"Education has one main purpose - to prepare students for the real world and to do that we need to "get real" in education. It is imperative that we provide ongoing, authentic learning opportunities to our students." - Steve Revington
Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still. The main aim of education is not knowledge but action. It is the passport to the future of those who prepare for it today. Authentic learning is the essential setting that education requires to move towards sustainable meaningful, relevant learning in the 21st century. It’s not the latest strategic vessel to explore education’s ocean – authentic learning is the ocean itself with integrity and commitment as its waves.
Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them. Commitment is when you accept no excuses; only result. The white canvas is always challenging to paint but to paint something new on an old canvas is an even greater challenge. The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. To develop a complete mind it is inevitable that we study the science of art and the art of science. We need to excel beyond our horizons; learn the new ways to see the challenges and realize that everything connects to the holistic development of the students.
One care that needs to be taken is to develop wellness that encompasses a healthy body, a sound mind and tranquil sprit. Education begins the moment we see children as innately wise and capable beings. Only then can we play along in the world of cognitive, emotional, spiritual and social health. Education is not only a tool for survival but also for enhancing perception to build a happier society and promote the practice of love and compassion. Life skills curriculum is blended with students’ active participation, interactive teaching and learning methodology. We, the educator’s must mandatorily mould the student’s desire to learn things not just by endeavour and high spirits but by always burning within them their enlightening intelligence.
Today the concept of a social contract is different – only people who have the knowledge and skills to negotiate constant change and reinvent themselves for new situations will succeed. We need to focus on the tool to excel and hold our thought to the sight of the purpose.
Mrs Anagha Gholap
Principal, Podar International School - Pune (Ambegaon)
