12
The monthly newsletter from EI Issue 68 | December 2010 | www.ei-india.com Editor’s Note Hello Readers! We have clubbed November and December issue to bring out the Special issue. This month witnessed the most happening event of the year the Mathcovery Grand Finale that took place on 11th December, 2010. What started as a simple idea by six students of different schools of Ahmedabad became the first ever nationwide competition of its kind, read the exclusive story. Wish all the readers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year from ASSET team. Would love to hear from you regarding the articles. This Month’s Issue Mathcovery Finale............ The Importance of ........... AQAD................................. Mark Twain’s 100 ............. The Third Teacher .............. ASSET Year Planner ............ School Corner ................... Teacher’s Bite ................... Contest & Duke TIP .......... 21st Century School.......... Events ............................... 01 03 04 05 05 06 08 09 10 11 12 Bindu Pillai Eight months of perseverance culminated in the Ms. Meera Raghavan (Maths Expert – first ever Mathcovery Grand Finale that took place Bangalore), Dr. K. Subramaniam (Sr. Faculty at on 11th December, 2010. What started as a simple Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education), idea by six students of different schools of and Ms. Manjiri Patil (Maths Expert). Ahmedabad became the first ever nationwide The exhibition began and the judges watched competition of its kind. Twenty finalists from all and assessed the presentations of each over India reached Ahmedabad on 9th December contestant. Before long, school children and to take part in the 3 day event that included a others started to pour in. The contestants welcome dinner, an assembly of their 3D models made their presentations throughout the day. followed by a presentation of their unique, Person after person came, watched the unobvious maths ideas to a panel of four esteemed presentations, admired the beautifully judges and a ride in the Helium Balloon, the first of constructed models and gained an insight into its kind in India. the unobvious. The contestants seemed to The Finale kicked off with the opening ceremony. come alive. Their faces shone with fervor as The main goal of the opening ceremony was to they imparted their discoveries to others. chronicle the Mathcovery journey. Videos of each Students of all classes from visiting schools of the creators explaining an aspect of Mathcovery learnt about the fun in Mathematics by realising were shown. The twenty finalists, who were going that maths is an integral factor in topics that to battle it out for the three exciting prizes that we don’t seem to have anything to do with maths were offering: a Fastrack Watch, an iPod Touch and at first glance. an Apple MacBook, were introduced. The panel of The judges assessed the contestants on four judges were: Dr. Amber Habib (Prof. at major areas: “unobviousness” of the math Mathematical Sciences Foundation - Delhi), Check page 10 Special Issue ASSET Photo Contest ASSET Photo Contest GRAND FINALE Mathcovery 2010 Finalists and Creators Continued on next page.....

ASSETScope December

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

A monthly newsletter for teachers, principals and educationist. It carries wide information about school, teacher training, best practices, contests etc.

Citation preview

Page 1: ASSETScope December

T h e m o n t h l y n e w s l e t t e r f r o m E I

Issue 68 | December 2010 | www.ei-india.com

Editor’s NoteHello Readers!

We have clubbed November and December issue to b r i n g o u t t h e Special issue.

This month witnessed the most happening event of the year the Mathcovery Grand Finale that took place on 11th December, 2010. What started as a simple idea by six students of different schools of Ahmedabad became the first ever nationwide competition of its kind, read the exclusive story.

Wish all the readers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year from ASSET team. Would love to hear from you regarding the articles.

This Month’sIssue

Mathcovery Finale............

The Importance of ...........

AQAD.................................

Mark Twain’s 100 .............

The Third Teacher..............

ASSET Year Planner............

School Corner ...................

Teacher’s Bite ...................

Contest & Duke TIP ..........

21st Century School..........

Events ...............................

01

03

04

05

05

06

08

09

10

11

12

Bindu Pillai

Eight months of perseverance culminated in the Ms. Meera Raghavan (Maths Expert – first ever Mathcovery Grand Finale that took place Bangalore), Dr. K. Subramaniam (Sr. Faculty at on 11th December, 2010. What started as a simple Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education), idea by six students of different schools of and Ms. Manjiri Patil (Maths Expert).Ahmedabad became the first ever nationwide

The exhibition began and the judges watched competition of its kind. Twenty finalists from all

and assessed the presentations of each over India reached Ahmedabad on 9th December

contestant. Before long, school children and to take part in the 3 day event that included a

others started to pour in. The contestants welcome dinner, an assembly of their 3D models

made their presentations throughout the day. followed by a presentation of their unique,

Person after person came, watched the unobvious maths ideas to a panel of four esteemed

presentations, admired the beautifully judges and a ride in the Helium Balloon, the first of

constructed models and gained an insight into its kind in India.

the unobvious. The contestants seemed to The Finale kicked off with the opening ceremony. come alive. Their faces shone with fervor as The main goal of the opening ceremony was to they imparted their discoveries to others. chronicle the Mathcovery journey. Videos of each Students of all classes from visiting schools of the creators explaining an aspect of Mathcovery learnt about the fun in Mathematics by realising were shown. The twenty finalists, who were going that maths is an integral factor in topics that to battle it out for the three exciting prizes that we don’t seem to have anything to do with maths were offering: a Fastrack Watch, an iPod Touch and at first glance. an Apple MacBook, were introduced. The panel of

The judges assessed the contestants on four judges were: Dr. Amber Habib (Prof. at

major areas: “unobviousness” of the math Mathematical Sciences Foundation - Delhi),

Check page 10

Special Issue

ASSET

Photo ContestASSET

Photo Contest

GRAND FINALE

Mathcovery 2010 Finalists and Creators

Continued on next page.....

Page 2: ASSETScope December

Judges from L to R: Ms. Meera Raghavan (Maths Expert);Ms. Manjiri Patil (Maths Expert); Dr. Amber Habib (Prof. at Mathematical Sciences Foundation); Dr. K. Subramaniam

(Sr. Faculty at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education)

Mathcovery participant receiving a medal and certificate

Mathcovery Champion 2010 trophies and gifts From L to R: Dr. Amber Habib, Dr. K Subramaniam,Mr. Sridhar Rajagopalan (MD, Educational Initiatives)

Mathcovery Champions 2010From L to R: Vaidik Shah, Jairaj Gambhir, Mohammed

Safiulla, Devasri Turakhia, Subhiksha S, Raaga Srinivas

Mathcovery Creator Anuron Mitra

Championship 2010

Finally came the moment of reckoning. The winners of the first ever Mathcovery Grand Finale were announced. In the junior category and senior category the winners were:

JUNIOR CATEGORY

Position

National Champion

1st Runner Up

2nd Runner Up

Name

Subhiksha S

Raaga Srinivas

Devasri Turakhia

School

Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School

National Academy of learning

Billabong High International School

Topic (Math in…)

Aviation

Bharata Natyam Dance

Dabbawala

City

Chennai

Bangalore

Mumbai

Prizes

Apple Macbook

Apple iPod Touch

Fastrack Watch

SENIOR CATEGORY

Position

National Champion

1st Runner Up

2nd Runner Up

Name

Mohammed Safiulla

Vaidik Shah

Jairaj Gambhir

School

The Titan School

Rustomjee Cambridge Intl. School

Amity International School

Topic (Math in…)

