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APRIL 2016
C O N TE NT S COVER STORY
WHAT MAKES A GLOBAL TEACHER?
volume IV issue 1
Mrs. Neera Singh Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girl’s High School
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Mentor Speaks
22 Ms. Prachi Agarwal Director, ASPAM Indian International School, Sharjah, UAE
Institutional Profile
32 Dr. Shayama Chona Founder-President of Tamana Association
06 Readers’ Column
Special feature
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07 Editorial 08 News 25 Product of the Month 26 Habits
37 Preview of ‘Redha’ 28 Parenting 39 Change Makers
Shri K. E. Harish CEO, Sadhbhavana World School
Institutional Profile
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44 Education –
Professor Sandeep Desai
The Right Read
44 The Right Read
46 Education –
Kudos
Vocabulary
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48 Waste Management 52 Health
Dr. Mahua Chakraborty Associate Professor of Museology
54 Write Right 55 British Council 56 Language 58 Mind Mine
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Career
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Recycling
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READERS’ COLUMN Overcoming Examination Fear The tips given to overcome examination fear were really useful and I found them very relevant. If the students followed these tips, it would create wonders in their reading habits as well as write their examination confidently. We come across many students who are busy with their eleventh hour preparation just before the exam, which is wrong. Students should be systematic in their work to achieve success.
NEW CONCEPT
Ms. K. Mahalakshmi, Madinaguda, Hyderabad
Audio for French
WATCH
LISTEN
Now you can read as well as listen to your favourite article and also watch videos on education, career, sports, skill building, entertainment and a lot more.
Brainfeed magazine has implemented the request from the reader’s point of view. In the month of January, I requested for audio for French language study and from the next issue it started working on my request. Now I will be able to easily learn the pronunciation of French words. Thanks to Brainfeed team. Mast. Sivaraman .J, Std X, Chennai
Why not Men in Women’s Empowerment?
Brainfeed magazine started presenting a new concept – that is you can listen to your favourite article being read by experts while you go through the article. And also watch videos of your interest from the list of videos given in the magazine.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8. It was good to see the responses from women in different areas but why only women? Let us not stick to the reviews only from women. Collect the responses also from men to know about their views about this day. Let there be mixed responses so that the article becomes more interesting.
This is how it works
Ms. Mohan Bhattacharya, Kolkatta
• A QR code sign will be given along with the article or the video. • All you need is a QR code scanner or QR code reader app on your Smartphone. • Download the app from Google play store or Apple app store. • Open the application, focus and hold the camera on the QR code of the article or the video you want to listen to or watch. • Then the QR code will lead you to the audio file of an educational expert, read the article for you or to the video that you wanted to watch. Don’t you think this is cool – so go on, read like an expert reader by just listening to an expert reader, read an article for you or watch a video to learn about an issue or topic or to learn a new skill.
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Let’s Make a Difference The short story, ‘Let’s Make a Difference’ made me cry and feel emotional. The story is a good lesson for an individual to know that the relation between a teacher and a child always has a strong bonding. We have to develop such individuals in our society so as to know the feeling of each and every child. This story proves that, school is in fact a second home for a child and the teachers are second parents. Ms. Sophia Mathew, Mumbai
Child Safety The article by Ms. Shalini Ahuja, highlights the precautions and safety required in schools to reduce the risk of accidents. The points are relevant and it is exactly true that the staff should be trained in first-aid so as to give immediate help to a child when in need. As children spend most of their time in school, it is the responsibility of the school management to take necessary steps for the safety of each and every child. Mr. Parveen Ahmed, Pune, Maharashtra
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NEWS A
Agastya Jaiswal writes Inter exam
gastya Jaiswal, 10, perhaps the youngest in Telangana, appeared for Intermediate examination conducted at Chaitanya Junior College, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. He is a student of St.Mary’s junior college Yousufguda, Hyderabad. He is studying in the Inter first year CEC group. When he was only 9 years, he got distinction in SSC in 2015 and became the youngest boy to achieve this feat in Telangana. Known as Google Boy, at the age of 2 years, he answered more than 300 IQ questions. Presently he answers more than 3000 IQ questions. He is trained under the guidance of his parents. Mathematics is his favourite subject.
Aadarsh Mishra, Elected as Fellow of RAS, London
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adarsh Mishra, 19, of Lucknow, has been elected as the Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS), London. Aadarsh was passionate about science since his school days. He had applied for a research project fellowship at the University of Oxford and was selected for it at the age of 18. After finishing his research he secured an industrial placement where he is currently working as an R&D engineer. A Manipal alumnus, he created a national record in 2015, for ‘undergraduate with most research papers published’ which has been accepted in India book of records. He wants to start a research center where he can literally help those students who don’t get the chance to explore their options due to limited resources.
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CBSE Urges Students to Download PM’s Mobile App
he Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked schools to encourage students, teachers and parents to download the ‘Narendra Modi mobile app’ so that they can share their experiences with the Prime Minister. Students can share their experiences of taking examinations while teachers and parents can also recount their experiences. The Prime Minister will also be sharing some of his own thoughts.
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Smart Class’ in Jharkhand Government Schools
harkhand education minister Neera Yadav told “Smart Class” in government schools is being introduced in a phased manner. She said that in the first phase, “Smart Class” (teaching through modern communication) was introduced in 203 Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls Schools and there are plans to introduce the same in other schools in a phased manner.
National Spell Bee Season 8 Winner
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he National Finals of Classmate Spell Bee Season 8 held on March 8, saw a grueling competition between the top 16 spellers of India, in the search for the National Spell Bee Competition in Mumbai. The competition this year was conducted across India and engaged with more than 3 lakh students across 800 schools in 30 cities by testing their mettle in English spellings. The theme for the contest this year ‘Every child is unique and so is every word’ is inspired by Classmate’s brand thought of celebrating uniqueness. Ananya G Upadhya of Sri Kumaran Children’s Home CBSE, Bengaluru was the winner of National Champion of India’s largest spelling competition.
Aadarsh said, “The minimum age criterion for being elected as a fellow is 18. It feels really good to be one of the youngest and few fellows from India. Now, I will be having access to more research projects apart from showcasing my work before other scientists.” Speaking about his future plans, Adarsh said, “I hope to implement my present research into products that can be very useful in the medical and electronic sector.”
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NEWS D
CBSE Schools to prepare ‘Mission Statement’
First Indian To Develop Over 100 Educational Apps For Quality Literacy
r. Dheeraj Mehrotra, a National Teacher Awardee is the first educationist in India and probably globally to have developed over 100 educational Apps for the GOOGLE PLAY STORE towards the upliftment of the standard of QUALITY TEACHING AND LEARNING. These apps are listed in 141 countries + Rest of the world and contain no advertisements at all. Dr. Mehrotra is inspired by the late former President Kalam who has been his role model.
These apps are all free Apps aimed towards the teachers and learners in particular to promote Quality Literacy for All.
BSE informed that all schools should frame a Mission Statement containing the goals to be achieved by the 75th year after Independence in 2022. School Heads should ensure that their schools’ Mission Statement prepared and prominently posted on the homepage of the schools website and reflected in all official publications on or before the first week of June 2016. The mission statement has to be formed by schools after discussions with students, teachers and parents.
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RUDITE has organized a Leadership Camp for students at Rockwell School, Kokapet Branch, on March 19-20, 2016. The students participated in the self exploratory adventure activities like Zipline, Burma Rope, Cargo net and many team based activities. The kids enjoyed the monster ball a lot. The students pitched their own tents and lived in it for that night. Students also learnt the basic knot practice. Before the bonfire, they did the candle march and enjoyed playing the drums. The camp was organized to develop the leadership skills in the students.
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TO WATCH
C
‘ERUDITE’ organizes Adventure and Leadership Camp
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VIDEOS http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ april-2016-video-1 Global Teacher Prize 2016 Hanan Al Hroub
http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ april-2016-video-2 Top 10 Finalists (GESF 2016) - Robin Chaurasiya
IIT Fee May Be Revised
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n IIT panel on March 18, approved a proposal for a threefold hike in the annual fees of all institutes. If approved, the annual fee will rise to `3,00,000 in comparison to the present amount of `90,000. The proposed new entrance examination designed to test the aptitude, conducted by National Authority of Test (NAT), would be held from 2017 onwards. The committee has emphasized that every student should be provided educational loans under the Vidyalakshmi Scheme.
http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ april-2016-video-3 Class of Rowdies Short Film
http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ april-2016-video-4 The Key to Success Grit - Angela Lee Duckworth
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Remedial steps promised to soften ‘very tough’ Maths Exam 2016 :CBSE
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he CBSE mathematics paper, on March 14, reduced students all over the country to tears with its “IIT entrance level” standard. Students have claimed the mathematics paper to be even tougher than that of last year and have demanded grace marks or a retest as compensation for the tough exam. Students alleged that the paper was not set according to the allotted marking scheme and said that they had to answer intricate “Calculus questions in section-C, which consisted of only 4 marks each.” The lengthy 4-mark questions should ideally have been put in the last section, carrying 6-mark questions. Students complained that even the onemark questions consisted of complex calculations. The ensuing parliamentary debate has convinced the CBSE to promise measures to remedy the disastrous situation. CBSE has indicated that it could adopt a lenient approach while examining the paper, including awarding grace marks.
