Design thinking has long been considered a valuable skill in the product and service industry, but with the changing landscape of the job market, it has become essential for students to be proficient with the skill before they enter the workforce. Design isn’t limited to just brand recall value or aesthetics – it’s about creating solutions that address specific problems and fulfill needs of an end user. 

Design thinking teaches one to adapt a problem-solving attitude, learn to pivot their ideas, and have a more creative approach at developing innovative solutions. This kind of perspective prepares children for the future, encouraging them to expand their curiosity and learning by pursuing careers in engineering, architecture, and product design, among others. Keeping the myriad benefits of design-thinking skills, it needs to be inculcated in the curriculum to help children keep pace with the fast-evolving industry. With this core skill, students will be better equipped to tackle future challenges and contribute to society’s growth and development. 

Last year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) planned to roll out books for classes 7 to 12 to supplement the courses already introduced for Class 6 students in many schools. The course was developed jointly by CBSE, the Innovation Cell of the Education Ministry, and IIT-Bombay as a skill development curriculum. It aimed to equip students with the tools and exposure required to solve problems using the design thinking process.

💡What is Design Thinking?

Let’s dive deep into the subject. Design thinking methodology is a problem-solving methodology that aims to find integrated solutions that address all aspects of a problem. It involves looking at the problem from a holistic perspective and taking a systematic approach to finding a solution. This process requires an open mind and a willingness to take risks, as it involves exploring new ideas and taking an iterative approach to problem-solving.

Design thinking can be applied in any area of education, from teaching and learning to assessment and curriculum development. Using this, educators can engage with students to solve problems together, tapping into their creativity and innovation skills. This process involves asking questions, generating ideas, and testing them out, iterating on those ideas until a functional solution is met with. 

For example, if students are struggling to understand a particular concept in a subject, design thinking can be used to find a solution that addresses their needs. This might involve brainstorming different teaching methods, testing them out with students, and iterating on the approach until the students can grasp the concept. Here’s how design thinking will help students: 

💡Fostering Creativity

By incorporating design thinking methodology into the school curriculum, students are encouraged to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. This helps foster creativity and imagination by promoting a mindset open to new ideas and perspectives. Thinking outside the box can equip students to tackle complex problems and come up with unique solutions.

💡Enhancing Critical Problem-Solving Skills 

Design thinking in education can give students exposure to a problem-solving approach that is creative and critical. This encourages students to identify problems, break them down into smaller goals, and develop innovative solutions through collaboration and testing.

💡Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset 

By encouraging students to think creatively, they are more likely to become entrepreneurs who can create jobs and contribute to the economy. This approach promotes an entrepreneurial mindset to drive innovation and economic growth, both necessary for a thriving society.

💡Building a Sustainable Future 

Design thinking in education emphasizes on factors such as sustainability and environmental impact when developing solutions. Students can create practical and environmentally friendly solutions by integrating this approach into the school curriculum. Promoting responsible decision-making and sustainable practices can help build a sustainable future for generations.

The Bottom Line

The education system is undergoing a paradigm shift. The ability to innovate, think creatively, and solve problems through the lens of design are becoming more important than ever before. Many schools are already incorporating these concepts into their curricula, but more can be done to help students understand what it means to be innovative and how they can apply that knowledge in their lives.

The integration of design thinking in school curriculum is necessary for the students to understand how to adapt to the changing environment. It will help them be more productive in their daily lives by using their creativity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge as the basis for decision making.

Square Panda India assists educators in implementing unique instruction to improve the effectiveness of their classroom sessions. We promote the use of dynamic teaching strategies by schools, administrators, and teachers to help students comprehend and accept change.

As the world continues to grapple with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most significant challenges facing educators is the issue of learning loss among children. With schools closed and online learning becoming the norm, children have experienced disruptions in their education, leading to a significant loss of academic progress and skills. This issue has become a primary concern for parents and educators as it can have long-term consequences for children’s academic and professional development.

🔤 Learning Loss in India

In rural areas, learning loss has a more pronounced impact than in urban areas due to the scarcity of resources. This issue is exacerbated by low literacy rates and lack of school staff, which affects students’ psychological and social-emotional well-being beyond their academic outcomes.

Reports indicate a decrease in students’ reading comprehension and mathematical proficiency, which are fundamental skills that can impact their understanding beyond the subject area where the deficit occurred. Surveys show that nearly half of the children in rural India are struggling to read even a few words, which underscores the critical unmet needs of these children. Fortunately, several strategies can be used to combat learning loss, and one of these is the use of phonetics.