Card Magic

Criminal Justice

The Wheel: A New Approach

City

Hosur

Mumbai

Ghaziabad

Prizes

Apple Macbook

Apple iPod Touch

Fastrack Watch

And thus ended the first ever Mathcovery Grand Finale! Attempts will be made to use students’ ideas and inputs to understand what influence them the most – whether it is the After the Grand Finale, students interacted with the scientist playground activities or Television or the virtual world from from ISRO – Mr. Iyengar.where they derive their learning. This will help arrive at the

The competition is expected to change children’s attitude common areas of misconceptions in students. towards Maths in general. Maths for Mathcovery participants is

See Mathcovery Grand Finale Memories Video - no more about learning the correct formulae or just scoring http://blog.mindspark.in/mathcovery-memories/good marks in exams. It is about discovering the presence of

Maths in everyday things in life. And to read more about the f inals log on to blog.mindspark.in

- by Anuron Mitra, Mathcovery creator, Zydus School for Excellence, Ahmedabad.

Theatre has been an influential factor in many people's lives - reports or debates and in the long creativity can flourish, academics can improve and means of term, they can be used in interviews self-expression can be developed. It is important to have and presentations. The more confident mandatory theatre classes because when a student a child becomes, the more his/her self-esteem will grow. participates, he benefits. Children and youth with high self-esteem have a tendency to

perform better scholastically and have a better outlook on life Theatre can be influential in all aspects of life. Participating in and will then feel more inclined to contribute positively to theatre classes can stimulate students’ creativity and thought society.processes. Developing a creative mind can lead to a more

tolerant attitude because, "The creative process of theatre Participating in theatre classes can be beneficial in other areas leads children to become more open-minded and acceptable of life such as academics. Creative thought processes can be with the diverse roles they portray." In the future, students developed through theatre used in Maths and Science for who have grown up with theatre will become more tolerant of problem solving and experimentation. A developed mind can sensitive issues, which could create better living conditions potentially use abstract thinking to "think outside the box" and globally. offer ideas, solutions and ways of testing them.

Staging and performing in a show can promote teamwork Children are our future and it is imperative that we develop all-through the actors and the crew. Learning lines for a play may rounders who can contribute to society. Mandatory theatre seem tedious and can be tough but even the smallest of lines classes can bring about this positive change and the skills helps in developing students’ public speaking skills. Speaking in learned can be used to resolve any problem, be it big or small. It front of audiences develops confidence and improves is therefore important to teach this to today's youth so that it communication skills. These skills can be utilized in school gets passed on through the years.

The Importance of Theatre Class in Schools

topic, 2D or 3D model, presentation and creativity. They were they had managed to spread the message of doing the given only five minutes to present, after which they would be unobvious. subjected to questions by the judges to assess their

When the judges had finished assessing both the seniors and understanding of their respective topics.

juniors, the closing ceremony commenced. The contestants Over a thousand people attended the exhibition. The creators were asked to share their experiences.also watched the presentations and were proud of the fact that

Page 3: ASSETScope December

Judges from L to R: Ms. Meera Raghavan (Maths Expert);Ms. Manjiri Patil (Maths Expert); Dr. Amber Habib (Prof. at Mathematical Sciences Foundation); Dr. K. Subramaniam

(Sr. Faculty at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education)

Mathcovery participant receiving a medal and certificate

Mathcovery Champion 2010 trophies and gifts From L to R: Dr. Amber Habib, Dr. K Subramaniam,Mr. Sridhar Rajagopalan (MD, Educational Initiatives)

Mathcovery Champions 2010From L to R: Vaidik Shah, Jairaj Gambhir, Mohammed

Safiulla, Devasri Turakhia, Subhiksha S, Raaga Srinivas

Mathcovery Creator Anuron Mitra

Championship 2010

Finally came the moment of reckoning. The winners of the first ever Mathcovery Grand Finale were announced. In the junior category and senior category the winners were:

JUNIOR CATEGORY

Position

National Champion

1st Runner Up

2nd Runner Up

Name

Subhiksha S

Raaga Srinivas

Devasri Turakhia

School

Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School

National Academy of learning

Billabong High International School

Topic (Math in…)

Aviation

Bharata Natyam Dance

Dabbawala

City

Chennai

Bangalore

Mumbai

Prizes

Apple Macbook

Apple iPod Touch

Fastrack Watch

SENIOR CATEGORY

Position

National Champion

1st Runner Up

2nd Runner Up

Name

Mohammed Safiulla

Vaidik Shah

Jairaj Gambhir

School

The Titan School

Rustomjee Cambridge Intl. School

Amity International School

Topic (Math in…)

Card Magic

Criminal Justice

The Wheel: A New Approach

City

Hosur

Mumbai

Ghaziabad

Prizes

Apple Macbook

Apple iPod Touch

Fastrack Watch

And thus ended the first ever Mathcovery Grand Finale! Attempts will be made to use students’ ideas and inputs to understand what influence them the most – whether it is the After the Grand Finale, students interacted with the scientist playground activities or Television or the virtual world from from ISRO – Mr. Iyengar.where they derive their learning. This will help arrive at the

The competition is expected to change children’s attitude common areas of misconceptions in students. towards Maths in general. Maths for Mathcovery participants is

See Mathcovery Grand Finale Memories Video - no more about learning the correct formulae or just scoring http://blog.mindspark.in/mathcovery-memories/good marks in exams. It is about discovering the presence of

Maths in everyday things in life. And to read more about the f inals log on to blog.mindspark.in

- by Anuron Mitra, Mathcovery creator, Zydus School for Excellence, Ahmedabad.

Theatre has been an influential factor in many people's lives - reports or debates and in the long creativity can flourish, academics can improve and means of term, they can be used in interviews self-expression can be developed. It is important to have and presentations. The more confident mandatory theatre classes because when a student a child becomes, the more his/her self-esteem will grow. participates, he benefits. Children and youth with high self-esteem have a tendency to

perform better scholastically and have a better outlook on life Theatre can be influential in all aspects of life. Participating in and will then feel more inclined to contribute positively to theatre classes can stimulate students’ creativity and thought society.processes. Developing a creative mind can lead to a more

tolerant attitude because, "The creative process of theatre Participating in theatre classes can be beneficial in other areas leads children to become more open-minded and acceptable of life such as academics. Creative thought processes can be with the diverse roles they portray." In the future, students developed through theatre used in Maths and Science for who have grown up with theatre will become more tolerant of problem solving and experimentation. A developed mind can sensitive issues, which could create better living conditions potentially use abstract thinking to "think outside the box" and globally. offer ideas, solutions and ways of testing them.

