Experiential Learning through Participation in a Symposium
The students of Semester I of the Department of B.Ed., Loreto College, Kolkata had the opportunity to attend the CIS Symposium 2.0 on February 1, 2025 at Calcutta International School. The Symposium provided an interactive platform for the trainee teachers to engage in a talk with well-known educators and industrialists.
The first half of the Symposium featured an open panel discussion that allowed all attendees to speak about their opinions and ask questions. The panellists included Mrs. Mitakshara Kumari (an educationalist with over 20 years of experience working at both national and state levels in government and non-government organisations), Mrs. Richa Debgupta (chief of strategy and operations for Fortis Healthcare with a network of 28 hospitals across the country), Mrs. Aruna Bhaskar (special education teacher trained at the Spastic Society of Karnataka), and Mrs. Tina Servaia (Principal of CIS International School, senior section).
The conversation that ensued centred on how teaching approaches have changed over generations. The importance of classroom inclusivity and the holistic development of students-encompassing their academic, emotional, social, and cognitive growth-was discussed. It was emphasised that teachers should shift their focus from merely delivering the curriculum to addressing the individual needs of each student. By acting as facilitators, guides, and mentors, teachers can create a supportive environment that encourages student engagement and well-being. Additionally, teachers should lead by example, "preaching what they practice," demonstrating integrity and values that students can emulate.
Two teacher trainees from Loreto College raised significant questions about how teachers should engage with the social media generation and how discipline is perceived post-pandemic. Both issues call for an evolved approach to teaching that incorporates the realities of today's digital and post-pandemic world. This panel discussion helped the teacher trainees understand the needs of today’s generation and how teachers and parents should collectively instil self-discipline in children while working toward the betterment of students.
The second half of the Symposium featured a more focused, stream-specific workshop. During this session, the teacher trainees were divided into groups according to their desired subjects. The workshop provided a hands-on experience in addressing and resolving subject-specific challenges. There was a discussion about the interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, and it was an interactive session in which teacher trainees had the opportunity to engage with other teachers from various schools.
