The festival of lights, Diwali, was celebrated in the Balodyan section on Friday, 13th October’2017 with a great zeal and enthusiasm. The classes were decorated with lanterns, diyas and colourful rangolis as per the tradition. The children were imbibed with the importance of cracker free Diwali. The celebrations ended with the slogans of ‘Say No to Crackers’.
It’s a constant endeavour of Vidya Prasarak Mandal to organize workshops for the teachers to upgrade their skills. Communication is the most important aspect for the teachers and is important in building healthy relationship with the students and parents.
A workshop on ‘Effective communication skills with Parents and Students’, was organized for the teachers of Balodyan section and Primary-English section, on Saturday, 14th October’2017. Mr. Avinash Kulkarni, who is a soft skills trainer, was invited as the resource person for the same. Different techniques regarding improving the communication skills were discussed. Also many important tips to be used during communication with parents and students were discussed. The workshop was enlightening and informative.
- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote
Special invitees – Mhambrey Sir, Desai Sir and Tharwal Madam,
Agenda – a) Evaluation of Micro lessons
b) Plenary, Feedback
c) Valedictory Function
The morning session had been set aside for Micro lessons of all the teachers. Ms.Mulay had already given guidance about the areas the lessons had to cover. She had stressed that each teacher would be given only 5 minutes wherein she would explain how the lesson would be conducted while keeping in mind the multiple intelligence levels of students.
The participant teachers gave micro lessons on the following topics -
1. Mrs.Neha Kale – ‘Varul’ – lesson in Marathi Std. X
2. Mrs.PoonamVaidya ‘My Mother’ – English poem Std. IX
3. Mr.GiteshShirke ‘JahaanChaah, VahaanRaah’ Hindi
4. Mrs.ShravaniPatankar Direct/ Indirect Elections - Political Science
5. Mrs.VarshaPatil ‘Yogamala’ Sanskrit – Std. IX
6. Mrs ReshmaShinde Factorization of Trinomials
7. Mrs.SonaliSamant ‘ChaloChaleen’ Signboards – Std. V
8. Mrs NilimaKhadatkar Mensuration –Right circular cylinder VIII to X
9. Mr.TejeshSonawane Drawing Lettering - Std. VII
10. Ms.SuhasiniAiwale ‘SamaanmastuBhojanam’ Sanskrit - IX
11. Mrs.HarshikaChowkekar Muscular Force – Science - VIII
12. Mrs.JyotiHonkote Speech Writing – English - VIII
13. Ms. Selby Matthew Carbon & carbon compounds - Science
14. Ms.ArunaRaut ‘BasantiHawa’ – Poem in Hindi - VI
15. Ms.KshitijaSankpal Parts of the Plant ( Leaf ) – Science- V
16. Ms.Jyoti Nair Different land forms – Geography - V
17. Ms.ShwetaVartak Types of Nouns – English - V
18. Ms.TanviPanchal Rules for Everyone – Civics - V
19. Ms.Pritiksha Wade Equivalent Fractions – Maths
All the teachers presented their micro lessons confidently. Madam Mulay was satisfied and gave certain inputs wherever needed. She gave a little gift of a 3 in 1 Laser pointer that combined as akey chain and a torch. Thereafter plain card paper was clipped to the curtains and participants were encouraged write their opinion i.e. their feedback on the Training program – Parking Bay. This was part of the Plenary.
The Valedictory function was compered by Mrs. Varsha Patil. At the outset, all the dignitaries were invited onto the dais. Ms. Mulay was presented a small token of our deep respect. She was invited to speak a few words. She appreciated all the teachers saying that everyone had been very active and supportive. “Your staff is talented, ever smiling and ready to learn, so do provide them with all that they need to enhance their effectiveness,” she said. Ms Mulay advised the teachers to learn something new everyday. She also said that teachers can create wonders with students, they can also destroy a child’s future so always give a pat on the back and encourage.
Mhambrey Sir agreed, saying that teachers are a powerful medium. They can direct how the future will be. He also related a short story. Desai Sir said that every particle that comes in the path of the sun’s rays becomes charged and gives out its own light. The energy in the trained teachers shouldn’t fizzle out but continue to sparkle and spread light. Desai Sir expressed a wish that the walls of the school should have flannel boards, the school should be decorated with posters, paintings, proverbs and portraits.
