Journal Writing in the Classroom:

T h e m o n t h l y n e w s l e t t e r f r o m E I

Issue 67 | October 2010 | www.ei-india.com

Editor’s NoteHello Readers!

Wish you a Happy Diwali & Prosperous New Year!

I had a wonderful time meeting all my young A S S E T A m b a s s a d o r s f r o m Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand, Chennai and Bangalore during the A S S E T A m b a s s a d o r m e e t s . Interacting with them gave a chance to know them better and got more useful insights about students’ mind and what they think.

This issue covers about the DUKE TIP talent search program, the African Baobab from Chinmaya V i d y a l a y a , R a j a y p a l a y a m , Mathcovery second stage etc. Top decision-makers in the field of education discussed global best practices at Education Project, Bahrain. Do share your thoughts and comments on this issue.

This Month’s

IssueJournal Writing in.............

Mathcovery & Duke TIP....

Our African Baobab..........

ASSET Ambassador...........

Why Do We Use...............

Hurrah for Wrong............

Teacher’s Bite ...................

Event & Contribute Edu. ...

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

Bindu Pillai

Keeping a journal is a great learning tool. It is a way and how the journal can be used to promote to get students to write down what they think, see, classroom learning.or hear and to promote both learning and thinking

One way to get started is to write a few about a subject. Often this is a way for teachers and examples on the board, or use PowerPoint or parents to help the student learn to self-direct some other method to display it. This method their own learning. Students normally write about of modeling can help students understand the things that they imagine and know, and it's a great format and the kind of responses to be way to foster interconnections between what they considering as they write. Put aside time in the know and what they are learning.school day for journal writing. Make sure that

Using journals fosters thinking and learning in a lot on a daily basis there is a section of time set of different ways. Students who aside solely for journal writing. learn to maintain a journal on a Positive comments, remarks, r e g u l a r b a s i s h a v e t h e and a well placed question, at opportunity to reflect upon times, helps students to focus on what they are engaged in every what they think and observe.day. Thinking in a reflective

Give a topic that is similar or manner is a great way to learn to related to what is being studied, think and speak more clearly, be to help evoke a variety of more precise, and be more responses in observation and to actively aware of what one’s guide the learning in a positive own thoughts and ideas consist vein. Encourage students to of.explore a different area or

Journals are great for recording one’s thoughts, concept that is directly related to the subject feelings, ideas and expressions as well as things or learning at hand.they have heard, and seen. They are also good to

Having your students maintain journals is one note down expressions about how all these things way to help them participate, and self-direct are connected, or how they contrast.their own learning. Nothing is as rewarding as

As a teacher, think about what type of journal you seeing that special look that comes into would like your students to keep. Give some students’ eyes when you know they have just thought about what the purpose of the journal will realized what you are trying to get them to see.be, how long you want your students to actively

And, effective journaling is one method to help keep a journal, what the journal can be used for students "turn that switch" on.

Personal Student Writing Aids in Retention and Learning

Meet

Check page 4

Our African Baobab -

Contributed By – Chinmaya Vidyalaya P.A.C.R. Mat. H.S. School, Rajapalayam

10,000 kids of India see things a little differently from rest of us. They see one more dimension when they look at a beautiful photograph, a game of football or an elegant Bharatnatyam recital-they see Maths in all these things!

These children are the participants of Mathcovery-the National Level Mathematics competition by Educational Initiatives (EI). EI is now recognized as the leading organization working in the field of assessment in India and abroad.

Ruhi Shah of Anand Niketan, International finds the presence of Math in the Railway Reservation systems. Suvo Bhattacharya of National English School finds the presence of Maths in the task student of Delhi Public School (DPS), Ahmedabad. Anshul is of Disaster Management, where we come to know how part of the team of students who initiated Mathcovery. The quickly volunteers can respond to the needs of people by group consisting of students from class 7 to 11 has been estimating losses and calculating logistical requirements. working with the Mindspark team for some time now.

