Human civilization is based on many fundamental principles. Education is one of the topmost of them. In fact, it wouldn’t be far-fetched if we said that without education, there wouldn’t have been any civilization in the first place. Education not only impart knowledge in mind, but every curious mind can only progress because of the learnings it receives through a proper format, framework, institutions, and educators. That is the power of education. It illuminates the future path and guides us to shape our tomorrow for the better and our present for the better.
Now, among the many pillars of education, an educator – teacher, professor, master, faculty, and Guru – is the most important one. There have been many great educators worldwide in every era.
In today’s advanced tech era, carrying the greatest of the educators’ cause forward is Dr Neelima Kamrah, Principal of KIIT World School, who is regarded as a pioneering woman leader in the education sector and academics.
To know why and how, we invited her to our Women World India’s platform, where she spoke in detail about her journey, her methods and her plans for the future of education.
Dr Neelima, welcome. As a trailblazer in the educational world, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into your field?
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I dedicated my life to the cause of education, which I believe is the greatest service. I started my journey with KIIT World School, Pitampura, Delhi with the motto “I am a Promise, I am a Possibility”’ trusting in the innate potential of every child. I served as the Vice Principal for twenty-three years consistently working to inculcate high morals and values in learners. I received the State Award for Best Teacher along with many national and international awards.
In the year 2018, KIIT group decided to take affordable global education to Gurgaon and I undertook the responsibility as the school Principal. I have created a team where everyone together follows green practices and as a result the school was awarded a Gold Award for being the Green Campus with over two thousand trees, shrubs and herbs adorning the campus.
To accomplish this mammoth task of bringing change in the society I partnered with parents and the neighbourhood community and used them as resources to take care of various needs e.g.; organisation of Health Camp with Medanta Hospital, ensuring digital learning, teaching about financial literacy to all parents and even taking this learning beyond KIIT boundaries.
Teachers, students and parents worked together for Swacchta Abhiyan to spread the message of Cleanliness in the community. I am associated with Gandhi Darshan Samiti, Harijan Sewak Sangh and many such organisations instilling strong moral values in me and my passion for projects in Peace, Harmony, Cleanliness are visible throughout the campus. My initiatives have led the school to receive recognition at the National level as we became proud recipients of State award in four categories and National award for Swachh School.
Few other campaigns for the community were No cracker rally, moving towards Zero plastic community, Rainwater harvesting in homes and school etc. I regularly meet Sarpanch of villages and RWA members of neighbourhood societies as together we can work for its betterment.
During COVID-19 school program ‘Each One Feed One’ helped KIITians reach out to slums and poor neighbourhood areas where people are struggling to survive and each KIITian took the responsibility of feeding a family by offering cooked meals like Raajma-chawal along with raw food items like bags of rice, sugar, flour, jaggery etc.
The positive changes in the community are already visible and now more people are joining the cause. In the short stint at Gurgaon KIIT has become an integral part of the community and ample awards received are a testimony to all the hard work done by the team.
I have been a stout Gandhian and have followed his principles my entire life, which also have been the guiding force behind all my initiatives.
Ma’am, you have emerged as one of India’s best educator. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your success?
I strongly believe that there are four pillars in school: – teachers, students, parents and community and I have ensured that the school has a strong foundation with these pillars. Change begins with self and I believe in updating myself with the latest trends in education and have actively participated in training and workshops in various domains from curriculum development to emotional safety of children, nutritional needs to anger management, gaming in learning to POCSO training, just to name a few. My extensive travel to foreign schools, colleges and universities give me an edge and better understanding of Global Curriculum. I consciously have designed the curriculum to cater to students’ specific needs, stressing much on FLN, vocational training through expert sessions and regular clubs, learner support programs and remedial classes.
Inculcation of right attitude and behaviour has to start from a very young age and hence I have taken care to create spaces in school building that promote peace, connect them with history, develop nationalistic feelings and make them appreciate the Vedic culture. The school has fourteen busts of Indian leaders from history who shaped the nation, a serene Yagyashala for five hundred people, gardens and silent corners. Each student is important and their lifecycle including academic records, attendance, achievements, interests and anecdotes, is maintained and studied personally by me to help teachers create an individual learning plan.
We navigated the intricacies of catering to diverse learners, focusing on skill set upgrades for both teachers and students. Engaging parents in their child’s educational journey became a priority, fostering a collaborative environment.
Each challenge was met with strategic planning and unwavering dedication, ensuring our school not only met but exceeded expectations. Today, we take pride in overcoming challenges and establishing an educational institution that thrives in both academic prowess and comprehensive development.
The educational landscape is continually evolving. How do you ensure that you remain adaptable and ahead of industry trends, providing innovative solutions to your clients?
Students have diverse learning needs, and appropriate pedagogical approaches acknowledge and address these differences. Differentiation allows educators to tailor instruction to individual student’s abilities and learning styles. For foundational language skills, we have an expression club that provides opportunities for students to develop their oral language abilities.