Staging and performing in a show can promote teamwork Children are our future and it is imperative that we develop all-through the actors and the crew. Learning lines for a play may rounders who can contribute to society. Mandatory theatre seem tedious and can be tough but even the smallest of lines classes can bring about this positive change and the skills helps in developing students’ public speaking skills. Speaking in learned can be used to resolve any problem, be it big or small. It front of audiences develops confidence and improves is therefore important to teach this to today's youth so that it communication skills. These skills can be utilized in school gets passed on through the years.

The Importance of Theatre Class in Schools

topic, 2D or 3D model, presentation and creativity. They were they had managed to spread the message of doing the given only five minutes to present, after which they would be unobvious. subjected to questions by the judges to assess their

When the judges had finished assessing both the seniors and understanding of their respective topics.

juniors, the closing ceremony commenced. The contestants Over a thousand people attended the exhibition. The creators were asked to share their experiences.also watched the presentations and were proud of the fact that

Page 4: ASSETScope December

Mark Twain's 100-Year-Old Secrets

Famous author’s autobiography hits bookstores 100 years after his death

What has Mark Twain been hiding from fans all these years? That's what historians have been wondering for the past century.

One of America's most beloved authors, Twain asked that his publishers not release his autobiography for at least 100 years after his death, which was in 1910. The first of three volumes, or books, that tell Twain's life story arrived in bookstores—and it's already a bestseller.

Critics say Twain's autobiography includes some of his best writing. That's a big compliment. Twain left behind a lot of writings–from essays and novels to short stories and traveller's tales. He loved to write about the lives of everyday Americans, as in his novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,

his opinions. He criticised the government, business leaders, and the famous short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of religion, and what he viewed as the country's culture of racism. Calaveras County." Some of the best-known characters in He hoped America would be different by the time his book was American literature, including Huckleberry Finn and Tom published.Sawyer, were created by Twain. In one example, Twain criticized the U.S. Army for killing 600 Twain's real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens. "Mark members of the Moro tribe in the Philippines, including women Twain" is a pseudonym, a fake name that masks a person's true and children, after being given the order to "kill or capture" the identity. He wrote about big issues, like racism, that was tribe. "Apparently our little Army considered that the 'or' left controversial in his day. That's why he used a pseudonym. He them with the authority to kill or capture according to taste," wanted to protect himself from critics. Instead, Twain found an Twain wrote.audience of fans that saw him as a beloved writer and a zany

jokester. The first book is more than 750 pages. But Editor, Robert Hirst says not to worry about that too much. "I would recommend What was so controversial in his autobiography that Twain what Mark Twain would recommend," he says. "If you're bored thought it could not be published during his lifetime? He with it, skip it."wanted his memoirs to be honest, so he refused to hold back

An ASSET Question-a-Day has become a routine affair in our school. Whiteboards have been placed at different places (according to the classes) in our school campus, where the learners of the respective classes can go and copy the questions for that particular day. The learners of classes VI, VII, VIII and IX maintain separate

notebooks to solve these questions. The answers to these questions are discussed by the respective subject teachers. Entries are also being made by the class teachers in their anectodal records for the group of students who are prompt in coming up with the answers to the AQAD. Not only this, the learners of class X, XI and XII are also being made to solve these questions during their arrangement periods.

The teachers have also attended the workshops organised in our school campus in which the ASSET Resource persons have equipped them with even more innovative ways of teaching and learning.

We hope our association with ASSET, Educational Initiatives, goes a long way in shaping these young minds.

The questions in ASSET Question-a-Day are thought provoking questions designed by team of educational experts at ASSET which aims at providing greater exposure to application orientated questions to students on a daily basis.

You can register for AQAD by visiting http://www.ei-india.com/about-asset/asset-question-a-day-registration/

Share your school AQAD activity with us, along with a photograph. We would be glad to publish it in our newsletter.

An ASSET Question-a-Day ‘Keeps Ignorance Away’

The Third Teacher:

Contributed by Sapna Nayak, ASSET Ambassador, Sharada Mandir School, Panaji

79 Ways You Can Use Design to

Transform Teaching & Learning (Architecture)

The book is created by an international Some people would argue that the only important aspect of a team of architects and designers room is what takes place in it. But in the book, The Third concerned about our failing education Teacher: 79 Ways You Can Use Design to Transform Teaching & system, The Third Teacher explores the Learning, authors Trung Le and Rick Dewar maintain that the critical link between the school designs of schools and classrooms can have a tremendous - and environment and how children learn, mostly overlooked - impact on learning.

and offers 79 practical design ideas, both great and small, to The two have spent a lot of time working on school designs. Le guide readers’ efforts to improve our schools. Written for is the lead designer for OWP/P | Cannon Design’s education those who have school-age children in their lives, from group and Rick Dewar, also of OWP/P | Cannon, has spent educators and education decision-makers to parents and several decades working on K-12 designs and projects.community activists, this book is intended to ignite a blaze of

The author’s share:discussion and initiative about the environment as an essential

“If we truly believe that creativity is an essential ingredient in a element of learning. Including a wealth of interviews, facts, child’s development, then we need to shift completely away statistics, and stories from experts in a wide range of fields, this from the “cells and bells” model of school design-with book is a ‘how-to’ guide to be used to connect with the many classrooms as cells and the school bell indicating the time to organizations, individuals, and ideas dedicated to innovating move from one to another. So the fundamental question we and improving teaching and learning. Contributors include: should be asking is, “Does this learning environment support a children’s singer and advocate Raffi, author and creativity child’s natural instinct to learn through creation and consultant to Sir Ken Robinson, scientist and environmentalist, discovery?” Our learning environments should be open to David Suzuki, inventor James Dyson, and other experts who supporting the creative process.are working to create fresh solutions to problems as well as a

new blueprint for the future of education. Rather than students moving when the bell rings, eating when that one rings, we can shift from this model in simple ways. In The average school and classroom designs haven’t changed in one of our projects, we introduced a café into a small learning decades, but some architects maintain that a few renovations academy, so students can take a break and get a snack when could make classrooms more student-centred and lead to they are hungry or thirsty rather than when the bell rings.”improvements in test scores.

Millions saw apples fall;

only Newton asked WHY?

®

Inspiring Critical Thinking

- Ms. Vandana Puri, Principal, Salwan Public School, New Delhi

Do you want to share the best pratices of your school with our readers?

Write to us at [email protected]

Page 5: ASSETScope December

Mark Twain's 100-Year-Old Secrets

Famous author’s autobiography hits bookstores 100 years after his death

What has Mark Twain been hiding from fans all these years? That's what historians have been wondering for the past century.

One of America's most beloved authors, Twain asked that his publishers not release his autobiography for at least 100 years after his death, which was in 1910. The first of three volumes, or books, that tell Twain's life story arrived in bookstores—and it's already a bestseller.

