Collaborative Approach: A need for Educational Institution

Collaborative Approach is more about being compassionate and empathetic towards one another. In this approach, a leader doesn’t raise their voice against one another; also not one voice dominates the system but relies more on shared purpose. It means that everyone feels connected and valued. It's more of a process rather than a performance. It helps in the collaborative process work focusing a team involved towards something - to a particular decision that supports achieving a common goal.

Let's take the example of IDEO, a global designing, and innovation company that has established itself and is a clear example of work through collaboration, innovation, and creativity at the same time. It is highly viable in educational institutions; a successful example of IDEO through collaboration is STEM in education. It motivates young minds towards critical thinking and helps to foster their creativity.

An educational organization cannot be run one-handedly, especially for progressive educators it's very important to align with 21st-century skills. One of which is collaboration. It is highly guided by Nelson Mandela's approach of leading from behind. The main idea of collaboration is to complete a task together with a team.

Innovation is one of the important traits of collaborative leadership. The examples of IDEO/Mass studio which made the successful use have already proven it.

                                             Collective genius: An educational institution requires and deals with different departments for the better delivery of education. So here it means that there are various leaders assigned in different areas such as Academic, Administrative, and ECAs which are led by different leaders but they collectively work together for a common purpose. They all work in different departments for better achievement in students' holistic development. So it's obvious the department head are the experts in their own areas whereas they can give very valuable input to the other colleague forming a good team.

        Web of relationship: It helps to create the web of relationships in an organization by interconnecting everyone. They work collaboratively with their respective team members but align with the same mission. The interdependence, equal framework of rules, visible idea sharing, developing shared vision and purpose, taking the risk, and learning from failures further help in team strengthening of the employees by creating a web of relationships.

Collaboration is a great tool for teamwork, highly useful for the generation of emergent and novel outcomes where the work and process of achieving the goal result in unique and with special outcomes.

 

Sharing some ideas to Resolve Conflict through Better Communication

 

            When it comes to communication John Maxwell says, “Communications are not about us, they're about others" in one of his books, Everyone Communicates Few Connect. Communication is indeed more about making connections. We need to communicate to our Peers, Colleagues, Direct Reports, and Executives every day at our workplace. The mode of communication being internal, external, in-person or virtual, verbal or non-verbal, there are chances we often come across conflicts.

    Conflicts are an inevitable part of work and one cannot deny it. It can have a negative impact on your task and personality, sometimes even costing you too way much. However, with the ability to handle and resolve it effectively, you can eliminate many of the disguised problems that it brought to the surface. So here I talk about a few ideas that can help you resolve your conflicts in a peaceful manner at your workplace.

    First Communication is very vital during the time of Conflict: We often mistake and mix up the conflicts with feelings and tend to take things personally. However, the best ways to resolve conflict are having communication, resolving the disagreement productively, and leaving the relationship intact. Following these five steps:

1. Active listening: Many conflicts arises as we are not ready to listen but instead put our ways ahead before the other person could forward their ideas. So active listening will help you to get an idea of what the other person is thinking about and of. Try to get a clue by listening patiently
2. Do not react: Reaction might end up taking things to the personal level. So here have control over your emotions. Do not forget the respect part, it's very important that you choose your words wisely while you communicate and not end up being disrespectful.
3. Respond: After listening to the other side, agree on the issue. The other side might have a different interest; try to get to their point of view. Be courteous and discuss matters constructively.

4.     4.  Present your Facts: Usually, when things are beyond your reach, it's very important that you gather facts and present them on the basis of it. As facts speak more than a person's perception they can create an impact where you can be in a common point.

5.      5. Come for the Final Solution: Eventually, when you agree upon the issue, you can mutually come to a midpoint seeking a final solution that you both agree upon. Be open to the other side's idea and reach out jointly. This way a conflict can be resolved even when you have a difference in opinions and views.

The reason for conflict may be due to different leadership, culture, and work styles as the change of norms, customs and styles can be challenging. However, we can always apply the 3S' by John Maxwell; Keep it Simple, Say it slow and Have a Smile!

 Better communication always helps and impacts your performance. Unresolved conflicts may become a snowball leaving an unhealthy impact on your social and emotional health. On the contrary, you can use it to deepen your connection with others, build greater trust and respect, improve teamwork and help in problem-solving.

 

 

I'm a working Mother and Yes, I chose this!!