They can engage in discussions, debates, hands-on experiments, music lessons, group projects, visual aids, outdoor activities, talent shows, class exhibitions and presentations related to various topics, including numeracy concepts. This club helps students improve their vocabulary, speaking skills, and overall communication abilities. Embracing multiple intelligences ensures inclusive and personalized education, empowering students to succeed academically and beyond. In the context of FLN, we use formative assessments to identify student’s specific areas of strength and weakness.
Based on these assessments, they provide targeted interventions and learning opportunities, such as small- group instruction or individualized learning plans, and remedial classes for students who cannot catch up with the pace of the classes. Counselling sessions are offered that help students resolve personal or interpersonal problems. Group counselling helps students enhance listening and social skills, empathize with others, and find social support through healthy peer relationships. SWOT analysis is often used in the sessions that help students introspect and become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Students are encouraged to explore solutions, ask questions, and collaborate with peers to develop their understanding.
Dr Neelima, your inspiring leadership style is often recognized as an empowering force behind your achievements. Could you shed light on your approach to leadership and team building within the organization?
For aspiring educators and school leaders aspiring to positively impact student’s success, we should cultivate a deep passion for teaching and leadership among the educators as genuine enthusiasm is contagious and inspires students.
Prioritize understanding and connecting with each student individually, recognizing their unique strengths and needs. Committing to continuous learning, staying informed about evolving educational practices and technologies is important.
Fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity is the need of the hour. Being adaptable and open to innovation, embracing new approaches to enhance the learning experience helps one grow individually. Lastly, leading by example, demonstrating empathy, integrity, and a dedication to lifelong learning is what I practice. Your positive impact on students extends beyond academics, shaping their character and future success.
The assessment of the staff’s quality of work is a comprehensive process that involves input from various sources. At KIIT World School, there is a consistent focus on 360-degree feedback to provide students with concrete analysis. This involves gathering feedback from multiple sources, including Principal, Headmistress, Coordinators, teachers, peers, students and parents, to identify areas for improvement and create targeted strategies to enhance student’s learning and growth. Colleagues within the staff actively participate in peer assessment, engaging in the collaborative evaluation of each other’s work. Parents contribute valuable insights through their assessment, sharing perspectives on the staff’s effectiveness in engaging and educating students.
Students play a pivotal role in this evaluation, providing crucial feedback on teaching methods, communication, and overall learning experiences. Mentors closely observe the staff’s performance, offering constructive feedback and guidance based on their expertise and experience. To ensure an impartial evaluation, external agencies are engaged for monitoring and mentoring, providing an objective perspective on the staff’s quality of work. This multi-dimensional approach ensures a thorough understanding of the staff’s contributions and areas for potential improvement, fostering continuous growth and excellence in the educational environment. At KIIT, we have noticed that our feedback-oriented approach has fostered a culture of openness among students. This approach helped in providing a holistic educational experience to students for success in all aspects of life, both within and beyond the classroom.
The essence of education lies in bringing innovation and advancements to the niche. How do you strike a balance between learner expectations and final experience?
Innovations and Experiments:
The Success story of Yoshita Mehta– Class XI (Commerce) is truly inspired. Last year, officials from Artemis Hospital conducted a session with our students on the topic “Second Life,” explaining the need for organ donation to combat organ trafficking. This workshop deeply inspired our student, Yoshita Mehta, to the extent that she began participating in a public awareness campaign, Angdan Mahadan, to encourage people about organ donation. She actively participated in an organ donation awareness event organized by Artemis Hospital. Her passion and dedication caught the attention of the National Human Welfare Council, leading to her appointment as the National Brand Ambassador for their Organ Donation Campaign.
In 2023, on the occasion of National Organ Donation Day, she was elected as the brand ambassador for Orangondan by the National Human Welfare Council on December 10, 2023.
Yoshita’s role as a National Brand Ambassador is a source of pride for the entire school community, showcasing the potential of young individuals to drive positive change on a national scale.
We have adopted various creative approaches using locally available materials and materials available in nature to develop aids to teach and to promote hands-on learning experience.
Uses of natural materials in science experiments-At KIIT, we use Hibiscus, turmeric, onion as indicators in identification of acids and bases which are present in our surroundings like lemon, detergent, baking soda etc.
Low cost solutions of daily life problems– Device for RO waste water management
To maximize RO waste water usage, we connect a water storage tank to the RO system and attach it to a functional tap for cleaning purposes, reducing water wastage. This tank, commonly known as a water can, is designed to store the RO waste water.
Low cost Automatic garbage collector- To facilitate the homes where no one is available to dump the garbage to the garbage collector, we have made a system for managing the disposal of garbage which we’ll fix at the entrance gate. The system involves two chambers (made up of old plastic containers) that can be operated at both ends i.e. inside the gate and outside the gate. The garbage will be thrown in the inside chamber and the garbage collector will push the button and the garbage automatically slides from inner chamber to outer chamber.
