Principals face teaching enhancement course

 Principals from nearly 70 private schools in the City experienced a role reversal when they became students for a day, during an interactive session aimed at enhancing their teaching and interactive skills with students.

Shekhar Sheshadri, a well-known child and adolescent psychiatrist, used members of the audience to conduct a lively session using impromptu dramas in order to drive home the values of ‘experiential pedagogy’ (the use of direct experiences in imparting learning). He also stressed that teachers must behave fairly in classrooms and when connecting with students.

Many of the principals said the session was an illuminating experience. “The session was highly informative,” said Sujata, the principal of the Model Education School (MEC) Public School in Yelahanka. Vijayanandhi, the principal of the MVJ International School in Marathalli added that, “The session was very useful and polished our existent skills as teachers.”
Despite the sucess of the meeting, however, the experts made it clear that more was needed. Dr Samir Parekh, an expert on mental health, called for a change in the way schools are managed, to keep up with changing times.

Macmillan acquisition

The event was sponsored by Macmillan Education, a branch of the Macmillan Publishing Group. The session also marked the announcement of the acquisition of Frank Brothers & Co by Macmillan Education — which will help Macmillan diversify their publishing and school education.

“The synergy created through this acquisition will have a direct impact on our education system,” said R C Govil, the chairperson of Frank Brothers & Co.