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Tezpur gets Best Varsity President Award
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he President’s Visitor Awards for 2016 has been awarded to Tezpur University, Assam for ‘Best University’. Prof. Rakesh Bhatnagar from JNU has been awarded for ‘Innovation’ and the Molecular Parasitology Group of JNU for ‘Research’. The awards were given during the week-long ‘Festival of Innovations’ hosted from March 12-19 by the Rashtrapatri Bhavan in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF). The festival included round-table sessions on subjects like inclusive innovation, leveraging science, technology and innovation, education for inclusive innovation development among others.
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NEWS Oxford professor solves 300-year-old mathematical mystery
A pattern in prime numbers
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wo academicians, Kannan Soundararajan and Robert Lemke Oliver of Stanford University in the US have shocked themselves and the world of mathematics by discovering a pattern in prime numbers that when it comes to the last digit of prime numbers, there is a kind of pattern. Numbers greater than 1, that are divisible only by themselves and 1 — are considered the ‘building blocks’ of mathematics, because every number is either a prime or can be built by multiplying primes together. Apart from 2 and 5, all prime numbers have to
end in 1, 3, 7 or 9 so that they can’t be divided by 2 or 5. Each of the four possibilities — 1, 3, 7, or 9 — should have an equal 25% chance of appearing at the end of the next prime number. But after devising a computer program to search for the first 400 billion primes, the two mathematicians found prime numbers tend to avoid having the same last digit as their immediate predecessor. The pattern — already being referred to as ‘the conspiracy among primes’ — has left mathematicians amazed that it could have remained undiscovered for so long.
Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship
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ndia and the US have launched the Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship, in a new initiative to advance bilateral cooperation on climate change that will enable Indian research scholars to work with American institutions in the field. The fellowship, jointly funded by both the governments, will enable up to 6 Indian PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to work with US host institutions for a period of 6-12 months, according to a press release.
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“Fermat’s equation was my passion from an early age, and solving it gave me an overwhelming sense of fulfillment.” “It has always been my hope that my solution of this age-old problem would inspire many young people to take up mathematics and to work on the many challenges of this beautiful and fascinating subject.” The academy said Sir Andrew was awarded £500,000 prize “for his stunning proof of
Fermat’s Last Theorem by way of the modularity conjecture for semistable elliptic curves, opening a new era in number theory.” Cambridge-born Sir Andrew made his breakthrough in 1994, while working at Princeton. First formulated by the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat in 1637, the theorem states: There are no whole number solutions to the equation xn + yn = zn when n is greater than 2.
Aptitude Test for School Students The fellowship, named after the late Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, is part of a commitment made by the US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build long-term capacity to address climate change-related issues in both the countries.
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he HRD ministry is developing an aptitude test to help school students assess their areas of interest so that they can choose and pursue the right courses. CBSE, NCERT and psychometric experts will develop a “prototype” of the assessment test for class IX. It is at “preliminary” stages and the test will be optional in nature and would be an additional tool available to students for making the right choice.
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COVER STORY
P. V. Seshubabu
The Global Teacher Prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Emir of Dubai. The Top 10 finalists for the 2016 prize were announced on February 17, 2016 from about 8000 nominations from 148 countries. 14
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WHAT MAKES A GLOBAL TEACHER? O n March 13, 2016, Hanam Al Hroub, a Primary School Teacher in Palestine was announced by Pope Francis as the Winner of the Global Teacher Prize 2016! The World celebrated the Global Teacher Prize winner!
The Global Teacher Prize is a US $1 million award presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession. The Prize serves to underline the importance of educators and the fact that, throughout the world, their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It seeks to acknowledge the impact of the very best teacher not only on students but on the community around!
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Why Teachers? Lack of education is a major factor behind many of the social, political, and economic and health issues faced by the world today. The Foundation believes education has the power to reduce poverty, prejudice and conflict. It also believes that the status of teachers in cultures across the world is critically important to the global future. The Varkey Foundation explored the attitudes about the teaching profession and compares the status of teachers across the world through a research and strategy consultancy and discovered that in many countries the status of teachers and their profession had dropped. This was when the Global Teacher Prize was founded with the sole aim of raising the profession’s profile. The motto of the Foundation declares: “Our aim is to change the way the world looks at teachers”. The Global Teacher Prize Judging Academy comprising an array of personalities around the world, share the common goal of shining a spotlight on the great work that teachers do and use a comprehensive list of judging criteria. The process is overseen by PwC. Ms Nancy Atwell was the Winner of the first ever Global Teacher Prize 2015. BRAINFEED presents an in-depth report of what actually makes a Global Teacher in the words of Top 10 finalists. Colin Hegarty, UK, Richard Johnson, Australia, Maarit Rossi, Finland and Michael Soskil, US have shared their experiences with BRAINFEED.
Hanan Al Hroub Winner Global Teacher Prize 2016 Samiha Khalil Secondary School, Palestine
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Peace through Education H
anan grew up in the Palestinian “We just refugee camp, Bethlehem. She was want peace; always exposed to acts of violence. Her we want our children were left deeply traumatized when they witnessed a shooting children to incident on their way home from enjoy their school. This prompted her to get into childhood in primary education. She discussed her peace.” children’s behaviour, development and academic performance in meetings with others. Her experiences motivated her to adopt play as a method of resolving violence of local students and tension. She began teaching a group and influenced their living environment by playing with them. She gradually gained their trust and shifted their attention from trauma to education and play. Hanan embraced the slogan ‘No to Violence’ and used a specialist approach she developed herself, she detailed in her book, ‘We Play and Learn’. She focused on developing trusting, respectful, honest and affectionate relationships with her students and emphasized the importance of literacy. She encouraged her students to work together, pay close attention to individual needs and reward positive behaviour. Her approach has led to a decline in violent behaviour in schools where this is usually a frequent occurrence. This has inspired her colleagues to review the way they taught, their classroom management strategies and the sanctions they used. Hanan shared her perspective at conferences, meetings and teacher training seminars. She had confidence that, with education, her people could reclaim their homeland.
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COVER STORY
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Aqeela Asifi
Robin Chaurasiya
Girls refugee schools PAKISTAN
Kranti School INDIA
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qeela received training as a teacher when education in Afghanistan was free to all but she was forced to leave the country when the Taliban took over in 1992. When she arrived as a refugee at the Kot Chandana camp in Pakistan there were no operational schools in the local area. The conservative attitudes of the community were against education of girls and female teachers were never heard of.
“If the world wants the underdeveloped countries to progress and prosper, their foremost priority should be providing access to quality education for both boys and girls.”
Aqeela had set up a school in a borrowed tent and worked hard to overcome resistance and negative attitudes. There was no money for resources like blackboards so Aqeela stitched pieces of cloth with handwritten text to the tent walls and wrote books by hand at night. Her students traced their first words in dust on the floor. Today, there are nine schools in the camp with many female teachers and over 1,500 students including 900 girls. With education, early and forced marriages in the community have declined. Aqeela was also presented with the UNHCR’s Nansen Refugee Award in 2015.
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obin Chaurasiya’s “Where the successful campaign world sees lost to change US armed causes, I see forced policy inspired revolutionary her to go into teaching leaders.” and to found an NGO Kranti in Mumbai. Kranti was born and raised in Kamatipura, Asia’s most infamous red-light area. The students aged 12-20 are daughters of sex workers and victims of trafficking. Many of the students are 10 years behind formal education. They are diverse with literacy level, language, ethnicity, religion, caste and ability. Kranti empowers girls in Mumbai’s red-light area to become areas of social change. Using therapy, theatre, music, sports and travel, they break free of discrimination and proudly share their stories. The girls have an added value as change agents because of their background. Krantikaris believe that the first and the most important step of becoming a social change agent is to love oneself. Robin Chaurasiya has formalized a social justice, curriculum covering key issues that affect the girls’ lives. 20-year old Shweta Katti, is the first girl from redlight area to study in New York. She received the UN Youth Courage Award for her work with marginalized girls.
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Joe Fatheree
Colin Hegarty
Effingham High School UNITED STATES
Preston Manor School UNITED KINGDOM
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“I’m a teacher, first and “I believe that foremost. I’ve found all students the experience since should have the announcement free access to surreal, fun, tiring, the best quality nerve-wracking and emotional. To be part mathematics of this whole process teaching so they has been an honour It’s can learn the really important that subject that will as a nation and as a be at the centre worldwide community we of innovations.” really value the influence and power teachers can have. This prize is simply about raising the status of the teaching profession through the medium of sharing great stories and celebrating the amazing work carried out in every corner of the planet by incredible teachers. Professor Stephen Hawking, one of the planet’s’ greatest minds, talks about an inspirational teacher at his school Mr Tahta who opened his eyes to the blueprint of the universe, Mathematics. “When we think about what we can do in life, we can do it because of a teacher” Each of the teachers was an inspiration to me.
oe discovered his “I believe that students did not as teacher respond to the methods leaders we he had learned while are making a training. To engage them, difference and he helped them develop a series of lessons to meet there is hope his objectives. One of the for a brighter first projects they worked tomorrow.” on used hip hop music to explore literature; attendances, discipline and achievement improved. Joe’s students now produce music, books and short films to industry standards covering diverse topics such as poverty, bullying and homelessness. They use 3D printing and drone technology, build educational games using Minecraft, and are encouraged to share their work with large audiences across the USA. Joe, who teaches media production and innovation, combines project-based learning with opportunities to work with industry leaders and local businesses. He developed a programme to encourage graduates to return home to develop start-ups that has been implemented in over 30 cities. As an advisor to the Independent Television Service, he has helped develop learning materials for millions of US students. Joe was Illinois Teacher of the Year in 2007 and received the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence in 2009. Working with the National Network of State Teachers of the Year and directly with policymakers, he led several initiatives that have impacted education policy and practice at state and national levels.