Critics say Twain's autobiography includes some of his best writing. That's a big compliment. Twain left behind a lot of writings–from essays and novels to short stories and traveller's tales. He loved to write about the lives of everyday Americans, as in his novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,

his opinions. He criticised the government, business leaders, and the famous short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of religion, and what he viewed as the country's culture of racism. Calaveras County." Some of the best-known characters in He hoped America would be different by the time his book was American literature, including Huckleberry Finn and Tom published.Sawyer, were created by Twain. In one example, Twain criticized the U.S. Army for killing 600 Twain's real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens. "Mark members of the Moro tribe in the Philippines, including women Twain" is a pseudonym, a fake name that masks a person's true and children, after being given the order to "kill or capture" the identity. He wrote about big issues, like racism, that was tribe. "Apparently our little Army considered that the 'or' left controversial in his day. That's why he used a pseudonym. He them with the authority to kill or capture according to taste," wanted to protect himself from critics. Instead, Twain found an Twain wrote.audience of fans that saw him as a beloved writer and a zany

jokester. The first book is more than 750 pages. But Editor, Robert Hirst says not to worry about that too much. "I would recommend What was so controversial in his autobiography that Twain what Mark Twain would recommend," he says. "If you're bored thought it could not be published during his lifetime? He with it, skip it."wanted his memoirs to be honest, so he refused to hold back

An ASSET Question-a-Day has become a routine affair in our school. Whiteboards have been placed at different places (according to the classes) in our school campus, where the learners of the respective classes can go and copy the questions for that particular day. The learners of classes VI, VII, VIII and IX maintain separate

notebooks to solve these questions. The answers to these questions are discussed by the respective subject teachers. Entries are also being made by the class teachers in their anectodal records for the group of students who are prompt in coming up with the answers to the AQAD. Not only this, the learners of class X, XI and XII are also being made to solve these questions during their arrangement periods.

The teachers have also attended the workshops organised in our school campus in which the ASSET Resource persons have equipped them with even more innovative ways of teaching and learning.

We hope our association with ASSET, Educational Initiatives, goes a long way in shaping these young minds.

The questions in ASSET Question-a-Day are thought provoking questions designed by team of educational experts at ASSET which aims at providing greater exposure to application orientated questions to students on a daily basis.

You can register for AQAD by visiting http://www.ei-india.com/about-asset/asset-question-a-day-registration/

Share your school AQAD activity with us, along with a photograph. We would be glad to publish it in our newsletter.

An ASSET Question-a-Day ‘Keeps Ignorance Away’

The Third Teacher:

Contributed by Sapna Nayak, ASSET Ambassador, Sharada Mandir School, Panaji

79 Ways You Can Use Design to

Transform Teaching & Learning (Architecture)

The book is created by an international Some people would argue that the only important aspect of a team of architects and designers room is what takes place in it. But in the book, The Third concerned about our failing education Teacher: 79 Ways You Can Use Design to Transform Teaching & system, The Third Teacher explores the Learning, authors Trung Le and Rick Dewar maintain that the critical link between the school designs of schools and classrooms can have a tremendous - and environment and how children learn, mostly overlooked - impact on learning.

and offers 79 practical design ideas, both great and small, to The two have spent a lot of time working on school designs. Le guide readers’ efforts to improve our schools. Written for is the lead designer for OWP/P | Cannon Design’s education those who have school-age children in their lives, from group and Rick Dewar, also of OWP/P | Cannon, has spent educators and education decision-makers to parents and several decades working on K-12 designs and projects.community activists, this book is intended to ignite a blaze of

The author’s share:discussion and initiative about the environment as an essential

“If we truly believe that creativity is an essential ingredient in a element of learning. Including a wealth of interviews, facts, child’s development, then we need to shift completely away statistics, and stories from experts in a wide range of fields, this from the “cells and bells” model of school design-with book is a ‘how-to’ guide to be used to connect with the many classrooms as cells and the school bell indicating the time to organizations, individuals, and ideas dedicated to innovating move from one to another. So the fundamental question we and improving teaching and learning. Contributors include: should be asking is, “Does this learning environment support a children’s singer and advocate Raffi, author and creativity child’s natural instinct to learn through creation and consultant to Sir Ken Robinson, scientist and environmentalist, discovery?” Our learning environments should be open to David Suzuki, inventor James Dyson, and other experts who supporting the creative process.are working to create fresh solutions to problems as well as a

new blueprint for the future of education. Rather than students moving when the bell rings, eating when that one rings, we can shift from this model in simple ways. In The average school and classroom designs haven’t changed in one of our projects, we introduced a café into a small learning decades, but some architects maintain that a few renovations academy, so students can take a break and get a snack when could make classrooms more student-centred and lead to they are hungry or thirsty rather than when the bell rings.”improvements in test scores.

Millions saw apples fall;

only Newton asked WHY?

®

Inspiring Critical Thinking

- Ms. Vandana Puri, Principal, Salwan Public School, New Delhi

Do you want to share the best pratices of your school with our readers?

Write to us at [email protected]

Page 6: ASSETScope December

2011 YEAR PLANNERJULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER DECEMBERNOVEMBERJANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

28

6

13

20

27

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

28

29

30

31

6

13

20

27

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

19

20

21

22

23

25

26

27

28

29

30

3

10

17

24

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

19

20

21

22

23

25

26

27

28

29

30

3

10

17

24

31

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

SUN

SUN

SUN

SUN

SUN

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

17

18

19

20

21

22

24

25

26

27

28

29

31

2

16

23

30

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

10

11

13

14

15

16

17

18

20

21

22

23

24

25

27

28

29

30

5

12

19

26

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

11

12

13

14

15

17

18

19

20

21

22

24

25

26

27

28

29

31

2

9

16

23

30

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

4

11

18

25

1

8

15

22

29

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

20

21

23

24

25

26

27

28

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

22

23

24

25

26

27

29

30

31

7

14

21

28

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

28

29

30

6

13

20

27

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

31

4

11

18

25

Celebrating 1o Years of Learning with Understanding

ASSET

Summer round

Test Dates

1st - 5th

ASSET

Winter round

Test Dates

5th - 9th

Page 7: ASSETScope December

2011 YEAR PLANNERJULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER DECEMBERNOVEMBERJANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

28

6

13

20

27

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

28

29

30

31

6

13

20

27

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

19

20

21

22

23

25

26

27

28

29

30

3

10

17

24

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

19

20

21

22

23

25

26

27

28

29

30

3

10

17

24

31

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

SUN

SUN

SUN

SUN

SUN

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

17

18

19

20

21

22

24

25

26

27

28

29

31

2

16

23

30

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

10

11

13

14

15

16

17

18

20

21

22

23

24

25

27

28

29

30

5

12

19

26

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

11

12

13

14

15

17

18

19

20

21

22

24

25

26

27

28

29

31

2

9

16

23

30

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

4

11

18

25

1

8

15

22

29

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

20

21

23

24

25

26

27

28

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

22

23

24

25

26

27

29

30

31

7

14

21

28

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

28

29

30

6

13

20

27

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

31

4

11

18

25

Celebrating 1o Years of Learning with Understanding

ASSET

Summer round

Test Dates

1st - 5th

ASSET

Winter round

Test Dates

5th - 9th

Page 8: ASSETScope December

Teacher’s Bite

Teacher 'Learning Walks' Encourage 'Stealing' and Positivity

I popped into a session on "teacher peer pressure. Teachers have to "up their game," and those learning walks" (mostly out of who are unenthused about it tend to self-select out (i.e., quit).curiosity about what the heck a As one attendee commented, "If something's working in one learning walk was), led by teachers teacher's classroom, we should all be doing it." and administrators from three

