Traditional vs Modern Teaching Methods

       Traditional methods of teaching

·        Teacher-centric classrooms

·        Teachers in the mode of knowledge dispensers rather than fa-cilitators

·        Chalk and talk methods

·        Regimented classrooms

·        Lack of collaboration and group learning

·        More emphasis on examinations and results rather than understanding of concepts

·        Improper alignment between objectives, activities and assessments 

Modern methods in use in education

• Technology-driven classrooms
•    Continuous comprehensive evaluation
•      Cross-curricular connections
•      Inquiry-based learning
•      Emphasis on understanding of concepts
•     Linking curriculum with life
•      Emphasis on skill building, life skills and values
•    Collaborative learning
•    Differential learning
•    Activity-based learning and learning labs
•   Interdisciplinary learning
•    Digitisation in teaching, learning assessment and feedback
•     Collaborative learning
•   Differentiated instruction
•   Flipped classroom
•     Problem-based learning

Traditional versus modern methods of Effective Teaching

Education is vital to the pace of the social, political and economic development of any nation, so effective teaching is very essential. Effective teaching is important because teaching is based on helping children from one level to another in a more interactive environment .

My experience comes from Sancta Maria School, Teaching methods are best articulated by answering the questions "What is the purpose of education?" and "What are the best ways of achieving these purposes?" Traditional method relies mainly on textbooks while we rely on hands-on materials approach. In traditional method, presentation of materials starts with the parts, then moves on to the whole while in the modern approach, presentation of materials starts with the whole, then moves to the parts. A variety of strategies and methods are used to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to learn. A lesson plan may be carried out in several ways: questioning, explaining, modeling, collaborating, and demonstrating. The teacher is here not to explain but to encourage and help students to explore, try out, make learning interesting, etc. Unlike traditional methodology, modern methodology is much more student-centred. According to Jim Scrivener, the teacher’s main role is to “help learning to happen,” which includes “involving” students in what is going on “by enabling them to work at their own speed, by not giving long explanations, by encouraging them to participate, talk, interact, do things, etc.”

At Sancta Maria International School

1.      Allows greater student participation in the activity

2.      Explores different avenues for learning

3.      Student- directed

4.      Teacher is facilitator

5.      No difference between work and play

6.      Learning by discovery

7.      Teacher provides guidance and facilitates learning

8.      Provides students with certain degree of freedom, giving them chance to develop their creativity and resourcefulness

9.      Emphasizes the “why” and the “how” of learning, thus encouraging students to do investigatory and exploratory work

10.   Aims to develop the cognitive, the psychomotor and the affective domains of learning; hence instruction is child-centered and multi-faceted.

 - Ms.Sreenisha and Ms.Kavita

Ancient Indian Scientists and their Contributions

Science is an important part of our everyday life, even more so than we notice. From our fancy gadgets to the  technologies we can’t live without, from our humble light bulb to the space explorations, it is all gift of science and technology.

I wonder what would we be doing if none of these things were invented? How often do we take out the time to think about those extra ordinary minds who made life easier for us? Here is a list of few Indian scientists who achieved a global recognition-

 Aryabhatt

Born in  476 CE in Kusumpur (Bihar), Aryabhatt's intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy.

He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry.

And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.

Bhaskaracharya

GENIUS IN ALGEBRA

Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya' s work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality.

His renowned mathematical works called "Lilavati" and "Bijaganita" are considered to be unparallel and a memorial to his profound intelligence.

Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. He was the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India. His work fired the imagination of Persian and European scholars.

Acharya Kanad

FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY

He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul.

He says, "Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules." His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton.. Kanad has also described the

dimension and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other.

Acharya Charak

FATHER OF MEDICINE

Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the "Charak Samhita", is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda.

His principles, diagnoses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different theories in Europe, Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc.

Acharya Sushrut

FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY

Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in "Sushrut Samhita," a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe, Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations.

In the "Sushrut Samhita," he details 300 types of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.

Varahamihir

EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA

Varahamihir' s book "panchsiddhant" holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the "Bruhad Samhita" and "Bruhad Jatak," he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases affecting plants and trees. 

 

Acharya Patanjali

FATHER OF YOGA

The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. 

He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.

  Acharya Bharadwaj

 PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY

Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the "Yantra Sarvasva" which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. 

-Reshu Chauhan

Christmas

The year has almost come to an end when everyone is waiting the long overdue holiday, after a period of hard work. This holiday period means different things to different people, for some it is a time of festivities while for others just a break to spend with family or just to relax.

We have all heard of Christmas, either because of our religion or because our friends celebrate it or because it is celebrated all over the world. What comes to one’s mind when one thinks of ‘Christmas’? Good food, time with family, presents, Christmas tree, snow, Santa Claus, nativity and so  much more.