I was more fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with some incredible teachers from all over the world. They inspired me to want to be a better teacher, but that’s not a surprise, that’s what a great teacher does every day in classrooms all over the world.
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COVER STORY which engage, challenge and involve critical and creative thinking. Once you’ve nailed this, be prepared to stand back and watch children learn. What is the status of science teaching in schools?
6 Richard Johnson Rostrata Primary School AUSTRALIA It is reported that you were instrumental in setting up the first School Science Laboratory for young children. What is unique about it?
“Preparing children to be global citizens is very much a case of influencing their attitude to life and the world around them.”
High school labs can have a sterile, rigid, equipment based look and this can be enticing for some people, but imagine a lab which doesn’t use hazardous materials, naked flames and complex equipment. This can pave the way for some seriously exciting and curiosity based designs in the creation of room dedicated to inspiring young children in science learning. Bring in scientific props which serve a purpose and set the engaging scene, use your local science museum as inspiration to create a wonderland for children as they walk in the door. Oh, and don’t forget to include animals and plants of some description with an emphasis on animal ethics. What teaching methodology do you adopt in your classes? The key focus to learning in my lab is without doubt hands on, minds on learning to help children understand their world. If you’re new to this pedagogy it does take a while to come to terms with and involves a mind shift in the way lessons are presented. As children grow older the teaching skill involves being able to continually create lessons
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There are many reasons why I feel strongly about the need for STEM laboratories in primary schools. The curriculum is so crowded, my confidence to teach science wasn’t high, preparation time for setting up equipment didn’t exist, gathering, purchasing of equipment including the new emerging technologies took time and then you have to learn how to use them. Labs solve so many of these problems that all teachers face. Funding of science in schools has been dismal to say the least. Often policy makers have contributed in failing to evolve the depth and breadth of rich learning experiences in STEM, the most engaging of education subjects. Instead, simple basic entry level programs were created, which seriously underestimated the abilities of children in science learning. I hope when more junior labs are established, the government will move to boost the status of this critical learning area and bring back the awards for primary and high school teachers. What makes you ‘unique’, to be one of the top 10 finalists of the Global Teacher Prize 2016? I don’t consider myself unique as a teacher. Those who choose to teach are all unique. It’s not a profession for the faint hearted. If you don’t like having a conversation with children and you’re not excited and innovative in your daily preparation to inspire then educate, you’ll fail in front of a class. That’s not a pretty sight. What plans do you have for future? My plans are to continue to push the crusade for introducing STEM labs into primary schools with the hope of slowly changing systems to become more centred on student learning rather than teaching to the test. I believe labs can be the game changer and a catalyst in schools, fuelling the inspiration and empowerment teachers need to start changing pedagogy. I’d like to continue doing what I’ve always done, teaching, but working in a kind of research and development role in my lab, testing the suitability of new technologies and exciting resources for our STEM education programs.
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Ayub Mohamud
Maarit Rossi
Eastleigh High School KENYA
Paths to Math FINLAND
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yub teaches business “I hope to studies in Nairobi. redefine Passionate about teaching and innovation, design and make it an creativity, he tries to engine to drive equip students with the skills to become the economy.” successful social entrepreneurs. An idea developed by his students – the production of roofing tiles from solid waste – has impressed at several competitions including the USA’s Diamond Challenge; it has the potential to change the lives of millions of slum dwellers in areas affected by poverty, cholera, malaria and disruption during Kenya’s rainy season. Earlier, Ayub taught at a number of schools in rural areas, educating students from traditional herding communities and attempting to impress upon their families the importance of attending school. Ayub is active in attempting to combat extremism and prevent radicalisation on both local and national levels. A speaker at the Global Counter Terrorism Forum in Abu Dhabi, he helped Hedayah design strategies to counter violent extremism. He established Teachers against Violent Extremism, an anti-terror network, and is the patron of a grassroots youth empowerment initiative. He has helped implement engagement programmes in Kenyan schools and developed a lesson plan teachers can use to incorporate de-radicalisation messages into key subjects such as Islamic Religious Education.
aarit, a mathematics “Math is a teacher from powerful tool Finland, experienced that helps us an epiphany following make sense of a constructive learning the world.” seminar at Leeds University she attended with a group of compatriots. Aware that students found conventional maths teaching uninspiring, she developed a fresh approach. After testing it in schools across the country, she went on to co-author 9 Finnish maths curriculum text books. Maarit’s methods have resulted in above-average PISA mathematics scores for her school as well as in National Tests. Girls tend to do better in maths in her school than boys. What innovative teaching methodology did you adopt to make your classes interesting and inspiring? Math lesson - does it have to be always same? No, math lessons have to be versatile in content and teaching. Successful Math pedagogy is about balance of four: learning by doing, social learning, interdisciplinary math and practice. It seems that lessons are mostly practice lacking the other three elements. Why do students find math boring and uninteresting? I have seen many math lessons around the world and it seems that math teaching has not changed april 16
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COVER STORY during the last 100 years. It seems that still in many classrooms, after checking homework, teachers begin to teach the day’s topic and demonstrate new procedures. Students then work through similar problems on their own, usually silently making their way through a work sheet. Math is too much separated from the real life problems. Practicing mechanical tasks is effective on a short term, such as for the next exam. As time passes they forget what they have learned and often can’t figure out how to apply the strategy to a real life scenario. How was the ‘unconventional approach’ to teaching math successful? I have been able to change the attitude towards math at student level. To find out pupils’ attitudes and beliefs for mathematics learning in the beginning of the 7th school year, I asked them to draw on paper what are their feelings and expectation of the mathematics lessons. As a result I got pictures in which pupils draw them sitting alone by the desk, they are all in rows and the teacher is a big figure in front of the blackboard and teaching. There were also pictures, where pupils used black colour, signs of sweating and anxiety towards mathematics. Those pictures proved very strongly that I have to make changes in math content, activities and communication and the methods of teaching. Your math teaching correlated with students’ real life situations. Could you enlighten us? Could you please read the following? Thank you. Learning by doinghttp://pathstomath. com/2015/11/12/ Social Learning http://pathstomath. com/2015/12/05/ Interdisciplinary Math http://pathstomath. com/2016/01/23/ What makes you ‘unique’ to be on top 10 finalists of Global Teacher Prize 2016? The reason to be on top 10 finalists of Global Teacher Prize 2016 could be my passion to enrich the math education for K-12 and to open globally the discussion for the need to change the math education.
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9 Michael Soskil Wallenpaupack South Elementary School UNITED STATES Please explain how you could develop rapport with your students?
“Every problem that our world faces has a solution locked inside the passions of our students.”
Children need to know that they matter. My teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to know just how powerful they are when they use their learning and talents to help others. When students feel the joy that comes from making real, positive change in the world they are filled with a sense of purpose and a desire to keep doing good for others. I strive to get to know each of my students personally and to learn their passions. What methods of teaching did you adopt to achieve 100% pass rate even in adverse physical conditions?
My methodology never centered on improving scores on tests. Instead of preparing for tests, we spend our time being curious, looking for problems to solve, and analyzing ways that we could learn from our mistakes. Students need an emotional connection with the content they are learning in order to transfer that knowledge to their long-term memory. The focus for me has always been on bringing the most engaging, most interesting, and most motivational educational experiences to my students. As a teacher, it is my job to connect those experiences to the content that students need to know.
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What was the primary focus when you took up teaching? I wanted to do something with my life that helped others. I wanted to inspire students to reach their full potential and to build the skills needed to be happy in life. Unfortunately, teachers have forgotten why they chose to teach. Their autonomy to do what is best for their students has been stripped away and they are being asked to teach scripted programs that were developed by non-educators with no knowledge of individual students. Policies are being put into place with no teacher input. Educational systems are being built upon easily collected and measured data instead of the personalized learning data that can only be collected by an individual teacher. What makes you ‘unique’ to be on top 10 finalists of Global Teacher Prize 2016? In my situation, because of the economic hardships in my area, I have used global service learning to show my students how much they matter, how powerful they can be if they apply their learning to solving real problems in the world, and how good it feels to help others. Our students have worked to provide educational resources and clean drinking water to students in the slums of Nairobi, clean the oceans to save seabirds, fight childhood labor in India and Africa, replace a bridge in rural western Kenya so that children can go to school, and to solve countless other problems in the world. In every case, they chose to get involved because they wanted to make a difference. None of those projects was teacher-created or teacher-driven. Students learn best when they have autonomy, when they are acting out of their own passions, and when they know that they matter. What are your further plans in future? I love teaching, I love my students, I love my community, and I love empowering teachers. I’m sure my future endeavors will focus on those passions. I have been so inspired by the work that my students have done over the past few years, I would love to spread the message of how powerful global service learning is, and how easily it can be replicated with limited resources to as many communities as possible. I don’t know what my future holds, but I want to be a part of replicating that experience in other communities across the globe.
10 Kazuya Takahashi JAPAN Kazuya studied in the “I am convinced US for a postgraduate that a great qualification in learning teacher is a science before returning to Japan. Using what catalyst for he had learned along transforming with LEGO-based a school’s instruction, he developed culture.” a programme to harness students’ creativity and, with help from the Japan Space Elevator Association and JAXA, organised the first space elevator competition for high school students. Kazaya believes there should be no distinction between learning that takes place inside and outside school. He encourages his students to be creative and independent and is pleased that so many of them have made positive choices following graduation, often opting to continue with their studies in a country where it is common to follow a more conventional career route. Academic performances at his school have improved as a result of his innovative and inclusive approach; he holds monthly workshops for his colleagues to share best practice. Kazuya encourages responsible learning and global citizenship. He organises opportunities for his students to volunteer abroad and has developed a programme which enables students to visit Indonesia to help a social entrepreneur confront local issues.
