Tag: Education

Model United Nations – A Powerful Platform to Bring Awareness about Global Issues

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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Imagine a scenario where a high school student from India is passionately debating climate change policies with a peer from New York, while another student from Tokyo is working on a resolution to tackle global health issues alongside a delegate from Rio de Janeiro. This isn’t a United Nations assembly but a Model United Nations (MUN) conference. These students, dressed as diplomats and immersed in their assigned countries’ roles, engage in high-stakes negotiations and discussions that mirror the real challenges faced by global leaders. In this vibrant setting, young minds are not only learning about international relations but also becoming keenly aware of critical global issues such as sustainability.

Why Sustainability Matters?

Sustainability is a multifaceted concept encompassing environmental, social, and economic concerns.

  • Environmental Sustainability: This refers to the responsible use of natural resources, including water, energy, and land. Unsustainable practices like deforestation, pollution, and excessive resource extraction lead to environmental degradation, impacting not just our ecosystems but also human health and well-being.
  • Social Sustainability: This focuses on creating a just and equitable society. It considers issues like poverty, human rights, and access to education and healthcare. An unsustainable society fosters inequality and instability, hindering progress for all.
  • Economic Sustainability: This involves ensuring that economic growth meets the needs of all citizens without depleting resources for future generations. Unsustainable economic practices, like overconsumption and reliance on fossil fuels, can lead to economic volatility and social unrest.

Understanding these interconnected aspects allows students to develop a holistic perspective on sustainability.

MUN Fostering Sustainability Champions

MUN conferences provide a unique platform for students to engage with sustainability:

Engaging with Global Issues: At the heart of MUN are the global issues that participants are called to address. These issues span a wide range of topics including sustainability, human rights, economic development, global health, and security. For instance, in a WHO committee, delegates might debate strategies to improve sustainable development in underdeveloped regions while also addressing health disparities. They might discuss initiatives to ensure access to clean water and sanitation, combat infectious diseases, and promote mental health awareness. Meanwhile, in the Security Council, they could discuss measures to resolve international conflicts. By tackling these real-world problems, students not only learn about the issues themselves but also the complexities involved in finding solutions that are acceptable to a diverse group of nations with differing interests.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Students participate in debates and negotiations, analysing different perspectives and seeking solutions. This process fosters critical thinking skills, allowing them to evaluate evidence, identify potential pitfalls, and develop innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.

Communication and Collaboration: MUN conferences encourage active participation and effective communication. Students learn to articulate viewpoints clearly, find common ground, and work collaboratively towards solutions. These skills are crucial for building global partnerships and fostering international cooperation on sustainability initiatives.

Leadership Development: MUN positions students as leaders, representing countries and advocating for change. This experience instils confidence, strengthens public speaking abilities, and allows students to develop their leadership potential.

Fostering Global Awareness and Citizenship: MUN is instrumental in fostering global awareness among students. By engaging with international issues and considering the viewpoints of different countries, participants gain a broader understanding of the world. This exposure helps cultivate empathy and a sense of global citizenship, encouraging students to think beyond their immediate environment and consider the global implications of their actions. Moreover, MUN conferences often include keynote speakers, workshops, and cultural events that further enrich the participants’ understanding of global issues and international relations. These activities provide additional context and insights, making the learning experience even more comprehensive.

Inspiring Future Leaders: One of the most significant impacts of MUN is its ability to inspire future leaders. Many students who participate in MUN go on to pursue careers in international relations, law, politics, and other fields where they can continue to engage with global issues. The skills and experiences gained through MUN serve as a strong foundation for these future endeavours.

Aligned with this vision, VIBGYOR acknowledges the transformative impact of Model United Nations (MUN). Through the distinctive program, VIBGYOR MUN, th students are offered a platform to engage directly with the dynamics of international relations. VIBGYOR MUN delivers a structured and enriching experience that hones students’ research, communication, and critical thinking skills. It also facilitates interactions among students from diverse backgrounds, promoting a spirit of global citizenship. Moreover, VIBGYOR MUN provides access to experienced mentors who guide students through the complexities of MUN procedures and diplomacy. This year’s VIBGYOR MUN in its 14th edition is addressing SDG 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities at Bangalore from June 24  to 29, 2024.

