Imagine walking into a classroom where the teacher is missing—again. Students sit idle, flipping through books without guidance. Some are distracted, while others struggle with yesterday’s lesson. Over time, these gaps in learning add up, making it harder for children to keep up with their studies.

Teacher absenteeism is a significant challenge in schools across India, especially in government institutions. On any given day, approximately 25% of teachers in government primary schools are absent. In some states, the problem is even worse—absence rates range from 15% in Maharashtra to 42% in Jharkhand, with the highest rates found in low-income regions.

How Teacher Absenteeism Affects Learning

Teacher absenteeism isn’t just about missing a day or two. The ripple effect can be long-lasting, impacting student performance, motivation, and overall school effectiveness.

Lost Instructional Time

Every missed day means lost learning. A teacher’s absence often results in students being left to complete worksheets or repeat previous lessons without proper guidance. This limits their ability to grasp new concepts, especially in subjects like math and language.

Weak Literacy and Numeracy Skills

In early education, children need structured learning to develop reading and math skills. Frequent teacher absences disrupt this process, leaving students struggling with basic concepts. The Sirohi School Transformation Report found that before structured interventions, many students lacked foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Unequal Learning Opportunities

Students from underprivileged backgrounds are hit the hardest by teacher absenteeism. Unlike children in well-resourced schools, they don’t have access to private tutoring or digital learning tools at home. When their teachers are absent, they have no backup support, putting them at an even greater disadvantage.

Decreased Student Engagement

Learning is a habit, and students lose interest when it’s interrupted frequently. Irregular teaching schedules create an unpredictable learning environment. Over time, this leads to a lack of discipline and motivation, making it even harder for students to stay on track.

Teaching Activity and Student Impact

Even when teachers are present, they are not always engaged in active teaching. Studies show that during unannounced visits, only about 50% of teachers who were present in schools were actively engaged in teaching. This lack of engagement directly impacts student learning. Research also suggests that teacher absenteeism has a greater negative impact on student achievement in schools with high percentages of low-income and minority students.

What Can Be Done to Address Teacher Absenteeism?

Strengthening Teacher Training

Many teachers lack structured training, especially in engaging young learners. This makes lesson delivery ineffective, leading to disengagement from both teachers and students. Regular workshops on teaching techniques, classroom management, and subject-specific strategies can help educators feel more prepared and motivated to teach.

In the Sirohi transformation project, teachers received phonics-based training for early literacy development. This simple intervention made a big difference in how students learned to read.

Introducing Digital Learning Tools

Technology can’t replace teachers but can be a strong support system. Teachers can make learning more engaging when they have access to digital resources like interactive lessons, gamified learning apps, and smart classrooms.

Square Panda’s digital learning programs have shown how blended learning (a mix of traditional teaching and technology-driven methods) keeps students engaged even when teachers aren’t physically present. If schools integrate more such resources, learning can continue even on days when a teacher is absent.

Parental and Community Involvement

Parents and local communities play a major role in holding schools accountable. When parents are actively involved, they can raise concerns about absenteeism and push for better teaching standards. Regular Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) can help create a system where teachers, students, and parents stay aligned.

One key takeaway from the Sirohi project was the importance of parental engagement. Schools that encouraged parents to participate in their child’s education saw better student performance and attendance.

Better Monitoring and Accountability

Tracking teacher attendance and performance is essential. Schools need a transparent system where attendance records are maintained and monitored. This doesn’t mean enforcing punitive measures but rather identifying patterns and offering support where needed.

For example, if a school finds that teachers are frequently absent due to workload stress, offering additional classroom support could be a solution. By addressing the root causes, absenteeism can be managed more effectively.

Incentives for Regular Attendance

Recognizing and rewarding teachers for regular attendance and effective teaching can encourage better performance. Schools can introduce small but meaningful incentives such as professional development opportunities, recognition programs, or performance-based rewards.

When teachers feel valued and supported, they are more likely to stay committed to their work.

How Structured Interventions Improved Attendance and Learning

During Square Panda’s intervention in Sirohi, schools implemented structured teaching methods, technology-based learning, and teacher training. The results?

• Student engagement increased – More students actively participated in class.
• Reading and numeracy skills improved – Baseline assessments showed weak performance, but endline assessments proved that students had made real progress.
• Teachers became more involved – Training and structured support encouraged teachers to be more present and engaged.

This case study proves that absenteeism and its effects can be addressed with the right strategies.