Good food, time spent with family/friends we understand, but where do the other things come from? Do they have some meaning or some history? Does it come from some culture? Some superstition or some tradition handed down through generations?

We in this little piece want to find roots or origin of a few symbols related to this globally celebrated festival – Christmas.

Let’s start with the basics:

1.      Christmas – we do not need to be Christians to know that this word comes from Christ, who is the Son of God - Jesus. It commemorates his day of birth. As we all know it is celebrated on the 25^th of December, though the Bible does not mention the exact date, Pope Julius I, set this date in an attempt to Christianize the Pagans in the 4^th century.

Ancient pagans were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives and because of this they worshipped, the sun. These people saw the sun as a wheel that changed the seasons. It was from the word for this wheel, houl, that the word yule (another name for Christmas) is thought to have come. At Winter Solstice they lit bonfires, told stories and drank sweet ale.

2.      Crib – the dictionary describes this word as a child’s bed or a cot. For the Christians the Crib is the most important symbol of Christmas celebration. It symbolizes the events that occurred on the actual day of Jesus’ birth.

This story begins with a young God-fearing girl, Mary who is engaged to be married to a carpenter, Joseph. Now Mary was expecting a child, and the males of that town were expected to go to Jerusalem for Census. On the way Mary goes into labor and they stop in a little town called Bethlehem where she gives birth to Jesus in a stable. Jesus’ birth draws different people, be it angels or wise men, shepherds or cattle.

3.      Christmas tree – not any tree is used as a Christmas tree, it is the Fir tree that adorns the homes of many. Fir tree symbolizes the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The evergreen fir tree is a sign of hope throughout the winter season--hope in the promise that the rest of nature too will awaken to new life in the coming spring. For the Christians it represents hope for everlasting life through Jesus Christ.

4.      Ornaments – the Christmas tree is decked up with different adornments. Each figurine has a meaning.

·       Star: represents the bright star that shone the night Jesus was born and aided the three wise men to find him.

·       Gifts: represent the offerings of the three wise men- gold, frankincense and myrrh.

·       Holly Berries: represent the blood of Christ.

·       Wreath: represents the crown of thorns that was worn by Jesus.

·       Bells: represents the call for mankind to worship the Lord.

·       Lights or Candles: represent the light Jesus brought in the world.

5.      Carols – the word carol originally meant to dance to something. They were sung by the Pagans thousands of years ago, during the winter solstice (shortest day of the year). They were not Christmas carols but the Christians adapted this tradition to their faith.

6.      Carolers - represent the multitude of angels that sang on the night of Jesus’ birth.

7.      Santa Claus - Santa brings us all together! Kids all over the world know who Santa is... A merry old man with red and white clothes, eight flying reindeer, later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. A home located near the North Pole. Who has a habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24^th, bringing in the idea of giving that reminds us; we are all on this planet together, for the long run.

We hope that this piece helped you understand the meaning and spirit of this celebration better. Regardless of the faith we profess, we all gear up to take part in this festivity.

Wishing everybody a joyous, prosperous

and peaceful Christmas and New Year!!

-Indu and Inma

How is Technology Affecting our Family?

As a parent, sometimes it's hard to know how to handle technology in our own lives, yet alone the lives of our children. What are the benefits? What are the costs? When is it too much? There are no easy answers. And no one answer is right for everyone.

Some things to consider: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and others who helped create major technological advances did not grow up in an electronics age. Colleges and corporations are reporting that many of the young people who have grown up in a tech-savvy world do not have the same level of emotional skills of those 10 or more years ago. Inappropriate use of electronics (sexting, cyber-bullying, posting of photos/videos that a child might later regret, etc.) is on the rise even at the elementary age level and developmentally, children are unable to comprehend long-term effects of digital footprints lasting forever. Research is being done on the addictive aspects of checking our electronics incessantly and obsessions with video games.

According to a study on media influence done by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 8-18-year-olds spend over seven hours a day using entertainment media. That's over 50 hours per week! And when they're involved with screen time they're not exercising, meeting with friends, talking with family or negotiating in-person relationships. Many are gaining weight, easily distracted and finding it hard to read the subtle signs in developing and maintaining relationships. In fact, they're often mentally absent when sitting with a group of friends or family.

And it's not only our kids. How many times have we pulled out our cell phones when having dinner to check that important email or text that just chimed in? And how many of us have sat in a restaurant with a companion who has "checked out" to tend to his electronic device? How much time is spent capturing a moment digitally versus experiencing what is taking place? Or investing energy documenting children's lives on social media versus investing in the relationship?

