Tag: teachers

Navigating the Future of Education: Insights from Transformative Leadership

Daily writing prompt
When do you feel most productive?
View all responses

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

The landscape of education is perpetually evolving, driven by changes in technology, society, and global challenges. In this dynamic environment, the role of educational leadership has become more critical than ever. The theories and practices that define effective leadership in education are continuously being refined and reimagined. Two pivotal works in the recent scholarly discourse on this topic are by Sharma, S. N., and colleagues—providing profound insights into the transformational strategies and planning required in modern educational contexts.

Photo by Fox on Pexels.com

Transformative Leadership: A Path to Educational Excellence

In their 2024 work, New Perspectives on Transformative Leadership in Education, Sharma, S. N., and Adeoye, M. A. delve into the concept of transformative leadership in educational settings. This book serves as a seminal text, illustrating how transformative leaders can influence educational institutions to adapt and thrive amid changing educational demands and societal expectations. The authors argue that transformative leadership is not just about incremental improvements but about rethinking and reshaping educational paradigms to foster environments that enhance learning, equity, and the personal development of both students and teachers.

Transformative leaders are depicted as visionaries who dare to challenge the status quo and inspire a collective commitment to goals that elevate the educational experience. They prioritize critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability—skills essential for students to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Moreover, the book discusses the importance of a culturally responsive pedagogy, which acknowledges and utilizes the cultural knowledge, frames of reference, and performance styles of ethnically diverse students to make learning more relevant and effective.

Strategic Planning in Educational Leadership

Further exploring the dimensions of effective educational leadership, Sharma, S. N., and Dehalwar, K.’s 2023 article in the Journal of Planning Education and Research focuses on the strategic planning aspects of educational leadership. The article, titled Council of Planning for Promoting Planning Education and Planning Professionals, emphasizes the need for meticulous strategic planning in educational leadership to cultivate environments that not only promote learning but also professional development in education and planning sectors.

The authors discuss how strategic planning in education involves a systematic process of envisioning a desired future and translating this vision into broadly defined goals or objectives and a sequence of steps to achieve them. By fostering a robust planning culture, educational leaders can better prepare planning professionals to meet future challenges, ensuring that educational institutions remain resilient and responsive to external pressures and internal needs.

Impact and Implementation

Both works underscore the importance of leadership that is adaptive and forward-thinking. Educational leaders are encouraged to embrace innovative approaches and technologies that support interactive and inclusive learning environments. For instance, integrating digital tools and fostering a digital mindset can significantly enhance the accessibility and quality of education, preparing students for the digital economy.

Additionally, these leadership styles and strategies emphasize the importance of continuous learning and development for educators themselves, advocating for professional development programs that equip educators with the latest pedagogical skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

The insights provided by Sharma, S. N., and colleagues highlight the transformative potential of leadership in education. As we navigate the complexities of 21st-century education, the principles of transformative leadership and strategic planning become indispensable. These leaders do not merely manage resources but catalyze change, inspire innovation, and pave the way for future generations to succeed in an interconnected and ever-evolving world. Through such leadership, education can transcend traditional boundaries and become a powerful tool for societal transformation and personal development.

References

Bush, T. (2007). Educational leadership and management: Theory, policy and practice. South African journal of education, 27(3), 391-406.

Dehalwar, K. Institute of Town Planners India is Dedicated to Planning Education and Development in India.

Dehalwar, K. Religion as Social Work: Understanding its Significance in Planning.

Grogan, M., & Shakeshaft, C. (2010). Women and educational leadership. John Wiley & Sons.

Firestone, W. A., & Riehl, C. (Eds.). (2005). A new agenda for research in educational leadership. Teachers College Press.

Leithwood, K. (2005). Educational Leadership. A Review of the Research. Laboratory for Student Success (LSS), The Mid-Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory.

Sharma, S. N., & Adeoye, M. A. (2024). New Perspectives on Transformative Leadership in Education (pp. 1–176). EduPub. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10970922

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Council of Planning for Promoting Planning Education and Planning Professionals. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 43(4), 748-749.