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MENTOR SPEAKS
P. V. Seshubabu
The spirit of enquiry is the core of changing pedagogies of education
Established in 1992 under the aegis of H. H. Maharaja Hanwant Singhji Charitable Trust, Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, has a rich tradition of Indian thought and culture with the spirit of Gyanam Brahm – Knowledge is God. The objective of the school is to bring out the best in every child and inculcate a spirit of pride in the cultural heritage of India. BRAINFEED has brought out below the vision and mission of the school as presented by Mrs. Neera Singh, Principal, RKKGP.
based on integrity and humility. These traits are recognized and awarded with special awards on the School Annual Day. Each and every student passing out of the portals of RKKGPS is well prepared to take on the challenges of life.
Q
How do you define an ideal classroom and how do you gauge the success in a child? An ideal classroom is totally child/student centric where the teacher has to aim apart from sound academics, a value
Mrs. Neera Singh
Q
Please share your vision to disseminate the same among the teacher participants of your pedagogical unit. “Team work” is the core essence of RKK. It is ingrained in each faculty member that “I” syndrome does not exist and it is the “WE” culture that is promoted. The ethos of promoting Indian thought and culture is achieved through- special assemblies promoting secularism ideology of one world one family- “Vasudev Kutumbkam”. The teachers are encouraged to conduct activities that revolve around gender equality, value based education and the goal that they need to
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achieve is to sensitize the children towards the cultural heritage of India. The school provides equal access to each and every student, regardless of origins. They are encouraged to be the change.
Q
RKKGP school gives a lot of significance to not just academics but to other aspects of life. Your comments please. The motto is “Schooling For Life”. Academics coupled with co-curricular activities round the year help us in achieving this. The aim being holistic development, learning educational and life skills, providing hands on experience and inculcating a strong value system
oriented education that will create leaders of tomorrow. A utopian class needs to provide a safe and healthy environment for learning where the foremost responsibility of a teacher is to reach out to each and every child, tapping their full potential and recognizing their latent talents. The ground rules of an ideal classroom at RKKGPS are: • The teacher plays the role of the ‘facilitator’. • Free expression, no suppression • Recognizing the skill, talent and capability of each and every student.
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• The success of a child is gauged on multiple parameters that are not restricted to a pen paper test, that measure the success based on the overall growth be it academic, emotional, confidence, application etc.
Q
Commitment towards students of RKKGP is given top priority: What challenges have you faced as Principal? Students form the fulcrum of any institution. I feel the urge to continuously evolve to keep pace. One of the foremost challenges is
that in today’s competitive world, it is a challenge to impart and get the students to follow the core moral values, especially when they are continuously exposed to materialistic temptations and technological advancements. I find my students sometimes battling the dichotomy between the ‘Expected’ and the ‘Compromised Value System’ of the realistic world.
Q
What ails the present education system? Is the present curriculum in tune with the needs of the changing society? Please give your opinion about the challenges of future education system that you foresee.
The imbalance between the demand and the supply provides competitive edges, increasing pressure due to high cut offs. Instead of increasing the quality of institutions and making more higher education centres available, the present scenario suffers from the malaise of one examination towards the end of school life deciding the fate of a student. Politicizing education and interference can lead to further crumbling the present system. The present curriculum needs to be more inclusive in nature and
more choice should be available to a student to select the stream / subjects in tandem with his / her proficiency. The society and the state have to work in cohesiveness to make the education system more enriched and job oriented. Vocational education that provides ample employment opportunities needs to be put in place. If the civil society does not take on the responsibility by collaborating between the various stake holders like the Government, Institutions etc. that enforce the execution of policies then the scenario in future can be grim. Frustrated, unemployed, educated youth can be a challenge for a nation leading
to the loss of precious potential of human work force. Research and development, fostering the spirit of enquiry, promoting educators by choice and not by chance has to be the core of the changing pedagogies of education.
Q
Is RKKGP geared up to face the changing scenario? Are students of your school prepared for global citizenship? Our school is completely open to newer learning practices. Continuous endeavour is on for giving exposure to students and teachers.
Ours being a Round Square school that has Internationalism as one of its’ pillars lot of activities are directed towards this. Our students have been travelling to multiple exchange programs, all over the world and the school has collaboration with American Field Service and takes on the hosting of foreign students every year on its campus.
Q
Are teachers of RKKGP better equipped to tackle the ever-changing educational system? Teacher training is an ongoing process. With the fast changing educational system, the growth and development of a teacher has april 16
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MENTOR SPEAKS to be matching the pace. Regular Teacher training workshops by experts, motivational speakers for self enhancement lateral thinking workshops, equipping the teacher to understand the changing trends by sending her / him to various schools in India and abroad are some of the initiatives taken up by the school.
Q
Classroom activities must promote curiosity and encourage creativity. What instructional method/s would you recommend to teachers of RKKGP to make learning an experience for students? Learning by doing, acting as a facilitator, promoting lateral thinking and exploratory methods, negating rote learning, are some of the methods used in our school. Some of the activities such as globe program, preparing vermicompost by dining hall waste, recycling and reusing, planting trees and foliage, each one teach one, participation in cleanliness and hygiene drives, running marathons to create social awareness are a big hit amongst the students. Learning is fun at RKK. But there is always scope of enhancement. Service before self and learning while imparting is the need of the future hour.
Q
Many schools take advantage of the modern technological advancement in academic work. Are teachers of RKKGP able to skillfully handle technology-assisted classes? Yes, the teachers at RKK are fully equipped and have kept pace with technological advancements. All the classes are exposed to e-learning and the teachers are able to balance technology without losing out on the personal touch.
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Q
How would you assess a teacher at the end of the academic year? A teacher is assessed on multiple parameters throughout the year. The way she imparts her vision to the students, subject knowledge, class control, ability to reach out, how innovative she / he is with the using of teaching aids, ability to impart practical education, ability to teach with the inter disciplinary approach, ability to indulge in remedial teaching of the special children, capability of multitasking, positivity and being there for a student as an emotional anchor are some of the major parameters that are included in the ACR (Annual Confidential Report) of a teacher. Her/his improvement areas are tackled by regular counseling.
Q
What unique feature/s makes RKKGP stand out from the rest of the schools?
Though RKK has been blessed with memberships of acclaim by the Round Square, the Indian Public School Conference, the American Field Service and rankings by top educational magazines, we are still at a nascent stage. What makes us stand out from the rest of the schools is our belief in ‘Schooling children for life’ where the motto of Gyanam Brahma reigns supreme. The love and nurturing involved in transforming the young saplings into fully grown trees is our booster dose. Academic excellence coupled with co-curricular activities with strong emphasis on values and traditions is what makes RKK so special. The mantra of Team Work, coordinating, collaborating, transparency, freedom of expression, fostering a sense of belonging and overall the ideology
of sharing knowledge and credit is what makes RKK so special. The community of students, teachers and helpers is nurtured as one big family called ‘The RKK Family’.
Q
Where would you like to see RKKGP in the coming years? What would be your future plans for the school? The students have to make their mark on the global front being its brand ambassadors. The school in a span of 24 years is reaching its pinnacle with the alumni well placed. It’s now pay back time to the society. The future plans include promoting social service in a big way and to undertake literary and service programs for underprivileged especially for the adjoining villages of Jodhpur.
Q
The present educational trend among students is highly competitive. How effectively are the students of RKKGP prepared to face this challenge?
Students are encouraged to compete with themselves and not others. Each student is encouraged to better oneself from the previous performance. Remedial teaching, subject centric teaching, rigorous practices, multiple assessment tools, promoting thinking out of the box, open book assessments, activity based learning, enhancement of skills give our students a cutting edge to face stiff competition.
Q
What message would you like to give to the Brainfeed readers? Believe ‘Karma’ and ‘keep performing your best’ is my message to Brainfeed Readers. Reaching out to a student who needs the most marks the success of a teacher.
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PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
E
duSports is India’s No.1 sports education company with a vision of helping millions of children all over the world become healthier and fitter. EduSports currently works with over 500 schools spread across 250+ locations in 4 countries, and engages over 450,000 children in an inclusive, positive sporting experience. EduSports award winning school sports platform includes: physical education and sports curriculum for Grades KG to 12th, age-appropriate props/ equipment, skills and fitness assessments, certified physical education resources, parent and teacher workshops, and program evaluation & monitoring.
Programme features:
Some Awards Won:
• Age-appropriate sports & physical education curriculum from Nursery to standard 12th
‘Best Product to Promote Health and Fitness in the Classroom’ in GESS Education Awards 2014 (Dubai).
• Props &equipment that make best use of limited space & time in schools
‘Best Sports Start-up’ at the FICCI India Sports Awards 2013,
• Individual health & fitness report cards
‘Spirit of Sport Award 2012’ for promoting sports in schools by NDTV &Nirmal Lifestyle,
• Leagues & competitions • Talent identification & talent development modules
‘Sankalp Social Enterprise Awards 2012’ in the category of education and skill development
• Qualified & Experienced resources for delivering the programme
Working with other governments:
Programme Impact: • Increased overall health & fitness level • Improved classroom focus& concentration level • Improved cooperation skills • Decreased anxiety & depression level
Programs running in over 150 Government Schools Spread over 4 States Empanelled by Sports Authority of Gujarat for sports talent identification and development. EduSports in partnership with NSQF & MHRD, GoI has been conducting a Vocational course in Physical Education & Sports in Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab government schools.