 I'm a working Mother, and Yes, I'm proud I chose this!!

I became a mother at a very young age, so I was a college student when my daughter was born. By the time my daughter became ready for preschool, I had considered studying and working hand in hand. My daughter went to the same school where I worked, so essentially, I got to see her growing. Sometimes she would sneak up in my office entryway amid her can break, and I would tell her to go to her course. I never hugged her or took advantage of being in the same place; I thought it wouldn't be the right thing to do professionally. Now seeing her grow, I regret million times not doing so; a single embrace wouldn't have fetched much, though!! 

It was convenient or fair enough if I say full partnership in raising our girl from my husband. He never mentioned or made me feel my job was less important than his whenever it came about taking care of our girl, though he earned many, many times more than I did. He has always and always been there for me throughout every thick and thins, whether it was dropping me to work or going for a solo tour with our daughter while I was working or studying. Occasionally his friends and cousins would tease him, saying, "He doesn't have time as he's so busy raising two girls."

Definitely, things weren't as easy as described in words, but I regret little of it! Having said that, sometimes I ponder, was it always okay to leave a sick baby behind at home while myself being at the office? Or maybe because my baby always bid me with a smile, and I would find it as a motivation. Though the brighter side is the school was the next home for us, and it was because of the lovely people and caring teachers. In a way, the school took care of my child, Miss Anju: the principal ma'am made sure I was a happy parent. There were times when she would take care of things without my knowledge; I might never have shown gratitude, but it's engraved deep in my heart. 

The most challenging times were when my Lil one had to be hospitalized (as all children do; fever, cold, and cough issues). It would be heart-wrenching to leave a sick child at home and be at work after clearing an entire night on the child's ward. But my family would invariably be there at home, allowing me to pursue my career with somebody else having the escape. This is just one instance. There have been hundreds like these, but nothing stopped me from going on my job or studying. Not because I cared less for my Lil one, but because of the supportive hands I had at home.

She's 10 plus now, and I have completed my education ( Basic; let's say, as learning is infinite), and I work as usual. But I'm glad we never missed a time when we could be together; if it was a holiday, we would always take her places to visit or spend a moment in the bookstore, library, children's park. My husband and I acted clear. We filled her childhood with splendid memories and created frequent travels; we always wanted to give her unique experiences by exploring different opportunities.

Despite choosing to become a working mom, I somehow managed not to miss her childhood. During off days, I made sure that it would always be about her, playing with her, taking her to the children's park, going for her favorite blueberry smoothie or her favorite blueberry cheesecake. Of course, my brothers accompanied me to each of those. With time the places changed like we started going for short hikes, her football session, swimming sessions, basketball, guitar and piano lessons, karkhana, grooming tales, chatterbox, which was her choice. While I studied, we did it together to make sure we had quality time. I always read her a chapter of the storybook before leaving whenever I had to work while she had an off day. As a result, with time, she loved reading too! We would go for dry picnics or simply write a story,  visit the parlor for a hairstyle, and cook her favorite food during weekends. I took Bebo to new places for vacations, which would be all about her again, accompanied either by my brothers or Shraddha. This has helped me develop a strong bond and rapport with my child. 

Trust me, it was good to hear from your Lil one; it meant a lot to me. It was possible because of the shared Responsibility at home. I am glad she has these lovely memories; the things I mentioned above are those she reminisces a lot! And she never complains that I'm a busy working mom; instead offers a helping hand. And to add sparks recently, she complimented that I balance my work and home life so well, which, according to her, was my strength.

Words aren't enough to thank my daughter's Nanny Pramila didi (6 months to 10 yr old), who literally took care of my baby while I was away at work, my mamu and mother-in-law for always being there leaving everything behind for her during her month's vacation, my brothers for rushing up in the middle of the night or early mornings over a call, Gaurab for choosing to babysit and dropping me to work canceling his dates (as shared by his then-girlfriend now wife), don't kill me for this Kanchi Maiya :D and nanu for staying up the whole night holding her in arms so that I could sleep well and many more instances when they stayed back for her while I was preparing either for my studies or meetings. There was a time when I wanted to give up my studies (you can imagine how overwhelming can motherhood be), but my husband hired a home tutor for me instead.

 So this journey of a young mom in her early twenties became possible as a working and learning mom because of these beautiful people. When I look back, these people made my life more convenient, and I shall be lifelong indebted to them.

