Page 14 - Manit Jain

Eduleader

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What were the major factors which prompted the promotion of Heritage schools in Delhi NCR?
The push came from deep pain about the irrelevance of the existing K-12 education system and pull from the huge
need to prepare children for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 which is already upon us.

How satisfied are you with the experiential learning pedagogy of HXLS?
Traditional pedagogies in K-12 education were too abstract, theoretical. They don't prepare children to confront the
challenges of real life and workplaces. Our experiential learning pedagogy prompts children to think, reflect, experi-
ence and learn, while developing essential life skills such as creativity, introspection, and collaboration — capabilities
which are critical for success in 21st century workplaces.

Right from the start, we were fortunate to receive excellent support from mentors who had forayed into experiential
learning, including the Expeditionary Schools, USA, and Sri Aurobindo Society, Eklavya and Jodo Gyan in India.

What are the distinguishing features of Heritage school education?
It’s holistic and based on live experiences, not simulations. Second, our pedagogy focuses on child-centric learning
in small groups rather than whole class instruction. Third, we believe the purpose of education is to develop children
into aware individuals with well-developed capability to relate to others and choose careers that are meaningful and
fulfilling, and impact society.

How satisfied are you with your I Am A Teacher (IAAT) teacher education initiative?
The majority of India’s B.Ed colleges deliver paper qualifications with very little relevance. We realised that the teacher
education model needs to change from theory to practice, and developed IAAT as a theory-cum-practice programme
where all trainees apprentice with a master teacher and mentor/coach. It is built on the medical education model — a
medical college cannot teach without a hospital, similarly teacher education cannot exist without real classrooms. I
am quite satisfied with the progress of IAAT. I believe we have developed an excellent teacher education academy.
Every B.Ed college should be attached to a good school and use their classrooms to develop master teachers who can
hit the ground running.

Thinker/philosopher you admire the most.
Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Your leadership style.
Democratic, non-hierarchical and collaborative. I believe in servant leadership.

Your favourite book on education
The Philosophy of Education by the The Mother (Auroville).

How satisfied are you with the growth and development of Heritage Group institutions?
Fairly satisfied with the distance we have covered. Could we have done more or done things differently? Yes. There’s
still a long way to go.

What are your future growth and development plans for the Heritage Group?
We will continue to build models of K-12 excellence to provide proof of concept and innovations to hundreds of
schools. Change is inevitable. But most schools are unsure of how to make it happen.

204 | 21 Leaders Transforming Indian Education