An introduction to the Skill-Based Learning Program

What is Learning?

A quick take on the Brain• Presence of Cortex• 90% of brain mass

focused in cortex• Folds and grooves give

greater surface area

The complexity of structure

MRI scans sensitive to various soft tissue intensities

Areas of various functions in the cortex

Seat of Analysis & Creativity

Analysis, Logic, Math Creativity, Emotions, Music

What happens inside?A picture of a thoughtNeurotransmission in a

Synapse

Post-Synaptic Membrane

Pre-Synaptic Membrane

Synaptic cleft where the chemicals diffuse from pre to post

A Neuroscientists take on learning

Neural circuits are formed with thousands of neurons doing a particular job

•Sensory Signals pass from neuron to neuron getting stronger or weaker•Signals from different neurons pile up into one again changing the weights•Final set of neurons gets the decision on the response

( ) ( )1,00,000

11

Net Signal = i ii

weight Signal -=å

Principles of Neural Learning

1. Neurons that fire together, wire together.

2. Neurons are free to re-wire

Corollaries:1. Maximum neurons dedicated to learn a new skill2. Once learnt most neurons are re-wired to other tasks

and the learnt-skill circuit is optimized3. Use it or lose it

We can learn anything … anytime

Conclusion: Natural & automatic response to stimuli No genetic constraints

Organizing Learning• Rapid up to 10 yrs• Becomes tougher after 21 yrs

Old

age

Age

No

of N

euro

nsbi

rth

20’s

After 21, 5000 neurons die every day

106

1011

• More neural connections imply greater intelligence

• Greater connections come with greater exposure

Learning Requires• Controlled environment• Disciplined minds• Freedom to explore• Maximum exposure to situations / concepts

Skill-Based Learning• Identify independent skills• Categorize them for better assessment• Teach one skill at a time with full focus at lower

levels• Gauge each skill independent of others• Re-train until the skill is drilled at lower standards• Change methods of retraining at higher standards

Ability: A set of skills whose circuits are either common or nearby in the brain

Learning Process: A network of various circuits (abilities) used while learning (or later while performing) certain tasks

The Learning Dimensions

We need to know facts in order to analyze

We need to understand the facts through computation and reasoning

We need to apply our understanding to the real world to consolidate it

A 3D simplification of an ∞D system

As you advance on the axis you have more complex abilities and skills

Assessment Methodology

• Since inputs to the brain have various channel, so must the outputs

• Assessment must be Oral as well as through Observation, along with written

Therefore various types:•Group Assignments (AG)•Individual Assignments (AI)

•Home, Subjective & Objective•Practical (Pr)•Written (W)•Project-work (P)

What is Abhinav?

An introduction to the Organization

An Educational Organization

Functions

• To aid the mental development

• To ensure spiritual development

• To formally impart knowledge

• To test against benchmarks

• To award certification / degrees, if any

Our Mission

• Our mind is the only tool for survival

• To use the mind is, to think

• Thought results in knowledge

• Knowledge leads to productivity

• Productivity achieves progress

• Progress ensures survival and happiness

A reference library containing around 2000 books and 10 computers with various e-Books, CD-ROMs

and internet connectivity

Facilities – Library

Physics Lab Chemistry Lab

Geology Lab

Facilities – Science Labs

A computer laboratory with 20 computers all Pentium machines with LAN & Windows XP based educational packages

Facilities – Computer Lab

Innovations – Jr. Science Lab

Innovations – Space Lab

Innovations – Space Lab

The only college in Thane district offering a course

in Geology for HSC

Achievements• Science Olympiads are held at international levels in

different countries every year. The best young minds, compete for various medals in theory & practical.

• We are one of the very few schools / colleges in the country to play host / participate / train students from IX – XII for the Olympiads

• Out of the 4000 candidates appearing for the Indian Astronomy Olympiad, 100 were from our school

• Since 1999 we have had one or two of our students until the national round for the Astronomy Olympiad. Vishal Prabhu, made it to Russia thrice since Oct 2000 and has won a silver and a gold medal at the international round

Regional Best in the International Assessment of Indian Schools

More than 150 students from Abhinav had appeared for the International Assessment of Indian Schools conducted by Macmillan Publishing. We lead the western region with 5 high distinctions, 50-odd distinctions and other credits

in the three papers of Math, Science & English.

Achievements

Stimulus 2004The two-day inter-school science activity involving exhibitions ,

lectures, seminars, quiz and debate competitions and more