Traditionally, the primary focus of schools was to groom students into becoming good academicians. To achieve this goal, they relied heavily on text books and journals to impart knowledge. However, with the wave of international schools coming into the country, there has been a paradigm shift in the methodology of approaching academics. Education in international schools is no longer limited to focussing on academics, but instead focussing on an all-rounded growth and development of its students. Aditya Birla World Academy, a top international school in Mumbai, has worked tirelessly to perfect this balance between academics, extra-curriculars and leisure.
One of the primary tools used to make classes more fun and interactive is the use of open-ended discussions. Teaching in International schools is viewed as a two-way process rather than the singular stream of information flowing from teachers to students. Students are taught the difference between binary answers versus a spectrum of answers. When students are made aware that their answers need not be limited to just one correct answer, it creates a healthier and more interactive classroom environment that brings out a plethora of perspectives. Listening to others’ thoughts and opinions on different subject matters is in itself a great form of learning.
International schools, like Aditya Birla World Academy , also follow the format of inter-disciplinary teaching. For example, the Solar system is explained from a geographical as well as a scientific, mathematical, and historical standpoint. This allows the students to view one topic from several subject lenses, thereby enhancing the students’ understanding of the topic. In the younger grades, students have a weekly theme, and the various subject teachers explain the same theme from different perspectives. This not only improves their understanding of the theme but also makes their classes more attractive and interesting.
Aditya Birla World Academy doesn’t limit the subject matters taught to traditional topics. Students at a very young age are exposed to an assortment of themes, such as famous artists around the globe, Indian folklore, and traditions, ancient civilizations, evolution theories, current global affairs, etc. When children are exposed to these topics at a young age, it expands the horizons of their young minds and makes them curious learners for life. By creating an appreciation for subjects such as world art and literature, students become more worldly and aware.
Projects and presentations are also great tools to increase interaction and class participation. Students from international schools are asked to make projects and presentations on topics that they have been taught. While working on projects, students have to do their own research and study on the given topic. This gives them an additional avenue to explore the topic from their own lens and create their own research reports. Projects are often followed by a presentation, in which students explain and share their research with the rest of the class. This makes the class far more enjoyable and also helps students in developing the confidence to speak and present to the whole classroom.
At international schools, textbooks are simply used as a means to teach. Students are expected to use the text books to get a better understanding of the topic and not for the purpose of rote-learning. Students are free to challenge the views and opinions of the teachers and express their own thoughts. This freedom to think, apply and challenge is a unique feature of international schools. It is the prime driving force in creating intelligent, informed and well-read students. Students thrive in environments where they are given a certain degree of academic and creative freedom. It allows them to think laterally and makes their school environment a healthier and happier place to be in.
Also read,
How to make online learning more interactive and interesting
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/blog/how-to-make-online-learning-more-interactive-and-interesting
Digital Learning: 7 Ways to keep oneself Productive and Focused
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/blog/digital-learning-7-ways-to-keep-oneself-productive-and-focused
5 Tips to help Students Stay Focused and Motivated
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/blog/five-tips-to-help-students-stay-focused-and-motivated
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