EduSports has been started by alumnus of IIT, IIM and with extensive management experience in organisations like Wipro, Philips, ABB, Planetasia etc. #1611, Janardhan Towers, 7th Cross, Sector-1, HSR Layout, Bangalore-560102 Email: info@edusports.in / web: www.edusports.in Tel: +91-80-40473315/16, +91-9008300036 Let’s like Let’s play: www.facebook.com/EduSports Follow us: www.twitter.com/edusports april 16
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HABITS
Ms. Aparna Shankar Principal, ASPAM Indian International School, Sharjah, UAE
LISTEN
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Managing Impulsivity
‘Weigh before you say’-lets model the use of patience, including a reasonable wait time during discussions or conversations. Case studies can be presented age appropriately where children can be asked to share their perspectives.
Integrating Habits of the Mind into learning L
earning environments in the 21st century does not mean gathering information or memorizing facts. It is all about developing age appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes through proper habit formation. The sixteen Habits of the Mind as identified by Costa and Kallick give us the behaviors that shape effective thinking and inculcate life skills. When the Habits of mind get integrated with Learning at school and home,all children are empowered to do well for themselves. As an educational practitioner, it is my pleasure to share few thoughts on how each habit could be integrated at school and home.
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Listening to Others with Understanding and Empathy
If one is able to identify and reflect on the most common errors that occur in everyday communication, intentionally or unintentionally, listening and understanding happens with empathy. This brings in a great deal of maturity, builds mutual respect and goodwill.
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Persisting
Let children identify characteristics of persistence shown by great people in well-known events, or their Biographies. Children can brainstorm what might have occurred if more or less persistence was shown in a given situation.
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Thinking Flexibly
Using techniques like RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) where children must consider a situation, letter, speech or poem from a perspective other than their own, or that of the original speakers and present their thoughts or play a game.
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Thinking about Our Thinking (Metacognition)
Ask children to map their own thinking process. They could make a concept map, a relationship diagram of their opinions and facts on a given subject.
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The strategy ‘Three before Me’, insists on any important assignment or communication being viewed or perused by at least three other people before being handed in. This also builds in peer relationships and respect.
We could periodically remind children to reflect and refrain from situational usage of ambiguous phrases like, ‘Someone did it.’ We could have activities or games designed for describing situations with clarity and precision.
Striving for Accuracy and Precision
Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision
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Questioning and Posing Problems
Questioning is the key to learning. Healthy open ended questions create avenues for fruitful conversations in classrooms, corridors and discussion spaces. Create a “parking lot” area in the classroom and staff room -stocked with post it notes where students and teachers can park their unanswered questions for anyone who can explore and come up with solutions. A parking lot space at home can create wonders!
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Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations
Be it a problem solving situation or any event, applying past knowledge to new situations, the relevance and validity of the context, brings in a fusion of the old and the new thinking leading to more creative, wise and well thought out solutions.
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Responding with Wonderment and Awe
Somewhere in all of us is a little child. Let’s keep that ability to respond with wonderment and awe, a quality that comes so easily to children. The rest is magic.
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Taking Responsible Risks
We could create comfortable and safe environments at home and school where failure is accepted and analyzed. When a child or adult is able to discuss his setbacks, his fears, his aspirations, his dreams, guidance and scaffolding from an adult or peers plays a great role in transforming him into a proactive person who takes calculated and responsible risks.
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Finding Humor
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Gathering Data through All Senses
When learning environments or learning spaces are created to ensure children have a multisensorial learning experience, all of them are engaged and will take responsibility for their own learning. It is also necessary to recognize Technology as a learning environment.
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Creating, Imagining and Innovating
When classrooms, informal learning spaces in corridors are designed to offer persistent sources of inspiring thought, design, art,writing prompts, discussion points or simply as a daily class closure, the creativity and imagination of every child is sparked. Children go ‘beyond the box’ thinking.
Practice humor. We can ease difficult situations with humor, have great perspectives and lighten our minds. Laughter is the best medicine.
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Thinking Interdependently
It is important to think together to converge and work in Teams, be it in schools, workplaces or homes. The concept of respecting diversity, coming together for common goals builds in great Teams with cognitive interdependence and Synergy of thought.
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Learning Continuously
Lifelong learning is a continuous process and a great attitude. Learning conversations or activities that are designed to be thought provoking, reflective and also provide avenues to unlearn and relearn each day. We make our Habits and our habits make us. april 16
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PARENTING
P. V. Seshubabu
IMPACT
LISTEN
OF OVERUSE OF SCREEN TECHNOLOGY
ON CHILDREN About a couple of decades ago, children used to play games outside, ride bikes, and build forts and castles; the children created their own form of play that did nit require costly equipment or parental supervision. Family time was spent on doing chores and children had expectations to meet on a daily basis. The dining table used to be central to come together to eat and to talk.
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Today’s families are different! Technology impact on the 21st century is fracturing the very foundation and causing a disintegration of core values that used to be the fabric that held the families together! Juggling school work, home and community lives, parents now rely heavily on communication, information and transportation technology to make their lives faster and more efficient. Entertainment technology (TV, internet, video games, iPads, cellphones) has advanced so rapidly that families have scarcely noticed the significant impact and changes to their family structure and lifestyle! Many parents today are concerned that their kids may be spending too much time on the internet. ‘Screen Time’ is the problem.
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What is ‘Screen Time’? It is any time spent in front of a digital screen of any kind. This includes TV, Video Games, Hand-held Digital Devices and Computers. How much time is too much for kids? Parents around the world are concerned that their kids spend so much time in the ‘screen world’ that they are missing out on real life experiences. It is estimated that kids spend at least 45 hours each week before the digital screens. Young students need internet to research information for school projects. It can be reliable source of information when used properly. What is the impact of technology on the growing child? The impact of rapidly advancing technology on the child has been physical, psychological and behaviour disorders. Child obesity and juvenile diabetes have been national epidemics throughout the world causally related to technology overuse. Diagnosis of ADHD, autism, co-ordination disorder, developmental delays, unintelligible speech, learning difficulties, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders are associated with technology overuse and are increasing at an alarming rate. If the child spends too much time on the internet, compulsive behaviour may develop. This would lead to internet addiction and destroys a healthy balance of interests and activities in the child’s life.
Symptoms of Internet Addiction • Stays online much longer than intended to originally • Becomes angry or agitated when interrupted online • Gets irritable when access to the web is denied • Prefers being online than being around with family and friends • Sneaks online • When off-line, remains preoccupied with getting back • Checks social media and emails frequently throughout each day • Neglects doing homework or household chores • Disobeys rules set in relation to internet time limit • Forms new bonds with people on the web • Loses interest in activities previously enjoyed
How to manage child’s screen time: • Set the home computer up in a central location so that the screen can easily be viewed • Install Apps for ageappropriate content • Limit the time the child spends on line • Monitor the use of technology • Teach responsible usage • Be familiar with technology • Use classroom technology intentionally offer alternatives to technology
Parents need to regulate the amount of time the kids spend online each day. They should ensure that children have time for their valuable activities such as healthy eating habits, reading, homework and writing, physical activities and other extracurricular activities. It is important that parents and teachers to come together to help society to ‘wake up’ and see the devastating effects of technology in having not only on the child’s physical, psychological and behavioral health but also on their ability to learn and sustain personal and family relationships. While technology is a train that will continually move forward, knowledge regarding its detrimental effects and action taken forward balancing the use of technology with critical factors for development will work toward sustaining children. While no one can argue the benefits of advanced technology in today’s world, connection to these devices may have resulted in a disconnection from what society should value most, viz. children. Courtesy: centerforparentingeducation.org Credit: Tyler Clark
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T
The World Culture Festival
he celebration of The Art of Living’s 35 years of service, humanity, spirituality and human values was held in New Delhi from March 1113, 2016. 33,000 artistes from over 155 countries took part in this event. The event showcased rich cultural traditions of dance, music, yoga, arts from all around the world.
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INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE
OVERSEAS SCHOOL
Positive Attitude towards Learning ASPAM Indian International School is envisioned and supported by veteran founding visionaries, Mr. Ashok Goel and Mr. Sudhir Goyel and effectively managed by Ms. Prachi Agarwal. Affiliated to CBSE, New Delhi, the school has taken strides to make a significant mark on educational scenario of the UAE. ASPAM delivers high quality education that combines the rigour of the CBSE Curriculum with a global perspective. The school recognizes the importance of close collaboration with parents and the community to provide a conducive environment for pupil learning. BRAINFEED presents the profile of ASPAM Indian International School, Sharjah, UAE in the words of Ms. Prachi Agarwal, Director.
At ASPAM Indian International School, education is focused on creating real-life personalized – “authentic” learning experiences for students which strengthens them to acquire skills by exploring, solving problems, and sharing ideas with others. learning environment to meet the needs of the diverse student community. At ASPAM Indian International School, education is focused on creating reallife personalized – “authentic” learning experiences for students which strengthens them to acquire skills by exploring, solving problems, and sharing ideas with others. The strengths of ASPAM IIS is reflected in the students’ aptitude and positive attitude towards learning. The success can be attributed to the transdisciplinary and inquiry-based learning and teaching in a caring, safe, welcoming, environment where students are challenged to strive for personal excellence.