Taking Action for Better Learning Outcomes

Teacher absenteeism is a major roadblock in education, but it’s not an unsolvable problem. When schools invest in teacher training, digital tools, parental involvement, and accountability measures, they create an environment where both teachers and students thrive.

Square Panda India’s initiatives have already demonstrated the positive impact of structured interventions. Now, it’s time to take these lessons forward and ensure that every child receives the education they deserve—one where teachers are present, engaged, and equipped to teach effectively.

Education isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up prepared and committed. And that’s a responsibility we all share.

In India’s vibrant and diverse educational landscape, the winds of change are sweeping through traditional classrooms. Not long ago, teaching often revolved around rote memorization—teachers reciting lessons and students dutifully committing them to memory. While this method ensured exam success for many, it frequently failed to create thinkers and problem-solvers. Today, the focus is shifting. A more dynamic, student-centered approach—one that prioritizes understanding over memorization—is gaining ground.

The Shift from Memorization to Understanding in Indian Classrooms

For decades, Indian education heavily relied on memorization. From historical dates to mathematical formulas, students were expected to absorb and regurgitate information. While this helped them crack competitive exams, it rarely fostered a deep understanding of concepts. As a result, students struggled to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios or think critically about complex issues.

India’s education system is now moving towards a more understanding-based model aligned with global trends and driven by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This shift emphasizes holistic, interdisciplinary, and conceptual learning—where students don’t just learn what to think but how to think.

The Pitfalls of Memorization-Based Learning

Rote memorization creates learners who are great at answering “what” but falter when it comes to “why” or “how.” For example, a student might easily recall that the Battle of Plassey occurred in 1757 but might struggle to explain its implications for India’s colonial history. Similarly, they might memorize mathematical equations without understanding their real-world applications. This method:

• Stifles Creativity: There’s little room for students to think beyond the curriculum.
• Limits Critical Thinking: It prioritizes memorization over the exploration of ideas.
• Hampers Problem-Solving Skills: Students struggle with practical applications, leaving them underprepared for careers and life.

Why Understanding-Based Learning Is the Future

Understanding-based learning turns passive learners into active participants in their education. Students explore the “why” and “how” behind concepts, fostering deeper connections to the material. For example, instead of memorizing the boiling point of water, they might learn how altitude affects boiling and the science of thermodynamics. This approach nurtures:

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Students can apply concepts to novel situations.
• Engagement and Curiosity: Hands-on activities and discussions make learning exciting and relevant.
• Long-Term Retention: Concepts understood deeply remain with students far longer than memorized facts.
• Creativity: Students are encouraged to question, analyze, and innovate.

How Square Panda India Is Fostering Understanding-Based Learning

At Square Panda India, we recognize the transformative power of understanding-based learning and its alignment with the NEP 2020 vision. Here’s how we are driving this change:

1. Teacher Empowerment: We provide educators with advanced training programs to help them adopt active and concept-driven teaching methods. By equipping teachers with modern pedagogical tools, we ensure they can effectively shift away from rote learning.
2. Innovative Learning Tools: Our digital platforms and learning materials are designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration. From adaptive learning systems to interactive modules, we bring lessons to life in ways that resonate with students.
3. Localized Solutions: Recognizing the diversity of India’s learners, our solutions are tailored to regional contexts. We incorporate local languages, cultural relevance, and real-life scenarios to make education more relatable.
4. Collaborative Learning Environments: Through workshops, games, and group activities, we foster peer interaction and collaborative learning, key components of understanding-based education.

The Indian Context: Why This Shift Matters

In India, where students often face immense academic pressure, understanding-based learning offers a refreshing change. It prepares students not just for exams but for life. Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills equips them to navigate India’s competitive job market and contribute meaningfully to society.

Moreover, this approach aligns beautifully with the NEP’s emphasis on experiential learning, digital literacy, and interdisciplinary education. It’s not just about shaping better students but also better citizens.

Embracing Change for a Brighter Future

As India reimagines its classrooms, the transition from memorization to understanding marks a pivotal moment in education. By embracing this approach, we are nurturing a generation of learners who are innovative, adaptable, and prepared to tackle the complexities of the modern world.

At Square Panda India, we’re proud to lead this transformation, empowering educators, and creating an environment where every child can thrive. Together, we are shaping a future where learning goes beyond marks and becomes a tool for lifelong success.ce understanding-based learning, we are shaping a more innovative, creative, and adaptable generation of learners. At Square Panda India, we are proud to support educators in making this shift, ensuring that students develop the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our country, as it helps develop a young student’s personality in a holistic manner and even significantly influences their career. 