Mindspark is a computer based, self learning programme by And when a swanky sports car zooms past Arya Bhimra of Educational Initiatives and has been made to create a better Rustomjee Cambridge International School, he gets fascinated understanding of Mathematics in an innovative and fun manner.not just by the speed and make of the car as most of the kids of

his age do; he makes a mental note of the geometrical shapes of Of these 10,000 students, only 100 were selected for the the different car logos! second round. For the final round 30 students will be selected

and they will need to present their ideas in the form of 3D The effect of the common wealth games was not lost on the models at an exhibition which will be held at Ahmedabad. The participants of Mathcovery at all. At least 40 students, and not exhibition will provide a great opportunity to the students to just students from Delhi, found the presence of Maths in CWG-interact with their peers and to share their findings with from the planning to the actual games!Mathematics Experts from across the country. These experts

The competition began with just 6 kids from Ahmedabad and will form the panel of judges for the exhibition. grew to 10,000 students from across the country! Working

The entries at all the stages are assessed on the basis of: the with Mindspark in creating a nation-wide contest was simply unobviousness of the idea, clarity of thought, an understanding amazing. “I learned many new things, like ‘Math is found of the topic, creativity and depth of knowledge.everywhere’. Usually, we find Math difficult but actually it’s

very easy, as we discovered.” says Anshul Sheth, a class 7

termed as the ‘organic monuments of our planet’. A recent

work using carbon dating techniques as well as the study of the

core samples showing growth rings by the South African

National Biodiversity Institute suggests that a tree with a

diameter of 10m may be as old as 2000 years.

Baobabs can be burnt or stripped of their bark or uprooted by

storms, but they will just form a new bark and continue to

grow. When they do die, they simply rot from inside and

The majestic African baobab is one of the longest lived and the suddenly collapse leaving a heap of fibres, which makes people largest trees in the world. Native to the African soil and a rarity think that they don’t die but simply disappear. No wonder, they in India, it is seen nestled in the heart of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, are thought of as magic trees.Ilanthope, Rajapalayam.

No one exactly knows how the African Baobab was introduced The scientific name of this plant is Adansonia digitata named to India. It was an African custom to carry seeds as emergency after Michael Adanson, the French naturalist who described it ration during a journey. The baobab seeds were a special in 1750. It grows to reach enormous proportions. The trunk treasure like the pistachio nuts and tamarind seeds. Baobabs may vary in size depending on how much water it needs to are believed to have been brought to the west coast of India by store for the season. One of the largest baobabs in South Africa Arab traders more than a millennium ago from sub–Saharan has a circumference of 46.8 m (152 ft). These colossal forms Africa.are noted for storing water up to 120,000 litres inside their

As a mark of appreciation for our baobab, we call her the ‘great swollen trunks to endure harsh drought conditions.

grandma’ of our campus. We are proud to have the baobab as The bark is grey or silvery, purple-tinged and dimpled. The part of our natural heritage and ensure that this wonderful trunk is monstrous and the cork-like bark is fire resistant. world treasure is safeguarded on our campus.When the tree sheds its leaves in summer, the spreading

branches look like roots sticking up into the air, as if it were

planted upside down. The leaves are palmately compound on a

long stalk without any stalk of their own. The tree flowers for

the first time at about 20 years of age. Flowering occurs mostly

during the months of August, September and October. The

flowers are large, pendulous, the flower cup with five white

petals is bent backwards and the stamens with numerous

golden anthers form a beautiful ball. The flowers bloom at dusk

and wilt by dawn. They have a distinct musky odour, which

enables pollination by fruit bats. Fruiting occurs between April

and May. It is a large, egg-shaped capsule covered with

yellowish brown hairs.

Baobabs reach a mind-boggling age of over 5000 years and are

With over 30 years’ experience in identifying and supporting Participants in the India Talent Search, modelled after Duke

academically gifted youth in the United States, Duke TIP in TIP’s U.S.-based 4/5th and 7th Grade Talent Searches, also

partnership with ASSET has launched the Talent Search in receive access to Duke TIP’s educational programs and

India. Duke TIP will provide families and educators an resources for gifted students, a certificate for their

opportunity to identify and support academically gifted participation, and a results summary to interpret their scores

students in India. on the ASSET test relative to other children their age.