🔤 Use of Phonetics

Phonetics is the study of the sounds of human speech. It is an essential tool in teaching children how to read and write. By breaking down words into their constituent phonemes, phonetics helps children understand the relationship between letters and sounds, facilitating more effective reading and writing. This method can be beneficial for children struggling with literacy, such as those with dyslexia.

Phonetics offers a systematic approach towards learning how to read and write, allowing children to focus on the sounds of words rather than relying solely on memorization. Furthermore, educators can use phonetics to identify areas where students may be struggling and provide targeted instruction to help them overcome those challenges. Following are some ways phonetics can help address the learning loss among children:

🔤 Phonics Instruction

Phonics instruction involves breaking down words into their component sounds, or phonemes, and teaching children to recognize and produce these sounds. Starting with the simplest sounds and building up to more complex ones, phonics instruction helps children understand the relationship between letters and sounds.

For example, a phonics lesson might focus on the sound of the letter “m.” First, children would learn to recognize the sound of “m” and associate it with the written letter. They would then practice sounding out words that contain the letter such as “man,” “mom,” or “ham.” This process helps children to decode words more easily and understand how letters and sounds work together to form words.

Phonics instruction is particularly beneficial for children struggling with reading skills, as it helps them catch up with their peers and progress in their reading abilities.

🔤 Speech Therapy

Children with phonological awareness difficulties may struggle with recognizing and manipulating the sounds of language, which can significantly impact their reading and writing abilities. Speech therapy is an effective method that utilizes phonetics principles to help children with speech and language disorders. It provides children with a structured approach to learning the building blocks of language, starting from basic sounds and progressing to complex words.

It also enhances children’s communication skills by improving their pronunciation and articulation. As a result, children can overcome speech disorders such as stuttering, voice disorders, and language delays.

🔤 Rhyming Games & Activities

Rhyming games are an enjoyable way to help children develop their phonological awareness by matching words with the same ending sound. These games effectively teach children how to recognize and manipulate the sounds, which can improve their reading and writing abilities.

For example, children can be asked to match words like “cat” and “bat” or “house” and “mouse.” By incorporating these games into their learning, children can improve their literacy skills while having fun at the same time. These activities can be used in both classroom and at-home settings, making it a convenient and effective way to combat learning loss.

🔤 The Final Word

The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for promoting language development, which is a key component of academic, social, and emotional growth. Neglecting to provide adequate stimulation during this period may lead to communication disorders and learning disabilities that can have long-lasting effects on a child’s development. By prioritizing phonetics in education, we can help ensure that every child has the foundational skills they need to succeed in life.

Our comprehensive programs offer support to all stakeholders of the Indian Education System, including educators, students, Anganwadi workers, and the Government. Our approach utilizes technology and data to develop models of intervention that are both scalable and replicable.

By doing so, we aim to assist each stakeholder in achieving their learning and developmental objectives. Square Panda India is dedicated to creating sustainable and lasting change to address the most pressing challenges faced by the education sector in India. To learn more about our initiatives and how we are making a difference in the education landscape, click here.

Color is an essential element that can significantly influence human emotions and moods. The study of color psychology examines the impact of color on behavior and mood, and educators are increasingly recognizing its potential to improve learning outcomes and create a positive classroom atmosphere. This blog delves into the power of the psychology of colors in teaching strategies, and how it can enhance student engagement, motivation, and retention of information.

🎨 Color Psychology 

Different colors have different psychological effects on our mood and behavior. For example, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can increase energy, creativity, and motivation. These colors are ideal for encouraging students to participate in group activities, discussions, and presentations. On the other hand, cool colors like blue, green, and purple can promote a sense of calmness, concentration, and focus. These colors are ideal for quiet activities like reading, studying, or taking tests.

In addition to warm and cool colors, neutral colors like white, gray, and black can also play a significant role in learning. White is often used to create a sense of spaciousness and cleanliness, while black can add a sense of sophistication and elegance. Gray is often used as a background color for text or images, making them stand out more.

By incorporating color psychology into teaching strategies educators can create a conducive learning environment that improves students’ academic performance and overall well-being. Here are some of the advantages:

• Increased Engagement: Educators can create a more visually appealing and interesting learning environment – this can help increase student engagement and motivation, as students are more likely to pay attention and participate in visually appealing and stimulating activities.

• Improved Memory Retention: Colors can help to improve memory retention, as using color-coded information can make it easier for students to remember and recall important details. This is particularly useful for students who struggle to retain information presented in a more traditional, text-heavy format.

• Enhanced Comprehension: Using colors can also improve comprehension as they can be used to organize information and highlight key concepts and ideas visually. This can help students better understand and retain information, particularly when dealing with complex or abstract concepts.

• Encourages Creativity: Educators can foster a more innovative and creative learning environment by allowing students to use colors to express their ideas and create visually appealing projects.