With the development of learning technologies and the advent of e-learning, today’s teachers are responsible for not just presenting classroom content but also adapting curriculum, providing feedback, and guiding real-time discussions in their classrooms. Teachers must produce much more material than they used to, while also keeping in touch with individual students who learn outside the classroom or through remote collaboration. This is where teacher training comes in. It provides opportunities to learn new skills and improve upon existing ones through professional development activities that are aligned with the school’s instructional goals.

If a teacher feels prepared for the challenge at hand and has the resources necessary to do their job well, they are more likely to perform at their peak capacity and positively impact student performance. As such, it’s essential that teachers receive effective training during their early years in the classroom. 

Teachers who are not fully prepared to meet the needs of their students may fail to deliver quality instruction or provide support for struggling students. For example, a teacher who lacks content knowledge or teaching skills may struggle to engage all students in lessons or provide appropriate support for struggling learners. As a result, these students may lack progress towards achieving their academic goals and disengage from school altogether. In addition, schools with poorly trained teachers tend to have higher dropout rates, lower student achievement levels, and behavioural problems among students.

Why is Training Important for Teachers?

Teachers are the most valuable resources within a school system. They are responsible for developing young minds and helping children achieve their full academic potential. Teachers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach effectively. Teachers’ responsibilities extend beyond the classroom, too. They must counsel troubled students on professional and personal matters, enforce school rules, discipline unruly students, and participate in school events with pupils. Many issues affect children’s learning habits, such as poverty, abuse, or neglect. They should also understand how these issues can affect a child’s behaviour in school. Teachers should learn how to identify signs of emotional problems in students and how best to address them.

Teachers also play an essential role in helping students develop the social skills needed to succeed. Students learn to interact with others and share ideas and opinions with other people. Teachers must nurture these skills in their students to become good citizens who contribute to society.

To teach effectively, teachers must have a thorough knowledge of the subject they are teaching and good communication skills. They should be able to explain complex concepts clearly so that their students understand them easily. In addition, teachers must also have excellent interpersonal skills to motivate students who may find certain subjects difficult or tedious. Training teachers is an excellent way to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and improves their effectiveness to give every child a better chance at a good education. 

Embracing Technological Advancements

The increasing demand for online courses combined with the technologically-savvy student population means that teachers must be adequately trained to use new technology in the classroom. From interacting with technology and its nuances to the criticality of a positive mindset, there is no denying the importance of teacher training in understanding online resources and methodologies that help them create a more compelling online teaching environment.

With more complicated subjects and demanding students, teachers need to be more knowledgeable about their subjects than ever. Teachers in all subjects need to reevaluate their teaching practices and skills initially to respond to changes within the classroom and new teaching methods. This means that they need Continuous Professional Development throughout their careers and during their training.

Although an online program may seem like an easy way out of a physical classroom setting, it requires just as much dedication as attending classes at a brick-and-mortar college campus does — if not more! It takes hard work and determination, just like any other type of education does! Teachers trained in an online environment tend to be more confident and knowledgeable about using technology in their teaching. In addition, they can create appropriate learning environments for students who may require extra support because of the physical or emotional challenges they face.

By working together and empowering our teachers, we can help spread the joy of the pursuit of knowledge to classrooms everywhere. 

Square Panda India’s teacher training programs enable educators to teach students effectively and engage them on a personal level. We empower them to transform their classrooms into a space where students learn through personalization and collaboration. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in

Teachers have always been at the forefront of the education system, greatly responsible for shaping young minds and preparing them for life. With the internet and other technologies taking over, the education system is changing considerably. Online classes and virtual schools have replaced some of the old classroom setups. Mobile devices and electronic documents have elevated note-taking to a whole new level. Educators now have to fully embrace the technology revolution to keep their students ahead of the curve. 

Teachers who don’t engage in continuous professional development can fall behind their peers and feel less confident in their ability to provide a great learning environment for students. Continuous Professional Development helps teachers keep up with the latest developments in their field. It means they can provide more engaging lessons relevant to today’s students. It also allows them to develop new skills and techniques that will help them become better educators overall.

The most common type of professional development is on-the-job training. In this, the teachers learn how to use new technology or techniques while working with students. This type of training often occurs through workshops or classes offered by professional organizations.