Over 2,500 seventh standard students have qualified and have The Duke University Talent Identification Program is an

been invited to join the talent search by scoring at the 95th international leader in identifying and serving the educational

percentile or above in the English, Math, or Science section of needs of academically gifted youth. Through identification,

the in-level ASSET test (Summer round 2010). The students recognition, challenging educational programs, information,

hail from a total of 243 schools in 100 cities across India. advocacy, and research, Duke TIP provides resources to gifted

students, their parents, educators, and schools for the Registration to join the Duke TIP in India Talent Search was

development of the students’ optimal potential. Please visit closed by October 30.

www.ei-india.com/duke-tip for more information.

Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Ilanthope, Rajapalayam

Our African Baobab -

Contributed By – Chinmaya Vidyalaya P.A.C.R. Mat. H.S. School, Rajapalayam

10,000 kids of India see things a little differently from rest of us. They see one more dimension when they look at a beautiful photograph, a game of football or an elegant Bharatnatyam recital-they see Maths in all these things!

These children are the participants of Mathcovery-the National Level Mathematics competition by Educational Initiatives (EI). EI is now recognized as the leading organization working in the field of assessment in India and abroad.

Ruhi Shah of Anand Niketan, International finds the presence of Math in the Railway Reservation systems. Suvo Bhattacharya of National English School finds the presence of Maths in the task student of Delhi Public School (DPS), Ahmedabad. Anshul is of Disaster Management, where we come to know how part of the team of students who initiated Mathcovery. The quickly volunteers can respond to the needs of people by group consisting of students from class 7 to 11 has been estimating losses and calculating logistical requirements. working with the Mindspark team for some time now.

Mindspark is a computer based, self learning programme by And when a swanky sports car zooms past Arya Bhimra of Educational Initiatives and has been made to create a better Rustomjee Cambridge International School, he gets fascinated understanding of Mathematics in an innovative and fun manner.not just by the speed and make of the car as most of the kids of

his age do; he makes a mental note of the geometrical shapes of Of these 10,000 students, only 100 were selected for the the different car logos! second round. For the final round 30 students will be selected

and they will need to present their ideas in the form of 3D The effect of the common wealth games was not lost on the models at an exhibition which will be held at Ahmedabad. The participants of Mathcovery at all. At least 40 students, and not exhibition will provide a great opportunity to the students to just students from Delhi, found the presence of Maths in CWG-interact with their peers and to share their findings with from the planning to the actual games!Mathematics Experts from across the country. These experts

The competition began with just 6 kids from Ahmedabad and will form the panel of judges for the exhibition. grew to 10,000 students from across the country! Working

The entries at all the stages are assessed on the basis of: the with Mindspark in creating a nation-wide contest was simply unobviousness of the idea, clarity of thought, an understanding amazing. “I learned many new things, like ‘Math is found of the topic, creativity and depth of knowledge.everywhere’. Usually, we find Math difficult but actually it’s

very easy, as we discovered.” says Anshul Sheth, a class 7

termed as the ‘organic monuments of our planet’. A recent

work using carbon dating techniques as well as the study of the

core samples showing growth rings by the South African

National Biodiversity Institute suggests that a tree with a

diameter of 10m may be as old as 2000 years.

Baobabs can be burnt or stripped of their bark or uprooted by

storms, but they will just form a new bark and continue to

grow. When they do die, they simply rot from inside and

The majestic African baobab is one of the longest lived and the suddenly collapse leaving a heap of fibres, which makes people largest trees in the world. Native to the African soil and a rarity think that they don’t die but simply disappear. No wonder, they in India, it is seen nestled in the heart of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, are thought of as magic trees.Ilanthope, Rajapalayam.