On behalf of all the teachers, Jyoti Honkote expressed deep gratitude to Ms. Mulay for making all the sessions enjoyable. She especially lauded her for her excellent insight into child psychology, her acting skills and the manner in which the training had been conducted. She also thanked Tharwal madam for planning everything meticulously and ensuring that all the teachers were comfortable.
In her Vote of Thanks, Mrs. Tharwal thanked Mulay madam for immediately agreeing and taking full responsibility of the Training in spite of her busy schedule.She lauded Madam for her expertise and intense knowledge of all that is happening in the field of education. Tharwal madam thanked the Management, Mhambrey Sir and Desai Sir for their support. She also appreciated the teachers for attending the training wholeheartedly. Piles of answer papers to check, supervision and Diwali round the corner had not dampened their spirit.
The entire In house Teacher Training Program has been a great success.
- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote
No. of Participants = 20
Topic – Action Research
Action Research involves identifying areas that need attention, planning and implementation of the measures that will bring about the desired change. Teachers put in intensive thought into the picking out an issue that is seen as a deterrent to the performance of the students or an area where improvement is necessary. They use various ideas and activities to reach the students and make learning effective.
The steps involved in Action Research are –
a) Title b) Objectives c) Hypothesis d) Procedure e) Analysis f) Recommendation g) What did I learn
Ms. Mulay explained that this method is adopted in the U.S. and has been effective in bringing about improvement in the learning outcome of students. It also ensures that educators introspect to find out where the error lies and take appropriate action in order to meet the purpose of education.This action research when completed and recorded proves to be a free resource for other teachers to use when facing similar problems.
Teachers first worked in groups to identify various issues they / students face in their subject. Thereafter the teacher participants worked individually and went through the steps involved in the action research. Ms. Mulay provided clarification wherever there was confusion or doubt. Teachers soon realised that this method would change their perspective to a problem and automatically modify the teaching method to ensure better grasping of concepts.
Every teacher participant will do an Action Research Project in detail as a project.
- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote
Day 6
Topics - a) Brain Development in children
b) Handling Challenged Children
Participants – 20
Maria Montessori said, “The most important period of life is not the age of university studies but the period from birth to the age of six.” 98% of the child’s brain development is during this time. The brain is shaped through its interaction with the environment. Educators need to be familiar with brain compatible practices and practices that are brain antagonistic.
Ms.Mulay asked the crucial question, “What are we doing to facilitate its development, to nurture it? Through a slide show madam covered the following points –
1. Thedifferent parts of the brain and what each lobe affects.
2. The chemicals needed for the brain to thrive, neurotransmitters and their effect on growth and development.
3. The source of these chemicals- correct diet, rest and emotions.
4. Emotions are contagious so positive ones will stimulate learning.
5. Effect of stress on learning. A little may be beneficial but acute stress will interfere with learning.Offering choices and being predictable reduce stress.
6. Learning should be relevant and meaningful.
7. Behaviour exhibited at the time of stress: 4 F’s – Fight, Flight, Flock, Freeze.
8. Being emotionally intelligent – Identifying feelings & moods, Controlling impulses, Feeling compassion & empathy. Use of emoticons to praise written work.
9. To achieve maximum learning we must divide the period into talk, teach and group discussion.
10. Signs displayed when focussing becomes difficult.
11. Effect of aroma or a pleasant atmosphere, appropriate sound and voice modulation, temperature on brain functions and learning.
12. Providing opportunity for laughter, movement and varied activities. A few dance steps, singing, clapping.
Who is a teacher? One who has eyesight, insight and foresight.
In order to deal effectively with differently abled children one has to be very observant and understanding. Under RTE every school is bound to give admission to hearing impaired, visually impaired, autistic and handicap children.Every class will definitely have children who are slow learners, dyslexic, hyperactive and attention seekers. The challenge before the teacher is huge. In order to achieve her goals a teacher will have to spot the problem early and correctly. She will need to use certain strategies and will have to be alert and intelligent enough to tap the available resources and ensure student friendly learning.Ms.Mulay spoke about NIOS, an alternative to SSC wherein the Std. X syllabus is covered in 3 years. This will assist differently abled students. Animal assisted therapy is also being used successfully in some places.