Always remember your family members might lend a helping hand, but your child is your primary Responsibility!! I had this thing engraved in my mind from the beginning, and gladly my husband and I are on the same pace. 

To SEE students: Chase your dreams, it's hard but not impossible!

With the government decision of scrapping SEE, it's now that time of the year for students to decide upon the stream they want to pursue in high school. But how do you know what's best for you? Is it your marks or your parent's dreams that determines what you should study? Will your choice match with that of the rapidly changing world? With proper planning, career counselling from experts in the related field, discussion and family meetings will help students make the best decision .

I remember people around me questioning me for choosing to study management despite my good grades. My parents always wanted me to study medicine. I was good in  English. A curious reader since childhood, but I never had the  guts to tell them about my preferences. I instead chose management because my young mind thought studying science would be hard. My parents were not strict, and they would not have objected to my choice, but then an obedient girl was not supposed to go against their wishes. I don't even remember if I knew what career I wanted to choose. One day, my neighbour asked my grandfather if I would like to volunteer during my summer break at a reputed school. I agreed and that was how my teaching career started back in 2060. 

My parents selected a college where I couldn't even last a few months. I was happy in my new college, but I hardly remember the details of my finance or other classes. When it came time for me to go to graduate school, everyone wanted me to pursue an MBA. We even visited a number of good business schools. . It was then that I decided to pursue what I always loved: literature. I decided to pursue a graduate degree   in English Literature. I had to study about  37 books in two semesters. And I loved those times. . Reading those books was soothing, and every assignment was exciting. I was done with the graduate school in no time and my daughter started her pre-school. I decided to take education leadership, and enrolled in M Phil in Education. It was an addition to my career path. I loved every bit of the program. Despite the rigor, I enjoyed the classes because it was what I wanted to do! 

 I have no regrets about my choices. I landed up with the career of my choice. But what if I had a good mentor?  I was lucky in a sense that my parents never imposed their will on me. They wanted me to give my best in whatever I did. And I was able to discover and  follow my dreams. But not everyone is as lucky!

We recently had a career  counselling for the SEE  students conducted by academic experts, principals and educators. Here are some of the key ideas that emerged from the session: 

• Knowing about the facts : It is important for you to know of the stream you choose. Does it lead you to your goals? Is it something you really want to do? Does it weave  a path that connects you to your future dreams? You should have answers to these questions. It could be science, management, A-Levels or IB.  Find information, research well and be prepared! .
• Listen to everyone, but make your own choice : It is natural for your parents, relatives and neighbors to nudge you toward a certain stream. But you know your strength and interests. Talk to your teachers. They know you well. Check your academic reports and  look for consistency. It's a nice idea to trace your academic abilities that have consistency.
• Choose the right college: Discuss with your parents and take the call. You might also want to discuss the budget. Look for recommendations from your teachers, school, friends and family circle. Visiting more colleges might help find the best one. Does the school have  a nice library that accommodates all the reading materials and books required? The college environment and ambience matters a lot. Most importantly, you might want to know the teaching faculty.
• Nothing beats hard work:  As they say,"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.". Smart work might sound good but hard work creates magic. Always carry your passion, make sure you give your best in any task you do. Do enough research, back them up with required skills and strategies, making the most of it. Set a goal and work constantly to achieve it, one at a time. 

As a teenager, you  are  vulnerable, the tendency to follow seniors, friends or society is  appealing. Enrolling in the same college as your best friend is also attractive for a number of reasons.You should

take time and  decide on the course you want to take in life. 

Good luck! 

Goodbye SEE 2076

I woke up with the beep from my mobile, it was a message from one of my Year 10 students. With a drooping eyelid, I checked the time it was 10 pm. I came to know that the government had issued a notice regarding the cancellation of SEE and the student was curious to know whether it was true or not.  I requested the student to have a sound sleep and we could talk about it the other morning. I woke up to confirm the news and started scrolling on different sites. Finally, it happened to be true and I was relieved and felt happy to have heard such Welcoming News!

So the next morning, I got back to my student to query on how did he felt about it now? His reply was somehow like this if we got infected our whole life would be in danger but we can always continue our study. How I wish the same could have happens a few weeks back, we would have saved so many of them to go through the mental turmoil and disturbances they've been through.