No one exactly knows how the African Baobab was introduced The scientific name of this plant is Adansonia digitata named to India. It was an African custom to carry seeds as emergency after Michael Adanson, the French naturalist who described it ration during a journey. The baobab seeds were a special in 1750. It grows to reach enormous proportions. The trunk treasure like the pistachio nuts and tamarind seeds. Baobabs may vary in size depending on how much water it needs to are believed to have been brought to the west coast of India by store for the season. One of the largest baobabs in South Africa Arab traders more than a millennium ago from sub–Saharan has a circumference of 46.8 m (152 ft). These colossal forms Africa.are noted for storing water up to 120,000 litres inside their

As a mark of appreciation for our baobab, we call her the ‘great swollen trunks to endure harsh drought conditions.

grandma’ of our campus. We are proud to have the baobab as The bark is grey or silvery, purple-tinged and dimpled. The part of our natural heritage and ensure that this wonderful trunk is monstrous and the cork-like bark is fire resistant. world treasure is safeguarded on our campus.When the tree sheds its leaves in summer, the spreading

branches look like roots sticking up into the air, as if it were

planted upside down. The leaves are palmately compound on a

long stalk without any stalk of their own. The tree flowers for

the first time at about 20 years of age. Flowering occurs mostly

during the months of August, September and October. The

flowers are large, pendulous, the flower cup with five white

petals is bent backwards and the stamens with numerous

golden anthers form a beautiful ball. The flowers bloom at dusk

and wilt by dawn. They have a distinct musky odour, which

enables pollination by fruit bats. Fruiting occurs between April

and May. It is a large, egg-shaped capsule covered with

yellowish brown hairs.

Baobabs reach a mind-boggling age of over 5000 years and are

With over 30 years’ experience in identifying and supporting Participants in the India Talent Search, modelled after Duke

academically gifted youth in the United States, Duke TIP in TIP’s U.S.-based 4/5th and 7th Grade Talent Searches, also

partnership with ASSET has launched the Talent Search in receive access to Duke TIP’s educational programs and

India. Duke TIP will provide families and educators an resources for gifted students, a certificate for their

opportunity to identify and support academically gifted participation, and a results summary to interpret their scores

students in India. on the ASSET test relative to other children their age.

Over 2,500 seventh standard students have qualified and have The Duke University Talent Identification Program is an

been invited to join the talent search by scoring at the 95th international leader in identifying and serving the educational

percentile or above in the English, Math, or Science section of needs of academically gifted youth. Through identification,

the in-level ASSET test (Summer round 2010). The students recognition, challenging educational programs, information,

hail from a total of 243 schools in 100 cities across India. advocacy, and research, Duke TIP provides resources to gifted

students, their parents, educators, and schools for the Registration to join the Duke TIP in India Talent Search was

development of the students’ optimal potential. Please visit closed by October 30.

www.ei-india.com/duke-tip for more information.

Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Ilanthope, Rajapalayam

Why Do We Use Symbols in Math?

in a theoretical manner. Without symbols you simply could not perform math. Remember, much of math is abstract. How could you possibly perform simple algebra - much less calculus - without having the use of the symbol "X"? Could you even imagine trying to perform geometry without symbolic representations of triangles, squares and rectangles? It simply can not be done or if it was done it would be so laborious that it wouldn't be as efficient.

It is important to understand that the key to comprehending math is in the interpretation of the concept and not really in the nature or amount of symbols and the role they play. However, to understand concepts one must essentially have a good grasp of the role and meaning of symbols and also be able to appreciate their usefulness in making math that much more simpler to understand and duplicate. The logic of signs and symbols in math is undeniable and is often stressed as a vital tool in making math a universal science.Sometimes it is the little things that are the most important and

you could lump mathematical symbols into this category. It is undeniable that symbols not only enhance understanding but also provide a universally perceivable manner in which to show a certain math function or illustrate a sequence. This is not a new concept. It has been around in math since ancient times. It was probably even around in one form or another during the Stone Age!

The fundamental need in math is to represent the relationship between a sign and the number or value it refers. Certain ideas and concepts can be clearly illustrated only by the creation and use of symbols. Measuring the relationship between numbers and representing the relationship symbolically not only serves to simplify the process but also gains a better understanding of the concept than a wordy description of the same. This is where the issue of languages comes in.

