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Showing posts from July, 2023

Do you have SHY students in your class? by Dr Aswathy Rajan

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Do you have SHY students in your class?   Remember They’re Not Doing This on Purpose. Shy students may have too much anxiety that may not allow their brains to appropriately process or recall information. In fact, shy students who are afraid to ask questions can easily fall behind, and if they’re frequently anxious about having to participate in class, they may start engaging in school refusal. Here are 5 effective ways to encourage and support shy students : 1.     Start with Non-Verbal Communication- Eg. Allow students to put a sticky note or another silent indicator on their desks to let you know when they need help. 2.     Use Positive Reinforcement- Show the student that you are noticing what they are doing, you appreciate the effort, and want them to continue the behaviour. 3.     Learn Their Triggers- talk to the student, their parents, the guidance department, or past teachers to...

Are you a teacher who is under performance pressure?...by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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  Are you a teacher who is under Performance Pressure from School or Parents? Unlike in the past, there is serious competition in the teaching career. Today, a teacher is accountable for the win percentage of the class, individual student growth indicators, and even the disciplinary factors of the class that they handle. Being responsible for several roles other than quality teaching is bound to put a lot of pressure on the teacher. Often, papers pile up, lessons must be planned, and students act out. In conjunction, teachers must adjust to curriculum changes. Not to mention, the added stress of distance learning: getting students to sign in, stay engaged and on-task, and turn in their assignments...or having to develop different types of curriculum for both in-person and online students.  Teachers often feel performance pressure due to several factors. Firstly, they are responsible for shaping young minds and fear the consequences of inadequate teaching. Additionally, their ...

Be authentic in classroom by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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  Are you Authentic in the Classroom?   Should I feel free to be myself in front of my students or just pretend to be someone else? should we bring our authenticity to a room full of young people? This is the dilemma that many teachers face during their interactions with students. Let’s dig deep! When teachers feel free to be themselves at school, it has a lot of benefits for them and their students. When we bring our true selves to our classrooms, we enhance the learning environment and improve our overall job satisfaction. Here are 3 WAYS TO BE YOURSELF AT SCHOOL 1.    Share your personal life…with boundaries: Tell your family stories occasionally, but be careful to not share information that is not required. For Eg. tell funny toddler stories about your kids, talk about your memorable trip, your hobbies etc. 2.    Feel free to Express yourself: Try verbally labelling your feelings for your students. “I’m frustrated that the clas...

New Possibilities in Education- Immersive Technology by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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Immersive technology, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), has the potential to revolutionize the field of education and significantly aid teachers in enhancing the learning experience. Here are some ways immersive technology can help teachers: Visualizing complex concepts: Immersive technology allows teachers to create interactive 3D models and simulations, making it easier for students to understand complex concepts in subjects like science, mathematics, and engineering. Experiential learning: Virtual reality can transport students to different places and time periods, providing them with immersive experiences that enhance their understanding of history, geography, and culture. Engaging and interactive lessons: Immersive technology makes lessons more engaging and interactive, capturing students' attention and encouraging active participation in the learning process. Personalized learning: With immersive technology, teachers can...

Social Responsibility for Students by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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Social responsibility for students is of paramount importance as it nurtures well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society. Here are some key reasons why social responsibility is crucial for students: Citizenship and Civic Engagement: Social responsibility instills a sense of citizenship and civic duty in students. It encourages them to actively participate in their communities, understand social issues, and contribute to the betterment of society. Empathy and Compassion: By engaging in social responsibility activities, students develop empathy and compassion towards others. They become more aware of the challenges faced by different individuals and groups, leading to greater understanding and support. Ethical Development: Students learn to make ethical decisions and understand the consequences of their actions on others and the environment. Social responsibility helps them align their actions with their values, fostering integrity and responsible behavior. Pr...

Inclusive Education by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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A teacher’s role is to lead by example. By being mindful of the words and terms that you use, during the teaching-learning process, you can set a good example for the children in your class. As a teacher, we must teach tolerance to our children because tolerance is constantly being challenged in a society where it is valued. Tolerance plays an important role in promoting social equality at school. In addition to showing students how to interact with others, it also teaches them how to learn from people who are different from themselves. Tolerance is “recognizing and respecting other’s beliefs and practices without making a negative impact about it” (Neufeldt 1994). Tolerance is important in schools because it helps create an environment where all students feel welcome and respected. When students feel respected and valued, they are more likely to be engaged in learning and to feel positive about themselves and their peers. Tolerance also helps prevent bullying and other forms of ha...