Model of smart home (Fire alarm, rain sensor, automatic gate, automatic light, water tank alarm)
At KIIT, we encourage resourcefulness and creativity among our students, and one such example is the model of a smart home that they have built using readily available materials like old cardboard, used wires, and matchsticks. This project showcases their ingenuity and ability to transform ordinary objects into something innovative and educational.
Project- Life Saver Device and AGRODOC App
Class XI Vishal and Class 9 Aryan Chaudhary developed anti-sleep glasses. To address the issue of drivers covering long distances and experiencing drowsiness, leading to potential road accidents, they developed a foundational model centered around anti-sleep glasses. These glasses are designed to mitigate the risks associated with driver fatigue and sudden drowsiness, ultimately enhancing road safety.
Grade 6 student Navya Chaudhary and Piyush from Class 8 introduced the AGRODOC App for kitchen gardening. This application leverages advanced technology to provide accurate disease diagnosis, expert consultations, and a platform for knowledge sharing among homemakers. By applying scientific principles in image recognition and connecting homemakers with experts, AGRODOC App aims to enhance vegetables and fruits productivity and sustainability.
Puppet of human skeleton
The human skeleton was prepared by using old newspaper, cardboard, threads, and old wool. This skeleton was used to teach the students about parts and various joints of the human skeleton. For showing pivotal joint we have made models with the help of two used paper cups and old cardboard.
Library access tool based on voice recognition
Our students along with the mentors Mr. Shambhu Saran developed a tool for accessing libraries with voice command. It follows speech recognition to identify the account of the holder.
Light up learning around circuits. To save on expenses for battery holders, bulb holders, and wires, an alternative approach involves using inexpensive materials. Students have created circuits by attaching foil strips to a 9V battery, clip bulbs from the strand, strip wire insulation, and explore conductivity by placing objects between wires and foil to determine if they are conductors or insulators.
These innovations have enabled teachers to create dynamic and stimulating learning environments, fostering curiosity and a love for learning among students.
By harnessing the power of TLM and low-cost teaching aids, we can empower our students with quality education, nurturing their potential and equipping them with the skills required to thrive in an ever-changing world, I strongly believe that extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in sculpting a comprehensive educational experience for students. These extracurricular activities contribute to the development of multiple intelligences, enhancing various skills, and grooming personalities beyond academics. We organize Scout and Guides Camp where students are trained to hone their interpersonal and intra-personal skills. They improve their kinesthetic abilities and spatial awareness too. To emphasize their significance, we actively promote extracurricular involvement through clubs and assemblies on special days to hone and upgrade student’s skills. These platforms serve as dynamic arenas for students to explore their interests, collaborate, and showcase their talents. By integrating such activities into our educational approach, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals, fostering not only academic excellence but also a holistic and enriched personal development for each student.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial lessons of modern education. How do you integrate these principles into your pedagogy and contribute to a sustainable future?
- Students undertake many projects every month like: Waste management, Water management, say no to plastic and ReduceReuse and Recycle. We also organize Inter and Intra class competitions for students to sensitize them about the environment and climate change.
Under the plantation drive 1100 saplings are planted every year in our campus and neighbourhood areas. Students also perform various cultural items like street play, songs and dances to engage the whole school and community in the cause.
- At KIIT we provide naturalistic ambience to all learners. We have well maintained huge green cover with a variety of plants. The school-garden has an important relation to several school studies. First of these is Environmental Study. Exploration of root, shoot system, types of roots, ecosystem.
Children understand these topics better when they see the live examples. Kitchen Garden is maintained with the help of school gardener which is frequently visited by all classes, specially by the EcoClub students who ensure that suitable gardening is done as per the season.
There is no better way of bringing Primary School children into contact with plant life than by raising flowers and vegetables in the garden. The boys and girls get out of doors, prepare the soil, plant the seed, observe the growth of plants, cultivate them through the season, and finally observe the growth and ripening of the fruit. This whole cycle of growth and change is the most fundamental thing in plant study. Through school gardens students learn to work the land and create a food garden in which they can grow food such as lettuce, potatoes, kale and peas.
Students learn about local food and what grows in their environment. Green projects provide experiential learning opportunities to children and one such project that the children enjoy doing is Farm- To- Table.
It helps to create a connection to food and get students thinking about where their food comes from and what it takes to grow it. It supports better nutrition in students and can incorporate lessons on healthy eating. We have a total of 17 species of plants in our school campus.
- KIITians have taken the inventiveness of sharing happiness in a unique way of celebrating festivals. Under our Care and Share program with students-led initiative of ‘Each One Feed One’ KIIT World School has organized a wide gamut of activities during the “POSHAN Maah” month. The activities were focused on plantation drive for POSHAN VATIKA in the space available in the School Premises, Healthy breakfast recipe and its importance, “Think Food, Think Nutrition’, Let’s grow, create and enjoy our local food, distribution of Nutrition Kits comprising of regional nutritious food and identification of SAM (Severe acute malnutrition) children with Supervised Supplementary Feeding Program and sensitization/awareness drive for COVID vaccination. In the “Each One, Feed One” campaign, all the teachers, students, and parents joined their hands together and offered nutritious food to underprivileged children. Around 250 students were fed nutritious food under this campaign.