In more simple terms, a plus sign, a minus sign, a multiplication sign are all symbols. We need them for a very simple reason: we have to express what we are doing in a clear manner. When we are adding it would be ridiculous to always write out one plus on equals two when we could express this symbolically with 1 + 1 = 2. Imagine trying to perform calculus if you have to write a lengthy equation out in several paragraphs. Not only would such prose be voluminous, it would be confusing and prone to error. Plus, what language do you want to write it in? Remember, math is universal but languages are incredibly vast. Simply put, without proper symbols math becomes next to Because symbols are so common in math we sometimes take impossible. In fact, you could look at it this way: the symbols of them for granted. The reason we take them for granted is that math are reflective of a mathematical language. they make math so easy to perform (actually, they make math

performable, period) we do not really tip our hat to their true Math is comprised of primarily two things: numbers and value. That does not seem like a great way to treat the very symbols. Symbols are found in simple math, algebra, geometry, thing that makes expressing math possible. Without various calculus, statistics, etc. Symbols are essentially representative symbols you would be forced to go back to counting your of a value. Decimals and fractions, for example, are symbols of fingers and toes and you don't want to do that again do you?parts of a whole. These symbols allow us to "work with" parts

ASSET Ambassador Meet

ASSET Ambassador initiative started with the aim of spreading our vision of ‘learning with understanding’. We have appointed 250+ ASSET Ambassadors from different schools across the country. ASSET Ambassador meets were conducted in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Bangalore. The objective of the meet was to meet all the ASSET Ambassadors in person and explain to them their roles and responsibilities as an ASSET Ambassador of their school.

Around 60 students from 30 schools participated in these meets. All the ASSET Ambassadors not only had a wonderful time but also made friends with their counterparts from other schools. The occasion became even more special as some of the students were accompanied by the ASSET coordinators from their school, who also participated in the event.

We discussed the vision of Educational Initiatives, a brief profile about its founders, what is ASSET and Mindspark and briefs about EI’s Large Scale Assessment Projects, as well as various issue affecting us like environment, cleanliness, traffic regulations etc. We also discussed the various measures that can be taken at an individual level to make a difference. Some of the students have also started a discussion forum on the online community especially created for the ASSET Ambassadors. By being a part of this online community, the students will be able to participate in various activities of ASSET as well as get news about happenings in the schools around the country!

The entire meet was a blend of idea sharing, understanding roles and responsibilities and playing games! We asked the Ambassadors to share their findings from the meet and here is what they had to say:

“We understood our Roles and Responsibilities as an ASSET Ambassador”

“We got to know the opportunities that being an ASSET Ambassador entails”

“We got to know so much about ASSET and about learning with understanding”

www.blog.mindspark.in

Why Do We Use Symbols in Math?

in a theoretical manner. Without symbols you simply could not perform math. Remember, much of math is abstract. How could you possibly perform simple algebra - much less calculus - without having the use of the symbol "X"? Could you even imagine trying to perform geometry without symbolic representations of triangles, squares and rectangles? It simply can not be done or if it was done it would be so laborious that it wouldn't be as efficient.

It is important to understand that the key to comprehending math is in the interpretation of the concept and not really in the nature or amount of symbols and the role they play. However, to understand concepts one must essentially have a good grasp of the role and meaning of symbols and also be able to appreciate their usefulness in making math that much more simpler to understand and duplicate. The logic of signs and symbols in math is undeniable and is often stressed as a vital tool in making math a universal science.Sometimes it is the little things that are the most important and

you could lump mathematical symbols into this category. It is undeniable that symbols not only enhance understanding but also provide a universally perceivable manner in which to show a certain math function or illustrate a sequence. This is not a new concept. It has been around in math since ancient times. It was probably even around in one form or another during the Stone Age!

The fundamental need in math is to represent the relationship between a sign and the number or value it refers. Certain ideas and concepts can be clearly illustrated only by the creation and use of symbols. Measuring the relationship between numbers and representing the relationship symbolically not only serves to simplify the process but also gains a better understanding of the concept than a wordy description of the same. This is where the issue of languages comes in.