Spillane, J. P. (2004). Educational leadership. Educational evaluation and policy analysis, 26(2), 169-172.

The Unsung Heroes: The Influence of an Inspirational Teacher

Daily writing prompt
Who was your most influential teacher? Why?
View all responses

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Teachers are the unsung heroes of society, shaping the minds of future generations and leaving a lasting impact on their students’ lives. Among these educators, there are some whose influence transcends the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of their students. These influential teachers possess qualities that go beyond imparting knowledge—they inspire, mentor, and guide their students, instilling in them the confidence and skills needed to succeed in life.

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

The Role of an Influential Teacher: An influential teacher is not merely someone who imparts academic knowledge but serves as a mentor and guide, nurturing the holistic development of their students. They create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, respected, and motivated to excel. These teachers have a genuine passion for teaching and a deep commitment to the well-being and success of their students.

Qualities of an Influential Teacher:

  1. Passion and Dedication: Influential teachers are passionate about their subject matter and dedicated to their students’ growth and success. They go above and beyond to ensure that each student reaches their full potential.
  2. Empathy and Understanding: They understand the individual needs and challenges of each student, showing empathy and providing personalized support and guidance.
  3. Inspiring and Motivating: Influential teachers inspire and motivate their students to set high goals and work hard to achieve them. They believe in their students’ abilities and encourage them to believe in themselves.
  4. Effective Communication: They communicate effectively, fostering open dialogue and creating a safe space for students to express themselves and share their thoughts and ideas.
  5. Mentorship and Guidance: Influential teachers serve as mentors and role models, offering guidance and support to help students navigate academic and personal challenges.
  6. Lifelong Learning: They are lifelong learners themselves, continuously seeking to improve their teaching skills and staying updated on the latest educational trends and practices.

Impact of an Influential Teacher: The impact of an influential teacher extends far beyond the classroom. Their guidance and mentorship shape the character, values, and aspirations of their students, influencing their choices and decisions long after they leave school. Many successful individuals attribute their achievements to the encouragement and inspiration they received from a particular teacher who believed in them when others didn’t.

Conclusion: In conclusion, influential teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of society by nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to their students leave an enduring legacy that transcends academic achievement. As we celebrate the profound impact of these unsung heroes, let us recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of influential teachers in shaping the minds and hearts of generations to come.

References

Bargh, J. A., & Schul, Y. (1980). On the cognitive benefits of teaching. Journal of Educational Psychology, 72(5), 593.

Cheon, S. H., Reeve, J., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2020). When teachers learn how to provide classroom structure in an autonomy-supportive way: Benefits to teachers and their students. Teaching and teacher education, 90, 103004.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. Think India Journal, 27(1), 7-15.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Shah, M. (2012). The importance and benefits of teacher collegiality in schools–A literature review. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 1242-1246.

Sharma, S. N. Experiences in Self-Determined Learning: Moving from Education 1.0 Through Education 2.0 Towards Education 3.0.

Sharma, S. N. How to Write a Grant Proposal in an Effective Manner to get Projects.

Wheatley, K. F. (2002). The potential benefits of teacher efficacy doubts for educational reform. Teaching and teacher education, 18(1), 5-22.

Increasing Institutional effectiveness in Higher Education Institutions: Meaning Perspectives Vs Transformative strategies 

By Chengalroyen N.

MSc, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Summary/Abstract

Those who are interested in educational pedagogy are most likely familiar with the term “Transformative learning”, it is a widely accepted approach to adult education. But what does it really mean? And how do we get past the jargon and theory to put into practice? Let’s explore it a bit more and consider practical applications for individuals, institutions and learning environments. The speaker will outline how transformative learning pairs with an educational theory (how does teaching fit into a student’s world view) and will explore concrete ways to address transformative learning strategies: 1) problem-solving; 2) training and education; 

  • Institutional culture; 4) personal development; and 5) leadership) directly correlated to student performance in line with organizational goals.

Lets firstly understand the term Institutional Effectiveness ?