- Renewable energy is important as it reduces global warming emissions, which makes for a safer, greener environment. Renewable energy sources reduce air and water pollution, so are better for our health as there is more work involved in harnessing renewable energy, the industry creates more employment opportunities and other economic benefits. Renewable energy helps to keep energy prices stable. Being renewable, we have an abundant supply of these energy sources – they’re unlikely to ever run out, even in a billion years from now!
In our institution (KIIT World School) we have installed 50 KWP solar panels which fulfill almost the demand of load for the school campus. It maintains a low cost and eco-friendly environment.
- Segregation of waste is very important as it reduces the amount of waste that reaches landfills, thereby taking up less space. Pollution of air and water can be considerably reduced when hazardous waste is separated and treated separately.
It is essential that waste is put in separate bins so that it can be appropriately dealt with. Segregation of the waste generated is a very important step in school waste management. To keep the waste separated coloured bins are kept outside the classrooms, near the toilet area and the staff room, laboratories, Outside the reception area. Bins are clearly marked as recycle, reuse and reduce. Waste bins are also kept in the classrooms. Students have learnt to put the waste in the proper bins.
- The terms ‘Drought’ and ‘Water Deficit’ are erroneously used interchangeably. It has been proposed that the term ‘drought’ should be used more for environmental and agronomic situations and ‘water deficit’ be the preferred term used when referring to irrigation limitation and experimental treatments simulating drought.
Plants can be subjected to slowly developing water shortages (i.e., taking days, weeks, or months), or they may face short-term water deficits (i.e., hours to days).
In these situations, plants adapt by responding accordingly, minimizing water loss and maximizing water uptake. In our campus various drought resistant species are planted.
- This green campus policy has been formulated by – KIIT World School to build a healthy, sustainable and climate-friendly environment in and around the campus for their students, staff and associated community.
The green policy aims to build leadership in society and future generations by imparting climate change and sustainable development education and implementing green and sustainable practices on the campus.
Under Green Campus Policy, KIIT World School will take various steps to fight climate change and bring sustainable development in the mainframe. Below are the broad areas where KIIT World School will focus while implementing different practices and improve continuously.
- Reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and adopt renewables/clean energy practices.
- Actively promote the use of public and green transportation system.
- Practice various measures to improve the overall energy efficiency on the campus.
- Practice water efficiency, conservation and storage measures in the campus. Focus on clean water and sanitation.
- Maintain and improve the habitat and biodiversity in and around the campus. Care for water bodies like river, ponds, lakes and oceans if campus is near them.
- Implement efficient waste management practices including a ban of single-use plastic, waste segregation, composting and other measures.
- Adopt green and sustainable procurement practices while purchasing material & services, to reduce the environmental impact.
- Use of eco-friendly material/products on the campus to improve the overall health of occupants and natural surroundings.
- Practice and teach responsible consumption behaviour.
- Incorporate and promote education for sustainable development and climate change issues in (classroom and outdoor) teaching methodology.
- Promote community-level engagement to create awareness and encourage the community to participate and practice sustainability education.
- Continuous monitoring and improvement of the practices to reduce the environmental impacts of the activities and operations.
- Involve management, teachers, staff and students both boys and girls in implementing green policy. Green Campus Committee has been formed to implement, monitor, review, evaluate and evolve sustainable practices in KIIT World School and involvement of other staff members and students.
You have achieved remarkable success. Could you highlight a transformative project or initiative that showcases your commitment to excellence and innovation?
The school stands out by prioritizing the utilization and development of advanced technologies. It places a strong emphasis on integrating these technologies into its educational practices. Additionally, the school’s distinctive learning environment includes specialized spaces like robotics labs, language labs, mathematics labs, social science labs, dance studios, drama studios, and quizzing spaces. These spaces reflect a holistic approach to education, providing students with opportunities to explore various subjects and engage in hands-on activities that promote their creativity and critical thinking abilities.
The well-designed learning spaces also facilitate constructive discussions among students, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and the exchange of ideas. This encourages the development of effective communication skills, peer learning, and the exploration of interdisciplinary connections.
Well-Designed Holistic Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on experiential learning experiences where subjects are taught through projects addressing real-life issues. Students connect their knowledge with real-world challenges and learn to think about solutions to existing problems. As part of a project, students actively participated in creating a wall and furniture using single-use plastic. By utilizing plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills or harm the environment, the students gained firsthand experience in sustainable practices and waste management.
This project not only raised awareness about the detrimental effects of single-use plastic but also showcased how innovative solutions, such as using Eco Bricks, can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of SDG targets. Through their involvement in this project, students were empowered to take action, fostering a sense of responsibility and inspiring them to make positive contributions to environmental conservation.
