‘Schools must begin early and end early everyday!’

Suparna Mehrotra, the Principal of Delhi School of Excellence, speaks with a spark that is infectious. She’s candid and in tune with the times. That sets her apart from the rest. Read on.

How successful are digital education methods?

They are very handy. They also make learning much more interesting. Students enjoy lessons when they are presented in the form of colourful visuals and graphics with voice-overs.  For example, a Geography lesson will be much more interesting with 3D graphics. Traditionally, we teach Geography lessons with a map and globe or maybe just draw with a chalk on the black board. But to be able to see, say, the inner layers of Earth through graphics accompanied by voice-overs is a completely different and interesting way to learn.

Teachers have adapted to these methods well. As teachers, we always need to move with times. I have been a teacher myself for 20 years.

How do you handle bullying in classrooms?

I am happy to say that since we are just a year old the student-teacher ratio is very good so everything is nipped in the bud. Basically, we just counsel the two students involved. I must say that their peers outside of school and video games are an unfriendly influence at times.

What do you think of CCE methods by CBSE?            

They are excellent. With these evaluation methods every student gets to show his or her strengths and build on weaknesses. And the teachers are also able to recognize unique strengths and weakness of learners much more easily and better. It involves a lot of paperwork for the teachers but it’s really worth the effort.

But it’s a tough ask to convince parents that these regular evaluative tests and activities matter. Parents are often very marks-oriented and have their eyes always set on the final exams in March. I request them to also look at the evaluation work that happens in so many ways through artwork, sports, and group projects throughout the year before March even sets in. The exams are just 30% of the entire process. All our preparation is done before March.

I always tell parents that if a child does badly in one test that is okay. She may excel through other methods and in so many other tests. Assessment can happen in so many ways. We have inter-house competitions in class in arenas like speaking, quizzes, and dance every month.

What changes do you want to personally suggest in the policies of schools, in general, in the city?

Schools can start work earlier in the day and finish earlier. Many schools in North India start at 7.30 am and end at 1.30pm. This way, the child has the entire evening for himself – he can go out to play or connect better with friends outside. I feel bad for students these days; they hardly have time to play after school. Right after school hours, many of them even attend tutorials.

Speaking of tutorials, do you think they are needed?

Many parents can’t oversee a child during study time today so they just send them to tutorials thinking something fruitful will come out of it. But I think tutorials are a waste of time unless the tutor is dedicated and can give personal attention to every child’s learning gaps.

What do you think of open-book exams?

Open-book system needs to be implemented with a lot of thought process. They are not as easy as a student looking into a text book and writing answers. The questions have to be set in a way that makes a student really think about concepts and scroll for answers in the material. Teachers can also distribute more learning materials apart from the textbook for this purpose.

Do you have an advice for new principals?

I am relatively new myself. It’s my second year in the position (laughs). I think as principals we have the authority to make policy decisions. But we need to think in terms of what is workable and what is not. We also need to consider the time that teachers have in their hands.

What do think of introducing newer subjects in school?

Introducing subjects like entrepreneurship and textile designing is a welcome trend. These options help students know their own interests and aptitude. So, by the time they pass out of school they know what profession they want to be in.

Do you have an advice to the parents?

I would say let’s stop expecting a child to be good at everything. Let a child do what she has a flair for. If she is great with Karate or sports, it’s okay if she scores 60% in academics – she can very well focus on her unique talent. Expecting her to slog to score 90% in exams and also excel in her performing art or sporting activity at once is too much pressure on her.