
Familiar patterns. New data. Same logic.

(Not sharing the solution here- Can you try and analyse the segment report and tell me which segment is the best performing segment) 

Sometimes, all it takes to unlock understanding is a simple cue:
➡️ “Reverse the page.”

Don’t just give answers. Activate prior knowledge.
Engage the affective domain (emotion + familiarity) to assemble new understanding. 

Because learning isn’t a straight line — it’s a journey of discovery, struggle, and small victories.

Gurdeep Kaur

The Teachers Academy Ambassador 

 

Exploring Holistic Development & Real-World Learning

Brewing Knowledge Friday

To read and review chapters on personal and social development, as well as real-world learning, from the book My Good School Where Passion Meets Education by Sandeep Dutt

Key Takeaways

• Holistic development requires equal emphasis on the 4 S's: Service, Skill, Sport, and Study.

• Experiential learning outside the classroom plays a vital role in personal growth.

• School retreats and trips offer valuable opportunities for applied learning and self-discovery.

• Teachers are encouraged to reflect on how their schools incorporate the 4 S's and to share their experiences.

Topics Covered

Personal and Social Development at School

• The 4 S's approach — Service, Skill, Sport, and Study — is equally important in all aspects.

• Service examples include community projects, disaster relief efforts, and educational initiatives for underserved groups.

• Skills encompass areas such as arts, crafts, vocational training, and the development of both soft and hard skills.

• Sports play a crucial role in promoting physical, social, and mental well-being.

• Study involves actively engaging the mind through reading, inquiry, and reflection.

• Round Square schools emphasise six core ideals: internationalism, democracy, environment, adventure, leadership, and service.

Real-World Learning

• School trips and out-of-classroom experiences provide rich learning opportunities.

• Examples include train

•  rides that illustrate physics concepts and mountain climbs demonstrating air pressure changes.

• Midterm breaks and adventure journeys help develop practical life skills, such as planning, teamwork, and survival.

• Gap years and extended travel are increasingly popular for hands-on education.

• Real-world learning fosters confidence and independence.

• Even local exploration can offer meaningful learning experiences.

Resources

• A reader document with chapter summaries and links to related blog posts.

• Reflections from previous sessions are available on the Teachers Academy blog (happyteacher.in).

• Participants are invited to share reflections and examples of how the 4 S's are implemented in their schools.

Next Steps

• Email your reflections on today's takeaways to Manisha.

• Provide examples of how your school practices Service, Skill, Sport, and Study.

• Consider attending the upcoming My Good School Retreat in Varanasi from October 27 to 30.

• Join next week's Brewing Knowledge Friday session and other weekly gatherings.

Reflection is key to deepening understanding and improving practice. Please share your takeaways and reflections by emailing them to mk@learningforward.org.in. We look forward to hearing your insights and experiences.