In more simple terms, a plus sign, a minus sign, a multiplication sign are all symbols. We need them for a very simple reason: we have to express what we are doing in a clear manner. When we are adding it would be ridiculous to always write out one plus on equals two when we could express this symbolically with 1 + 1 = 2. Imagine trying to perform calculus if you have to write a lengthy equation out in several paragraphs. Not only would such prose be voluminous, it would be confusing and prone to error. Plus, what language do you want to write it in? Remember, math is universal but languages are incredibly vast. Simply put, without proper symbols math becomes next to Because symbols are so common in math we sometimes take impossible. In fact, you could look at it this way: the symbols of them for granted. The reason we take them for granted is that math are reflective of a mathematical language. they make math so easy to perform (actually, they make math

performable, period) we do not really tip our hat to their true Math is comprised of primarily two things: numbers and value. That does not seem like a great way to treat the very symbols. Symbols are found in simple math, algebra, geometry, thing that makes expressing math possible. Without various calculus, statistics, etc. Symbols are essentially representative symbols you would be forced to go back to counting your of a value. Decimals and fractions, for example, are symbols of fingers and toes and you don't want to do that again do you?parts of a whole. These symbols allow us to "work with" parts

ASSET Ambassador Meet

ASSET Ambassador initiative started with the aim of spreading our vision of ‘learning with understanding’. We have appointed 250+ ASSET Ambassadors from different schools across the country. ASSET Ambassador meets were conducted in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Bangalore. The objective of the meet was to meet all the ASSET Ambassadors in person and explain to them their roles and responsibilities as an ASSET Ambassador of their school.

Around 60 students from 30 schools participated in these meets. All the ASSET Ambassadors not only had a wonderful time but also made friends with their counterparts from other schools. The occasion became even more special as some of the students were accompanied by the ASSET coordinators from their school, who also participated in the event.

We discussed the vision of Educational Initiatives, a brief profile about its founders, what is ASSET and Mindspark and briefs about EI’s Large Scale Assessment Projects, as well as various issue affecting us like environment, cleanliness, traffic regulations etc. We also discussed the various measures that can be taken at an individual level to make a difference. Some of the students have also started a discussion forum on the online community especially created for the ASSET Ambassadors. By being a part of this online community, the students will be able to participate in various activities of ASSET as well as get news about happenings in the schools around the country!

The entire meet was a blend of idea sharing, understanding roles and responsibilities and playing games! We asked the Ambassadors to share their findings from the meet and here is what they had to say:

“We understood our Roles and Responsibilities as an ASSET Ambassador”

“We got to know the opportunities that being an ASSET Ambassador entails”

“We got to know so much about ASSET and about learning with understanding”

www.blog.mindspark.in

Teacher’s Bite

Mr. Sandeep GuptaPrincipal,

The WoodstockSchool, Gwalior

Tips to motivate students

When starting a new topic or subject area, have students select the information better, pay closer attention to detail, and be a portion of the topic they would like to teach. Give each respectful when others are speaking. Also, the activity gives the "student teacher" a day or two to prepare and then have them class a chance to learn from someone other than their regular teach a small group or the whole class about the topic. Most teacher. Teachers who've done this have found that students students in grades 3 -12 like to be in the spotlight and enjoy often have higher test scores than they do on more traditionally being the "teacher" for a few minutes. It helps them remember taught units.

Q:

Q:

Q:Hurrah for Wrong Answers!

The idea for this article came to my mind when I went through As teachers, most of us analyze the performance of students the website of Educational Initiatives in which they have after a test, identify the concepts where mistakes have been analyzed the reason behind the errors of students for simple made and take efforts to explain the topic again. I feel this conceptual questions. They have diagnosed why a majority of exercise would serve its purpose better if the teacher explores students make mistakes on topics which are presumed easy the wrong answers given by the students in class and removes and well taught by their teachers. It’s amazing that what we as the misconception. Prevention is better than cure!teaches have communicated (in what we feel a very effective

Sometimes in class, of course, I could make a mistake and the manner) can be understood so differently (read wrongly) by

student’s response could be correct. Here I could resort to some students.