• Supports Different Learning Styles: Using colors in teaching can support different learning styles and preferences, such as visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners. By incorporating visual elements, educators can help reach students who may not respond well to traditional lecture-based teaching methods, which can improve learning outcomes for all students.

🎨 Here’s how educators can teach about colors in a class:

• Color-coded notes: Encouraging students to take notes in different colors can help them organize and retain information better. Research suggests that warm colors like red, orange and yellow can help with memory retention, while cool colors like blue and green can promote concentration and focus, making it easier for students to retain important details.

• Color-coding activities: Using color-coding to help students identify different parts of an activity can make learning more organized and engaging. For example, educators can use different colors to highlight key concepts, questions, and instructions in worksheets, textbooks, or other learning materials, helping students focus on critical information.

• Classroom decor: The colors used in classroom decor can significantly impact the learning environment. Using bright, bold colors can create a more lively and energetic atmosphere that fosters creativity and productivity, while pastel colors can promote calmness and relaxation, creating a peaceful and focused learning environment.

• Colorful materials: Incorporating colorful materials like markers, highlighters, and colored pencils into lessons can help students engage with and retain information. Teachers can use different colors to highlight key concepts or create study aids like flashcards, making it easier for students to remember important details.

• Visual aids: Using colors to enhance visual aids like diagrams, charts, and infographics can make learning more engaging and effective. By using different colors to represent different parts of a diagram, educators can help students better understand and remember complex information.

• Color psychology activities: Engaging students in activities exploring the psychological effects of color can be fun and educational. For example, teachers can have students create a color wheel and explain the emotions and associations each color represents, helping them understand the power of color in different contexts.

🎨 The Bottom Line

In our modern world, colors are a powerful tool for conveying meaning, from brands and logos to merchandise and posters. It makes sense that the power of color is making its way into the classroom as a way to enhance learning, prepare students for college, and even test their reactions to certain materials. This Holi, make it more special by celebrating the the psychology of colors and using it as a chance to create a fun and exciting learning experience for your students. 

As the world becomes more interconnected and technology makes it easier for people to communicate, the need for an effective, smart workforce will continue to grow. As a result, graduates of higher education institutions are already in high demand and will be the most sought-after employees in 2023. 

As per the All India Survey of Higher Education Report (AISHE 2020–21), India’s higher education sector is vast, comprising over 1,113 universities, 43796 colleges, and 11,296 stand-alone institutions. The number of colleges and universities has more than quadrupled since 2001. And with the budget allocation in 2023-34 for Higher Education being INR 44,094.62 crores, it is evident that the government is prioritizing the sector. 

The higher education landscape is constantly evolving – students are demanding more from their institutions, and administrators are seeking to provide it. From the rise of online learning to the growth of international student enrollment, here are a few of the education trends that will dominate 2023:

Massive open online courses (MOOCs)

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are poised to revolutionize higher education, providing an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional universities. MOOCs are online courses that are designed to be taken by a large number of people at the same time. These courses are typically free or low-cost, and are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. They provide a flexible and convenient way for students to learn and earn certifications without attending a traditional classroom.

With the growing demand for online education and the need for upskilling and reskilling in the workforce, MOOCs provide an ideal solution for students and professionals alike. In fact, the first edX course (founded by MIT and Harvard) attracted 155,000 students. With this change, more students will be able to take advantage of high-quality courses delivered by the best faculty around the world — at a fraction of the cost.

In 2016, the AICTE established the SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) MOOC Platform to make online courses available to everyone, anywhere, and at any time, free of charge. Its aim was to achieve the three fundamental principles of the Education Policy: access, equity, and quality. SWAYAM is one of the world’s largest integrated platforms that offer free online courses, learning materials, and skill-based courses for students from high school to higher education.

Workplace Competency Skills

In today’s fast-changing business environment, workplace competency skills have become essential for graduates to succeed in the job market. With the increasing use of technology, employers are seeking adaptable and agile candidates who can work remotely and collaborate effectively with others. As a result, educational institutions are focusing on equipping students with these skills by aligning their curriculums with real-world learning. The Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) has launched Lighthouse centers to offer short-term vocational skill courses and employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. These centers aim to provide high-quality training to prepare students for various job roles and improve their employability.

Soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, empathy, persuasion, and collaboration are also in high demand by employers. These skills are critical for building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, stakeholders, and are essential for effective teamwork and leadership. As such, universities emphasize developing these skills through group projects, case studies, and simulations.

Recruitment practices are also changing with employers increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications and seeking candidates with practical experience and demonstrable skills. In response, educational institutions offer internships, apprenticeships, and work-integrated learning programs to provide students with opportunities to gain valuable experience and develop workplace competencies.