Acc to  The Society for College and University Planning(SCUP):

Is a Higher Education Institutions effort to organize assessment, evaluation and improvement initiatives so that the institution can determine how well it is fulfilling its mission and achieving its goals.

Vision                         Mission                                  Objectives                           Goals

What are Meaning Perspectives: How is this aligned with an Educational Theory

Is an overarching term that describes a collection of theories that explain the application, interpretation and purpose of learning(Acc to Mezirow: 2023).It pairs a Constructivist learning perspective- the idea that meaning is constructed from experience and internal understanding- with the importance of communication and reflection.

So….

As educators, How do we put this in practice?

We develop a “TEACHING PHILOSOPHY”(TP)-which is a “Believe Statement” in which we use theoretical concepts that help to explain the learning processes we wish to utilise and this will have the potential to inform educational approaches, curricula and assessments.

What must the TP should state….?

Must motivate the teacher to learn about the subject matter?

What are the expected outcomes of your teaching?

Teacher – student relationship you hope to achieve?

How do you measure if your lessons are successful?

What values do you impart on your students?

What code of ethics guides you?

What themes pervades your teaching?

What are the 3 types of TP that Educators can utilize to increase Institutional effectiveness?

Acc to the teaching Academy..

  1. Perennialism

Values knowledge that transcends time.This is a subject -centered philosophy.The goal of a perennialis educator is to teach students to think rationlly and develop minds that can think critically.

  • Progressivism

Progressivists believe that individuality,progress and change are fundamental to one education.They believe that students learn best from what they consider most relevant to their lives, centre their curricula on the needs,experiences, interests and abilities of students

  • Essentialism

Is also subject-centered aimed at teaching basic skills.This philosophy advocates training the mind focussing on transmiitting a series of progressively difficult topics and promotion of students to the next level.

So….

How does this then add value to “Transformational Learning”?

The Educator must then align his/her Teaching Philosophy to that of transfomational teaching and learning approaches expained bt the following Model Strategies.

A Transformative Model of Strategies?: Approach to teaching and learning that can increase Institutional Effectiveness

  • Problem Solving:

Do an initial brainstorm.

Be open to making mistakes.

Challenge personal assumptions about the “right way” of doing things.

Look for novel solutions from other sources, especially those outside of the field/culture.

Reflect on what worked , what didn’t  and why?

Know sooner, Act faster approach.

Address administrative challenges promptly(trigger events).

Provide tools/opportunities for discussion and debate.

  • Institutional Culture

Create mentoring and job shadowing programs.

Enhance commitment for the development of synergetic actions.

Encourage collaboration across teams to broaden perspectives.

Encourage individuals and teams to take risks: treat failure as progress and growth.

Engage employees in activities that challenge the status quo such as thought provoking documentaries, annual field trips  and experiential learning games.

Provide safe spaces for employees to voice their say but must be done democratically.

Transformative re-design of educational curriculums into community engagement.

Integrating student development into academic activities.

Interconnected technology systems.

  • Personal development

Be open to changing your personal perspectives.

Push your personal boundaries through travel, trying new activities, meeting new people.

Keep up to date with new evidence-based practices

Keep a journal for ideas and reflection.

Growth of leadership skills.

Strengthening emotional intelligence.

  • Leadership and Governance

Strengthen gaps in policies.

Advance best practices.

Promote transdisciplinary approaches .

Embrace team efforts.

Collaborate with different groups with a diverse set of peers to share and brainstorm ideas.

Advocate professional development opportunities.

Attend skills development opportunities.

Adopt practices that force you to rethink your methods and beliefs on a regular basis.

  • Training and Education

Ask students to share their initial thoughts on the subject(pre knowledge).

Use engaging activities and /or rich media to further connect with students.

Ask students to reflect on the activities and discussion and how those may have impacted their thoughts on the topic.

Conclusion

This pendulum represents a balance, and to have harmony, one side must not out way the other.Therefore, to maintain constant Institutional Effectiveness in Higher Education there must be a balance by what the educator believe statement meets effective teaching and learning approaches. 

