With Gen-X being ten times ahead of its previous generation, feeding it merely with factual knowledge, is just not enough. Teachers need to get a grip of their classroom in such a manner that the learners feel valued and an integral part of the teaching- learning process. To equip teachers with the strategies to manage their classroom effectively, a workshop was conducted for the teachers of DPS, Vasant Vihar and East of Kailash on October 5th 2019, Saturday, from 8.30am to 3.30 pm  at DPS, R K Puram.

The Resource Person Dr. Geetanjali Kumar, besides being a life skill trainer, speech therapist and parenting coach is also a renowned special educator, occupational therapist and corporate trainer.  She is also registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and is a founding member of All India Association of School Counsellors and Allied Professionals (AISCAP).

The workshop began with an ice- breaking session, wherein each teacher was required to choose a random teacher- partner (the least known person in the group). The teacher- pairs then struck a conversation to know more about each other. This activity helped establish a bond and connect among teachers, as they got to know a lot about one another. This was an ice breaking exercise emphasizing that knowing each student in the class is necessary to motivate them to achieve their goals.

In the second half of the workshop, teachers were divided into seven groups. Each group was assigned with a life skill (leadership, initiative, problem- solving, teamwork, empathy among others).  On the assigned themes, each group was supposed to give a stage presentation merging academics with an inter- disciplinary approach and methodology. Group members had to impart an “extraordinary learning element” too through the logo which was to be designed by the group members as per the theme assigned to them.

Teachers teamed up together as per their assigned number group. They discussed their themes, wrote the script, penned down poems & songs, sang jingles. The performances of the various teams was critically assessed on various parameters. Dr. Geetanjali, brought out the weak areas which impacts learning in the class and guided the teachers to take note off and thus empower themselves and work towards achieving effective classroom management. By the end of the workshop, teachers were able to evaluate teaching strategies that empower them with skills and expertise to manage a diverse group of students effectively in their class.

In the fast changing times of technology, where everyone is taken over by media and mobile phones, it is almost impossible to keep a close eye on children at all times. With extra- cautious parents and sensitive students, each teacher strives to account for the safety and security of the children under her care. Yet, for times, when each party feels helpless with hands tied to take appropriate steps; when it becomes important to know wrong from right, we must adhere to what law states.

To acquaint and strengthen teachers with acts and laws of  The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), a workshop was conducted for the teachers of DPS, Vasant Vihar and East of Kailash on October 5th 2019, Saturday, from 8.30am to 3.30 pm  at DPS, R K Puram. by Mrs. Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan, who is presently looking after Mahila Courts Delhi at Saket Courts Complex

Teachers were free to ask questions about similar incidents that may happen in school. They were acquainted with laws that would come to their rescue when things don’t go as expected.

Headmistress Mrs. Archana Pental  narrated incidents and mentored teachers to be watchful of signs and traits in children/ people around them. Teachers were directed to gain confidence of the students, to be able to confide in them without any inhibitions.  At the same time, they were counseled to be professional with parents and teachers, so as to keep legal matters at bay. 

By the end of the workshop, teachers had acquired guidelines with regards to the laws and acts as laid down by POCSO Act.