Artificial Intelligence will become part of the Learning Experience

The application of Artificial Intelligence has already made significant strides in education and is poised to become an even more prominent feature in higher education. AI technology is rapidly transforming how students learn and engage with their coursework, and its integration into the learning experience is set to revolutionize the field.
One of the significant benefits of AI in education is its ability to help instructors personalize their teaching to meet the needs of individual students. By analyzing data on student performance and engagement, AI-powered systems can identify areas where students need extra help or where they excel. This allows instructors to tailor their teaching strategies and content to better meet each student’s needs, resulting in a more effective learning experience.

Furthermore, AI can also automate administrative tasks such as grading assignments and tests, freeing up instructors’ time to focus on more critical aspects of teaching, such as providing feedback and engaging with students. With the automation of these administrative tasks, instructors can efficiently manage larger class sizes without compromising on the quality of instruction.
Another exciting application of AI in education is the use of chatbots. Chatbots can serve as virtual assistants for students, providing 24/7 support for queries and concerns. This can help students stay engaged with their coursework outside traditional classroom hours and improve their learning experience.

The Final Word

With the emergence of innovative educational tools, there is a real possibility of positive change that will disrupt the traditional approach to education. Education technology has been evolving at an unprecedented rate, and the upcoming years will be an era of transformation. These technologies will undoubtedly make several educational organizations more student-centric, flexible, and collaborative.

Education is a great enabler and key to unlocking the benefits of India’s demographic dividend. However, to realize its full potential, we must focus on addressing education’s cost and reach by embracing technological innovation.

At Square Panda, we leverage cutting-edge technologies to create accessible, inclusive, and easily replicable learning solutions that can be deployed and scaled up across India. Know more about our work: ecce.squarepanda.in

Education doesn’t confine to just academics and technical skills, it’s about preparing the youth for real life. Grooming a student for college and career success requires much more than just a robust curriculum. It requires exposure to people skills, problem-solving attitude, creative thinking, soft skills training and much more.

Curriculum designers, standards writers, and teachers often work on revitalizing the curriculum to stay relevant with the ever-evolving environment. One of the most discussed subjects among them remains ways to integrate soft skills training among students. These make for an integral part of life, and the earlier an individual learns to recognise and optimally utilize them, the better it is for them to successfully face life.

When we talk about facing life, we mean students encountering real-life situations at work and in their social circles. Workforce leaders often put forth a gap among talented resources, the gap usually highlights lack of skills like communication skills, teamwork, creativity, interpersonal skills, empathy, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and decision-making.

These skills are categorized as soft skills, an integral part of everyone’s life. Watts and Watts (2008; as cited in Robles, 2012) claims that soft skills account for 85% of success in long-term careers. People with decent professional exposure would very well resonate with this fact. 
Soft skills make for desirable qualities that can be easily applied across a variety of jobs. That said, it is essential to make these a part of the curriculum. While there are various ways to learn soft skills, we are listing down some of the most important ones here.    

Soft Skills list for Students to Learn

🤹🏽 Communication

This is one of the best vocational skills to learn and develop among students. To develop students’ communication skills, one can encourage them to participate in writing competitions, encourage group discussions or make presentations a part of the daily classroom activity. Students should be able to improve their speech as they move through a class.

🤹🏽 Integrity

Teachers can encourage group assignments, where students have to rely on teamwork. This gives students an opportunity to closely work with their peers, and learn to trust them with the job at hand. The group representative should be given the task to list down every member’s contribution, and should come forward in front of the team to present the same. 

🤹🏽 Professionalism     

Professionalism needs to be encouraged among students, and teachers can begin with drawing attention to addressing each other respectfully, being on time, coming prepared for a class, and adapting to the needs of others.

🤹🏽 Enthusiasm and Attitude

One of the industrial facts is that employers prefer candidates with a positive attitude over qualification. Simply put, nobody would want to work with a person who doesn’t take initiative or shows no enthusiasm towards work. This can be prevented by encouraging a positive attitude among children. A problem-solving attitude and an understanding to accommodate to situations are qualities that are highly valued in all professions.

🤹🏽 Flexibility

Giving students time-based projects is a good way to teach children to adapt to tight deadlines, and adjust their schedule to accommodate the project. This gives them a real-life experience of doing more than just attending classes and doing their homework.  

🤹🏽 Critical thinking

It becomes imperative for one to successfully complete the job at hand, despite the hurdles one may face with an assignment. Assigning students projects that require them to think out of the box will unlock their real potential. This is one way to encourage qualities like critical thinking and problem-solving, which remain the core of soft skills across all professions. 

