Meenakshi Pandey, Vice Principal, The Manik Public School, Bidar, Karnataka, describes how a mentor-mentee program can work in schools. I am passionate about the myriad ways we can make schools better places for all those who are involved in them. A mentor-mentee program in schools is a culture that nourishes trust, growth, and belonging, and…
Teaching based on how adolescents think
Priyanka Jain, IBEN Workshop Leader | IBDP Theory of Knowledge & Business Management Educator | IBEN Examiner, International School, Gurgaon, Haryana, talks about teaching based on how adolescents think. Adolescence is one of the most significant phases of learning and brain development. Teaching during this stage becomes truly effective only when it aligns with how…
When schools turn children into advertisements
Each year, when examination results are declared, schools across India repeat a troubling ritual. The faces of children who have scored the highest marks are displayed prominently—on school websites, hoardings, brochures, and sometimes in full-page newspaper advertisements. What should be a private moment of academic achievement is turned into a public spectacle. The intention is…
Language labs and their use
Srionka Samanta, Educator and ELT Consultant, explains how language labs provide a focused and engaging space for students to enhance their communication skills. They support practical learning through interactive tools that enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By encouraging active participation and consistent practice, these labs help students gain confidence in using language effectively. As…
How to make children think clearly
Smriti Agarwal, Founder Director, SmritiKaShikshasutra, Mumbai, Maharashtra, explains how developing critical thinking from an early age helps children become confident and capable learners. In early childhood, children begin to form ideas, ask questions, and explore solutions. Supportive learning environments nurture these skills through guided activities and meaningful interactions. Such approaches prepare children for future academic…
How technology is changing education
Rakesh Kumar Kabra, Accounting & IB Business management facilitator & examiner at Good Shepherd International School, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, describes how online classrooms, digital content, and smart tools support greater interaction and flexibility. The education scenario has evolved manifold, from using chalk and a blackboard to using a digital smartboard. It is indeed a challenge…
Maintaining mental and physical health online
Aditi Biswas, Nutrition consultant, Health Check Lab, Kolkata, describes how the shift to online learning has made staying mentally and physically healthy more challenging than ever. Reduced movement, constant screen exposure, and fewer social connections can leave students feeling overwhelmed. By adopting simple, consistent habits, learners can protect their well-being and boost their focus. This…
How home environment shapes learning
Malavika Jayakumar, an educator based in Kochi, explains how the home environment serves as the foundation for a child’s learning and development. Supportive relationships, structured routines, and a calm atmosphere help children stay engaged and motivated. When these elements are in place, learning becomes more effective and enjoyable. Understanding this connection allows parents to better…
Career breaks, growth and grace
One more fruitful yet tiring day came to an end. After dinner, I sat chatting with my son about random things. Then it struck me—the kitchen sink was waiting patiently for its turn to shine and glitter. As I went about this mundane chore, memories resurfaced suddenly from a different phase of my life, my…
From teacher to facilitator: My journey of change and adaptability
The role of a teacher has transformed remarkably—from the blackboard and projector era to smart classrooms and now AI-driven learning spaces. These experiences are vast and ever-evolving, making learning an endless ocean. One can never gather it all at once; instead, going with the wave feels more realistic. At the heart of this journey lie…