A
SPAM Indian International School’s vision is to facilitate the holistic growth and development of a generation of young people who believe that they can be active participants in the creation of a better world. ASPAM Indian International School is equipped with a modern infrastructure providing a conducive environment for imparting education that can be bench marked against the best in the world. The school believes in the motto “I am me, I am unique” which fits into the values ASPAM stands for – Diversity, Lifelong learning, Self – determination and Character. These core values are thoughtfully woven into the curricular and cross curricular
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nal
e
, rs.
Learning at ASPAM ….. ASPAM offers a platform for diversity of intelligence in children and provides multiple avenues to focus on the student’s potential. The school offers a progressive curriculum which fosters excellence in helping students relate learning to their own real life experiences. • A student’s journey at ASPAM commences with cross curricular and integrated work stations in the classroom (Early Years) that allows freedom for guided and independent learning activities leading to self-correction and continuous progression after each attempt. • 21st century teaching learning strategies that are driven towards the best outcomes for learning and the holistic development of the students. • Committed to building up a diverse student community that values service and global citizenship. • Progress of students on Personal, Emotional, Physical and Cognitive aspects through Inquiry oriented, Personalized model of learning fully taking into consideration the uniqueness of every child. • A curriculum structured to address multiple intelligences and differentiated needs of students. • Skill based IT integrated training with hands on activities that encourages the students to communicate, collaborate and acquire proficiency in skills and to confidently apply it in real life scenarios. • The Student –Led Conferences empower students to take the responsibility of their own learning by sharing their learning goals, evidence of their learning by way of work samples and discussing next steps forward. Student led conferences are aimed at creating a partnership between the teacher, students and parents to design strategies, enhance learning and maximize students’ potential. • The Making Learning Visible sessions at ASPAM gives a glimpse of how students research on projects and present their learning to parents.
Beyond Academics Students are given many opportunities to develop their skills in areas of personal interest through the range of activities such as drama productions and cultural activities which not just kindles their leadership skills but also engages students socially in activities that provides them with a balance as they continue to learn. Students at ASPAM are committed to take social responsibilities and they excel in their awareness of community and environmental obligations. They are proactive and have partnered with the Bee’ah Project of UAE that have had positive effects in Conservation of Energy and in the Recycling drive which has successfully developed in the Eco – Warriors, an ethos of being responsible citizens of the future. The vision of ASPAM facilitates and translates in the holistic growth and development of a generation of young people who learn best with a sound mind in a sound body. Students have a broad range of artistic and creative experiences through exposure within the core learning time giving them unique and deep insights into the creative world of music, art, dance, drama and elocution. Physical education is a fully-integrated part of school activity for children of all ages. Many important life lessons come through their involvement in physical exercise and sport; persistence, teamwork, planning, striving and humility are takeaways for life for our student. ASPAM team of professional educators continuously innovate and translate the vision of the school effectively to meet the demands of 21st century. We anticipate that our students will continue to excel, to share what they learn and design the best future in the years to come. april 16
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SPECIAL FEATURE
A
Vanalatha
utism is a lifelong neurological condition, a developmental disorder that typically occurs in the first three years of life. Autism appears as differences in development in three main areas: communication, social interactions and imagination, which can be seen in repetitive and restricted play or leisure activities. Autism is known as a ‘spectrum disorder,’ because the severity of symptoms can range from a mild learning and social disability, to more complex needs with multiple difficulties and often very unusual behavior. Autism results in qualitative impairments. Some individuals may show only slight
World
Autism Awareness Day delays in language and greater difficulties in making friends. Some may have no sensory difficulties while for others, every day contains too much sensory information. However, each person has his or her own strengths and limitations and like all individuals, each person with autism has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Autism
April 2 is four times more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls. World Autism Awareness Day observed on April 2, every year, aims to increase people’s awareness about people, especially children, with autism. The day often features educational events for teachers, health care workers and parents, as well as exhibitions showcasing work created by children with autism.
Dr. Shayama Chona, Founder-President of Tamana Association, New Delhi, a proud recipient of 54 awards including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, two National Awards and one State Award, responded to the questionnaire sent by Brainfeed. Dr. Chona has served society and humanity with distinction and timeless dedication. It is her mission to educate and empower the abled and differently abled that helps her to stand apart.
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Q
The Tamana Autism CenterSchool of Hope is India’s first rehabilitate and research center for autistic individual. How did you get the idea to start this center? Tamana was the first special school in India to recognise autism and to start an educational program for them in Tamana Special School. As the numbers of autistic started increasing we thought of setting up a dedicate facility for the autistic. Also the programme for the autistic is different than individuals with intellectual disabilities. At that time we were the only school in Delhi to have a special programme for this disability thus we were getting queries for admission for many more children than the space available with us. Many parents had to be turned back. This motivated us to start a new center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to facilitate their learning as per their needs. The infrastructure and the furniture were specially designed keeping their needs in mind.
Q
The center provides productive education and therapies to the autistic students. Please highlight the main therapies and how is the development recognized in the students? We have been pioneers in introducing many new therapies in our center. Tamana was the first center to provide Sensory Integration Therapy to its Autistic children. We are also the first center to train autistic children in Yoga, Music, and dance and movement therapy. Again we are the first center to
use PECS ( Picture Exchange Communication System) as an augmented communication means, and all the teachers at that time were are trained by team of experts from the PECS institute. The TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autism and elated Communication Handicapped Children ) programme developed by
University of North Carolina was also first introduced in Tamana by our professionals trained in USA, By Application of all the above mentioned therapies we have been applying a holistic approach of development and have seen a tremendous improvement in the students . All those students who are educable are enrolled in the NIOS (National Institute of open Schooling ) and the adults are being provided with training in various vocations specially for Autism.
Q
Specially trained teachers are required for handling these students. How do you select your teachers and how do you upgrade them? There was no programme available in India for the training in ASD. At that time Tamana had two directors who had done their Masters in Special Education with ASD as a subject. They did the initial training of the staff. Later
RCI introduced the Diploma in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders. We were one of the first institutes to run this course. Now majority of the special educators at the Autism centre have diploma in ASD. We have been organizing International and national conferences, workshops, CRE programmes and hands-on training where we have invited nationally and internationally renowned professionals specializing in different aspects of autism to upgrade our staff and parents in this field on regular basis.
Q
Tamana publishes the only bilingual newsletter “autism news�. How does this help the parents of the autistic students? The Newsletter is a platform for Tamana as well as the parents to share information and experiences on dealing with the autistic children. The newsletter carries information on the latest therapies and interventions, events related to autistic across the globe and answered queries of the parents. As many of the parents were Hindi speaking , the idea of having our
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SPECIAL FEATURE culturally-adaptive hindi (prototype) version of the early intervention application. Deakin for its work with Tamana, won the Victorian International Education Award for Excellence in International Education – Research Engagement in 2013.
newsletter in Hindi along with English came up.
Q
Many innovative special activities are given to the students in the center. How does it help them to overcome their disorders? The curriculum for children with autism has been specially designed by Tamana keeping their strengths and deficits in mind. The activities are designed in various areas to overcome the deficits and build up their strengths. One of the major deficits, not commonly recognized, is low-motivation thus our activities are innovatively designed in such a way that it would include their interest, strength and needs. Tamana is trying to use computers and IPADS to as teaching and augmentative communication devices to enhance the learning environment. With support from NASSCOM Tamana is developing a Kinect (Microsoft Kinect) based application which will use body movements to improve cognitive and language skills of the autistic. The Application which is called HOPE will be launched in April 2016.
Q
Tamana in collaboration with PRaDA launched the TOBY playpad laboratory. Please highlight about this activity and its uses.
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Tamana’s first foray into technology-basedresearch was in 2013 with a unique collaboration with Deakin University Australia on TOBY Playpad. TOBY Autism Therapy is a unique, therapist-and-parent designed Early Intervention application for children with Autism. TOBY’s iPad tasks coordinate with off-iPad tasks to help your child learn skills in the real world. TOBY stands for Therapy Outcomes By You, because it aims to empower parents to commence early intervention to maximize your child’s development. Tamana worked with Deakin on the development of a
The TOBY (Therapy Outcomes by You) Play-pad is a unique, therapist– and-parent designed Early Intervention application for children with Autism.
Q
Many people are unaware of the term autism. The ignorance level about autism is very high in India. Can you express your views related to this? Apart from the metros and some big cities the awareness about autism is definitely low, and the need to create awareness is tremendous. One of the fastest ways to do this is Mass-media. As Autism is one of the disability which is not recognized by physical appearance, this is the main reason that it not diagnosed in the initial stages, but only when the child starts having problem in schooling or there is delayed language development.
Q
Parents of the autistic children are very much worried about the future of their child. What advice would you like to give them as well as to the society who treat autism as a social stigma? We want to state that like everybody else in the society, they are also different. Once we accept them for what they are we shall be prepared to work with them keeping their strengths and deficits in mind, This will help the parents, the child as well as the society in general to mainstream them in the society. If the society accepts them , the parents will naturally be at peace.
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SPECIAL FEATURE CRC reports ‘1 in every 68 children has autism’. I had the opportunity to chat with the film director Tunku Mona Riza and her husband Ku Mohammad Haris, the executive producer of the movie. They are parents to Hannah 16 and Ilham 14. I watched the movie trailer several times and every time I saw something different and I knew immediately that I would use this trailer as my teaching tool to embrace inclusion for the special needs. It takes you into the world of how a couple having been childless for long copes with the condition that their child suffers from ‘autism’. It involves the community and professionals as to how their role takes importance. It reminds me of the African proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child’.