Conclusion

Model United Nations is a powerful educational platform that not only raises awareness about global issues but also equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and address these challenges. Through debate, discussion, and negotiation, MUN participants gain a realistic understanding of international relations and the complexities of global governance. By fostering critical skills and inspiring a sense of global citizenship, MUN plays a crucial role in preparing the next generation of leaders to contribute positively to the world. In a time when global cooperation and understanding are more important than ever, MUN offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to engage with the world, develop essential skills, and become informed, proactive citizens ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Visit VIBGYORMUN Conference Website

A 12-point School Selection Checklist

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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Education, especially school education, has changed radically in the last decade. With the inundation of digital technology, and the inception of policy reforms (especially the National Education Policy – NEP 2020), awareness about quality education is at the forefront. The notable aspects to focus on are: emphasis on skill and entrepreneurship education, changes in assessment methods, focus on inclusive education, and rise in global exchange programmes. While there is so much written and spoken about the ever-evolving best education practices, in this age of information overload, there is considerable and understandable confusion among parents on how to decide which school would be the most suitable for their child. This 12-point checklist will help simplify the challenging task of selecting the best school for your child. 

  1. Accreditations and Certifications: A school that is recognised/accredited/affiliated with a national or international board or body definitively ranks higher than the others. These stand as a testimony to the credibility and dependability of the institution.

  2. Curriculum and Pedagogy: Choose a school that offers a wide range of programmes to enhance your child’s performance in academics and extra-curricular learning and open opportunities to diverse career paths, including competitive exams, and international education. Gain awareness regarding the pedagogical approach or the teaching methodology, whether it offers academic rigour, or experiential based learning, or both. For younger children, a dedicated focus on holistic development and exposure – academically, physically, emotionally, and intellectually – ensures long term benefits.

  3. Teacher Quality: Ensure that the teaching staff is qualified and experienced in delivering the curriculum in a nurturing, interactive, and engaging manner. Ascertain whether Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a norm in the school. The teacher-student ratio also plays a vital role in getting your child’s unique needs addressed.

  4. Co-curricular Activities: A well-rounded and holistic education is possible only when all areas of growth are blended proportionately. Integration of sports, performing arts, cultural, technological, scientific, literary, and academic events into the curriculum is an indicator of the focus on holistic development of the child. 
     
  5. Outcome Focused: How a school tracks a child’s progress in learning and how it is communicated to parents are important criteria to zero in on a school. National Policies on Education have been encouraging continuous and comprehensive assessment with distinct learning outcomes at each level of school education.

  6. Parent-Teacher Communication: Schools that offer regular parent-teacher communication make it easier for parents to remain informed about their child’s progress as well as address and alleviate any parental concerns. Apart from the regular PTMs and events, the VIBGYOR Group of Schools has a dedicated parent portal for parents to stay connected to teachers regularly.

  7. Safety and Hygiene: Check if the school has appropriate safety, hygiene, and emergency measures in place. This starts right from the entry-exit point of the school to the classrooms, corridors, lifts, staircases, washrooms, play areas, and other common areas of the school. It is important that these areas are not just clean but also safe for your child and equipped to deal with any unforeseen emergencies.

  8. Values and Ethics: Find out about the value system of the school, as this goes a long way in instilling the right personal, family, and social value system, like ensuring inclusivity and celebrating diversity. Personalised Learning Centres in schools support teachers to address gaps, if any, and foster connections.

  9. Infrastructure: Make sure that the school has all the required facilities, apart from spacious and well-lit classrooms, comfortable furniture, a library, the laboratories, and sports facilities, which together create a conducive and encouraging learning environment for the child.

  10. Technology Integration: Integration with technology is the need of the hour in this digital age. A seamless integration in terms of the availability of digital resources and using updated and integrated content for teaching is in place at the VIBGYOR Group of Schools.

  11.  Accessible Education: Offering extracurricular activities and amenities in addition to the curriculum guarantees that a school is providing an inclusive, high-quality education to all its students.

  12.  Alumni Success: Gather information on the achievements of the school’s alumni. This will help assess the impact of the school on the child’s future success. Furthermore, you will learn about the school’s local, national, and global network of learners.

Looking for the best school for your child? Connect with us: https://www.vgos.org/

Embracing Holistic Education: Going Beyond Exam Scores at VIBGYOR

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of a holistic learning experience, the educational landscape is undergoing a significant shift. Gone are the days of solely focusing on exam scores or marks.  VIBGYOR Group of Schools is at the forefront of this exciting change, championing a holistic education model that empowers students to thrive well beyond the test.

Looking Beyond the Test: A Spectrum of Success

At VIBGYOR, we understand that academic achievement is critical but not the only piece of the complex puzzle of world ready citizens in the 21st century. While strong academic performance remains valuable, we believe true success lies in fostering well-rounded individuals equipped for a fulfilling life. This is why we focus on continuous and comprehensive assessment, evaluating a student’s progress throughout their academic journey.