Often, parents tell us they feel technology is taking over their family and/or children's lives, but they don't know when enough is enough, or what they can do to control it. Since there is no perfect answer or specific line to draw, we suggest parents engage in one of the core principles our organization was founded on: be intentional.

  If you decide that it's time to limit your child's screen time, here are some options to consider:

·        Have a basket at the front door in which your kids can deposit their phones until homework is done and dinner is over.

·        Require that all electronics be turned in at bedtime so that there isn't the temptation to chat or play games instead of getting a good night's rest.

·        Keep TV's and computers in the public areas of your home.

·        Become computer literate in order to monitor usage and block inappropriate sites.

·        Bookmark your child's favorite sites to avoid "surfing".

·        Teach Internet safety, especially about never revealing personal information.

·        Talk about the pro's and con's of electronic interaction and how choices (impulsive or without considering long-term effects) can impact our lives.

·        Use this as a teaching opportunity to help your child learn to set limits, understand wants versus needs and develop self-control.

·        Make television or movie viewing a family event and talk about what you've watched and how it intersects with your family values.

·        Limit your own screen time and take every opportunity to engage your child in conversation.

- Sonia Kayastha

Natural Learning

                                                        

           Recently I came across a blog by famous and eminent actor turned social activist Nana Patekar which I thought everyone must read. Even make your child read as it is too good and realistic.

          The earlier generation/baby boomers worked like donkeys to get higher education and now the next generation has fallen to wits of the rat race.

          The expectations of today’s parents have mounted off to the height of Everest. They want their children to score 100% in all the exams, should be black belt holders, must be the experts in music or dance forms at the same time be rooted and be able to chant Shlokas in Sanskrit, they are quite fine even if their child is not able to understand the meaning of verses chanted by them.

         Of late, many schools have mushroomed who are giving false promises as a marketing gimmick that they can turn their child in to ALBERT EINSTEIN in making. When in reality Albert was a school dropout and never attended any school later.

          The schools have been launched by the investors and not by the educationist. The simple logic behind the same works on the simple economics demand and supply rule. Such schools have aptly recognised the deep desire of the parent community along with the fancy dreams which they have fostered for their children. They have increased the syllabus more than required. Children are not only carrying the burden of heavy bags but they are overburdened by the expectations of the parents and teachers, leading their life to real hell.

          Our honourable Prime Minister Mr.Modi addressed the students on the eve of Teacher’s day and he raised a question to them that how many of you sweat yourself out in play ground every day? Not single hand was raised. The reason is simple and obvious. These millennium babies are born and brought up in AC rooms. Their standard diet consists of chips and aerated drinks. The only games that they are aware of are the mobile games, video games, X box. They do not come in contact with the major five elements of the earth. They are oblivious of the things like playing with their friends getting hurt in  the process, the fun in loosing or winning the game, the lessons learnt in process.

            Before they cross the milestone of early five, most of them have the vision issues, either they become malnourished   or they start walking on the path of obesity. Who is to be blamed for? As the household kitchens started shrinking, the fast food era began. Instead of adding the vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates in the food the things like modified food starch, maltodextrin , hydrolysed corn gluten , disodium iodinate/ guanylate, yeast extract and hydrolyzed soy protein etc  got added.

             The specialty of such ingredients is that they stay in the stomach for longer time and absorb all the nutrients from the body . They literally stop the hormonal and biological growth of the child which has lead highest number of diabetic patients along with many other  diseases in early childhood in India.

Further, today’s generation is facing a stiff competition, education is not a means to attain knowledge, it is to perform better than the rest. Rabindranath Tagore put emphasis on naturalism, freedom from books and freedom to learner.

Once Tagore was sitting under the tree with few of his disciples in Shantiniketan .Three- four students were engrossed in reading  and rest were busy climbing the trees, trying to catch the butterflies , enjoying the fragrance of flowers while nature walk...

Suddenly a gentleman dropped there to meet Gurudev and raised a question,”Aren’t you worried about the children’s future who are playing instead of reading?”

Gurudev replied politely with a smile,”Of course I do, but not for the children who are playing,

For the children who are reading the books! They have matured way before their age acting like adults.

It was Tagore’s passion to teach the children ,not the business, as he used to enjoy being with them. But today’s scenario is totally changed and our life is revolving around the education , children run after gaining more and more knowledge, learning as many as art forms ,parents bet on them and then starts a race .In the process we forget to live our lives to the  fullest.

What is the learning for us as a Sanctamarian parents and teachers? We have started this process at Sanctamaria .Each of us cannot be Tagore but definitely started walking on the path that has laid for us  by Rabindranath Tagore.

What more can we contribute to make our children’s lives enjoyable and at the same time focus on their overall growth ? This is the thought we all should ponder upon..

- Ms. Pragati and Ms.Pradeepa