Interdisciplinary Art Programs
KIIT’s interdisciplinary art programs allow students to explore different cultures and expand their worldview. As part of the Korea ART & CRAFT program, students had the opportunity to create traditional Korean artifacts such as dolls and wall hangings, providing them with firsthand experience of the country’s distinctive culture. This year, the projects are based on the holistic theme of SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment). Through a series of interactive activities and lessons, we aim to instill in our young learners the importance of personal well-being, healthy habits, and making choices that promote a positive lifestyle.
The students also organized an awareness program on Swachchta Abhiyaan and performed several Nukkad Natak to promote cleanliness and hygiene. These programs equip students with skills and knowledge to succeed in a dynamic world.
Life Skills Development
Teachers are encouraged to incorporate activities that promote life skills development, such as group projects and critical thinking exercises, into their lesson plans. Teachers reinforce positive behavior and social skills, such as empathy, respect, and active listening.
KIIT World School distinguishes itself through its consistent focus on 360-degree feedback to provide students with comprehensive analysis and support. The school implements a feedback-oriented approach by collecting input from various sources, including teachers, peers, and parents. This multi-faceted feedback process helps identify areas for improvement and enables the creation of targeted strategies to enhance students’ learning and growth. Through this approach, KIIT World School has nurtured a culture of openness among its students. As a result, students exhibit transparent behavior and embrace a self-driven approach to reflect on their performance. They take ownership of their learning journey, actively seeking ways to improve and grow based on the feedback received. This feedback-oriented culture fosters a sense of responsibility, self-awareness, and continuous improvement among the students at KIIT World School.
Skill Development through Clubs and Committees
We have an array of clubs with creatively designed thoughtful activities to hone individual skills. We have 12 clubs in the school, namely Health and Wellness, Eco, Interact, Heritage, Robotics, Dance, Music, Sports, Mathematics, School Innovation Council, Literary, Creative, French, and Gardening Club. These clubs encourage students to explore their passions and nurture their skills. For example, the Cuisine Club helps them learn about food from Indian states and famous dishes from around the world. They learn to prepare exotic dishes and understand their ingredients and cultural significance.
Committees provide a platform for collaborative problem-solving, bringing together individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise to discuss and address specific issues or challenges faced by the school. Committee members brainstorm solutions, analyze data, and make recommendations for improvement. We have different committees for various areas, such as physical safety, curriculum, parent engagement, emotional safety, cyber safety, and career guidance. Parents and students are part of these committees.
Creating Leaders for Tomorrow
We believe that leadership can be ingrained in children from a very young age. We assign them small roles in class management, and they create their own duty charters. For example, the Electricity Monitor ensures all switches are turned off when devices and equipment are not in use. We follow a democratic procedure and create a Student Parliament through elections. The chosen ministers help in the functioning of the school.
Fostering Global Partnerships
In this age of technology, the world has become a small global hub, and we have taken full advantage of it. Our students partner with students from Scotland, Poland, Uganda, South Korea, and Germany in meaningful exchanges of ideas and knowledge through video conferences and project exchanges. Reciprocal visits enable students to interact with their representatives directly and learn about new cultures, helping them appreciate diversity.
Hub of Innovation
Modern teaching is about facing present challenges head-on. Our vision is to create a community of leaders who contribute to solving existing issues. We have a Robotics Lab and Innovation Club where such ideas are welcomed, and students brainstorm to find the best possible solutions to problems. Our students created contact-free sanitizer machines and thermal scanners during COVID, a mini delivery robot, and a drone, as well as fully automated smart home models using technology.
Partnership with Community
We believe in the saying that it takes a village to raise good children, and that’s what we do. We work closely with our community and regularly invite experts from various fields to share their expertise with students, teachers, and our parent community. Health talks, gardening classes, sessions on cyber safety, and entrepreneurship, among others, are conducted regularly. Webinars enable us to interact with renowned authors and experts from various world agencies like the UN.
Technology in All Domains
We have used technology to the optimum to connect with students and parents, keeping them abreast of the latest happenings and decisions. Teachers use PowerPoint presentations, videos, and other e-resources to explain topics, as do our students during their projects. We have a school ERP system for attendance, fees, results, feedback, and all kinds of analysis, and we train our staff from time to time. Our entire campus is covered by CCTV and monitored at various control rooms to ensure safety in every nook and corner.
Enhancing Creativity
Creativity needs nurturing over a period of time. It comes with good exposure and practice, and we try to provide suitable stimuli and experiences to our learners. We have a Creative Club where students can freely express themselves through various creative channels and DIY activities. Creativity is integrated into classrooms, notebooks, corridors, assemblies, and projects. We organize various competitions like poster making, T-shirt printing, pebble art, rangoli designing, logo creation, and best-out-of-waste contests.
BALA: Building as a Learning Aid
We have consciously worked on using buildings as a learning aid by creating small learning spaces, laboratories, sports facilities, play zones, conference areas, auditoriums, multipurpose zones, and studios. Our corridors display thoughts of world leaders and SDG Goals, staircases have interesting facts, and pathways feature artwork and messages to aid visual learning.
