‘Education Has to Encourage Innovation’

1. How has your role as an educator evolved over so many years that you have contributed in the field?

As an educator my role over the years has changed from a disseminator of information to that of a facilitator of learning processes . The use of blackboards, white boards and Chalk has been replaced with Smartboards, LCD projectors, video streaming and document scanners. I have become a tech savvy educator and am successfully using IT tools in the classrooms.

Experiential Learning and project based method have further evolved me into an enthusiastic learner as well.

2. If you could change one policy that is affecting the education system right now, what would that be?

If ever get a chance to change one policy, I would prefer to give equal importance to the teaching of English as given to the mother tongue. According to NEP 2020, the use of mother tongue will be promoted while disseminating

education during formative years. However, it is said that the child learns as he grows and not when he grows. In case teaching of English begins at a later stage of life, then it will be difficult for the young children to start the learning of foreign language afresh. English is a window to the world and needs rigorous practice so that our students are all set to face the world at the global level geared with different competencies. 3. How do you think 21st century skills can be inculcated in students?

In this globally interconnected world, a conscious effort is needed by the educational institutions to expose all the children to a curriculum which sharpens their 21st century skills i.e. 4 C's -critical thinking creativity collaboration and communication. Education has to encourage innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship amongst children to make them successful in the 21 century.

Classrooms should be inquiry-based and students should be encouraged to frame their own questions . Teachers should endorse collaboration and sharing of ideas.

Alka Kapur, Principal,

Modern Public School,

Shalimar Bagh