Our holistic approach goes beyond grades to celebrate:

  • A Passion for Lifelong Learning: We nurture a genuine curiosity in our students, encouraging them to explore knowledge beyond the syllabus and delve deeper into subjects that spark their interests. This ignites a lifelong love of learning and a desire to continuously discover and grow.
  • Resilience and Growth Mindset: We cultivate a growth mindset, empowering students to bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and face challenges with confidence. This fosters adaptability and a willingness to continuously improve.
  • Strong Communication and Collaboration Skills: Effective communication and collaboration are essential for success in any field. Through various activities and projects, we equip students with the skills to work effectively with others, express themselves clearly, and contribute meaningfully in group settings.
  • Creative Problem-Solving: VIBGYOR fosters critical thinking skills, encouraging students to approach problems from different angles and develop innovative solutions. This prepares them to tackle complex challenges and thrive in a world that demands adaptability and creative thinking.
  • Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship: We cultivate a strong sense of social responsibility and global citizenship in our students. We encourage them to become active participants in their communities and the world, fostering a sense of empathy and a desire to make a positive impact.

Stories Beyond the Scorecard

VIBGYOR alumni are living testaments to the power of holistic education. They have gone on to achieve success in diverse fields, showcasing the value of nurturing various talents and skills. Whether excelling in academic and leadership roles, pursuing artistic endeavours, or tackling social issues as entrepreneurs, our students are prepared to make a difference.

Holistic Assessment and NEP Alignment

Our commitment to holistic education aligns perfectly with NEP 2020’s emphasis on a competency-based learning approach as well as continuous and comprehensive assessment. VIBGYOR’s 360-degree holistic report card goes beyond grades, providing a comprehensive evaluation that encompasses academic performance, social-emotional learning, creative potential, and essential life skills. This aligns seamlessly with NEP’s focus on a multi-dimensional approach to assessment that evaluates a student’s overall development.

Join the VIBGYOR Journey At VIBGYOR, we believe that education is more than just preparing for exams. We are dedicated to fostering well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in the 21st century.  Join us on this transformative journey and witness the power of education that goes beyond exams.

Points to Remember During Exam Time

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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Are you stressed due to your upcoming exams? Don’t be! Let us look at how we can help you lessen your stress and make the entire examination process smooth.

Remember the following points and we are sure you won’t be tensed during the exams.

Remember 3 C’s: Calm, Concentrate and connect

Most of the students panic during exam time. They prepare for the whole year for these days and finally when the exam days approach, they develop the fear of exams. Remember to remain calm, concentrate on your studies and stay well connected with the subjects you find difficult.

Proper planning of the syllabus:

It is a must to plan your day with certain target of completion of studies .This will set a timeline for you and will help you complete the portion on time.

Make sure there is enough time for revision before the exams and avoid reading any new topics at the last minute.

Healthy food:

Eat healthy and homemade food. It’s very important to remain fit and fine for the preparation of the exams so avoid outside food and eat lot of vegetables and fruits for healthy mind and body. Keep water bottle near you while studying as drinking water at regular intervals will keep fatigue at bay.

Avoid unnecessary discussions with the friends:

Discuss with your friends only if they can solve your subject related problems, avoid discussing how much portion they have covered. If your friends are lacking in the completion of their portion, then psychologically you will relax thinking you are ahead of them and if they are ahead then this could be the reason for you to panic and lose concentration.

Meditation and Yoga:

We understand it’s difficult to devote time for exercises during exam time but mediation for few minutes will help improve your concentration and breathing exercise will reduce fatigue.

Avoid electronic gadgets:

Never keep your mobile phones near you while studying as this diverts your attention. Choose place where there will be no distraction like T.V, music, etc…

Leisure time for rejuvenation:

Spare some time to have fun and enjoy some leisure time at regular intervals, which will help you rejuvenate and you can get back to studies with full spirit.

Trust yourself:

Be confident and self-motivator. Exams are not the end of the world but they are a part of the school/college life and education system.  Life is full of opportunities so enjoy every phase of the life.

 

Ms. Sheetal Varma,
Principal, VIBGYOR Rise – Chinchwad (Pune)

How to Talk to Children so that they Listen

Posted on by Kavita Sahay

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We are well into the New Year 2019 now. As parents and educators, one of our New Year resolutions should be about spending more time talking to children…especially the school going ones – how to talk to them so that they listen, is what worries us most. This would surely be an intriguing topic for some of us, a non topic for others, but it is nonetheless an important one.