KIIT takes pride in its campus adorned with eighteen busts commemorating influential figures.
Students visit these busts on the birth and death anniversaries of these personalities, paying homage and recognizing their contributions. Across the campus, inspiring and motivational quotes are prominently displayed in both English and Hindi, serving as constant reminders of the values and principles. These quotes inspire students to strive for excellence, uphold integrity, and contribute positively to the world around them.
In the realm of education, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. How do you leverage technology to optimize your services and stay ahead in a digital age?
Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of any nation. In the Indian context, where resources are often limited, the development and use of teaching learning materials (TLM)and low-cost teaching aids have emerged as innovative solutions to enhance the quality of education. These tools provide teachers with effective means to engage students, promote conceptual understanding, and foster active learning. In resource-constrained environments, the scarcity of teaching-learning materials has sparked the emergence of innovative and cost-effective alternatives that play a crucial role in enhancing the learning process. These alternatives bridge the gap by making abstract concepts more tangible and accessible, providing students with hands-on experiences, fostering active learning, and catering to diverse learning styles.
- Innovations and Experiments:
- Uses of natural materials in science experiments
- Low cost solutions of daily life problems– Device for RO waste water management
- Low cost Automatic garbage collector
- Model of smart home (Fire alarm, rain sensor, automatic gate, automatic light, water tank alarm)
- Puppet of human skeleton
- Library access tool based on voice recognition
- Light up learning around circuits-
Our school tries to offer the best professional development programs and training sessions to equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use ICT tools in their teaching methodologies. The focus points of these training sessions were both technical skills and pedagogical approaches that enhance learning outcomes.
- Attendance and Grading: Entab can automate attendance tracking, allowing teachers to update attendance on their mobile devices/laptops. It can also assist in grading assignments, exams, and providing instant feedback to students.
- Communication and Parental Involvement: It has been serving as a platform for effective communication between teachers, students, and parents. Parents are also using this app to monitor their child progress, access grades, and communicate with teachers.
For Junior classes, we have been using Educational Apps like Curio to provide interactive and engaging learning experiences for students. It includes multimedia elements such as videos, images, and interactive quizzes, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective for our young learners.
Inquiry-based learning is a student-centred approach that allows students to take an active role in their learning process by asking questions, exploring, and discovering new information. Apps like Jig space make teaching interesting as mundane concepts come to life using AI. It is being used to support this approach by providing students with personalized instruction and feedback, helping them to progress more quickly and achieve better outcomes. For example, AI-powered chatbots provide students with immediate feedback and guidance, while intelligent tutoring systems use data on student performance to adjust the level of instruction and provide personalized feedback.
In addition, our school has some international partnerships with organizations, universities, and other schools that provide us additional resources, expertise to boost our ICT initiatives.
Video conferences with our partner schools from Scotland, Poland, Africa, Germany and South Korea help students develop Global Citizenship. They exchange projects, emails and engage in discussions through VCs.
As a leader in India’s educational sector, you have likely faced your share of challenges. Could you share an instance where your resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity?
Starting KIIT WORLD SCHOOL in 2017 in the rural belt of Gurugram was indeed a challenging yet transformative journey, particularly given the traditional educational approach predominant in nearby schools. Convincing parents of the benefits of activity-based learning required resilience, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to our educational vision.
Challenge:
Introducing activity-based learning in a region accustomed to traditional rote learning methods was met with skepticism and resistance from parents. They were concerned about the effectiveness of this new approach and whether it would prepare their children adequately for future academic challenges.
Action Plan:
❖ Parental Engagement and Education:
➢ Sessions for Parents: We organized numerous information sessions where we explained the principles and benefits of activity-based learning. These sessions highlighted how this approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of concepts.
➢ Live Demonstrations: To provide a tangible experience, we conducted live demos showcasing activity-based learning in action. Parents observed how children engaged with the material, participated in hands-on activities, and collaborated with peers.
➢ Classroom Observations: Parents were invited to sit in during actual classes. This transparent approach allowed them to witness firsthand the positive impact on their children’s engagement and enthusiasm for learning.
❖ Community Building:
➢ Regular Workshops and Seminars: We held workshops and seminars featuring educational experts who spoke about the long-term benefits of modern educational methodologies. This helped build trust and credibility.
➢ Parent-Teacher Meetings: These were scheduled regularly to discuss individual student progress, address concerns, and demonstrate the efficacy of activity-based learning.
➢ Feedback Mechanism: A robust feedback system was put in place to gather and address parent concerns, ensuring their voices were heard and valued in the school community. KIIT World School distinguishes itself through its consistent focus on 360-degree feedback to provide students with comprehensive analysis and support. The school implements a feedback-oriented approach by collecting input from various sources, including teachers, peers, and parents. This multi-faceted feedback process helps identify areas for improvement and enables the creation of targeted strategies to enhance students’ learning and growth.