Other types of Professional Development include:

• Mentor programs in which experienced educators work one-on-one with new teachers to give them advice and guidance about how to improve their teaching skills
• Summer institutes that provide intensive courses over several weeks
• Internships where new teachers work under the supervision of an experienced mentor who guides them through the process of teaching a class for a set period.
• On-site programs where teams from different schools come together for workshops or seminars focused on specific topics, like classroom management or instructional strategies.

Instead of simply observing, teachers committed to continuing their growth and development engage in a myriad of professional opportunities. They seek conferences, workshops, online training classes, or e-learning courses to expand their knowledge and skills.

With Continuous Professional Development, Teachers Can:

✏️ Learn New Skills

Continuous Professional Development allows teachers to learn new skills and techniques. Teachers who take part in professional development courses often learn how to improve their teaching methods and techniques. They also comprehend how to create lesson plans and other resources that can be used in the classroom. This helps them improve their ability as educators and helps them better teach their students. 

Besides, teachers also experience more confidence in their teaching abilities because they know they are up to date with the latest developments in education. This allows them to feel more comfortable when teaching a new topic or concept, making it easier for them to engage with their students and explain concepts clearly.

✏️ Better Understand Student Needs

Effective professional development programs help teachers identify learning objectives for each lesson before they begin teaching it. They also allow teachers to reflect on how well-designed lessons met their objectives, including how much time was spent on each objective, what worked well, why specific techniques were successful or unsuccessful, etc. The goal is to make every lesson as effective as possible by identifying what works best with different groups of students at different times in their education.

✏️ Increase Knowledge about Effective Practices

There are so many new initiatives being implemented in schools every year, along with the ongoing challenges faced by all educators. With Continuous Professional Development opportunities, teachers get access to information about these initiatives and how they might impact their classroom practice. 

Additionally, teachers have better relationships with their colleagues and other professionals because they understand how other people work and think about specific topics or issues related to teaching. This can help them collaborate with other professionals on projects at school or within the local community, which means there is more opportunity for students to benefit from their expertise too!

Professional Development Opportunities

Continuous Professional Development allows teachers to find ways to improve their teaching style and increase their knowledge base. This means there is always an opportunity for teachers who want to learn more about teaching or expand their knowledge base on a particular subject matter or topic area, whether it’s math or science or another subject area applicable in the classroom setting. Continuous Professional Development allows teachers to find opportunities that they may not have otherwise found if they weren’t participating in these ongoing efforts.

Teachers are responsible for the well-being of their students and for ensuring that they succeed in their studies. With professional development, teachers can learn new ways to engage with students so they don’t feel like they’re just lecturing at the front of the room. They can also learn how to work with children from different backgrounds than them—for example, if they’re teaching English as a second language, which is often required in most schools across rural India today.

Through these mechanisms, and more, Continuous Professional Development helps teachers stay at the forefront of an ever-evolving education landscape, and help young learners realize their full potential. 

Anganwadi workers are women who work in government-run childcare centers across India. A large number of these women come from low-income households themselves, and therefore face financial constraints when it comes to completing their education or acquiring new skills that could help them improve their quality of life. Square Panda India’s Anganwadi Workers Upskilling Program aims to empower Anganwadi workers, enabling teachers to upskill their talent and knowledge to help them deliver better services, while our Educator Empowerment Programs equip teachers with the skills and knowledge required to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. 

To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in

Here are some useful videos to explore the topic further:
Prerequisites of a Preschool Teacher
Supporting Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development with Edtech
How To Support Educators In Their Changing Roles

You may also be interested in reading some of our blogs on teacher training:
3 Things Teachers can do to Improve Teaching Kindergarten Online
4 Ways Formative Assessments Can Enhance Your Teaching
Creating Self-Paced Classrooms through Curriculum Design

We hope that you enjoyed our post on National Curriculum Framework. If you have any tips or suggestions please leave a comment below. If you would like to collaborate with us, you can drop us a mail on marketing@squarepanda.in.

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If you’re a parent, you’re probably very familiar with that phrase: “children are like sponges”. It refers to how children absorb facts, language, and life skills at a remarkable rate during their earliest years of development. That’s because these years are among the most critical in shaping who they will become and what they will learn. And while kids discover many of the things they need to know from their families and communities, early childhood education is an integral part of this process.

Many people refer to early childhood education as preschool. But today, the term means so much more. It is a time when children begin to acquire essential social, emotional and cognitive skills. This will serve them well in later years and help lay the foundation for success in school and beyond.

