Usha Raman
A recent webinar co- hosted by Teacher Plus in association with Wishwa brought to the fore several concerns that parents and teachers had about online learning and about the aims and objectives of education. Parents were concerned about screen time and teachers about keeping the children engaged and motivated. It was however an opportunity for teachers and parents to come together and build on their collaboration.
Category: Editorial
Showing the soft side
Usha Raman
In the pre-pandemic days life was always rushed. We never stopped to think about anyone or anything. Today, the pandemic has consumed all our lives and changed the way we do things. Amidst all the adversities, it has also provided us with opportunities to learn new things about ourselves; it has shown us that in many ways we are all the same. Hopefully our new realizations will help us create more empathetic and understanding living and learning spaces.
A crucible of ideas
Usha Raman
Home Science as a subject has for long been on the backburner in the practice of school education. The low numbers of students opting for this subject, since itis largely perceived as a course for girls,has not helped either. Be that as it may, sincehome science is an optional subject at the high school level in most boards, this issue of Teacher Plus looks at the theme broadly, both from the viewpoint of home science as a curricular subject and as a tool for overall development.
There but not yet there
Usha Raman
It has been a year since our world turned upside down. And now slowly but surely we seem to be trudging towards what we used to know as ‘normal’. But with every new situation, the one thing that remains constant is anxiety, which somehow seems heightned these days. From the adult world, anxiety is now spilling into the lives of children as well and as we tackle our own worries we must look out for our children as well.
Can we listen to the young?
Usha Raman
Stories of injustice, neglect and outright condemnation abound in newspapers and the social media. The older generation has lived with this lopsided world but today’s younger generation is beginning to raise its voice and fight for what is right. Instead of shushing them down, as their caretakes let us help them find constructive ways to intervene at instances of injustice.
Small steps can make a big difference
Usha Raman
According to the World Bank, India is among the top few waste generating countries in the world. Unless we take drastic measures, it is believed that India will soon produce double the amount of waste it is now producing. This month we bring you the stories of a few schools that have taken up the challenge of going zero waste, in the hope that they inspire many more to follow suit.
When – and how – things fall into place
Usha Raman
Deadlines may be a motivational factor for some, for others, it only instills a sense of fear – of not being able to work on a given task. The end result is delay and at a huge cost. So, how can procrastination be turned into a positive issue? When we establish rules for our children, it makes sense that we do not disregard those rules ourselves if we have to help our children. A bit of discipline and a gentle nudge is all that may be needed to tackle this problem.
Transformations big and small
Usha Raman
Education is supposed to help us evolve into thinking, inquisitive beings. Often though, in trying to reach this end, we falter and lose our way. It is in such times that alternative/revolutionary ideas are born. But even as we acknowledge the contributions of a Maria Montessori or a John Holt in education, we mustn’t forget the everyday battles that teachers wage in their classrooms around language, textbooks, assessments, etc. It is both the big and small contributions that ultimately lead to reforming a broken system.
Building a culture of care
Usha Raman
Within the confines of their homes and away from the boundaries of the classroom, how are children learning? Are they distracted, anxious and worried? Has the pandemic negatively affected their mental health? In times like these, how can teachers structure care and make learning a joyful experience for children? After all, teachers have always had an additional responsibility as careers.
Home/House-work
Usha Raman
Are we working from home or working for home? The boundaries are no longer clear. With COVID-19 still controlling how we live our lives, what once seemed like the ideal is now proving a difficult task. As we continue to work from home and also stay on top of our household chores, our pre-COVID lives with clear-cut boundaries seem more and more like a sweet dream.