Through the implementation of this approach, KIIT World School has nurtured a culture of openness among its students. As a result, students are exhibiting transparent behavior and embracing a self-driven approach to reflect on their performance. They take ownership of their learning journey, actively seeking ways to improve and grow based on the feedback received. This feedback-oriented culture fosters a sense of responsibility, self-awareness, and continuous improvement among the students at KIIT World School.
❖ Student Showcases:
➢ Carnivals and Exhibitions: We organized carnivals where students’ projects and activities were displayed. Parents could see the creativity and understanding their children gained through these projects.
➢ Health Mela: A special event, the Health Mela, was organized for parents to display students’ projects related to health and wellness. This event highlighted the practical applications of their learning and the interdisciplinary approach of activity-based education.
➢ Performances and Demonstrations: Regular assemblies, club activities, and special day events where students performed plays, conducted science experiments, or presented their projects helped parents see the practical applications of what their children were learning.
❖ Community Outreach Program:
In addition to transforming educational practices within the school, we recognized the importance of engaging with and giving back to the broader community. Our Community Outreach Program, under the “Care and Share” initiative, focused on addressing local needs and fostering a sense of social responsibility among students.
Feeding Families:
➢ Under the “Care and Share” program, we organized efforts to feed more than 500 families in need. This initiative involved collecting and distributing essential food supplies, ensuring that the community’s most vulnerable members received the necessary support.
Environmental Initiatives:
➢ Plantation Drives: We collaborated with Resident Welfare Association (RWA) members to organize plantation drives. More than 500 plants were donated. These drives not only helped in greening the community but also educated students and residents about the importance of environmental conservation.
- Sustainability Workshops: Conducted workshops on waste management, recycling, and sustainable living practices, encouraging both students and community members to adopt eco-friendly habits.
Outcome:
- Increased Parental Support: Over time, parents began to see the tangible benefits of activity-based learning. They observed improvements in their children’s enthusiasm for school, problem-solving skills, and overall academic performance.
- Enhanced Student Engagement: Students became more engaged and excited about learning. The interactive and hands-on approach helped them retain knowledge better and develop a love for learning.
- Community Trust: The school built a strong sense of community and trust. Parents felt more involved in their children’s education and became advocates for the school’s innovative approach.
- Sustainable Growth: The positive response from parents and the community led to sustained growth in student enrollment. The school became a beacon of modern educational practices in the area, setting a precedent for other institutions.
- Social Responsibility: The Community Outreach Program fostered a sense of social responsibility among students, teaching them the value of helping others and contributing positively to society.
KIIT WORLD SCHOOL offers the best teaching practices from across the world at a very competitive fee structure, catering to the rural belt of Gurugram. The high academic standards at KIIT are maintained through intellectual firmness. All students get an opportunity to develop into critical and compassionate thinkers, successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and responsible citizens who are able to manage change. The fundamentals of newer and relevant pedagogy are firmly enshrined in the learning philosophy of the school. KIIT WORLD SCHOOL’s mission is to provide an academic and co-curricular program that challenges each student and equips him/her with knowledge, skills, values, motivation, and confidence. To give a global dimension to the curriculum, the school offers opportunities for students to collaborate with progressive schools worldwide that share the passion for providing holistic education to their learners. This international collaboration enriches the learning experience and broadens students’ perspectives, preparing them to be global citizens.
By prioritizing transparent communication, involving parents in the educational process, and consistently demonstrating the benefits of activity-based learning, we successfully transformed skepticism into strong support. This approach not only helped in overcoming initial resistance but also established KIIT WORLD SCHOOL as a pioneering institution in the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped education globally. How have you navigated these unprecedented times and adapted your strategies to ensure educational continuity?
COVID-19 has been a truly challenging phase for everyone worldwide, significantly affecting education. Millions of children globally were left without means of education, and schools endeavored to rise to the challenge. KIIT World School, Sohna Road, also faced this crisis but quickly adapted to meet the demands of the new scenario, ensuring that one crucial academic year was saved without significantly compromising the quality of education.
COVID-19 brought a major shift in teaching and learning processes, pushing educational organizations to rethink and revisit their methodologies to find the best strategies for both students and schools. The use of technology facilitated the implementation of a Blended Learning Model, which became the best fit for the situation.
At KIIT, we believe in holistic education for every learner and swiftly restructured our curriculum to meet the new needs. Mental wellness became a significant aspect of education alongside physical well-being, leading us to strengthen our co-curricular areas to engage learners meaningfully throughout the year.
It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child, and we embraced this philosophy by involving parents, the community, experts from various fields, and alumni in skill development through co-curricular activities.
At KIIT, we have always integrated technology into our teaching methods, using various technological tools and software for lessons, projects, and activities to promote experiential learning. The Blended Learning Model provided teachers and learners with a unique opportunity to interact freely and engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas and knowledge.
This model transcended the rigid boundaries of a traditional classroom, allowing equal participation from both teachers and learners in the learning process.
