Category: Teachers Corner

Changing Role of Teachers in the 21st Century

Posted on by Kavita Sahay

Teachers are nation builders and despite the breakneck speed of technological progress impacting today’s classrooms, their presence is of paramount importance to students.

The term facilitator is now becoming more prevalent, and why not? It goes hand in hand with the quantum of work and the job descriptions of teachers around the world. Long gone are the days of only books and chalk and talk methods. In modern schools one sees how, by using dynamic and exciting teaching methodologies, the learners are drawn into the world of self actualisation and realisation of their aims, aspirations, dreams, goals and hopes.
Collaboration, role play, data sharing, using the internet for research and reference, has become quite the norm. Experiential learning and a sense of connectivity through the net has taken the world of education by storm. Hence, the role of the facilitator extends, at times, to beyond the classroom. She/he is a leader, a mentor, a role model, a counsellor, a coach, a therapist, a seeker, a knowledge base, a disciplinarian, a data collector, a curriculum planner, an event manager and an entertainer among many more avatars.

In this context, I have always considered myself blessed to be surrounded by creative, experienced, innovative and fiercely committed teachers at VIBGYOR. The enthusiastic faculty at all the schools of the VIBGYOR Group are self motivated individuals who are passionate about doing their utmost for the students under their care. What excites and satisfies me is the undaunted spirit of learning that each one carries within herself/himself. The childlike curiosity to learn more and more so as to impart that learning to their students is what I appreciate wholeheartedly in my teachers.

The advent of newer means of communication has had a tremendous impact in the education sphere. Undoubtedly it makes things faster and easier. Nonetheless, it also increases the work at hand with the teaching staff shouldering more and more responsibilities. This, they do tirelessly and with keen interest. After all, teachers have always been the face of the schools for the most crucial stakeholders i.e. the students. Their interaction and rapport with their learners is their key to success.

Hats off to all the facilitators of the world who are striving relentlessly to bring about a change. Take a bow, you hardworking beacons of light, life and inspiration.

Happy Teachers’ Day!

Teaching Digital Citizenship to your Child

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

The time is long past where parents could shield their children from the ills of social media or keep them away from gadgets. Now gadgets are a ubiquitous aspect of a child’s life, irrespective of his or her age. It has been well-documented that colleges and recruiters go through a potential candidate’s digital footprint before making decisions. With the growing number of teens using social media, the need to communicate on how to conduct yourself online has become vital. It is important for them to know that what they put out on social media today can cause trouble to them tomorrow.

Online behavioural conduct is referred to as digital citizenship. Digital citizenship is the quality of online behaviour that impacts content. By acting responsibly and respectfully, not only can your child enjoy all the offerings of the internet, he or she can also be protected from cyber bullying.
A few basics to share with your child:

  1. Using appropriate language– Children will use the internet to communicate with not only their friends but also their teachers, relatives and the world as a whole. Thus, using appropriate language is necessary.
  2. Mutual respect– Every person has an opinion and respecting that is vital. In case of a disagreement, be polite. Avoid forcing your point on someone or unnecessary verbal debates.
  3. Plagiarism– It is easy to copy someone else’s work and pass it on as your own. The only rule for plagiarism is to not do it. Give credit where it is due.
  4. Think before you post– It is always a good idea to think about how others might feel on the post you wish to share. Don’t be hasty.

As parents, just like you teach your child values and behaviours that you wish them to emulate, the same holds true when they make their foray into the world of social media. With these basic yet simple guidelines, you can help your child to have a healthy digital presence.

Because dads mean more

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

Numerous studies have indicated that fathers play an important role in a child’s development, right from birth through adulthood. These studies indicate that involved fathers help children tremendously, like better language skills and lesser behavioural problems. Father involvement also leads to emotional and intellectual growth of the children.

We hear about a mother’s role in the upbringing of the child but a father’s role is equally important. A father brings unique contributions to parenting that no one else can replicate. Fathers communicate and parent differently from mothers and children need both brands of parenting to grow up as well-adjusted adults.

How can dads be more involved?
Sometimes, it can be as simple as spending quality time with the children. Quality time, however, does not mean you promise to help with homework but when you sit on the table, you are distracted with your phone, tablet, TV, etc. Quality time means disconnecting from technology, even if it’s for an hour, and focussing solely on your child. It needn’t just be homework. Maybe you can cultivate a shared activity or hobby; or have dinner as a family. Focus on the activity rather than the time spent; that is what will determine quality.

Many times, a mere presence goes a long way to raising happy children. You don’t need to do anything but letting your child know that as their father, you care and are always around for advice, as a sounding board, or anything they might need. That much is enough to boost a child’s confidence.

A father’s role is not just about disciplining. Going for parent-teacher meetings, asking how their day in school went, helping with their homework, cheering them on sport’s days and annual days, etc. shows that you care about their progress.

The bond between a father and child is special. Like everything else, it takes work to create that bond. There are benefits to being an involved dad, so consider using some of these tips to get more involved in your child’s life. Both of you will enjoy the benefits for many years to come.

Creating reflexive and critical thinkers of tomorrow

By Ms. Kavita Sahay – Director, Schools and Academics, VIBGYOR High Group of Schools

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools
Ms.-Kavita-Sahay
Today, meaningful, useful education is something all students need regardless of the career choices they will eventually make. Learning for the child takes place in many ways and the curriculum accords equal importance to what a child learns and the process by which he or she learns it. The curriculum recognizes that the child should be an active agent in his or her own learning and that the child’s existing knowledge and environmental experience should be the starting point for new knowledge. When children are accorded a positive school experience which includes development of their literacy, numeracy and communication skills, this in turn enhances their self-esteem and confidence and their motivation to learn is increased.