🤹🏽 Networking

This is one of the most useful soft skills in both a corporate and a business set up. The ability to build and maintain professional relations can be very rewarding. Students need to be taught to build their social capital among peers for they can rely on them for notes, information, and physical and emotional support. When children learn to spread out their social web in school, it will help them identify and build social capital at work as well.

As we all know and agree, soft skills have a great influence on one’s life. Hence, they need to be included in the day to day activities among children. One great way to ensure that it’s an integral part of their life is to introduce the subject as part of the curriculum. Although there are no specific classes curated to implement soft skills, it’s essential to explore new ways to integrate them. The article listed the most common soft skills examples for you to begin with.

Square Panda India believes in taking a holistic approach towards teaching and learning. All over development of students takes precedence over students just scoring well in exams. Teachers, educators, principals, and parents need to widen their perspective about their children’s personal growth and development.  

A daily wager, resident of Mandala, diligently saved money and deposited it in a bank month on month. She was putting aside a good chunk of her income to buy her daughter a cycle, which would make it easier for her to get to school. 

While we’re impressed to learn that she approached a bank to accumulate a substantial amount, unfortunately the story doesn’t end well for the daily wager. When she approached the bank to understand if she had collected enough money to purchase a mode of commute for her daughter, she was in distress when she found that her account was wiped clean; all she had was a few hundred rupees.

She wasn’t alone in this woeful moment, many locals had fallen prey to the scam. The middlemen who help these locals set up their bank accounts are the ones who siphon money off their accounts. It all boils down to the lack of literacy among locals, the lack of ability to put down their own name, signature, and know-how to count.

Financial Illiteracy is like plague in districts like Mandala, Madhya Pradesh’s tribal-dominated region. District Collector and IAS officer Harshika Singh recognized the problems faced by the locals and addressed the root cause of the problem.    

Mandala has become the first fully “functionally literate” district in the country, courtesy of District Collector and IAS officer Harshika Singh.

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) joined hands with  the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch Financial Literacy Textbooks for students of Class VI to enable them to understand basic financial concepts at a preliminary stage of their education.

It is essential for growing children to understand the concept of money management for it can influence their perspective with respect to money. Introducing these concepts at an early age helps them understand the value of money, which in turn helps make reasonable expenses.

Money management, savings, debt management, taxation, loans, etc. are topics covered under the broad financial literacy. These are core life skills that people learn along the way. There are myriad benefits of adding financial literacy course to the curriculum:

₹ Manage Monthly Allowances

Money management is a core life skill and a lifelong learning. When children learn about handling money at a young age,  they start understanding the concept of value for money. This in turn influences their habits of purchasing and managing their monthly allowances. 

₹ Reasonable Expenses

When one begins to understand the value of money, their perspective towards making purchases and expenses changes for good. Given the increasingly challenging world, students should learn about managing money from a young age to avoid irrelevant expenses. 

₹ Handle Future Finances Better   

Individuals who learn to manage money at a young age end up being better at handling finances as an adult. This means, they spend responsibly, pay bills and handle debts in a better manner than others.

₹ Plan and Prepare for Rainy Days

Exposure to handling finances at a young age helps individuals to grow into more responsible citizens. Besides paying their dues, they also learn to save for unforeseen emergencies. The habit of planning in advance and planning finances is a crucial life skill.

₹ Makes one independent

Preparing for higher studies, making wise decisions, and choosing the right financial literacy course options gives one the confidence they need to face an adult life. Being financially literate imparts confidence when one succeeds at meeting their short term goals which swiftly move on to achieving long term goals. This gives one the sense of ownership, belonging, and helps them lead a satisfactory life.

Financial Literacy is an essential part of every individual’s life and the money managing skills that accompany the subject are crucial to lead a successful life. That said, Education Ministry of India is taking essential steps to inculcate Financial Literacy as part of the curriculum.         

Technology has become commonplace in nearly every aspect of our lives, so it’s no surprise that it has become an integral part of the modern classroom. Likewise, with the primary goal of making education more accessible to students around the country, it’s no surprise that technology has become a fixture in the classroom. From laptops and tablets to interactive whiteboards and more, future classrooms use technology to boost their lessons and provide students with an even better educational experience. Plus, a classroom environment significantly influences student performance, so it’s essential that the classroom is designed to be as conducive to learning as possible. This is why NEP 2020 aims to provide teachers and students with the right tools they need to facilitate learning in a way that is both accessible and affordable.

NEP 2020 Transforming the Ideal Future Classroom

NEP 2020 introduced the transformation of the curriculum and pedagogy to align with 21st-century skills. The curriculum across boards is being redesigned to be more flexible and interdisciplinary, focusing on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. This approach encourages students to think creatively, explore new ideas, and learn through hands-on experiences. The NEP 2020 also emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, which includes hands-on activities, field trips, and practical projects. This type of learning is seen as essential in developing real-world skills and preparing students for future challenges. 