Ms.Mulay kept the session lively and engaged the teachers very effectively. Madam’s wide plethora of experience and real life examples, her ability to act out situations and her expressiveness are indeed praiseworthy.
- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote
Day 5
No of Participants= 20
Topic –Yoga, Relaxation and health of teachers and in turn of students
Trainer – Mrs. Hemangi Dani& her team
The Bhai Surve Hall had been arranged with huge mats all ready for the Yoga session. At the outset, Mrs. Hemangi Dani and her team, two volunteers from The Yoga Institute of Santacruz introduced themselves. Archana, one of the volunteers started the demonstration and Mrs. Dani explained the significance of each asana and how it was to be performed. The teachers followed suit. Each asana was repeated twice or thrice as per the need. Each participant was given individual attention to ensure that the asanas were performed correctly. The related medical benefit was imparted.
Among the yogasanas performed were Tadaasan, 2 types of Conasan, sitting Parvatasan, Bhujangasan, Yashtikasan, sleeping Tadaasan, Vajrasan, Pawanmuktasan and Shavasan. All the teachers realised the need for regular practice of yoga. They immediately felt more flexible and active.
Thereafter there was a short lunch break. In the second half, Mrs. Dani spoke about the following points –
1. The relevance of what, when and how much we eat. Eat only when really hungry. Avoid snacking. Chew thoroughly.
2. Importance of drinking adequate water to reduce acidity and digestive issues.
3. One must listen to ones body and do what it demands.
4. Importance of recreation and setting aside time for oneself to enjoy pursuit of a hobby, doing what makes one happy.
5. The difference between good stress that motivates one to act and bad stress that does harm and leads to various diseases. Stress is the inability to handle the situation or stress arises in a situation that seems to have no solution. One must let go and not try to change the world. We can never change others, only ourselves. Change the perception.
6. Surrender and abandon Ego. Control the mind & thoughts.
Teachers were then taken through a session of relaxation and deep breathing while soft, soothing music was played and one focussed on relaxing each part of the body. One forgot all worries, tensions and just let go. This was followed by a short prayer and chanting of ‘Om’.
Tharwal Madam thanked the Resource person and volunteers for their valuable guidance. The participant teachers also expressed their gratitude. It had indeed been a wonderful experience.
- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote
Teacher Training Program Day 4 – 9th October, 2017
No. of Participants – 20
Topic – a) Catering to multiple intelligence levels of students.
b) Career Education
Ms. Mulay started the course by mentioning the book by noted psychologist, Howard Gardner, ‘Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Through his research Gardner has concluded that children have different levels of intelligence in various areas. These include Verbal-Linguistic, Logical- Mathematical, Visual-Spatial, Body-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Naturalistic.
How should a teacher ensure that all these intelligences are being tapped? She must keenly observe the students. A list of activities/abilities that are a part of these areas were listed. Ms. Mulay advised that unnecessary energy must not be wasted in trying to do everything ourselves. Smart work is the key to success. Let students use various tools to complete tasks. Encourage varied activities –
1.Solve Puzzles, Sudoku, Word games, Chess- Both sides of brain will be used.
2. Map stories, Visualisation, Plot a graph on performance in each question,
3. Use organisers, Maintain daily diary, work as a team,
4. Use Sequencing, process writing, coding, correlate lessons,
5. Use tactics to encourage reading newspapers, do research,
6. Conduct Historical visits, have Street plays with a tagline, organise a Fun fair,
7. Play music during P.T. Have Aerobics, Humming,
8. Innovative and fun filled activities to learn Science, Math e.g. Kite Flying
A teacher must always have a Positive attitude, she must tell good things about each child, encourage the right perspective and tap the aptitude of the child. She must leave her family and medical issues at home. Negative vibes are harmful. Ego has no place in a classroom. Live in the present and believe in yourself. Don’t allow anyone to run you down. Be enthusiastic.
Madam gave an insight of how a micro lesson had to be done. It should cater to the multiple intelligences of the students. Thereafter, there was a discussion relating all the subjects to various career options. Every student must know the importance of learning something, relate it to a career. A few games were also conducted to ensure that the session was lively and all the teachers were actively involved in the learning process. Such games should be used within classrooms to enable greater understanding of topics.
- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote
Participants – 19 teachers
Special invitees – Pendharkar Sir, Parab Sir, Tharwal Madam
Topics – a) Branding of school ( vision & mission )
b) Leadership in school program
Ms Mulay initiated the day with a discussion on the logo of the school. The teachers were requested to explain the significance of the school logo and elaborate on the inherent message. a) Visionary mission- Along with learning the concepts, every child must realise that perfectness and correctness were important. The reason behind learning something should be known to the child as this would propel him to take greater interest.
b) Teachers should be convinced of their method of teaching. They must constantly upgrade themselves by doing online or other courses.
c) Teachers should accompany students to competitions to cheer them up. It would instil a sense of pride in the school. Students respect teachers who command. An awareness of the birthdate, area of residence and background of students would help establish rapport. They will be ever ready to support the teacher in her endeavours.
d) Inculcating and expecting discipline is essential. One must be able to recognise the student as a product of ‘so and so’ school by the manner in which he stands, walks, talks and conducts himself.
Ms Mulay said that competitions must be held for teachers on their special day. Various modes of appreciation should be used to enhance self esteem. She once again stressed on Free and fair elections among students. Ragging would reduce and a sense of self worth would grow. Creating a happy atmosphere: ‘Happy school concept’ that had a botanical garden with every plant named, a corridor right from the gate that was literally a museum or science lab with various models, sculpture, charts, portraits on display. This sort of ‘informal education’ would be very novel and interesting. Ms Mulay stressed on the need for grade wise field trips to relevant places that would leave a mark on the students psyche. Activities and sports that encouraged more and more children to emerge as confident players.
Post lunch a session of ‘Buzz’ and ‘Coffee pot’ were played. These would help reduce tedium, add joy and increase alertness in the class. “A leader is one who walks behind and allows others to walk ahead” Ma’am said. A teacher should be a class manager. She must support, empathise, praise every good deed and laud small achievements. Ma’am called upon the participants to set specific goals and work towards the outcomes. As a Facilitator she needed to look into what changes she wished to see, what changes she needed to bring in herself in order to reach the realisation of her goals. Teachers shared these points with their partners through a simple game. Conduct SWOT analysis of the class and channelize the excess energy by encouraging research and innovation.
Bring out the leadership qualities in children, organise ‘Kavi Sammelans’ & c. Go hand in hand with students and Live and Let Live was the final message of the day.
- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote
Day 2 – 5th October, 2017
Topics for discussion – a) Motivation of teachers and students
b) Work culture of the school & creativity in teaching
No. of Teacher Participants –19
The new participants were Ms. Selby Matthew, Ms.Aruna Raut, Ms.Kshitija Sankpal, Ms. Jyoti Nair, Ms.Shweta Vartak, Ms.Tanvi Panchal and Ms. Pritiksha Wade.
All the teachers were handed a booklet that had been compiled by Ms. Mulay. The first chapter ‘I am a Teacher’ by John Schlatter elucidated very beautifully the varied roles played by a teacher in the life of a child. The teachers’ approach can humanise or dehumanise a child. They etch permanent tattoos on tender minds. Teacher have the power to start a revolution, therefore they must be instrumental in bringing positive change.
Ms. Mulay laid stress on the following points –
a) Teachers must constantly groom themselves to be better teachers.
b) Project work should be simple and one that can be easily accomplished by the students themselves and it should tickle their grey cells.
c) The Atlas must be used by all students in a Geography class to motivate practical knowledge.
d) Head Boy and Head Girl should be appointed after free and fair Elections and we should encourage speech making and campaigning.
e) SWOT Analysis should be done periodically by the teachers so that they may constantly work toward enhancing their strengths and opportunities and work upon their weaknesses and threats and think of ways to overcome them. This method can be used by students as well. It is like looking at a mirror. Grab every opportunity, strengthen your resolve and convert threats into opportunities.
f) Be Unique. Autograph your work with excellence.
g) Self Questioning is another key to progress. One must analyse ones attitude towards students, the atmosphere in the class and the rapport that has been established. Self audit and introspection would help a teacher to solve problems with ease. They must be self motivated.
g) Every teacher must be aware of the work culture of the school. Discipline and responsibility are important characteristics. The good name of the school must be upheld at all times.
h) Diplomacy, a sense of humour, the capacity to enjoy small moments and understanding the needs of children are essential features. A teacher mustn’t get melodramatic, instead she must deal with errant students with maturity.
