This article was published in the World Education Fellowship 17 th Newsletter December 2025. I was the principal of a small school with about 600 students closely held together with strong values and an informal way of teaching. I remember the day vividly. A workshop for children was held in the hall and I was … Continue reading Understanding the Emotional Compass: Strategies for Classrooms and Beyond
Learnings
Blogs that have a acdemic interest.
Transforming Education: Lessons from John Holt
60 years ago, John Holt identified why children fail. The education system is still making the same mistakes. When John Holt published How Children Fail in 1964, he identified profound flaws in our education system. Decades have passed, but many of the issues he raised—from fear-based learning to stifled curiosity—continue to plague modern classrooms. This is a … Continue reading Transforming Education: Lessons from John Holt
What a Teacher’s Tears Taught Me About Leadership
Sometimes, a simple classroom moment can hold a profound lesson in leadership.This one began with tears, a child’s honest remark, and ended in reflection. “Would love to hear your thoughts — how do you handle such moments in your classrooms or institutions?” Sometimes, a simple classroom moment can hold a profound lesson in leadership.This one … Continue reading What a Teacher’s Tears Taught Me About Leadership
Why Children Fail – Navigating Parenting Challenges
This is the second in the series Why Children Fail. The focus is on Parenting and how it should work with the school in tandem. Parenting is never easy. It demands patience, empathy, and resilience. The teenage years, in particular, can be overwhelming for both parents and children. The African proverb “It takes a village … Continue reading Why Children Fail – Navigating Parenting Challenges
Beyond the Textbook: How School Infrastructure and Learning Environments Shape Student Success
"Why do children fail academically? As a former principal, I have reflected deeply on this question. Here’s my perspective on how school infrastructure and even classroom colours play a crucial role in shaping student success." It is a question layered with complexity. Every parent aspires to send their child to a “good” school. But what … Continue reading Beyond the Textbook: How School Infrastructure and Learning Environments Shape Student Success
Enhance Science Learning with the POE Teaching Strategy
POE technique can be seen as part of 'constructivist' pedagogy since it uses a teaching technique which involves students' thinking. Cognitive thinking is the use of mental activities and skills to perform tasks such as learning, reasoning, understanding, remembering, paying attention, and more. One of the thinking strategies for teaching science is POE technique where P stands … Continue reading Enhance Science Learning with the POE Teaching Strategy
Celebrating a Vibrant Session on Inquiry-Based Student-Led Learning
I recently had the privilege of conducting a session on Inquiry-Based Learning—and the positive feedback I received from participants was truly heartwarming. This was under the aegis of Get Set and Learn of Arvind Mafatlal group. Inquiry-Based Learning is more than just a teaching method; it is a philosophy that empowers students to take ownership … Continue reading Celebrating a Vibrant Session on Inquiry-Based Student-Led Learning
Beyond Paychecks: The Priceless Rewards of Teaching
“Teaching does not pay”—this is the oft-repeated cliché of the aam janata. True, teaching remains one of the most poorly paid professions across the world. Perhaps that is why we seldom come across “teaching families,” unlike those of doctors, engineers, or the armed forces. Yet, let me share one of the most beautiful moments that … Continue reading Beyond Paychecks: The Priceless Rewards of Teaching
Fostering Patriotism among Youth
Breathes there the man with soul so dead,Who never to himself hath said, 'This is my own, my native land!' By Walter Scott This poem reminded me of the complex relationship Indians have with patriotism. While national holidays like August 15th and Republic Day evoke strong feelings of patriotism, these sentiments often take a backseat … Continue reading Fostering Patriotism among Youth
Celebrating the Role of a Teacher in Shaping Futures
I penned this in 2011. It applies to date. A teacher A task master With eyes at the back of the head Equipped with an uncanny sixth sense That picks up the naughty ones! A tough demeanour at times To tackle the tougher than the toughest! A teacher Makes you take up responsibility Tickles your … Continue reading Celebrating the Role of a Teacher in Shaping Futures