A principal in the audience said she'd attempted learning walks districts in North Carolina. in her school but refrained from following up with a debriefing

It turns out a learning walk is a simple but potentially game- session (a process the presenters suggested), for fear that changing idea that some say can weed out ineffective teachers teachers would make disparaging remarks about their and help great teachers spread their best practices. colleagues. The presenters responded that it's critical to set a As the presenters explained, a learning walk is a time during the hard and fast ground rule before the walks-that teachers school day when a small group of teachers go from classroom should only look for the positives in every room. And during a to classroom to observe other teachers in action. The purpose debriefing session-a necessary time to reflect together, they is to observe-not evaluate-and to "steal" practices and methods said-the teachers should only remark on good things they that work. At first, one administrator said, the walks are viewed in classrooms. scheduled and teachers being observed can prepare for them. I've long been a proponent of an open-door school policy. As a Eventually, they become sporadic. Teachers and students get presenter pointed out, it promotes the idea that the students to a point where they aren't distracted by visitors and continue are not your students, they're our students. And learning walks working unfazed. The administrators recommended raise the instructional bar for every day, not just teacher conducting learning walks about once a month. evaluation days. But clearly there are risks involved, as the The possibility that observers could walk in at any time changes principal pointed out. Perhaps a culture of positivity should not the school environment, according to the North Carolina so much be the outcome of a learning walk, but the teachers. Learning walks foster both collaboration and positive prerequisite for one to take place.

Q:

Q:

Q:

Q:

MY BEST CHILDREN’S DAY

Every month we announce some activities for ASSET Ambassadors, which they have do individually or do the activity in school. For the month of November, we asked ASSET Ambassadors to celebrate Children’s Day in a very special way by celebrating it with underprivileged kids.

Divya Devis, ASSET Ambassador, Silver Oak School, Nasik sharing her experience of celebrating the Children’s day in special way

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." I had heard this saying many times but on this children's day, I understood its meaning, thanks to the activity of the month.

After coming to know about the activity I called my headmaster, Mr. Peter Manion. He responded to my suggestion with a very positive spirit. He assured me that he himself would present the idea on my behalf to the management. After two days, he called me up to inform me that the management was very impressed by this novel way of goodbye and promising to come again, we went back to our celebrating children's day with the street children. He told me own houses (around 4'o clock).that he wanted me to come up with a way of implementing this. But then, I got to know of the terrible state of the homeless At last, after thinking for a while, an idea struck me. Towards children living in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh (where the the far exterior part of Nasik, there is an institute or moreover, cyclone 'Jal' had hit). I felt an inner urge to help these kids too. a home called Krupa Prasad. This home is run by a handful of So then, I thought of a shoe-drive. People could donate their kind nuns. It accommodates about 500 kids, ranging from 3 old shoes and be a part of this venture and hopefully, I thought years to 17 years. A majority of them are not orphans, but they this would be a great help to the little tots there. I presented are the wards of those helpless parents who are unable to this idea to the management. I am grateful for the full-fledged provide their children even the basic needs of life. Such support I received from them. By 5'o clock, we all went o our children, with some orphans and destitutes, are brought here assigned positions for the shoe-drive. There were two from the streets, taken care of, educated and thus, given a new teachers in each spot. The spots where we had to stand as lease of life. I felt that this would be the most appropriate place volunteers were decided on the basis of the locations of our to help the street children. respective homes. We got many shoes. Some generous people

even gave us clothes, toothpastes, soaps etc. This was sent to On 14th November, at 10'o clock all the students assembled in the affected areas through an NGO. We wished each other ‘A the school. From there we went by bus to Krupa Prasad. We Happy Children's Day’ and went back home. By 8'o clock, we were welcomed warmly. After that, our teachers performed reached our homes. Many friends called me and thanked me the cultural program they had prepared. Then it was the for this wonderful way of celebrating children's day. I too felt a inmates' turn for a performance. Without any hesitation, the joy that cannot be described. It was my best children's day. children came up with various programs. We had arranged Indeed it is more blessed to give than to receive. some games, in which they participated greatly. They mingled

with us very quickly. Then they all went to their matron and I received a lot of positive feedback and congratulatory asked her something and then they led us to a room called the messages from my near and dear ones on the unique way in 'Disco Room'. There they put on some music and we danced. I which ‘Children’s Day was celebrated. Some of them are will never forget the sweet smiles on their faces. The school mentioned below:gave some money and other useful things to the authorities of Our principal, Mrs. Claudine Noronha, congratulated me and the home. Then it was time to bid farewell which was quite sad. told me to keep up the good work. I, from my side, told her Though we had met each other for the first time, it seemed as that I would try to keep up to her expectations. My principal though we had known each other since ages. After bidding also told me to thank the ASSET Ambassador team for such a

great initiative.

One of my teachers, Mrs. Jyothi Samantha, gifted me pen-stand, as a token of her appreciation.

Ms. Anjali Nathan, the ASSET co-ordinaor of our school, also congratulated me.

The co-ordinators of our school, Mr. Sanjeev Padvi and Mr. Binod Chettri, felicitated me.

What Rishikesh Kapadnis (the President of our school) said really touched my heart. He said, " ..........On this children's day we learnt how blessed and forunate we are. We should be so happy thinking about all that God has gifted us with but, instead of thanking him, we always grumble......." This was a lesson for me too.

I really thank the ASSET team on behalf of my school management, staff and students for the great opportunity you gifted us to LEND A HAND.

Who has most influenced you to become an educator, and how did they influence you?

What are your views regarding the ‘Importance of Teacher Training and

Development’ in educating Students?

What is your approach to classroom management and student discipline?

What is your view regarding the ASSET Test?

dialogue and practice and through meticulous reflection and planning. This is a key area of focus for any facilitator.

To be a part of this profession had been a childhood aspiration. There was no one influence, but every educator who I have worked with, from the day I launched on this career, has inspired me in his/her own way. It was a burning desire within that spurred me on!

Tr a i n i n g a n d d e v e l o p m e n t a l programmes give teachers the strategies, tactics and tools to teach and manage classrooms with students

Managing the myriad classroom tasks and situations, including from widely diverse backgrounds and varied needs. It equips discipline, are all a part of classroom management. To ensure a them with strategies based on research and internationally productive classroom, one must understand the psychological benchmarked best practices which focus on boosting student and developmental attitudes of the children apart from achievement. Training has to be followed up with ensuring that all that goes to make the plan for the day, seating implementation and reflection enable actual learning. arrangement, props, etc. are in place. Setting classroom expectations in terms of the behaviour of students, from the outset and articulating them clearly and ensuring that they are followed through, is important.