The 21st Century has thrown up many challenges, not the least of them being the problem of face to face communication. With the advent of newer means of technology at our disposal and the proliferation of hand held and portable devices for communication on the rampant increase, personal conversations have become rare occurrences with people resorting to con calls, audio and video chats, SMS and Whatsapp messages as well as connectivity on other social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. Even official discussions, meetings, seminars and conferences are now being conducted over Skype and Zoom and other such mediums. Hangouts is one of the ways in which the younger generation actually hangs out! In such a scenario, how do parents and teachers connect with children who are more comfortable with online and virtual conversations than the ones in real life? No wonder some of us may feel a sense of disconnect with our children when in their physical company.

The answer does not lie in resorting to messaging or video calling our children and learners but in using the following simple tips to connect with the children who mean the most to us.

When talking to children we should:

  1. Smile and greet our children when we meet them at any time of the day. A smile is a great way to connect and radiate warmth that envelops and cheers up the children. When we say ‘Hello’, or ‘Good Morning’, we will get a reply which can then lead on to the next step as the connection is established. Maybe we can even have our own special ways of greeting our children.
  2. Ask leading to and open ended questions like, ‘So, how was your day?’, ‘What are you thinking about now?’, ‘What is it that I can do for you?’, ‘How have you and your friends been doing in school?’ or even something as simple as, ‘Which subject/time of the day/snack/book/movie do you like the most? And why?’. These can be great conversation starters.
  3. Give ample time to our child/learner. Set aside time for the conversation. Children too, just like us, love to be heard patiently. Let us respect that. Do not try to close conversations in a hurry. Do not raise your voice. Do not keep looking over their shoulders or here and there while talking. Look at the child/learner in their eyes, but do not stare. That would be disconcerting. Though, one should be firm, in a polite and friendly manner, in case the child/learner does not follow the decorum of the conversation.
  4. No matter what turn the conversation takes, let us not forget to smile at times, nod our head, use appropriate, non threatening body language, and most importantly, listen to them when they talk so that they may return the favour when we have something to say.
  5. Speak in a positive, encouraging tone. Instead of asking, ‘Was the test difficult to attempt?’, we should instead ask, ‘Which question in the test did you find the most exciting?’. A statement such as. ’As you haven’t been doing any reading, I don’t think your language will improve!’ could demoralize children and put them off reading. It would be far better to say, ‘Over the holidays you could read this book. It seems to be enjoyable!’.

There are many more ways to make a conversation interesting for children. Let us begin by using these 5 crucial tips which will be most beneficial to us. Let’s begin talking in the way our children would love to listen to us!

Importance of Integrating Play into the Curriculum

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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As it is rightly said, “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson

Teaching through play has always been close to my heart as I believe; play is a gateway and the foundation of learning. Through play, children learn all the critical skills that are needed to succeed and be engaged in the world. Learning, as we are all aware is different for every child because each one learns at his/her own pace, learning in his/her own style, and guided by his/her own intelligence. Through self-directed play, children make choices and decisions, confront uncertainty, overcome fears, and learn to work together as a team. Especially in recent times, ‘Play’ plays an important role to develop skills that are required in the present world. It is also observed that when teaching children, Teachers need to think out-of-the-box to keep learning engaging and fun.

We as Educators must focus on developing the 4 important C’s – Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity and Collaboration. The need of the hour is to hone these soft-skills that will ensure that a child will be best prepared to engage in the futuristic workplace while having successful and meaningful relationships in life.

In schools, we rarely set out to learn by playing. Instead of dismissing it as ‘just fun’, one must understand that play is a very important activity that children use in order to learn about and interact with the world, to develop their mental, physical and social skills which are required to succeed in their adult lives. Children learn concepts best through play and the power of play is seen when children master the concepts through fun, rather than learning in a mundane theory class.

At VIBGYOR, we place emphasis on teaching concepts in a stress-free environment through play, where each concept is taught keeping the child’s pace and interest in mind. Through play and integrated learning, we realise that we can put children on a discovery path to lifelong learning, innovation and creativity.  One of the major distinctive facts which set VIBGYOR Group of Schools apart is the integration of SPA (Sports & the Performing Arts) curriculum with in-classroom learning. The exposure that is given to the child through various SPA activities further facilitates the development of kinesthetic and spatial skills. Our aim is to provide a rich environment for our young learners and to develop their natural curiosity and creativity. The activity-based curriculum of VIBGYOR focuses on offering children unique opportunities for playfulness – to explore, engage and connect with the world we live in.

As Vince Gowmon pertinently reminds us that, ‘Play is the language of children. Have you spoken it to them lately?. As Educators, it is our duty to constantly remind ourselves this and ensure that play is always protected and an integral part of children’s learning.

Ms. Seethalakshmi,
Principal, VIBGYOR High – Horamavu, Bengaluru



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