Ms. Anne Sivanathan Educationist, Malaysia
As an advocate of inclusion for the special needs I always look for new ideas. The much talked about movie “Redha” is to make its debut on the big screen on April 14 in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei coinciding with World Autism day on April 2. This is the first Malaysian movie on the exploration of the autism spectrum inspired from true stories.
The big screen as a teaching tool for
autism awareness?
Autism has a personal connection with Mona. She wanted to know more; did her research and one thing that she found was it was more prominent in boys than in girls and that lead her to feature a boy with autism in the movie ‘Redha: a beautiful pain.’ april 16
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SPECIAL FEATURE This is Mona’s first film debut; she has done commercials in the past and has been well received. Her motive for doing this movie emerged from the curiosity about the wide complex spectrum of people with autism and the unique personal stories each person shared with her, especially so about her friend’s daughter Zoe. This happened in 2012 and the parents were in a state of confusion and anxiety as they did not know initially about the symptoms of autism! Zoë was 3.5 years of age at that time. Autism has a personal connection with Mona. She wanted to know more; did her research and one thing that she found was it was more prominent in boys than in girls and that lead her to feature a boy with autism in the movie ‘Redha: a beautiful pain.’ She spent a lot of time with children, teenagers and their families on the spectrum; this was to understand them better and to make the movie more meaningful for her and her team. During the shoots her children also played a part, they would help entertain children who are restless. Another great inspiration for her was Yong, a father to two teenagers on the spectrum, Yong Wei Xiang 15 and Wei Jie 16; she was impressed by the father’s involvement. I was reminded of the tag line of the movie ‘Denial is the enemy of the truth’. I linked this to a part I saw in the trailer of the father’s behavior of learning about his son and how he was reminded by an elderly lady’s words of wisdom that ‘whatever the situation is you have to resign to God’s will’.
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on the big screen. Based on the positive feedback on the trailer I am sure this movie will be a hit. There was a pause at that moment and I was not sure if I asked the wrong question.
Mona wants to help the audience to get to know people on this spectrum who are very complex, unique individuals. Hearing this, my wish was ‘if only educators looked into the lens of a child then embracing inclusion would be a simpler process....’ ‘No matter what one’s belief is, we know that the Almighty is in charge’. The movie carefully thought about speaking to families, their friends, covering the sensitivity of culture in our country. Mona wants to help the audience to get to know people on this spectrum who are very complex, unique individuals. Hearing this, my wish was ‘if only educators looked into the lens of a child then embracing inclusion would be a simpler process....’ This movie deals with challenges and I asked Mona if she had any, now that ‘Redha’ was going to be
Her answer to me was with full of conviction ‘Will I meet the expectations of the viewers? I want to spread the awareness on autism and the unanswered questions and what people experience, how they cope with the extended family, work and life in general. I want this movie to help people initiate conversations about a marginalized community and when they encounter a child with autism they will be aware of why a certain behavior is demonstrated. The screen portraits individuals and their family and community that we usually don’t encounter, their struggles, the stigma or labels put on them. I was impressed at her response, as it was from the heart. She took this movie on a different note. She built great relationships and trust with all involved. A lot of thinking, planning process, oriented choices was made as she wanted to create the rapport between the audience and the subject quickly. This is important for educators as once this is achieved learning does not become a task for the child.’ The director Turku Mona walked the extra mile for her audience. Are the educators willing to follow her footsteps to embrace inclusion for the special needs? I can’t wait for the premier of ‘Redha’ !
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CHANGE MAKERS
S. Sainath LISTEN
T
he only solution was to build a bridge but for that there was a problem, he would need permission from the municipal authorities to build a concrete bridge which would take months or even years. With his father sponsoring `2.5 lakh, he built a 100-feet bamboo bridge in just eight days.
Contrary to popular belief that bamboo is weak, it is in fact very strong. Bamboo’s tensile strength is 28,000 per square inch versus 23,000 for steel. For this reason in several countries bamboo is used in building houses informs Eshan.
What the government could not do, Eshan did by making an accessible stretch that for ages was out of bounds. Today, children as well as elders use the bridge that help locals reach Kurla and Mankurd railway stations. Many students stopped going to school altogether due to hardship but now They have returned and the dropout rate too has come down drastically. So what made Eshan build a bridge? He says, “Even when I was in class 4, I used to distribute clothes and books to the needy. I somehow always had this bent of mind and when I came to know and saw that children were walking through sludge, I knew I had to do something.” Eshan wants to pursue aviation but his heart lies at the grassroots. He further adds, “There are simple
“There are simple solutions for complex problems. What we need is just the will to do it.”
BRIDGING CHANGE The people residing in Sathe Nagar had no other way but to wade through a filthy toxic nallah. What was worse, school students used to walk through the polluted water risking skin infections, malaria and dengue fever. But not any longer, thanks to Eshan Balbale, a class XII commerce student of Thane’s Bedekar College who took it upon himself to do something.
solutions for complex problems. What we need is just the will to do it.” When asked, how he manages social work along with studies, he says, “It does not take much time, we just need to set our priorities and manage time well.” The 100-feet bridge can accommodate 50 people at a time and is now helpful to 15 thousand residents. Allaying fears of people, Eshan says that he would be visiting the site every month and see that repairs if needed would be done. Eshan now plans to get youngsters to join him in humanitarian work. He now plans to build toilets for the needy and has founded Nirbhay Yuva Pratishthan. Building a bridge is his first effort to make a change in the lives of people and he has no plans to just stop it at that, says Eshan. april 16
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INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE
P. V. Seshubabu
Realizing the importance of education Realizing the importance of education and its transformative potential, Sadhbhavana took birth from a desire for excellence! The school ensures sound teaching-learning practices by defining clear academic strategies. The qualitative and professional approach of SADHBHAVANA to everything is the reason why it has been ranked among the top 10 international schools in the country. Let’s take a tour on the campus with Shri K. E. Harish, CEO, Sadhbhavana World School, Kozhikode, Kerala . . . The School leadership has established an agenda for the school through research practice...
in its research-oriented approach and strives to be a learning organization that pioneers positive change in the society.
Researching is what makes a school stand apart. About 400 indicators have been arrived and the school leadership developed qualitative framework for achieving excellence in the education domain – a 16-point school development plan! Sadhbhavana has been an epitome of professionalism and quality conscious. The school takes pride
It is believed that the school has sequenced plan for curriculum delivery ensuring consistent teaching accompanied by continuous assessment to monitor learning across the year.
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The school ensures sound teaching learning practices by defining clear academic strategies. Course files, interaction with students – national and
international, use of visual communication media, standard assessment of individual students, student portfolios, student-led conferences, and student-teacher talking time all ensure students get the best learning experiences. The assessment pattern of the school caters to lifelong and enduring understanding. The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) complements structured examinations. An explicit agenda for the optimal and innovative use of varied teaching methodologies are proposed to enhance the learning experience. . . A team of committed staff orient to continually evaluate the systems and processes by tracking the KPI’s in the strategic plan. The committee under a neatly chalked out ToR carries out their responsibilities and ensures that systems and processes of the school are in line with its vision.
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Sadhbhavana World School is a school with a soul. While on one hand there is international pedagogy and learning experiences for the children, on the other hand, there is also an endeavour to provide them with the opportunity to understand, respect and love the mother land. They are encouraged to be deeply rooted to their beginnings and culture, respect their traditions all the while focusing on internationalism. The Lesson Plans adhere to the highest levels of academic enterprise. . . The teachers prepare the lesson plans based on the UbD principles. The mode of instruction at Sadhbhavana takes into account the significance of reflective learning at two different levels. The first aspect of reflection lies in re-capping the day’s lesson using mind mapping tools at a rudimentary level in the classroom which is further refined with the input of the teacher at the next stage. The second involves developing a perspective towards the lesson by providing a contextual understanding of the topic.
The School has envisaged curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for students . . . to equip students excel in the competitive world. The students explore learning through real-life experiences like projects, field-trips, science fair, exhibitions, etc. correlating their subjects. A wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities like Yoga, Fine-arts, Drama and Photography, Martial arts, Dance and Music are envisaged for students. Sadhbhavanites participate in various competitions and competitive examinations that are conducted by national and international bodies throughout the year.
The teachers are trained continually to enhance and update their know-how in the teaching-learning process to identify the learning needs of students. . . In order to ensure the best in teaching-learning practices, Sadhbhavana provides continuous training for its facilitators. Professional development programmes are tailor-made to cater to the different developmental needs of the teachers which are assessed through a 360 degree appraisal system.
K. E. Harish, CEO
“To inculcate a sense of inquisitiveness by engaging students through effective and efficient teaching-learning techniques and imbue into them a value-driven life. . .” The school aspires to bring in awareness of the community and environment in the children through the Community Outreach and Social Skills (COSS) Club. The Club initiated a drive to provide the best shopping experience to the children of a Children’s Home in Calicut. The under-privileged children at a Governmentrun centre never get to feel or experience of picking out their own dress from a shop. “SADHBHAVANA was conceived with a vision to deliver unwavering standards in education by integrating 21st century skills in learning. . .” The School would like to be a centre of excellence, provide equal opportunity for every student, and inculcate key values in them whereby they evolve as responsible citizens. The vision is split into small realizable mission statements. The mission of Sadhbhavana is to meet all the developmental needs of child through its effective teaching learning practices; make Sadhbhavanites sensitive to the society and at the same time make them leaders in the knowledge driven world. april 16
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KUDOS
Vanalatha
Professor Sandeep Desai
The Man with a Mission Sandeep Desai is the slight man with a backpack and a plastic donation box who talks to many office-goers on board local trains every single day, asking them to donate money to his charitable organization, Shloka, which runs four schools in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Education is the cause he is closest to. He delivers his one-minute speech in Marathi, Hindi and English on how commuters could help rescue the poor from the scourge of illiteracy. He says his job has just begun and there is a long road ahead! Prof. Desai normally begins his talk introducing himself, informing about the Shloka Public Trust which operates English medium schools and inviting all to join in his mission. He says:
“Vidya daanam Shreshtha daanam”. Brainfeed interacted with Professor Sandeep Desai and he responded to the questionnaire.