ASSET is an invaluable initiative that consolidates subjects, Children like to take responsibility and I believe they can be

promotes self-confidence and thinking skills in students and made accountable for classroom decorum/discipline. If they

therefore, stimulates academic progress. This diagnostic test draw up classroom procedures themselves, there is more

gives a school a complete academic profile of its students vis-a-likelihood of their adhering to them. As a teacher one has to be

vis the schools in the country. In assessing the performances of consistent in the application of consequences and deal with

both the students and the teachers, this test is able to pinpoint situations sensitively ensuring the dignity of the child. Any

specific grade level strengths and weaknesses, common policy that undermines the child’s self esteem and worth will

misconceptions and provides remedial strategies as well. The not, in my experience, receive any respect, whatever be the

ASSET analysis supports the school in its remediation in a 3-age of the child.

pronged manner, enhancing student learning, bolstering teachers’ pedagogical practices and reinforcing the school’s There is no best solution for classroom problems. Classroom overall improvement plan.management can be enhanced and bettered only through

School Corner

Mrs. Shanti Menon,Principal,

The Deen’s Academy,Bangalore

Source: http://blogs.edweek.org

- By Liana Heitin

Page 9: ASSETScope December

Teacher’s Bite

Teacher 'Learning Walks' Encourage 'Stealing' and Positivity

I popped into a session on "teacher peer pressure. Teachers have to "up their game," and those learning walks" (mostly out of who are unenthused about it tend to self-select out (i.e., quit).curiosity about what the heck a As one attendee commented, "If something's working in one learning walk was), led by teachers teacher's classroom, we should all be doing it." and administrators from three

A principal in the audience said she'd attempted learning walks districts in North Carolina. in her school but refrained from following up with a debriefing

It turns out a learning walk is a simple but potentially game- session (a process the presenters suggested), for fear that changing idea that some say can weed out ineffective teachers teachers would make disparaging remarks about their and help great teachers spread their best practices. colleagues. The presenters responded that it's critical to set a As the presenters explained, a learning walk is a time during the hard and fast ground rule before the walks-that teachers school day when a small group of teachers go from classroom should only look for the positives in every room. And during a to classroom to observe other teachers in action. The purpose debriefing session-a necessary time to reflect together, they is to observe-not evaluate-and to "steal" practices and methods said-the teachers should only remark on good things they that work. At first, one administrator said, the walks are viewed in classrooms. scheduled and teachers being observed can prepare for them. I've long been a proponent of an open-door school policy. As a Eventually, they become sporadic. Teachers and students get presenter pointed out, it promotes the idea that the students to a point where they aren't distracted by visitors and continue are not your students, they're our students. And learning walks working unfazed. The administrators recommended raise the instructional bar for every day, not just teacher conducting learning walks about once a month. evaluation days. But clearly there are risks involved, as the The possibility that observers could walk in at any time changes principal pointed out. Perhaps a culture of positivity should not the school environment, according to the North Carolina so much be the outcome of a learning walk, but the teachers. Learning walks foster both collaboration and positive prerequisite for one to take place.

Q:

Q:

Q:

Q:

MY BEST CHILDREN’S DAY

Every month we announce some activities for ASSET Ambassadors, which they have do individually or do the activity in school. For the month of November, we asked ASSET Ambassadors to celebrate Children’s Day in a very special way by celebrating it with underprivileged kids.

Divya Devis, ASSET Ambassador, Silver Oak School, Nasik sharing her experience of celebrating the Children’s day in special way

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." I had heard this saying many times but on this children's day, I understood its meaning, thanks to the activity of the month.

After coming to know about the activity I called my headmaster, Mr. Peter Manion. He responded to my suggestion with a very positive spirit. He assured me that he himself would present the idea on my behalf to the management. After two days, he called me up to inform me that the management was very impressed by this novel way of goodbye and promising to come again, we went back to our celebrating children's day with the street children. He told me own houses (around 4'o clock).that he wanted me to come up with a way of implementing this. But then, I got to know of the terrible state of the homeless At last, after thinking for a while, an idea struck me. Towards children living in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh (where the the far exterior part of Nasik, there is an institute or moreover, cyclone 'Jal' had hit). I felt an inner urge to help these kids too. a home called Krupa Prasad. This home is run by a handful of So then, I thought of a shoe-drive. People could donate their kind nuns. It accommodates about 500 kids, ranging from 3 old shoes and be a part of this venture and hopefully, I thought years to 17 years. A majority of them are not orphans, but they this would be a great help to the little tots there. I presented are the wards of those helpless parents who are unable to this idea to the management. I am grateful for the full-fledged provide their children even the basic needs of life. Such support I received from them. By 5'o clock, we all went o our children, with some orphans and destitutes, are brought here assigned positions for the shoe-drive. There were two from the streets, taken care of, educated and thus, given a new teachers in each spot. The spots where we had to stand as lease of life. I felt that this would be the most appropriate place volunteers were decided on the basis of the locations of our to help the street children. respective homes. We got many shoes. Some generous people

even gave us clothes, toothpastes, soaps etc. This was sent to On 14th November, at 10'o clock all the students assembled in the affected areas through an NGO. We wished each other ‘A the school. From there we went by bus to Krupa Prasad. We Happy Children's Day’ and went back home. By 8'o clock, we were welcomed warmly. After that, our teachers performed reached our homes. Many friends called me and thanked me the cultural program they had prepared. Then it was the for this wonderful way of celebrating children's day. I too felt a inmates' turn for a performance. Without any hesitation, the joy that cannot be described. It was my best children's day. children came up with various programs. We had arranged Indeed it is more blessed to give than to receive. some games, in which they participated greatly. They mingled

with us very quickly. Then they all went to their matron and I received a lot of positive feedback and congratulatory asked her something and then they led us to a room called the messages from my near and dear ones on the unique way in 'Disco Room'. There they put on some music and we danced. I which ‘Children’s Day was celebrated. Some of them are will never forget the sweet smiles on their faces. The school mentioned below:gave some money and other useful things to the authorities of Our principal, Mrs. Claudine Noronha, congratulated me and the home. Then it was time to bid farewell which was quite sad. told me to keep up the good work. I, from my side, told her Though we had met each other for the first time, it seemed as that I would try to keep up to her expectations. My principal though we had known each other since ages. After bidding also told me to thank the ASSET Ambassador team for such a

great initiative.

One of my teachers, Mrs. Jyothi Samantha, gifted me pen-stand, as a token of her appreciation.

Ms. Anjali Nathan, the ASSET co-ordinaor of our school, also congratulated me.

The co-ordinators of our school, Mr. Sanjeev Padvi and Mr. Binod Chettri, felicitated me.

What Rishikesh Kapadnis (the President of our school) said really touched my heart. He said, " ..........On this children's day we learnt how blessed and forunate we are. We should be so happy thinking about all that God has gifted us with but, instead of thanking him, we always grumble......." This was a lesson for me too.

I really thank the ASSET team on behalf of my school management, staff and students for the great opportunity you gifted us to LEND A HAND.

Who has most influenced you to become an educator, and how did they influence you?