One of the recommendations in the NEP 2020 is integration of technology into learning. Such initiatives require teachers to be equipped with skills on effective use of technology. Students, likewise, should be provided with learning experiences that make the best use of technology, such as increased engagement, opportunities for communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

However, the transition to technology-assisted learning has been challenging. Educators have had to adjust their teaching methods to accommodate these challenges and provide students with the support they need to succeed. Learning today is more than just the usual whiteboard and chalkboard. A myriad of things must be considered so that education keeps up with our fast-changing world. Thus, to set up ideal future classroom, here are some prerequisites:

Personalized Learning

With a growing population of students with diverse needs, we need to ensure that every child gets the help they need—and no two kids learn exactly the same way. Having all students in a traditional classroom setting may not be the best way to meet all student needs, so personalization will be key going forward as we look for new ways to personalize education.

By taking an active role in the personal development of each student, teachers can shape students to be more independent and confident learners. They can do this by creating a safe environment in which students feel comfortable participating in unique activities and exercises that are different from conventional activities that they may be accustomed to. In addition, the teacher observes each student’s progress and goals, and provides guidance when needed. For example, if a child has difficulty learning to read, the teacher could give them constant feedback on their work until they improve. This type of personal attention fosters a love for learning that may not be present in a traditional classroom where students compete for teacher’s attention.

Experiential Learning Combined with Rote Learning

Experiential learning is any activity where we can stimulate the senses and make a concrete connection to real life, instilling a passion for learning. On the other hand, Rote learning is memorizing facts and figures that can be easily recalled when needed. These two learning styles are not mutually exclusive—in fact, they complement each other perfectly. A well-rounded education should include both types of learning to allow students to flex all their mental muscles.

Unfortunately, many schools still focus on a traditional approach that relies heavily on rote memorization with limited opportunities for concrete experience. This results in graduates who may be able to recite facts but are not confident in applying real-life skills. By providing students with a mix of hands-on experiences and memorization, schools and teachers can ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future. By allowing students to participate in experiential learning, they develop strong practical skills that complement the theoretical knowledge they learn in class. Through projects and internships, students can gain valuable experience that they can use later in life to further expand their careers. All of this will come together to create graduates ready to start their employment prepared to handle whatever comes their way.

Development of 21st Century Skills

Imagine a classroom where students are given the freedom to explore, create, and are equally prepared for the present and the future. A classroom where students are encouraged to be curious about everything, including themselves. A place where students feel comfortable taking risks, knowing that they will be supported and will benefit from the results. How does such a future classroom exist? 

Often in education, we take great pains to ensure that concepts are clearly defined so that students learn what they need to know to pass tests. While this is important to ensure that students graduate with an understanding of specific subjects, it doesn’t necessarily prepare them for real-world situations and problems. As the world around us becomes increasingly complex, students must be given opportunities to learn how to solve problems and make decisions in a structured and free-flowing environment. The future classroom must allow students to develop the complex thinking, learning, and problem-solving skills they need to become effective citizens in the 21st century. These skills include:

• Critical thinking, which will allow them to make sense of an increasingly complex world filled with uncertainty and ambiguity
• Communication skills, which will enable them to convey their ideas, opinions, and knowledge effectively
• Collaboration skills, which will help them work effectively with others in both formal and informal situations
• Lifelong learning ability, which will permit them to adapt their knowledge and talents as new information becomes available.

The Bottom Line

The future classrooms will look drastically different from the current ones. And though the changes may initially seem vast, such transformations are beneficial for uplifting the education landscape of India. The challenge now lies in implementing these changes effectively- training teachers on new pedagogical techniques, coordinating across multiple classrooms, and developing integrations with existing course materials. 

Square Panda India has a demonstrable track record of successful education interventions across India. We have a comprehensive array of products and programs that aim to improve learning outcomes from pre-primary through secondary grades. Square Panda India envisions transforming the nation’s education landscape by focusing on the holistic development of each education stakeholder. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in

Emotional development is a big part of a childhood; it could in many ways define the child’s traits, social responses, and have a direct impact on their feelings as well. Some may think children are born with only three emotions – happiness, anger or fear; but studies claim that children are born with a wider range of feelings.  

School is a place where children learn to interact with their peers, absorb everything around them, and make friends. This is a place where they are independently responsible for their actions, reactions, and their social abilities. School is also a place where children thrive on emotions besides academic successes. Afterall, they spend most of their day in school.

