A Sneak Peek into our Non-Instructional Working Day on Saturday, 26th November, 2022
Session 1: ‘Conflict Resolution’ for our faculty and staff
We at Nalapad, not only believe in holistic development of our students but also work towards the well-being of teachers. As part of the Professional Development Program which not only concentrates on technological training and upgradation professionally but also caters to personal and emotional development of an individual. We recently conducted a workshop on “Conflict Resolution” by a trained and experienced mental health professional, Ms Rajeshawari from Banjara Academy. Conflict Resolution is the 2nd workshop amongst the series of 5 workshops dedicated for our faculty and staff in this academic year. This is a small attempt from our side to create various opportunities in not just understanding “self” but developing broader perspectives towards each other’s individuality or difference of opinions, belief system, morals, ethics and everything that builds an individual.
Amongst others, ‘how to focus on the conflict and not on the individual, not personalizing conflict to someone’s characteristics’, “ how perception and empathy play an important role in resolving conflict, and ‘techniques on resolving or dealing with situation objectively” were covered; these were discussed through realistic examples wherein, teachers shared their classroom examples – and the particular situation was reviewed through different lenses in order to understand the conflict better so that there is an improvement in the student- teacher relationship, group discussions, and team activities.
The different aspects of “Johari Window”, a reliable tool for “ Self- Awareness and Environment- Awareness” were shared with the staff members. An activity, “The Blindfold – Following of instructions” helps in understanding how people around us come from different mindset and walks of life was also conducted as a part of this workshop.
Session 2: Workshop on how best to display students’ work in our classrooms
The content that is displayed on the display board gives the first impression of the school. It not only engages and informs, it also brightens up the atmosphere of the classroom. The display board is a melting pot of knowledge on different subjects, news, events, schedules, activities, etc. Our workshop on “How best to display students’ work in our classroom” was conducted on Saturday, 26th November by our primary school teachers, Ms. Disha and Ms.Silvia.
Teachers were directed to organize boards in their classroom in a manner that student’s work can be displayed.Showcasing drafts and finished work side by side tells children that we value the process of learning as much as we value the final products. This is a great way to teach our students that mistakes are an important part of learning, not something to be ashamed of or to hide. Also, it would make students proud to display their progress. Displaying students’ work and integrating it into lessons is also a powerful way to build motivation. Form tutors were also encouraged to help the students and their subject teachers make word walls of new and important words in clear visible letters. They were asked to be vigilant about taking down work that’s no longer relevant and changing the list of words periodically will help expand students’ learning. As all students need to know that their efforts are valued, teachers were advised to display work from every child.
Session 3: Orientation for Parents of Grades 1-8 on the subject, ‘Global Perspectives’ of the Cambridge curriculum.
The world as we have created is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking. The Nalapad parents of grades 1-8, were oriented about the importance and the expectations of the subject ‘Global Perspectives’.
Our Principal, Ms. Shubhra Sinha, who is a Cambridge faculty trainer for the subject elaborated on how students can not only be critical thinkers but also be creative and reflective in their thinking; and how these skills and abilities can be applied towards problem solving.
The parents were shown examples of how teachers create opportunities for students to enquire into, review and reflect on global concerns and issues from various perspectives such as local, national and global perspectives.
The parents were very appreciative of the fact that this subject helps students understand their place in an interconnected world, understand how causes and consequences are connected and gives them opportunities to work collaboratively as a team to achieve shared goals.