A few days back, i was talking to one of my friend whose daughter was appearing in SEE, I queried to know about her status. My friend shared that she wasn't in a happy mood and missed everything so she requested the teacher to run at least 2 hrs classes for them where they can at least meet and talk to their friends to make it feel like normalcy.

The entire teacher community had been worried about the status of students academics in between. We were constantly in touch with our parents. Especially what bothered us was the mental health of the students, because considering the situation they had put days and nights together working their level best to achieve their goals. So without a delay of time, our principal suggested having a session with the school counsellor for the students. After the session, we came to know the different issue they were struggling with; the majors being anger, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, lack of concentration, less willingness to study etc. The well being session guided them and helped them to manage their routines and advised them on how could they make the best out of the situation which indeed worked!

One of my students shared when I asked her how does she feel about the government decision, her reply was that she had promised herself and her parents to get good grades. But she was over the moon to hear the news as she felt relieved!!  While my other student said she always felt disturbing and pressurized, a kind of anxiety was always there but the news isn't so pleasing either as we along with the teachers had worked so hard. But the ones who were expecting GPA 4 with the parents together committing for the child support are really sad about it, I remember one of my students got a very good opportunity which he denied to participate. I tried to counsel a lot but couldn't convince him when he said, "Ma'am please let me be the book worm this year and just concentrate on SEE, I'm looking forward to GPA 4".  How I lament should he have grabbed the opportunity, at least he would have gained a new added skill.


Students have had appeared at least or more than 4--5 exams before SEE, some being internally taken by the school itself while others being external from different associations. So the progress could be traced on that basis, for the ones maintaining Continous Assessment System is a Bliss!!

My personal take and understanding on this are that whatever happened in the first hand (last hour exam calls off ) but the current decision of the government is very Welcoming! How long could we have held them back waiting for normalcy? Isn't it the best time we learn health as the biggest priority? We should not forget about the importance and impact of child psychology and mental health for the students who are at the pick of teenagers. At this moment there would be so many other things and issues that they would be passing through!

 So dear children, we believe that we have embedded the skill of becoming a life long learner, take this opportunity to believe in yourself and your promises. Set your goals and pave a path to achieve your own dreams!!

Teachers and the tech

                                                                                              Teachers and the tech

Well, I say oh yes! It's the teachers with the tech.

With the lockdown and COVID 19, nationwide school closure that happened rapidly leaving everyone very less or let's say no time to even be prepared or plan a strategy for the further continuation of teaching-learning. Though the dedicated teachers and resilient educators ensuring learning don't stop, found ways with their eagerness to adapt in the new situation. 

Very few teachers were fortunate enough to be using institutionally supported technologies with regular monitoring and guidance provided by the school. While we can't unsee that it might have been overwhelming for many of us with the sudden change and need to use technology. But by the help of an active group of people and educational organizations who voluntarily supported and mentored teachers gain the new skill; motivated and prepared them to continue the learning process through various available means. So the teacher's with the tech with newly discovered sides such as;

• Self-Assured: Before this situation, teachers might have thought they can't do it or it's not their cup of tea. Let's say for many of us using technology was more of a choice. But with the need of time and context, we are able to discover this brand new side of theirs, where they ultimately have to believe themselves. This has even led to risen their self-esteem giving them hope and belief on themselves.

• Going Remote: Not that anything can beat or replace face to face learning however given the current circumstances remote learning has been a very important tool for teachers. It has been an alternate way to conventional education approach and unknowingly helped teachers adapt to a different pedagogical practice and understanding of teaching-learning.

• Using various online tools: It's not that the online tools certainly emerged or have been designed. In fact, those were available for a long time but now has been the time for many teachers to dig into it meticulously. It has created an opportunity to become able to use many available online tools not limited only to the tech-savvy ones.

• 21st-century learners:  This COVID 19 has unknowingly created an opportunity especially for teachers where they forced (positively) to learn the ICT skills. It has further helped teachers to build their own communities to share and enrich teaching resources and practice collaborating for personal growth.

Even for the ones who do not have access to any particular LMS is even taking it forward with the help of various social media tools such as creating groups in Viber and Facebook. The televisions and radios broadcasting edu-materials to address the reach of those far away from internet access. This indeed has changed the perspective use of social media as an education tool. 

So from an optimist perspective, I see that we have explored many different ways to continue learning, amidst the chaos and uncertainty.