The inner courtyard of cognition

Sudeep Ghosh
Critical thinking, we all know, is the ability to think clearly and rationally. But, does this sort of logical thinking hinder creativity and is being creative a part of critical thinking? Yes, we need to think critically to evaluate and improve on our ideas. In this issue of Classroom Update, the author says that critical thinking is a problem-solving tool and the key to unlocking ideas – fresh, invigorating, pristine. This article proposes an inter-disciplinary take on the nature and value of critical thinking.

Tools to develop a school culture

Brendan MacCarthaigh
How can a school develop a culture that is collaborative, joyous, and participative? Cooperative learning is one way. Another tool is the simple factor of applause. Team applause for correct answers, or for presenting an item during a concert— little things— but they go a long way in building a culture of team work, of pride , and of cooperation.

Making school data work for teachers

Payal Jain and Sapna Saleem
Schools produce an immense amount of data every month and every year. This data can be used constructively by teachers and facilitators. For instance, the data received after an examination can help a school principal to identify the trends in the performance of the students. An in- depth analysis of this data can helpthe school leader to identify the teaching and learning gaps in the students. Schools, therefore need to ensure that teachers see data as another useful tool, how it can be used and what insights it provides.

Where are the boys?

Neerja Singh
Is there a major ‘boy crisis’ in the country? In all the talk about women empowerment and increase in female enrolment in educational institutions, are we leaving the boys behind? Read up this interesting article and make sure there is some reflection on your part.

The pragmatics of planning

Ranjini Krishnaswamy
In a school’s academic year, how are things planned and executed with precision? From teaching, testing and evaluating all that needs to be evaluated and including all the co- curricular activities that form part of the curriculum, it is indeed a tall order. Given that our country has three national syllabi and two international curricula, there are bound to be conflicts with so many different boards following different calendars. Do schools have any flexibility in planning their calendars? How do school heads face these enormous challenges that crop up? Does a packed academic calendar result in student fatigue? Do schools create spaces to facilitate students’ emotional and spiritual well-being? Our cover story by a leading principal and the additional articles accompanying it throw light on some of these issues so that both school heads and teachers can plan out their days more efficiently.

Reframing the academic narrative

Lamia Bagasrawalla Schools are among the most significant structures in a child’s ecological system. Children interact with systems around them such as their families, communities and schools. These interactions provide them with opportunities to enhance their knowledge, build skills and Read More …

An event or a process?

Phyllis Farias The Webster dictionary defines ‘event’ as ‘something that happens’ an occurrence, and the word ‘process’ as ‘something going on’ or proceeding. A school calendar is packed with activities. The question that needs to be asked is: should the Read More …

Balancing work and play

Shweta Sharan A few weeks ago, a friend who works as an independent career counsellor in a school in Bangalore had an alarming story to share. She was counselling a 10th grader in a school that has dual syllabi and Read More …

“Moving” with numbers

Pavan RC

Kinesthetic math involves using the entire body to learn math and not just hands to write. It makes learning active. We have heard of people who hate math begin loving the subject after learning it with kinesthetic activities.

Building the right atmosphere

A child’s formal entry into learning has to be based on the foundations of love and warmth. As teachers and schools, it is our responsibility to provide them the right kind of learning atmosphere so the children can grow up into lovely human beings.