Alexander George Muthoot tells Deebashree Mohanty that the Paul George Global School is all set for 2015 session
The Paul George Global School is built on a massive scale. What role do you think good architecture and modern framework play in the overall development of a childIJ
Great physical infrastructure symbolises the management’s uncompromising resolve towards offering nothing but the best for our children. Be it academics or sports, utilising modern tools of imparting education at our class rooms or engaging the best resources in terms of teachers or offering the most appropriate environment for holistic learning — we believe in giving our children the best of everything. Emphasis on state-of-the-art infrastructure also needs to be seen as a confidence building measure.
Will nursery education be based on the Montessori style of teachingIJ
Since children have an exceptionally ‘absorbent mind’ up to six years of age, they have tremendous ability to learn and assimilate from the world around without conscious effort. It is during this time that children are receptive to external stimuli. The teaching for the primary school will follow the Montessori format for the fullest possible development of the child to ultimately prepare him for life’s rich experiences. The curriculum of the school will be based on the modern method of teaching — experiential, conceptual & contextual learning. It will consist of five essential elements like concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes and action.
What is your take on the entire traditional way of learning versus the modern methodology of teachingIJ
Today, pure rote learning is giving way to meaningful learning. learners resort to rote memorisation because they are unable to relate new information to prior knowledge. On the other hand meaningful learning is characterised by relating to new information as compared to prior knowledge. Before meaningful learning can be achieved through correlation and/or application, a student needs to possess a basic or elementary level of knowledge. Thereafter, the child can adopt meaningful /application methods to enhance learning skills. However blatant rote per se will be discouraged among students.
Do you think Indian schools do not give much emphasis on life skillsIJ
The education philosophy in ancient India was one of guru-shishya parampara which stressed on the teacher being responsible for literacy/knowledge and personality development in the child. Since the education system today is achievement-oriented rather than child- oriented, it does not wholly address the needs of all children who need to develop life skills and become empowered to live effectively.
What are the plans for higher educationIJ
Our aim and purpose has always been to introduce a positive change in the lives of young and old alike, fulfill their dreams of having an education and motivate them to utilise their life in a meaningful way. Our educational institutions are landmarks in their own right.
How about quality assessment of teachers. Is that necessaryIJ
A teacher quality assessment primarily involves review of educational qualifications, experience, domain knowledge, ability to teach, ability to understand student problems, communication skills, classroom training and measurements of student performance. Assessing the quality of teaching is not a simple matter of looking at student feedback and reviewing one or two lectures. The teacher’s personal qualities such as integrity, uncompromising principles, moral values, knowledge, approachability and ability to inspire are also important.