The session was an interactive one. A few activities and a lot of self evaluation were the highlights of the day. Ms.Mulay signed off with a question, “Where were we and where do we wish to go?”
- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote
Resource Person – Ms.Shailaja Mulay and her team
Timing – 11.30am to 3.00pm, 4thto 13th October 2017 in BhaiSurve Hall
Names of the participating teachers-
1. Mrs.Neha Kale
2. Mrs.PoonamVaidya
3. Mr.Gitesh Shirke
4. Mrs.Shravani Patankar
5. Mrs.Varsha Patil
6. Mrs Reshma Shinde
7. Mrs.Sonali Samant
8. Mrs Nilima Khadatkar
9. Mr.Tejesh Sonawane
10. Ms.Suhasini Aiwale
11. Mrs.Harshika Chowkekar
12. Mrs.Jyoti Honkote
Day 1 –
Inauguration of the programme -
The teachers had gathered in the hall before 11.30am and true to her nature Ms.ShailajaMulay entered the hall exactly on time. She was accompanied by the Chairman of English Secondary section ShriMhambrey, Principal of the school Mr. Desai and AHM Mrs.Tharwal.
At the outset, Mrs.Valanjoo welcomed Ms.Mulay and gave a short introduction about her. A bouquet and a book, a sign of our deep regards,was also presented by Shri Desai. Mhambrey Sir spoke a few words highlighting the need for inculcating self-discipline, morality, civic sense and patriotism in students. He recalled the recent shameful incident of the stampede that occurred atElphinston road railway station. He stressed on the fact that teachers had to instil in students a deep sense of duty and righteousness. Mr. Desai called upon the teachers to enhance their expertise in their special field and perform their responsibilities selflessly. Mrs.Tharwal in her address thanked Mulay madam for readily agreeing to conduct the programme and for always supporting us in all our endeavours. Thereafter Mrs. Kale thanked Ms.Mulay for coming every year to conduct aptitude tests and counsel our students on their choice of career.
Ms.Mulay took over from here. The actual training session started with Ice-breaker activities. These were innovative fun games that kept all the teachers on their feet, alert and agile. Thereafter teachers were divided into three groups. Each group had to prepare a poster wherein they noted down their expectations from the workshop. Thus all were actively involved in constructively thinking and analysing the needs of present day students, challenges in education and creating a conducive and creative atmosphere while dealing with different levels of students. It was unanimously agreed upon, that lack of time and the vastness of the syllabi along with extra-curricular activities made effective teaching difficult.
Ms.Mulay stressed that ‘Planning’ the entire years schedule correctly was of paramount importance. She gave an insight about the manner in which teachers should go about this task. “Involve the students in planning,” she advised. “Make them realise the number of actual working days available and the need for their cooperation in the completion of the portions,”She said. She also said that project work should be relevant and useful.
A Prodigy whose speciality is drawing, painting, sketching and creating amazingly beautiful pieces of art. Pradyna has won a slew of trophies, medals and certificates in various art competitions organised by eminent institutions. Prominent among these awards are the prestigious All India Camel Art Contest, wherein her drawing was selected for the zonal level, 2nd prize in the Education Department’s ‘R East’ ward’s ‘Sahshaley Upakram’, A+ Award in Rangotsav Sanstha’s ‘Stroke’ National level competition, 1st prize in 2011, 2015 and 2016 in Poisur Gymkhana’s ‘Jan Mahotsav’ and 2nd prize in Sanskriti Kaladarpan. In the Intermediate Drawing Grade Exam organised by Directorate of Art, Maharashtra, Pradyna got 48th Merit rank. Shehas more than 62 prizesto her creditof these 21 are trophies, 9 gold medals and 1 silver medal.
Pradnya is a very sincere student, a diligent girl who balances studies, extra activities and her hobby effortlessly.