Emotions play a key role for all when growing up. Children feel all emotions hard and also freely express them with no manipulation. Therefore, it’s imperative for parents and teachers to look for signs children are giving. It’s easy to tell when a child is happy, but there are days and instances where children may be in a different mood altogether. Children could experience bullying, betrayal, embarrassment, and unfair behavior from their peers or teachers. That said, we must pay close attention to their feelings, and what they have to say about their day at school. 

One of the approaches to handle the issue is to introduce mental health programs into the curriculum. These could help children understand the concept of mental health. There are many aspects of introducing the subject as part of the school curriculum. Children need to understand their own emotions and how they can get a hold on them.
Be it social anxiety, learning disability or adolescent depression, these issues are best resolved at an early stage. If not addressed, they can turn chronic and be a major influence in one’s life. Mentally healthy students are likely to have a positive approach to learning and people around them. We need children to actively engage in student activities, have supportive and caring connections, and imbibe appropriate problem-solving skills.

The way a district or school approaches mental health services may vary but they can evolve on the go. The key reasons to make mental health a part of the curriculum include:

💭 Increase Mental Health Awareness

This not only involves children to cope with their emotions but also lets them know that mental health is a big part of overall health and wellbeing. It is vital for children to maintain positive mental health to focus on academics, sports, music, and other curricula.

💭 Recognise mental health-related issues

One of the ways to improve mental health is the ability to recognise related issues. When issues are left untreated it could negatively influence the child’s growth and development. It is vital for us to support children with the right tools and resources to help them cope with mental health issues.

💭 Early intervention can change perspective

Mental health awareness may not only change the life of the one coping with an issue but the people around them. It can encourage people to have the right attitude and make good choices of words when addressing someone. It strengthens abilities like stress tolerance and resilience among children.

💭 Create an accessible environment

While negating the stigma attached with mental health among young and adults, mental health programs can encourage children to freely express their feelings. Be it anger, fear, helplessness, or jealousy, children need to know it’s okay to feel these emotions, and this is the first step towards building a coping mechanism towards illnesses.

Schools have the ability to encourage mental health among students, teachers, and parents. It has a myriad of benefits that contribute to the wellbeing of one and all.

Square Panda recognises the need for holistic development among the Indian education system, for it’s key to better learning outcomes. A child with a positive mental space has a better capacity to cope with academics and other curricular activities.    

Children and parents tend to focus on academics more than anything. Thankfully, they have taken to sports, music, and other curricular activities that are well supported by parents and teachers alike. However, it is important for parents and teachers to recognise the significance of core life skills that come in handy for every individual.

Teaching critical life skills (without any gender bias) to children at an early age can help them grow into a more responsible, self-reliant adult. It is important to shape their habits from a young age and it could start with something as simple as gathering their own toys.

It is practicing small habits that go a long way, help children be more organized and learn to prioritize better in their growing years. Imparting simple skills like cleaning up after themselves, filling their own bottle, or putting their dishes in the kitchen after a meal make for a great start.

There are myriad benefits of teaching life skills to kids. They begin to understand their responsibilities better, they react responsibly in social situations, and develop a mechanism to be independent in all situations. They need to be encouraged into thinking they are enough for themselves.

Here’s a list of important life skills that can be imparted among children;

💡 1. Meal preparation  

Encourage your child to help out in the kitchen, introduce them to the concept of meal preparation. The child can begin with helping out a parent in preparing a meal for themself. From sourcing the required vegetables from the fridge to thoroughly washing them, and putting them together in a pan; kids can participate and observe at every step of the prep. Invest in an age-appropriate ladder, where your child can safely stand alongside you. When children actually witness the effort that goes into curating a meal, their perspective towards a meal will also be much more respectful. They recognise the effort that goes into preparing and would want to finish what is served. The habit of helping out in the kitchen can make them more independent to fetch food for themselves; at the least they could make themselves a bowl of fruit.

💡 2. Health and Hygiene

Health and hygiene habits go a long way. This is a habit that can be inculcated among children at a young age. This real life skill is a must for individuals of all ages. Make it a practise for them to wash their hands before eating anything, ask them to keep their play area clean, study table organized, and they should get into the habit of taking a shower every morning and after play time. Guide them to put their clothes in the washer, let them fold their washed clothes and place them in its appropriate place. This can be practised on a daily basis so they understand the concept of wearing washed clothes.           

💡 3. Problem Solving

Refrain from helping children out with putting together an outfit for the day, let them independently complete the puzzles, refuse to repair their toys or even replace the broken ones. This will encourage a habit to learn to solve their own problems. They will learn how to fix their toys, put together a puzzle, and rather learn to take care of their belongings better. This is a huge step towards imbibing responsible behavior.