Besides learning in the classroom, young children’s earliest experiences directly impact the development of their brains and their abilities far into the future. Research has shown that 90% of brain development happens before age 5. Early childhood education provides opportunities for active exploration and helps children meet essential developmental goals while encouraging curiosity and creativity. Here are some of the benefits of early childhood education:

👉 Socialization

Socialization happens when we learn how to live in harmony with other people in our communities — when we learn how to share, take turns, and respect each other’s boundaries. And for many kids, preschool is the first place they can practice those skills! 

Children at this age are often eager to make friends and connect with others, but they haven’t yet learned how to do so appropriately. They may still have trouble sharing toys or taking turns on the swing set. Young kids can experiment with interactions by participating in activities like cooperative play and music time with their peers. They can do it under the guidance of trained teachers who can show them how to communicate effectively in a group.

👉 Better Academic Performance

A study found that young children who attended early childhood education programs were more likely to score well on reading and math tests than those who didn’t attend these programs. 

One of the main reasons for this is that children who attend preschool are exposed to structured learning and playtime activities, which help prepare them for kindergarten and first grade. A child who has not mastered basic skills like the alphabet, numbers, and shapes will find it difficult to progress further in school. They may be at risk of falling behind their classmates or having to repeat a grade level. If a child is too far behind, they may eventually drop out of school. But if you give your children a head start when they are young, they will have fewer problems in school as they grow older. 

👉 Lifelong Learning

It’s a universal truth that children are the most tender, impressionable minds. Every experience they have, every interaction they witness, stays with them into adulthood. It shapes who they become as people and how they treat others. Early childhood education provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 

👉 Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence

Kids with a solid foundation in early childhood education tend to have higher self-esteem and confidence. Kids are naturally curious, and as they develop their knowledge through play and hands-on learning, their sense of self-worth also improves. They feel good about themselves for what they are capable of doing. 

A strong sense of self-worth is essential for children to build confidence throughout the rest of their lives. Preschools focus on the overall growth and development of the child rather than only academics. The curriculum that these institutions follow is designed to foster an environment for learning and social interaction for small children. This allows them to be prepared for life at school and provides them with the confidence to pursue their dreams.

👉 Better Attention Span

Children who attend preschool have better attention spans than kids who start kindergarten without the benefit of preschool education.

Zankhana, a Senior Curriculum Developer and a seasoned Foundational Year Educator at Square Panda, opines, “When in preschool, children get accustomed to having their attention directed by an adult. As a result, they are less likely to become distracted or frustrated when required to focus on a difficult task or academic concept. This increased ability to focus makes it easier for them to pay attention in class, making them more likely to succeed academically and socially.“

👉 Exposure to Diversity

As parents, you want your kids to grow up in a world where they are not judged by the color of their skin or what religion they practice. But beyond that, you should hope your child will grow up to be someone who respects other people and learns to understand the world around them. 

Early childhood education provides the opportunity for children to meet and get along with people who look like them and those who don’t. It is a place where they can develop empathy towards others while also gaining an understanding of themselves—which will help them later on when they enter the workforce and have co-workers from all walks of life!

👉 Healthy Lifestyle

Children need to be physically active to stay healthy and develop their gross motor skills, which will enable them to be successful in school. In childcare facilities, kids tend to follow the lead of their peers and teachers. If a child sees their friend running around outside or jumping through tires on a swing, they may be more likely to join in on the fun. The other kids might inspire them to try something new, or they may learn by watching what others do.

👉 Boosts Creativity

Though many parents worry that the pressure of learning too much at an early age will stifle their kids’ creativity, it’s actually the opposite — studies show that children exposed to an enriched environment from birth do better creatively later in life. 

Early childhood education programs often allow free play periods that give children time to use their imaginations when playing with other children. In addition, different classes may be offered in music, art, and storytelling that can help boost creativity in early childhood.

Square Panda India offers comprehensive early childhood programs that put children on a path toward academic success by setting them up with the tools they need to succeed, and creates the supporting ecosystem needed to ensure lifelong learning and success. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in 

Here are some useful videos to explore the topic further:
Why Educators Are The Key To Successful Early Childhood Education
5 Reasons India Needs A Strong Early Childhood Education System
8 Activities To Build Social And Emotional Skills In Early Childhood Education

You may also be interested in reading some of our blogs on early education:
The Economic Impact Of Early Education
How Adaptive Learning Can Transform The Early Education System In India
Why We Need Phonics In Early Childhood Education

We hope that you enjoyed our post on early education. If you have any tips or suggestions please leave a comment below. If you would like to collaborate with us, you can drop us a mail on marketing@squarepanda.in.

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