One of the simplest education reforms that schools can introduce today is also one of the most powerful: a daily newspaper reading slot. In an age of short attention spans, viral misinformation, and endless scrolling on mobile phones, the habit of reading the news carefully and critically has almost disappeared among young people. If schools…
How our brain learns and grows daily
Dr. Srividya Muthuvel, Founder and CEO of Voice and Vision, Pune, Maharashtra, points out whether we have ever wondered how we remember names, solve problems, or build new skills. Our brain is constantly forming and adjusting connections to support these abilities. It responds to what we focus on and repeat. Over time, these changes shape…
Ikigai, the Japanese way to understand children better
Amit Dubey, Business Strategies Director, Vectors Group, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, explains how everyone has unique talents and interests, and the challenge is to understand how to use them in the right way. Knowing our purpose helps us connect our skills with real-world needs. It allows us to build a life that feels meaningful and rewarding….
Why writing matters for young minds
Sangeeta Bhattacharjee, Strategic Communication & Soft Skills Specialist, Certified ESL & Personal Development Coach, Associate Trainer, Dale Carnegie India, Guwahati, Assam, explains how writing helps young learners develop clear thinking and strong communication skills. It encourages creativity while improving vocabulary and sentence formation. As children learn to write, they also learn to understand and express…
Encouraging independent learning skills from young age
Kumud Sharma, Headmistress at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, explains about supporting independent learning from an early age that encourages children to think for themselves. Small opportunities to plan tasks or work through difficulties help them gain confidence. As they practise working independently, they improve their focus and perseverance. The dedication that each…
Active play important for early childhood education
Aditi Joshi, formerly associated with Sportyze, explains how children learn best when they are free to move, explore, and play. In today’s world, where children are addicted to screens and gadgets, active play is slowly disappearing from early childhood education. Bringing play back into learning is essential for healthy and balanced development. We need to…
When government schools empty out, India pays the price
Government schools still educate the majority of Indian children. They remain the most powerful instrument India has for social mobility, national integration, and economic growth. The recent figures of decline in government school enrollment are not a verdict. They are a warning—and an opportunity. Since the release of the latest UDISE+ data and its subsequent…
Making second language learners speak confidently
Sapna Bhatia, English Trainer & Public Speaking Mentor, at (https://topmate.io/sapna_bhatia), talks about how for many second language learners, speaking is the most difficult part of learning. They may stay silent due to fear of mistakes or lack of confidence. Yet, as they improve and receive positive feedback, they begin to speak more openly. This passage…
Excessive guidance restricts creativity and problem-solving ability
Anita Anil Gupta, Founder, Little Genesis Preschool & Daycare, Bangalore, Karnataka, explains that learning to be independent is a gradual process that begins with small steps in children. It means students asking fewer questions and finding solutions by themselves. This shift helps them develop critical thinking and confidence. Eventually, they become more capable of facing…
Inclusion in education no longer a matter of choice, charity, or convenience
Dr Sangita Thakur, Founder of Ashtavakra Accessibility Solutions, Delhi-NCR, discusses the crucial role of education in shaping an inclusive society. She suggests strategies that educational institutions can follow to move beyond token compliance towards meaningful action. Inclusion has long been discussed as a moral aspiration or a progressive value that institutions may adopt when circumstances…