References

  1. Mezirow, J. 2023: Transformative learning: Theory to Practice; New directions for adult and Continuing Education; No 74(11): 5-6.

How to take notes?

Preparing to take good notes in class


The first step to taking good notes in class is to come to class prepared. Here are some steps you can take to improve your note-taking before class even begins:

  • Preview your text or reading assignments before the lecture. Previewing allows you to identify the main ideas and concepts that will most likely be discussed during the lecture.
  • Look at your course syllabus so that you know the topic / focus of the class and what’s going to be important to focus on.
  • Briefly review notes from previous class sessions to help you situate the new ideas you’ll learn in this class.
  • Keep organized to help you find information more easily later. Title your page with the class name and date. Keep separate notebook sections or notebooks for each class and keep all notes for each class together in one space, in chronological order.

Note-taking during class

Now that you are prepared and organized, what can you do to take good notes while listening to a lecture in class? Here are some practical steps you can try to improve your in-class note-taking:

  • If you are seeking conceptual information, focus on the main points the professor makes, rather than copying down the entire presentation or every word the professor says. Remember, if you review your notes after class, you can always fill in any gaps or define words or concepts you didn’t catch in class.
  • If you are learning factual information, transcribing most of the lecture verbatim can help with recall for short-answer test questions, but only if you study these notes within 24 hours.
  • Record questions and thoughts you have or content that is confusing to you that you want to follow up on later or ask your professor about.
  • Jot down keywords, dates, names, etc. that you can then go back and define or explain later.
  • Take visually clear, concise, organized and structured notes so that they are easy to read and make sense to you later. See different formats of notes below for ideas.
  • If you want your notes to be concise and brief, use abbreviations and symbols. Write in bullets and phrases instead of complete sentences. This will help your mind and hand to stay fresh during class and will help you access things easier and quicker after class. It will also help you focus on the main concepts.
  • Be consistent with your structure. Pick a format that works for you and stick with it so that your notes are structured the same way each day.
  • For online lectures, follow the above steps to help you effectively manage your study time. Once you’ve watched the lecture in its entirety, use the rewind feature to plug in any major gaps in your notes. Take notes of the timestamps of any parts of the lecture you want to revisit later.

Determining what’s important enough to write down

You may be asking yourself how you can identify the main points of a lecture. Here are some tips for recognizing the most important points in a lecture:

  • Introductory remarks often include summaries of overviews of main points.
  • Listen for signal words / phrases like, “There are four main…” or “To sum up…” or “A major reason why…”
  • Repeated words or concepts are often important.
  • Non-verbal cues like pointing, gestures, or a vocal emphasis on certain words, etc. can indicate important points.
  • Final remarks often provide a summary of the important points of the lecture.
  • Consider watching online lectures in real-time. Watching the lecture for the first time without pausing or rewinding can help force you to focus on what’s important enough to write down.
Preference

https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/

BLESSING IN DISGUISE

BY DAKSHITA NAITHANI

The year 2020, as we all know, will be a major change in our life. It has also demonstrated the opposite side of existence. We continued to count things for the future, and when the pandemic struck, it reminded us of how unexpected life can be; different aspects of life were affected, and working conditions were significantly altered. There was a lot of misunderstanding in the education industry about how to teach pupils, how to start lessons, and so on. However, technology was the solution to all problems.

People have used mobile phones for social interactions and pleasure in the past, but they have now evolved into a source of information, and we can say that school has come within our grasp. This situation is very similar to one of the chapters in NCERT’s English course book for class 9 called “The fun they had,” in which two children from the future (2050) got their hands on a real hardcover book from their grandfather and were amused by the idea of a real school and school building where all the children of the same age group used to study together under one roof and thought that happiness was being together with their friends. Did the pupils in this circumstance realise that this narrative would become so relevant and genuine to them? Many parents used to refuse to let their children to use cell phones, but it has now become a necessity.

