KR Mangalam World School, Gurgaon
Principal Mrs Neeti Kaushik interview on Dastak- a clarion call by young minds 2014
- Why did your school decide to participate in Dastak 2014?
Ans: We, at KR Mangalam believe in the concept of participatory learning through activities in different programme and projects. Hence our interest in providing an opportunity to our students to participate in this interesting workshop, Dastak.
- Do you think we need to go beyond accumulation of knowledge and move towards a generation of useful and applicable knowledge? If so, then how can it be done?
Ans: We surely agree with the notion of imparting knowledge which is not only confined to the prescribed textbooks but goes beyond that, wherein students get to observe and furthermore apply this practical knowledge in various fields. We organize various interesting workshops for students where they take active part and learn things hands down. We regularly organize industry visits during which the students observe the actual machines at work and learn. Visits to the Parliamentary Museum, to the Museum of National History, the Printing Press are also organized and form an integral part of our curriculum. Besides these, we conduct activities every month across classes which provide a platform for preparing responsible global citizens of tomorrow. : The motto of our school reflects our vision – Together Towards Tomorrow.
- Do you think inquiry based learning is the way out for better understanding of the available knowledge?
Ans: I agree that inquiry based learning is the perfect way to derive a better understanding of a subject and we do encourage the same. Nevertheless in all subjects and topics that is not always feasible. For example it is perfect for data handling questions but not where fixed theories are concerned.
- How can you combine informal learning with formal learning being practiced in schools?
Ans: The curriculum pattern we follow in our school reflects a combination of formal and informal learning. We begin right from the morning assemblies, which are all theme based and carry an important message to the students – it may be moral values, habits, etiquette, patriotism, awareness on various topics or anything that relates to them in a positive manner. They are also based on social issues that come to the forefront and are highlighted in our assemblies. We also invite prominent personalities from different fields as guest speakers to motivate the students. We furthermore have the Friday Activities and the Life Skill Classes which form a part of informal learning. The different Clubs we have in the school – the Astronomy Club, the Debating Club, the MUN Club, the Movie Club etc form a part of informal learning in the formal school environment. The UNESCO Club carries out sensitization drives regularly.
- How do you think we at ELNA can make Dastak more inclusive for the next year?
Ans: The suggestions from my end would be to create a wider platform for Dastak and involve more schools and teachers in the workshops. The focus should be on contemporary social issues plaguing us and create an awareness among the students regarding the same through different activities.