MUSBA HASHMI speaks with Mukesh Sharma about the importance of personalised learning and how a holistic curriculum is the need of the hour
What made you come up with Prometheus?
The idea to build the school came into being because there was a need to create an institute that helps students realise their true potential. The school is meant to be that institute, which sets the course for students to receive a high-quality holistic education and become a greater part of the community.
The inspiration for naming the school was drawn from the Greek titan, Prometheus, who gave fire to mankind and initiated the dawn of civilisation. Hence, the name. We want to give students an education that ignites their potential.
How do you plan, to best use your experience in e-learning domain for the students?
We are incorporating the best educational pedagogies and introducing new age tech-enabled practices in line with these pedagogies. I will use my experience to keep the focus on new age learning and introduce latest pedagogies as and when needed.
What different aspects of personalised learning can be used by schools to overcome the ageold learning strategy?
Personalised learning is aimed at meeting the needs of every student and drawing out their individual talents and strengths. The first step is moving away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ model and creating individual ‘learner profiles’, which is a key element of personalized learning.
Once learner profiles have been established, it is possible to utilise ‘personal learning paths’, which focus on the students’ strengths to help them improve. Additionally, the use of ‘flexible learning environments’ helps students to take control of their education.
Today technology is seen as means of leapfrogging in both teaching, learning as well as in knowledge transactions...
All the way from kindergarten to universities, technology is re-shaping teaching and learning practices. This specially applies to the use of gadgets like laptops, mobiles and tablets. Information has become accessible at the click/tap of a finger or through voice commands. Students can easily connect with educators across the globe using the means of technology. International tie-ups for e-learning and offering course material that don’t have experts physically available are now possible; which means the child is not bound by a classroom to learn. This is a feat in itself and has expanded the boundaries of the knowledge transactions.
A curriculum with overall development is the need of the hour, do you think customisation can be its tool?
Overall development is essential in raising well-rounded individuals that are endowed with the capabilities to handle the needs of the future. In line with our core-beliefs, customisation of the curriculum is an important aspect of nurturing capable students.
Curriculum that are focused on the outcome of an entire class, as a whole, cannot plan for diversified paths to work ahead. To bring out the best in students, we need to customise the curriculum and their education to enable a well-rounded growth. Customisation of the curriculum can help meet the specific needs of a demography and provide room for growth that can help maximise the students’ potential for success.
What are your long term goals?
Within the next five years, the school will have established its name as a top premium school in the country front lining the new age holistic education, encompassing – academics, co-curricular activities, sports education and life skills learning. We aim to educate and empower the students to help them grow into aesthetically rich, intellectually aware and integrated young people capable of fulfilling their dreams and aspirations.