Although there are always two sides to a coin, sales of smart phones soared as a result of the epidemic, since every home needed one additional one for their children to attend courses. Technology has also played a significant role in education, and how we use it can have positive or negative consequences. Phones have evolved into more than simply a means of communication; they have also become a lifeline and an indispensible component of our lives in some manner. It was a struggle for teachers to not only teach their material but also to engage with their pupils throughout these testing periods. They’ve also learned to utilise technology in a variety of ways, including not just communicating but also using various digital classrooms, boards, and audio and visual teaching and learning methods. They were not only effective in speaking with pupils, but also with their guardians, and despite the challenges, they were able to establish an emotional bond with them.

Many parents lost their jobs as a result of industry losses and were obliged to shift their children from private to government schools, but many were pleased to do so because the curriculum is on par with top institutions. The government and teachers have made it a point to link each and every kid with them. Many teachers aided their students financially as well as academically. Many teachers have also attempted to offer phones or internet connections to their kids, demonstrating that humanity bears primary responsibility in any scenario.

The desire for change in school education emerges as a result of continual changes in society on psychological, social, and economic levels. As a result, we must constantly introduce and upgrade a framework. As you can see with the current pandemic, a lot of adjustments are required both during and after the crisis. With this in mind, the Delhi government began giving curriculum-based work sheets to children of all grades, as well as training their teachers.

Teachers’ ability and efficiency have been improved via the use of webinars and online seminars on a regular basis. Regular trainings were provided to demonstrate how to use Google products to make the teaching and learning process more engaging and beneficial. The government has also launched a number of applications, such as Chalklit and Diksha, to provide a platform for various trainings and to keep instructors informed about innovative ways of teaching and learning. It was remarkable that students continued to attend courses on a regular basis, whether they were in the same city or in their village; their desire to study grew day by day, and they began to respond positively.

Teacher’s Day

Teachers are one of the most important pillars of society; they spend their entire lives enabling students to learn and explore. A teacher is a friend and a philosopher who guides us jn understanding the world around us. From academic knowledge to moral knowledge, a teacher is a treasure trove. A teacher’s contribution to the world is priceless because of the fact that they educate men and women of tomorrow.

Furthermore, teachers also help to increase literary rates in a country, thereby enabling opportunities and jobs that will help students to secure their lives. Almost every country in the world dedicates a day to celebrate and honour teachers. In India, teacher’s day is celebrated on 5th September, while the World Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 5th October, every year. However, various countries have their own specific dates for honoring their teachers.

Teacher’s Day is celebrated to honour teachers and celebrate their contribution to a particular field or the community in general. The idea of celebrating the profession of a teacher is not new, it can be traced back to the 19th century. During those times, a local teacher’s contribution is celebrated or a specific achievement in education. This is one of the reasons why the world celebrates Teacher’s Day on different dates. For instance, India celebrates Teacher’s Day on 5th September, commemorating the birth of the second president of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. While other countries celebrate World Teacher’s Day on 5th October, as established by UNESCO.

Teacher’s Day in India

Guru Purnima is an Indian festival dedicated to honouring academic and spiritual teachers. It historically marks the birth of Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, Vedas and the Puranas. The festival traditionally celebrated by the Jains and Buddhists to honour teachers who enlighten others with no monetary expectation in return. It is traditionally celebrated during the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashada. This corresponds to June and July of the Gregorian calendar.

The birth of the Second President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, on 5th September, is celebrated as Teacher’s Day. When he became President of India, some of his students and friends requested him to celebrate his birthday on 5th September. He had replied that he would be honoured if the contribution of all teachers would be observed on that particular date, instead of celebrating his birthday. And ever since, 5th September every year has been celebrated as Teacher’s Day.

In India, teachers and students report to class as usual on Teacher’s Day. However, classes and lectures are replaced by celebrations and remembrances. Students and teachers also take part in many activities and mini-games. It is also common for students and their parents to present gifts to the teachers. Many students also organize plays and dance performances on this particular day.

Conclusion

Teacher’s Day is celebrated to honour the contribution of teachers to the society. In India, Teacher’s Day is officially celebrated on 5th September, while most other countries celebrate it on 5th October. Regardless of the date, a teacher’s contribution is priceless, hence it is celebrated with zeal and great enthusiasm.