What are your views regarding the ‘Importance of Teacher Training and

Development’ in educating Students?

What is your approach to classroom management and student discipline?

What is your view regarding the ASSET Test?

dialogue and practice and through meticulous reflection and planning. This is a key area of focus for any facilitator.

To be a part of this profession had been a childhood aspiration. There was no one influence, but every educator who I have worked with, from the day I launched on this career, has inspired me in his/her own way. It was a burning desire within that spurred me on!

Tr a i n i n g a n d d e v e l o p m e n t a l programmes give teachers the strategies, tactics and tools to teach and manage classrooms with students

Managing the myriad classroom tasks and situations, including from widely diverse backgrounds and varied needs. It equips discipline, are all a part of classroom management. To ensure a them with strategies based on research and internationally productive classroom, one must understand the psychological benchmarked best practices which focus on boosting student and developmental attitudes of the children apart from achievement. Training has to be followed up with ensuring that all that goes to make the plan for the day, seating implementation and reflection enable actual learning. arrangement, props, etc. are in place. Setting classroom expectations in terms of the behaviour of students, from the outset and articulating them clearly and ensuring that they are followed through, is important.

ASSET is an invaluable initiative that consolidates subjects, Children like to take responsibility and I believe they can be

promotes self-confidence and thinking skills in students and made accountable for classroom decorum/discipline. If they

therefore, stimulates academic progress. This diagnostic test draw up classroom procedures themselves, there is more

gives a school a complete academic profile of its students vis-a-likelihood of their adhering to them. As a teacher one has to be

vis the schools in the country. In assessing the performances of consistent in the application of consequences and deal with

both the students and the teachers, this test is able to pinpoint situations sensitively ensuring the dignity of the child. Any

specific grade level strengths and weaknesses, common policy that undermines the child’s self esteem and worth will

misconceptions and provides remedial strategies as well. The not, in my experience, receive any respect, whatever be the

ASSET analysis supports the school in its remediation in a 3-age of the child.

pronged manner, enhancing student learning, bolstering teachers’ pedagogical practices and reinforcing the school’s There is no best solution for classroom problems. Classroom overall improvement plan.management can be enhanced and bettered only through

School Corner

Mrs. Shanti Menon,Principal,

The Deen’s Academy,Bangalore

Source: http://blogs.edweek.org

- By Liana Heitin

Page 10: ASSETScope December

1000 students from 200 schools in India participated in the creative residential staff ASSET above-level test held on 28th November, 2010 to develops programming identify gifted students for the Duke Talent Identification d e s i g n e d t o f o s t e r Program. friendship and teamwork.

Test Centres were created in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, I n e a c h c l a s s , a n Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and Bangalore for the students to Instructor and Teaching take the test. Assistant (TA) work

together to provide each These students will get a detailed analysis of their performance s t u d e n t w i t h a n by the end of January and the top 100 students will be invited by outstanding learning Duke TIP to participate in the summer program. The summer experience. Duke TIP Instructors are selected for their program will consist of exciting courses like Game Theory, expertise in their field of study and are committed to providing Forensic Science, Architecture, Management, Psychology, challenging, intensive, interesting and high-energy educational Environmental Engineering, Entrepreneurial Leadership, experiences at the college level. Instructors employ a variety of Cryptography etc.instructional strategies not always available in the normal

Duke TIP in India is a three-week residential summer program, curriculum, including debates, class discussions, simulations of which will be held on the campus of the Indian Institute of real-world activities, peer teaching or presentations, lab Management in Ahmedabad, last year. Instructional teams experiences, Individual or group research projectschallenge students to examine one topic in-depth and a

We invite entries from students of schools to participate in a photo contest on the theme ‘Incredible India’.

Rules of the competition:• The Photo format should be in a jpg format.• Each photo size should not exceed 3MB.• Only online entries will be accepted.• One entry per student is permitted.

We trust our participants to submit unaltered files. We want to see the world through your eyes, not the tools of Photoshop.

The participants must mention the: Name, School Name, Class, City, Residential Address, and Contact Numbers along with the entry. So shoot your best and mail the photos to us.

All the photos should be mailed to [email protected] before 5th February, 2011.

1000 students took ASSET above-level test

SHOT PHOTO CONTESTSHOT PHOTO CONTEST 21st Century School Education Management

By Mr. Timir Kumar Sengupta, Principal, Podar School, Jalna (MS)

The 21st century education system must meet new standards Management -for quality demanded by an increasingly technological and

Good leaders must also be good managers. They must know diverse society. Like business and industry, education is

about finance, be adept at managing people (teachers and discovering that the old ways don’t work and innovation is

other staff also stakeholders), time and facilities.needed in promoting high academic achievement for every

Communication, collaboration and community building –child by attracting, preparing and supporting the next

generation of outstanding leaders for our schools. The Today’s leader needs skills in communication, collaboration education system calls for better, stronger, more visionary and and community building. Approaches to school leadership are bolder leadership. shifting from the traditional top-down command and control

process to involving students, parents, the community and School leadership is important to the success of a school or educational leaders. Effective leaders really orient people with school system. In 1983, Mr. Purkey & Smith researched and a meaningful vision and clear goals and motivate them to work documented that in schools where students performed better hard to achieve them.than expected based on poverty and other demographic

characteristic, a “dynamic” Principal was at the helm. Vision development, risk taking and change management –

A school leader must demonstrate the following skills: Good leaders must have a vision for the school and an ability to

communicate that vision effectively. Principals of effective 1) Instrumental leadershipschools must have many characteristics of entrepreneurs, they

2) Managementmust take risks, seize opportunities, and work to establish a

3) Communication, collaboration and community building cohesive, like-minded network of parents, teachers and staff.

4) Vision development, risk taking and change management For India to emerge as a super power in the 21st century, India

needs visionary thought – leaders, like Chanakya.Instrumental leadership –

I wish to conclude by quoting Chanakya, It includes the design of instructional strategies, supervision,

“As long as your body is healthy and under control and death is evaluation of programs and the development of curricular and distant, try to save your soul; when death is imminent what can also graduation requirements. Thus, the Principal must have a you do? As soon as fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.”deep understanding of new teaching methods, students’

consumption of knowledge and skills with problem solving.

Mindspark Math Clock

The Mindspark Math Clock is designed especially for Mindspark Labs in schools, where all

the numerals have been replaced by the equivalent notation! The idea behind the clock is to

let students put their mind at work every time they look up to see the time. All schools

enrolled for Mindspark have received this clock.

PRIZES

1st prize3D T-shirt

2nd prizePersonalizedLarge Flex Poster

3rd prizePen-Drive

Page 11: ASSETScope December

1000 students from 200 schools in India participated in the creative residential staff ASSET above-level test held on 28th November, 2010 to develops programming identify gifted students for the Duke Talent Identification d e s i g n e d t o f o s t e r Program. friendship and teamwork.

