The
Perfect Knowledge Module was conducted in
the classic storytelling style. The coordinator, Ms. Maninder J.
insisted that these classes be taken under a tree or in the open. A
series of stories-cum-talks began the process of philosophical inquiry
in the minds of the students. This brought a desired level of communion
with nature, a freer, and visibly better pupil teacher relationship, and
gave the sessions its classic 'gurukula' feel. The concepts discussed
were, 'Who am I?', 'What is this world?', 'Why am I here?', 'Who is
God?', etc. The children learnt the concept of the soul and what it
meant to act on the platform of the soul or the concepts of Perfect
Knowledge.
The
Interactive Leadership Learning Module
was an exercise in exposing the children to the qualities of a leader.
These incidentally, are not taught in Indian schools, but are vital for
students to succeed in the global arena. Indians do make good
technocrats; however, the rite of passage is restricted to those routes
that require intensive learning or is overly technical. What it means is
we make excellent working class. Why is this so? This is not merely
because of a 'glass ceiling' with admittedly in some cases are the
reason, but because all the 'classier' or better paying jobs require a
skill set that calls for initiative, creative thinking, researching,
etc. Where are we taught these in school? All our learning in school,
thanks largely to the lack of initiative of the teachers, is confined to
text book learning. Children were encouraged to take up relevant social
issues and interact with the community to understand the issues, and in
an team effort arrive at solutions. All this taught them initiative,
creative thinking, researching, etc.
In the
Proactive Learning Module we see the
children intensely involved in two activities. One, they are creating
solutions, and two sharpening their communication skills via the medium
of script writing, song writing, speech writing, play acting, public
speaking, creating posters, etc.
The
Showcasing Module in the form of a
Motivation Summit or a cultural event where the plays, theme songs,
talks and posters were put up for public viewing. This last module
brought in the whole new dimension of confidence building in front of a
live audience and formed a large part of the learning experience. Often
what holds us back from excelling is indeed the fear of forging ahead,
which often take the form of making that crucial presentation, standing
up a delivering a rousing speech, etc. the students put up a memorable
performance, that won accolades from parents and teachers alike. The
exciting experience that the children underwent took off much of the
drudgery of coming to school and made them actually love coming to
school!
| |
Module
1 |
Module
2 |
Module
3 |
Module
4 |
| |
Prefect
Knowledge |
Interactive
Learning of leadership skills |
Proactive
Learning |
Motivation
Summit |
| Modules |
Understanding
nature’s Laws, the Self, and ones place in nature |
The
Qualities of a Leader |
Addressing
social issues through various media |
Showcasing
the learning experience |
| Medium |
Via
medium of:
Indian
philosophical literatures |
Via medium of:
Community
Interaction |
Via
medium of:
Plays
, songs, talks, poster exhibition |
Via
medium of:
A
cultural events by the children performed in front of a live audience
of guests*
*1500
to 2000 people attended at two venues |
| Learning
|
Develop
a holistic approach to life |
Goal
Setting, team work, motivation, problem solving and compassion,
exposure to real life, etc. |
Creative
Thinking & Communication Skills including play acting, directing,
script writing, poster making, etc. |
Public
Speaking / public exposure
|