humour (perhaps say, “I wanted to see if you could catch me A right answer, I feel, is like a dead end- you can’t move any out!”) and humility and accept that it was an oversight on my further. However a wrong answer opens up a flood of queries. part.Was a wrong formula used? Was there a calculation error? Was

What teachers should not do is say, “No” or “Wrong” to an the reasoning faulty or a misinterpretation of what the teacher

incorrect answer and proceed to the next student whose hand communicated? Was the question ambiguous? The mind works

is raised. By doing so, she is losing a golden opportunity to feverishly to know the correct answer to this!

uncover the student’s thought process and discouraging the In my 19 years of teaching, I have learnt a lot from wrong student to think and think aloud.answers- both from my own mistakes and those of my

In fact, analysis of wrong answers can help the teacher better students. My regular practice now, when a student’s answer is

understand the potential misconception in a particular topic different from the expected one is to ask “What makes you say

and guide her into planning and implementing her lesson, that?” Sometimes while the student is trying to rationalize his

consciously avoiding such pitfalls.answer, the teacher finds several others who offer to explain this child’s line of thought! In fact, I feel time spent on analyzing It is said, that good teachers are those who continue to be the rationale behind a wrong answer and clarification of the learners. Learning from the mistakes of our students and wrong perception right away is time well spent since it could accepting this as a prospect to better ourseleves, I feel, is one of have been the misconception in the the minds of several other the hall marks of a true learner.students too.

What are your views Who has most influenced you to become r e g a r d i n g t h e an educator, and how did they influence importance of teacher you?

training and development in educating students?

What is your approach to classroom management and student discipline?

My mother, who was a very dynamic and sincere teacher herself. She built in me a sense of passion and devotion towards

Teacher training and development are work. As an educator, she said, ‘Adaptability, commitment and closely linked. The process of TT brings thoroughness of work can make great students and teachers.’forth in each teacher the ability to improvise in various class situations. It gives them skills to cope with and stay ahead of change in an increasingly fast-paced world. The methodology of classroom teaching, The best way to have good class discipline is to understand management and discipline needs to be revised with the times children and give them freedom. Self- discipline is an important and changing capacities of students. Training programmes are aspect of this freedom. If class teaching is connected to the basically time- and need-based. They create an environment outside world and if teachers provide resources to solve where teachers learn strategies to handle a variety of children. problems and make learning innovative, both classroom Training programmes are therapeutic in their nature and the management and discipl ine automatical ly fol low. teachers need them timely to extend their best to the students, Nevertheless, sometimes it is also necessary to be strict in both in and outside the class.order to maintain discipline.

Contributed by - Durga Chandrasekar, Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School, T. Nagar, Chennai

www.blog.ei-india.com

School Corner

Teacher’s Bite

Mr. Sandeep GuptaPrincipal,

The WoodstockSchool, Gwalior

Tips to motivate students

When starting a new topic or subject area, have students select the information better, pay closer attention to detail, and be a portion of the topic they would like to teach. Give each respectful when others are speaking. Also, the activity gives the "student teacher" a day or two to prepare and then have them class a chance to learn from someone other than their regular teach a small group or the whole class about the topic. Most teacher. Teachers who've done this have found that students students in grades 3 -12 like to be in the spotlight and enjoy often have higher test scores than they do on more traditionally being the "teacher" for a few minutes. It helps them remember taught units.

Q:

Q:

Q:Hurrah for Wrong Answers!

The idea for this article came to my mind when I went through As teachers, most of us analyze the performance of students the website of Educational Initiatives in which they have after a test, identify the concepts where mistakes have been analyzed the reason behind the errors of students for simple made and take efforts to explain the topic again. I feel this conceptual questions. They have diagnosed why a majority of exercise would serve its purpose better if the teacher explores students make mistakes on topics which are presumed easy the wrong answers given by the students in class and removes and well taught by their teachers. It’s amazing that what we as the misconception. Prevention is better than cure!teaches have communicated (in what we feel a very effective

Sometimes in class, of course, I could make a mistake and the manner) can be understood so differently (read wrongly) by

student’s response could be correct. Here I could resort to some students.