The main focus of our educational programme is on the HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT of the students, equipping them with the essential skills of the technically evolving 21st century. With this end in view, we have designed a unique curriculum that is based on the Principles of Integrated Learning and the Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Our teaching methodology is an eclectic mix of cognitive and experiential and activity based learning strategies that cater to the three learning styles – VISUAL, AUDITORY and KINESTHETIC learners (VAK model). Our teaching modules are replete with Hands-on-learning activities, audio-visual aids, experimentations, investigations and research activities that form a part of the Enquiry-based and Project Based Learning Strategies.

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The above diagram represents the structure of the curriculum and the intervening methodologies that define the teaching pedagogy at VIBGYOR HIGH

Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is any learning that supports students in applying their knowledge and conceptual understanding to real-world problems or situations where the instructor directs and facilitates learning. This is a holistic perspective that combines experience, perception, cognition and behavior. Experiential learning teaches students the competencies they need for real-world success.

Enquiry based Learning
Enquiry-based approach to teaching and learning is its potential to increase intellectual engagement and foster deep understanding through the development of a hands-on, minds-on and ‘research-based disposition’ towards teaching and learning. Inquiry honours the complex, interconnected nature of knowledge construction, striving to provide opportunities for both teachers and students to collaboratively build, test and reflect on their learning.

Project Based Learning
The core idea of project-based learning is that real-world problems capture students’ interest and provoke serious thinking as the students acquire and apply new knowledge in a problem-solving context.

Multiple Intelligences
Multiple Intelligence forms the core of the teaching process at VIBGYOR High as we endeavour to create learning opportunities to cultivate each intelligence. A unit of study is approached from different perspectives in order to draw out the latent abilities of the student in each of the domains: Linguistic, Mathematical, Musical, Visual-Spatial, Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Naturalist.

Mind Maps
Mind Maps are based on the congnitivist approach to learning. This teaching methodology focuses on creating cognitive structures for learning that will facilitate understanding and easy recall. The use of mind maps train students to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and aids in studying and organizing information, solving problems and making decisions in their later years.

VAK Model
This model consists of creating different sensory experiences to aid Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic learning. Through this model, the concept is internalized through activities that generate visual auditories and Kinestethic memories that form the basis for future learning.

At VIBGYOR High, we recognize the importance of making real world connections between the subject taught, and the students’ experiences, through these teaching methodologies that encourage the students to become reflexive and critical thinkers and active participants in a dynamically changing world.

Article by Ms. Kavita Sahay published in Career 360 magazine

Classroom management techniques

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

Ask a teacher what would be their worst nightmare and they’d say a class which they are unable to control, or a class which refuses to follow instructions. Of course every teacher has their unique way of classroom management, but it is important to understand how to maintain discipline while at the same time, provide an environment where students can thrive and learn.
Here are some tips which teachers can use to provide a conducive learning environment.

#1: Be consistent
One thing which teachers get accused of frequently by students is partiality. “But when he did it, you did not say anything” is an oft heard and oft repeated statement. The key to combat this is consistency. A good way to start is to communicate and lay down a few ground rules right at the beginning of term like establishing classroom rules for expected behaviour and promoting and sticking to those rules.
To further ensure clarity, have it in written form where students and you can access it freely.

#2: Dealing with difficult children
Every class has students who look for ways to disrupt your equilibrium or the class’ flow. A good way to deal would be to give such students more responsibilities, giving them a chance to answer questions, etc. Keep them involved so that they don’t resort to disruption.

#3: Disciplining by reinforcing positive behaviour
Avoid disciplining a student in the middle of class. Speak to them separately, telling them clearly what you did not like and what they can do differently. Children respond better when they are told what to do rather than what not to do. Affirmative statements will also ensure other students can learn via example.

#4: Be prepared for class
Students also tend to get restless when the subject you are teaching is not engaging enough. Take time to prepare for class. If a particular chapter is too difficult, break it down into smaller chunks to make it easier. If a chapter is too simple, you can teach it by having a discussion in class, followed by a report.
Following these simple steps will ensure your students and you have a good learning experience and you are able to teach what you had earmarked for that particular day.

Working together for a child’s better future

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

One would think being a teacher was just about teaching. However, as a teacher, you have to don more roles than are strictly described in your job description. You are in a unique position of being the bridge between a student’s performance in school and his or her parents. But how do you approach the rather sensitive issue of communicating a child’s shortcomings to his or her parents?

Parents generally don’t like it if teachers tell them that their child has a problem or a difficulty in school. Sometimes, parents have adverse reactions ranging from outright denial (even when they can see the problem) to blaming the peers, teachers, school, relatives, husband if you’re talking to the mother, wife if you’re talking to the father…they will blame anyone but refuse to listen to what you are saying.

How do you handle such situations; because handle them you must?

You have to remember that the adverse reactions come out because the parents are scared. There is enough literature out there that almost everyone knows and fears words like ‘learning difficulty,’ ‘anger management,’ ‘hyperactivity,’ etc. When you tell the parent that there might be a problem, you have just turned their nightmare into a reality. Can you blame them for getting angry or blaming others?

The best approach is to be gentle but firm. Give them room to panic. It is not easy to accept that your child is having problems in school. When you want to approach the problem, first talk about the many fine qualities that the child has; it will help. Have a plan of action ready so that the parents know you have done your homework. Keep your stance like you are having a conversation and not attacking them. And most importantly, communicate that you only have the child’s best interest at heart.

Work with the parents instead of antagonizing them. After all, none of this is about you or them. It is about the child and his or her future.



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