Page 320 - EW September 2022

GUEST COLUMN

Reinventing the teaching rule-book in an

era of transformed education

ducators worldwide have a methods evolve.
ubiquitous view on the fundamental A well-trained teacher will also
Etransformation of new-age need to be equipped to understand
teaching-learning, especially in the the differentiated requirements of all
past few years. Teachers have had to types of students – including those from
reimagine teaching methodologies and disadvantaged sections – and come up
devise new ways for students to express with appropriate teaching approaches.
their level of understanding while also Implementation of standardised teacher
ensuring development of self-learning training will be a step forward towards
skills. Education institutions countrywide creation of a forward-looking and inclusive
adapted to ‘student-centric’ and ‘hybrid ecosystem.
learning’ methodologies while technology Lastly, to actualize on-ground
integration became a solid foundation transformation, there needs to be a
rather than merely an aid to enhance solid policy environment supporting
traditional ways of teaching. Devyani Jaipuria teachers and their ecosystem. Teacher
This has also led to an enhanced training should be the focus and teaching
focus on rethinking teaching – design, rewarding outcomes. New-age teaching governance should be through fair
methodology and technique – to stay is also more personalised. Through the consultative processes based on mutual
relevant to the times and ensure improved pandemic, teachers have realised the accountability. Pre-service development
learning outcomes and knowledge gain for importance of nurturing the inherent as well as continuous professional
students to apply in the real, ever-evolving competencies of each student and are development (CPD) should remain priority
world. designing unique learning projects while areas for skilling and up-skilling. It’s a well-
The teacher-textbook mode of allowing them to engage and learn at their researched fact that improved academic
learning is fast changing to a collaborative own pace. performances and learning outcomes
student-teacher-real world application Moreover, schools also need to look can come through happy teachers who
mode. Thematic knowledge needs to at a reimagined evaluation system as we understand the curricular goals better.
be supplemented with learning that will adopt new approaches, pedagogies and I believe teachers need to consciously
enable students to become active citizens, learning models. Teachers can no longer engage in ‘unlearning’ of traditional ways
leaders and agents of change who care assess students on mere subject grades; to adapt to modern ways of teaching and
about the community and environment. we must devise systems to assess flexible curriculums. Equally important is
Moving away from the traditional textbook- them on knowledge, skills and more to keep values at the core of this new-age
only teaching, teachers today need to importantly, how they apply those skills in transformation. In India, cultural contexts
integrate modules derived from real world the real world which include project-based need to be kept in mind when adapting
applications and practical projects. They practical assignments and on-ground and implementing modern approaches to
need to create an environment where internships. teaching.
students can work together and thrive Teachers today need to evolve and Teachers are integral to achieving the
as innovators and problem solvers of learn alongside students. Teacher training learning goals we envisage for our children
real-world issues. Design thinking and has therefore gained significance than and the overall education reform that is
problem-based learning with focus on ever before. Learning how to navigate our vision. As we focus on reinventing
analytical approaches will now be a critical technology integration was perhaps teaching for the modern world, I am
component of teaching methods. tougher for some teachers than students certain we will nurture cohorts of students
In similar vein, teachers are realising having to familiarize themselves with equipped to take on the future.
the need for modern teaching approaches. online learning. It is not just ICT training; (Devyani Jaipuria is Pro Vice
Gamification, for instance, works very the spectrum of training needs has Chairperson of DPS, Sector 45, Gurgaon,
well with primary students and can be an expanded hugely and teachers need to Jaipur & DPSI, Chairperson of Dharav
interesting aid to traditional teaching with constantly upskill themselves as learning High School, Jaipur)

EDUCATIONWORLD SEPTEMBER 2022