humour (perhaps say, “I wanted to see if you could catch me A right answer, I feel, is like a dead end- you can’t move any out!”) and humility and accept that it was an oversight on my further. However a wrong answer opens up a flood of queries. part.Was a wrong formula used? Was there a calculation error? Was

What teachers should not do is say, “No” or “Wrong” to an the reasoning faulty or a misinterpretation of what the teacher

incorrect answer and proceed to the next student whose hand communicated? Was the question ambiguous? The mind works

is raised. By doing so, she is losing a golden opportunity to feverishly to know the correct answer to this!

uncover the student’s thought process and discouraging the In my 19 years of teaching, I have learnt a lot from wrong student to think and think aloud.answers- both from my own mistakes and those of my

In fact, analysis of wrong answers can help the teacher better students. My regular practice now, when a student’s answer is

understand the potential misconception in a particular topic different from the expected one is to ask “What makes you say

and guide her into planning and implementing her lesson, that?” Sometimes while the student is trying to rationalize his

consciously avoiding such pitfalls.answer, the teacher finds several others who offer to explain this child’s line of thought! In fact, I feel time spent on analyzing It is said, that good teachers are those who continue to be the rationale behind a wrong answer and clarification of the learners. Learning from the mistakes of our students and wrong perception right away is time well spent since it could accepting this as a prospect to better ourseleves, I feel, is one of have been the misconception in the the minds of several other the hall marks of a true learner.students too.

What are your views Who has most influenced you to become r e g a r d i n g t h e an educator, and how did they influence importance of teacher you?

training and development in educating students?

What is your approach to classroom management and student discipline?

My mother, who was a very dynamic and sincere teacher herself. She built in me a sense of passion and devotion towards

Teacher training and development are work. As an educator, she said, ‘Adaptability, commitment and closely linked. The process of TT brings thoroughness of work can make great students and teachers.’forth in each teacher the ability to improvise in various class situations. It gives them skills to cope with and stay ahead of change in an increasingly fast-paced world. The methodology of classroom teaching, The best way to have good class discipline is to understand management and discipline needs to be revised with the times children and give them freedom. Self- discipline is an important and changing capacities of students. Training programmes are aspect of this freedom. If class teaching is connected to the basically time- and need-based. They create an environment outside world and if teachers provide resources to solve where teachers learn strategies to handle a variety of children. problems and make learning innovative, both classroom Training programmes are therapeutic in their nature and the management and discipl ine automatical ly fol low. teachers need them timely to extend their best to the students, Nevertheless, sometimes it is also necessary to be strict in both in and outside the class.order to maintain discipline.

Contributed by - Durga Chandrasekar, Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School, T. Nagar, Chennai

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Forum to Explore Best Practices in Education Event

Humourous Bite

Teacher: “This is the fifth time this week that I have had punish you.

What do you have to say?”

Student: “Thank god Saturday and Sunday are holidays, Sir!”

Top decision-makers in the field of education discussed global Gulf to address the education-employment gap. Sudhir best practices at Education Project, Bahrain. The Education Ghodke, Director – Educational Initiatives was one of the Project is a three-day conference that was launched last year to speakers for the session organized to review the experience of examine challenges in the classroom. India and China in education and how they rose to prominence

in science and research and development by producing more The theme for this year’s conference was Transforming

scientists in their schools and tertiary education systems.Outcomes and Developing New Skills for All Students, identifying successes that can be replicated around the world. Other prominent speakers included Tony Wagner, Co-

director, Change Leadership Group, Harvard Graduate School The conference programme included various sessions on

of Education; Christine Gilbert, HM Chief Inspector, Ofstead; solving the issues faced by global higher education, meeting the

Ari Pokka, President, Finnish Association of Principals; Ralph needs of the workplace and the role of the polytechnics, as well

Tabberer, Chief Schools Officer, Gems Menasa (Middle East, as sharing the experience of building an education system in the

North Africa and South East Asia).

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Mr. Sudhir Ghodke, Director-EI with Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa,CEO, Bahrain Economic Development Board EDB