Test Centres were created in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, I n e a c h c l a s s , a n Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and Bangalore for the students to Instructor and Teaching take the test. Assistant (TA) work

together to provide each These students will get a detailed analysis of their performance s t u d e n t w i t h a n by the end of January and the top 100 students will be invited by outstanding learning Duke TIP to participate in the summer program. The summer experience. Duke TIP Instructors are selected for their program will consist of exciting courses like Game Theory, expertise in their field of study and are committed to providing Forensic Science, Architecture, Management, Psychology, challenging, intensive, interesting and high-energy educational Environmental Engineering, Entrepreneurial Leadership, experiences at the college level. Instructors employ a variety of Cryptography etc.instructional strategies not always available in the normal

Duke TIP in India is a three-week residential summer program, curriculum, including debates, class discussions, simulations of which will be held on the campus of the Indian Institute of real-world activities, peer teaching or presentations, lab Management in Ahmedabad, last year. Instructional teams experiences, Individual or group research projectschallenge students to examine one topic in-depth and a

We invite entries from students of schools to participate in a photo contest on the theme ‘Incredible India’.

Rules of the competition:• The Photo format should be in a jpg format.• Each photo size should not exceed 3MB.• Only online entries will be accepted.• One entry per student is permitted.

We trust our participants to submit unaltered files. We want to see the world through your eyes, not the tools of Photoshop.

The participants must mention the: Name, School Name, Class, City, Residential Address, and Contact Numbers along with the entry. So shoot your best and mail the photos to us.

All the photos should be mailed to [email protected] before 5th February, 2011.

1000 students took ASSET above-level test

SHOT PHOTO CONTESTSHOT PHOTO CONTEST 21st Century School Education Management

By Mr. Timir Kumar Sengupta, Principal, Podar School, Jalna (MS)

The 21st century education system must meet new standards Management -for quality demanded by an increasingly technological and

Good leaders must also be good managers. They must know diverse society. Like business and industry, education is

about finance, be adept at managing people (teachers and discovering that the old ways don’t work and innovation is

other staff also stakeholders), time and facilities.needed in promoting high academic achievement for every

Communication, collaboration and community building –child by attracting, preparing and supporting the next

generation of outstanding leaders for our schools. The Today’s leader needs skills in communication, collaboration education system calls for better, stronger, more visionary and and community building. Approaches to school leadership are bolder leadership. shifting from the traditional top-down command and control

process to involving students, parents, the community and School leadership is important to the success of a school or educational leaders. Effective leaders really orient people with school system. In 1983, Mr. Purkey & Smith researched and a meaningful vision and clear goals and motivate them to work documented that in schools where students performed better hard to achieve them.than expected based on poverty and other demographic

characteristic, a “dynamic” Principal was at the helm. Vision development, risk taking and change management –

A school leader must demonstrate the following skills: Good leaders must have a vision for the school and an ability to

communicate that vision effectively. Principals of effective 1) Instrumental leadershipschools must have many characteristics of entrepreneurs, they

2) Managementmust take risks, seize opportunities, and work to establish a

3) Communication, collaboration and community building cohesive, like-minded network of parents, teachers and staff.

4) Vision development, risk taking and change management For India to emerge as a super power in the 21st century, India

needs visionary thought – leaders, like Chanakya.Instrumental leadership –

I wish to conclude by quoting Chanakya, It includes the design of instructional strategies, supervision,

“As long as your body is healthy and under control and death is evaluation of programs and the development of curricular and distant, try to save your soul; when death is imminent what can also graduation requirements. Thus, the Principal must have a you do? As soon as fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.”deep understanding of new teaching methods, students’

consumption of knowledge and skills with problem solving.

Mindspark Math Clock

The Mindspark Math Clock is designed especially for Mindspark Labs in schools, where all

the numerals have been replaced by the equivalent notation! The idea behind the clock is to

let students put their mind at work every time they look up to see the time. All schools

enrolled for Mindspark have received this clock.

PRIZES

1st prize3D T-shirt

2nd prizePersonalizedLarge Flex Poster

3rd prizePen-Drive

Page 12: ASSETScope December

Educational Initiatives Pvt. Ltd.302 & 613, J. B. Towers, Opp. Doordarshan Tower,Drive-In Road, Ahmedabad - 380054Phone : 91-079- 40269696Fax : 91-079-26841400 Email : [email protected] : www.ei-india.com

We would like to receive your feedback on the contents of ASSETScope and the activities of EI. Please send your com-ments / opinions / suggestions to [email protected], [email protected] or to the postal address men-tioned on the left. This is a platform meant for you and it would be great to exchange ideas with you.

Humourous BiteTeacher: What are some products of the West Indies?

Student: I don't know.

Teacher: Of course, you do. Where do you get sugar from?

Student: We borrow it from our neighbour.

FelicitationOur Public School, Trivandrum was awarded the ‘Mother Teresa

Memorial Educational Award 2010’ by the All India Latin Catholic

Aikavedi. The school Principal Mr. Avanakuzhy Vijayan received the award

from Honorable Educational Minister Mr. M A Baby at Trivandrum. Aikavedi

President Adv. A James Fernadez presided over the function.

Yadavindra Public School, Patiala, celebrated its 61st Annual and Silver jubilee batches of 1960 and 1985, respectively,-a School Sports Day on Saturday,30th October. The programme worthy follow-up to a practice started last year by the school.was customarily held in the school stadium and was, liberally, Heena Sidhu, an old Yadavindrian of the ICSE: 2005 batch and a attended by a host of eminent people and dignitaries. The gold and silver medalist in shooting in the recently concluded Chief guest for the occasion was Lt. Gen. H. S. Panag, PVSM, Commonwealth games, also graced the occasion and was duly, AVSM(retd.), Member, Armed Forces Tribunal, Chandigarh honoured on the occasion for her remarkable achievements. Bench, with the status of a High Court judge. The school also marked the occasion by presenting a cheque of The programme commenced at 3.00 pm with the March Past rupees one lakh and twenty-five thousand to Tsering Yangdol, by the three houses, led by the school Equestrian team daughter of late Stanzin Muthip, an old student, who recently, followed by the Chief Guest declaring the Meet open and the passed away in the tragic cloudburst at Leh. The amount has release of balloons by sixty-five prep school children, firing of been collected and contributed by the school students and gunshots, lighting of the torch and a fly-past. The track and field staff.events, including an Old students’ race ,were held and, Later on, the Chief guest handed over the prizes and trophies subsequently, school students put up slickly-performed PT and in his short, but inspiring, speech congratulated the exercises, yogic and gymnastics feats, a colourful cultural winners, appreciated the efforts and hard work put in by the entertainment act entailing the Punjabi ‘Sammi’ folk dance and children and exhorted them to take up Defense services as a rhythmic gymnastics by the middle school girls, besides a career. The evening concluded with a spectacular and dazzling fencing and Tae-kwon-do display. A notable feature of the display of fireworks. The program was savoured and programme remained the re-union of the old students’ Golden appreciated by all present.

61st Annual School Sports Day -

Contributed by Guatam Jain, ASSET Ambassador, Yadavindra Public School, Patiala

Events

Yadavindra Public School, Patiala