💡 4. Decision making

Let the children pick out their own outfits, select their choice of ice cream, and meals whenever possible. Simple habits like these will make children confident to make their own decisions. These small decisions give the children confidence to make sound decisions in life, imparting responsible behaviour in their adult life.

💡5. Household chores

Small chores like cleaning their own rooms, organising their study, and cleaning up the table after a meal are some simple chores that children can help out with. These habits will give children a sense of responsibility and encourage them to independently get more done around the house.                               
Use this checklist of life skills to begin imparting simple responsibilities among children. These are some critical life skills that will come in handy and make a smooth transition from adolescence to adulthood. It’s important to begin early so children get into the habit of doing their chores independently.

Square Panda believes in holistic development that focuses on developing skills, good habits, using effective resources, and imbibing best practices to grow into more responsible individuals. Focusing on academics sits at the core for every growing child but it needs to be accompanied with core life skills and good values.    

Internet usage has become an indispensable part of our lives, and nowhere is this more evident than in the education sector. In the wake of the recent global pandemic, children solely relied on the internet to continue their education. Moreover, children today perceive the web as a useful resource for information, an opportunity to explore – it offers a sense of self-expression and entertainment. However, the entertainment activities of children are evolving in the digital world. Pedagogical models that address this need are still fluid, where lack of privacy and personal safety have become important issues.

With the growing internet trend, there are growing concerns about cyberbullying, identity theft, and privacy rights violations. The threat of cyberattacks is real, especially considering how much personal data is stored and shared on the cloud. Despite the dangers that come with posting personal information online, teenagers may be unaware about these risks. 

The NordVPN Security Report 2021 shows that India stands behind other countries when it comes to cybersecurity, scoring 14 points below the global benchmark. This makes schools, universities and educational institutions more responsible for incorporating cybersecurity in education to better prepare students for the threats they may face. 

🖥️ Importance of Cybersecurity in Education

Today, everything is connected via cloud. Your phone has an IP address and links to your email account. You can access your bank account online or pay bills with your smartphone. This means that if someone intends to steal your money or identity, they don’t have to do it physically. All they have to do is hack into your computer system. Hackers use many different types of attacks against people and companies. Some of these include denial-of-service (DOS) attacks, phishing schemes, spoofing emails and social engineering techniques like pretexting (pretending to be someone else). These attacks usually aim to gain access to sensitive information so that it can be used for identity theft or financial gain.

The only way to address these concerns is to emphasize cybersecurity in  education at young ages. The problem is that most parents and children view cybersecurity as a technical skill, not an academic one. However, cybersecurity is more than just knowing how to code: it’s about understanding how people behave online and how to use technology ethically. By giving the right exposure, at a young age, children will better understand how to handle information that comes their way. 

A high-school-level cyber security course would teach students how to identify, prevent and defend themselves against attacks on the internet and the computer devices they use. This IT education also teaches students how to protect systems from attacks that can cause financial losses, data loss, and identity theft as well as encryption techniques and how to respond if a cyberattack occurs.

Below are three reasons why cybersecurity in education curriculum will help students:

🖥️ Cyber Security is an in-demand field that presents many Career Options

A study reveals that there are currently over 3.4 million open jobs in the field of cybersecurity. The main reason is that technology continues to evolve rapidly. A large part of what makes these jobs so important is the technology itself. More devices have been connected to the internet in the last few years than ever before, creating a connected network that can be used for good or ill. The sheer number of things that can be controlled remotely adds complexity to any network. This means there is an increased demand for people with technical expertise who can keep up with the latest innovations and remain ahead of the curve.

In addition, organizations are now beginning to take security more seriously than ever before. It is no longer just a side thought – it is one of the most critical factors when developing new products; especially regarding data security and consumer privacy. As a result, there is a wide range of opportunities for those interested in this field.

🖥️ Cyber Security Jobs Pay High Salaries

Because of the proliferation of malware and other cyber attacks, companies are looking for ways to protect their data. As a result, they’re turning to cyber security experts to ensure their confidential data remains protected from an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape. And since there is already a shortage of qualified professionals in the field, those opting for this career path earn high salaries. 

While cybersecurity programs are gaining importance and popularity in workplaces across the country, high school cybersecurity is not yet a well-established curriculum. However, the benefits of such a program create an exciting and profitable field for young people to explore and promote the correct use of technology in all sectors of society.

🖥️ The Bottom Line

While it’s understandable that parents might be wary of their children taking up such a ‘risky’ subject, it’s important to note that cybersecurity is still a very hands-on field. It won’t be long before one in every few IT professionals will work in this thriving industry. As more and more educational programs recognize the necessity of such a curriculum, the gap will narrow and hopefully close over time.