We organized various webinars on tech tools for video creation, such as Canva and Open Source, and conducted online classes via Google Meet and Zoom. These sessions equipped our teachers with the necessary skills to conduct online classes effectively. We also held sessions for students and parents to familiarize them with these tools and platforms.
The free computer courses were offered to help parents better understand online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. These courses were successfully conducted, equipping parents with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and support their children’s online learning journey effectively.
Cyber security being a major concern, we organized expert sessions to guide our teachers, students, and parents on how to stay safe online and what to do in case of any suspicious activity. This approach is an excellent way to develop 21st-century skills such as critical and creative thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration through various projects.
Our teachers created interdisciplinary projects based on SDG Goals to address real-world problems. They conducted online research, developed case studies, and found ways to address these issues, raising awareness and sensitivity. We planned both online and offline collaborative activities to support these initiatives.
We opened the school for students to access laboratories and the library, inviting them in batches while adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols. Our school features well-designed learning spaces, including labs for robotics, languages, mathematics, social science, dance, drama, quizzing, and a design studio where students can engage in constructive discussions.
Students could experiment firsthand in labs and discuss various theories and issues based on what they learned online. Face-to-face interaction remains an essential part of learning, enhancing observation, listening, judgment, and values like empathy and peaceful coexistence.
Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and we devised numerous interesting ways to assess students using tools like Padlet, Kahoot, Quizizz, and Google Forms.
Teachers created Breakout Rooms for group discussions, facilitating quick idea exchanges.
Our Blended Learning Model provided a unique opportunity to pool human resources, connecting with experts online to train and sensitize students in various fields such as gardening, child labor, effective communication, presentation and video making, culinary skills, and more. We conduct regular webinars to upskill our students.
We hold assemblies and club activities regularly to address multiple intelligences and skill development. Our Saturdays are dedicated to fun learning through club activities. We also organized an inter-school competition on Earth Day, inviting neighboring schools to spread awareness about the climate crisis and foster sensitivity towards it.
We believe the Blended Learning Model has opened up numerous opportunities for our students, playing an instrumental role in developing essential 21st-century skills in all our learners.
Today learning goes beyond the physical realm, touching on aspects like augmented reality, immersive learning, and virtual learner experience. How do you address these critical factors in your offerings?
At KIIT World School, our guiding vision—“I am a promise, I am a possibility”—is more than a motto; it is a powerful affirmation that echoes through every classroom, corridor, and learning experience. We believe that every child holds within them the potential to grow, lead, and create a meaningful impact on the world. Our role as educators is to unlock that potential by offering dynamic and future-ready learning opportunities.
To align with the evolving landscape of education, we have taken several innovative initiatives:
Integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Labs: Our classrooms are equipped with immersive tools that allow students to explore scientific concepts, historical landmarks, and abstract theories through AR and virtual simulations, making learning highly engaging and experiential.
Coding, Robotics, and Design Thinking: From an early age, students engage in hands-on STEAM-based projects that develop their logical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The spirit of innovation is clearly reflected in the achievements of our students:
‘Safe Kavach’, a smart safety bracelet developed to protect the elderly, women, and children, Nidhi and Lovely Grade VIII won the CBSE National Science Exhibition award, presented by Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Secretary of CBSE. This life-enhancing project showcases our students’ commitment to societal well-being and problem-solving.
Tamanna and Shiva from Grade 11 proudly represented their Pill Dispenser project at the National Science Exhibition. Their solution was widely appreciated for its innovation and relevance.
These accomplishments underline the scientific temperament and creativity nurtured at K-IIT. Through our unique blend of technological integration, eco-conscious initiatives, and real-world applications, we prepare students not only for academic success but to become changemakers in a global society.
Global Classrooms & Virtual Exchange Programs: We connect our students with peers across the world, promoting cultural understanding, collaboration, and digital communication skills.
Eco-conscious and Social Responsibility Projects: Through campaigns like Go Green, Plastic-Free Campus, and Community Connect, students take the lead in sustainability efforts and social impact activities.
At KIIT, we are not just keeping pace with educational trends — we are shaping them. With a strong foundation in values and a forward-looking approach, we continue to empower our learners to become global citizens, driven by curiosity, compassion, and the confidence to turn possibilities into promises fulfilled.
Looking to the future, what is your vision for yourself? How do you aspire to continue making a significant impact on India’s educational landscape?
As principal I envision a future where education at the school embraces innovation, personalized learning, and technology integration. These visions are based on current trends and discussions within the field of education: The future may be one in which education is personalized to each student’s unique needs, interests, and aptitudes. The technology could be utilized to provide personalized instruction, adaptive assessments, and personalized learning plans. Will focus on preparing students for a rapidly changing world by emphasizing the development of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. Equality and inclusion could involve addressing achievement gaps, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing targeted support to marginalized groups. I envision a system that promotes continuous professional development for teachers and encourages students to become self-directed learners who are adaptable and resilient.
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