Q
‘Vidya daanam Shreshtha daanam.’ You are doing this for a noble cause. How did you develop interest in doing this work? My father finished his schooling staying away from my grandmother in a far off village with a great difficulty. My mother was a school teacher and she taught many poor children. My parents are my inspiration for this noble cause. I, along with my mother, started a school for slum children. The school is run by the profits we earn from the Shloka Missionaries Charitable Trust, which I started in May 2001.
Q
You are a familiar face in Mumbai’s local trains. Can you brief about your journey.
I used to go around the crowded local trains to raise funds for
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running English medium schools for underprivileged children in rural Maharashtra and Rajasthan. I am doing this from many years. I carry laminated cuttings of newspaper reports about my work. No sum is too small, those interested in finding out more about Shloka’s schools are welcome to call. “If you give a man food, you only feed him for a day. If you give him education, you feed him for a lifetime. My job has just begun and there is a long road ahead.
Q
You have opened schools in 2 different states. How do you manage to educate the students and what is the response from the parents? We are not organized as of now, but soon we will have the right people because people are now themselves taking interest in what we want to do in the future and
Our first school with 700 students, started in 2005 in a Mumbai slum was discontinued in 2013 after the RTE Act was enforced in 2009; no free English medium school was required for poor children in cities. volunteering to come up. Today’s parents in villages understand the importance of English medium education and want to get the benefits for their children. There is no academic ambience in their dwellings. But the aspirations run high. They only regret that we cannot provide a meal at school. They are always grateful for the seva we offer. On one occasion a parent naively compared me to GOD. This was indeed a tribute to every donor who gave me even a rupee to support this mission.
Q
Every day you talk to hundreds of office goers on board local trains. How was the response from the commuters? Today, the commuters passionately support this cause. However, it was a very difficult job to begin. I had to convince them about my vision. I have a mixed bag of feelings of how the commuters treated me. From being manhandled, subjected to abusive language, taunting, even criminal intimidation to lots of respect, affection, hugs, appreciation and especially receiving sweets and small gifts on festive days, commuters’
birthdays etc; I would love to remember the good things always.
Q
You were working as a professor at SP Jain Institute of Management and Research in Andheri, Mumbai. What prompted you to choose this road? What is your vision? Students at SPJIMR undertook social projects after 1st trimester. The reports submitted by them opened my eyes about the sorry state of primary education in rural and municipal schools. I felt that instead of teaching at P.G. level, I should strive to improve primary education for needy children. We now run 2 own schools and 2 schools in rented premises in Maharashtra’s drought affected rural Yavatmal district and Rajasthan’s rural Udaipur. Our first school with 700 students, started in 2005 in a Mumbai slum was discontinued in 2013 after the RTE Act was enforced in 2009; no free English medium school was required for poor children in cities. “Vidyaa Daanam – Shreshtha Daanam.” We have a vision to set up a hundred schools before we leave this world. Please join this mission.
E-mail: shlokaabc@rediffmail.com In case you wish to join this mission contact: 09167587739
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EDUCATION
The Right Read
By the time you are in high school, you spend more time reading textbooks and articles. Now that reading is more about analysis than enjoyment, you’ll have to shift the way in which you approach your task. Successful students use a variety of different techniques to discover the meaning in what they are reading.
Connect to what you know Before you start reading, think about the assignment topic. It can be what you discussed in the class or even something that you learned last year. Ask questions to yourself, become more curious, engage and learn new information. Preview the material Take a minute or so to preview the material you are about to read. Consider this process like a quick review. Use the following steps to identify main ideas and key terms: i)
Find the main topic – Focus on the title and subtitle of the chapter so that you emphasize the main topic and are thorough with it.
ii) Identify the main ideas – Read both the introduction and the conclusion so that you understand what the main ideas are and why they are important. Glance through the chapter and read the section titles, words in bold or italics, and any questions that are noted in the margins.
Reading Techniques Choosing the right reading techniques will not only save your time but also help you get the job done right. For most types of reading, you will use many different methods. Pre-Reading It only takes a few moments. It helps you shift your head into the right mindset and primes for what you are about to learn. There are two quick steps to pre-reading: connecting what you are about to learn to what you already know, and previewing the material to get a better sense of the overall message.
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iii) Scan the chapter – Scan the chapter for graphs, images, maps and illustrations. Observe carefully at each image and relate it with the topic. Active Reading Active reading is all about knowing why you are reading something and then interacting with the material while you read so that you understand and remember it better. With active reading, you pose questions, make predictions, look for
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clarification, identify keywords or sections, and paraphrase what you have read into your own words. The more you interact with what you read, the more you will retain and understand the given material. Following are the guidelines to start reading more actively. i)
Find connections – Once you are already familiarized yourself with the text, relate it with what you’ve learned previously. This will help you improve your memory.
ii) Mark it up – Underline or make a note of any passages or terms. Take notes on things that you think are particularly important, relating to the rest of the material. iii) Reread the confusing stuff – Once you’ve finished reading, reread the stuff which was confusing. This will help to understand the confused part better. iv) Sum it up – When you are done, summarize what you have read. It is a great way to see if you really learned the material. Scan Versus Skim Both scanning and skimming are fast reading techniques that will help you review material without reading every word. Scanning Scanning is when you very quickly look through a document for specific information and then read that info very carefully.
Tips for scanning:
Tackling the Textbook
• Use headings to help guide your search.
Textbooks can be daunting and boring all at once. Here are some techniques to stay awake, keep focused and get the most out of what you are reading.
• Skip irrelevant sections. • Look for words in bold and italics. • Run your finger across the text to help look for the words you are searching for. • Allow your eyes to move across several lines of print at once. • When you find what you are looking for, slow down and start reading at your normal rate.
• Survey - Before you read, survey or pre-read the chapter’s title, headings and subheadings. Read the introduction and conclusion. Read the captions underneath the pictures, charts, graphs and maps. • Question - As you read, try to answer the questions you have about the material. This increases your concentration and helps you focus on what you need to get out of the reading.
Skimming Skimming is when you read over a section quickly, with the purpose of answering a particular question or identifying the most important points of the discussion. For example, when you are doing a research, you skim an article to find out if it has the information you are seeking. This type is especially useful when you want to review something you’ve already read or when you just need some quick information. Tips for skimming: • Read the topic sentence of each paragraph. Look for clue words that answer who, when, what, where and how. • Search for words such as causes, effects, results, pros and cons. • Read headings and subheadings and pay attention to pictures, graphs, charts and illustrations.
• Read - Read the material, looking for answers to your questions, and take notes to help you remember them, making sure to include important details and key terms. Slow down when things don’t make sense and reread sections if they aren’t clear. • Recite - After each section, summarize what you’ve learned by reciting it out loud. This helps things stick in your long-term memory. Make a note of things that you couldn’t remember. • Review - After you have finished the reading, skim back over the chapter and read your notes. Answer the questions. Summarize the information by writing up a summary or drawing a flowchart. april 16
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EDUCATION
P. V. Seshubabu
VOCABULARY ACQUISITION TECHNIQUES
The main objective of learning a language is to enable learners to use the language for communication effectively and appropriately in real life situations. This becomes possible when the four basic language skills, viz. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are used in an integrated manner. In order to communicate ideas effectively students must learn to express them clearly, accurately and fluently. The basic ingredient of language that helps in using it as a vehicle of expression is acquisition of appropriate vocabulary. Effective writing depends on the use of appropriate words in proper context for effective communication. Acquisition of Vocabulary This involves student’s appropriate choice of words. Primarily a student needs sufficient vocabulary drawn from his mind. Different techniques for acquisition of vocabulary are discussed in the following examples:
Vocabulary for describing people
Vocabulary related to adventure activities:
Vocabulary can be built and extended through matching appropriate word with the description of a person’s features. We often hear that ‘No two people are alike’. In other words, different people have different physical features, characteristics or qualities.
Students are exposed to a number of words, describing things that will be needed in a particular context. Some of these may be familiar items, others may not be. In such case, the students should be encouraged to consult a dictionary and find out what those items are. For instance, trekking needs a lot of planning and preparation. The first task is to select suitable equipment. Following is the list of items:
(A) The following words describe different qualities of people: • Stubbornv - - - - - - - - - - - - • Narrow-minded - - - - - - - - - - - - • Argumentative - - - - - - - - - - - - • Tactful - - - - - - - - - - - - • Diligent - - - - - - - - - - - - (B) The following are different types of behaviour. Pick out one word from the table above to describe different behaviour of person who 1. Is not willing to change his mind - - - - - - - -
Antibiotics, Batteries, Binoculars, Bottle, Knife, Rucksack, Diary, Boots, Blanket, Compass, Raincoat, Candles, Flashlight, Mug, FirstAid Kit, Rope, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, etc.
2. Is careful not to offend or upset others - - - 3. Has the capacity to work hard - - - - - - - - - 4. Often quarrels in an attempt to convince others - - - - - - - - - - - - -
? ? ? ?
5. Is unwilling to seriously consider opinions or views that are different to his own- - - - - - -
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Vocabulary related to movements: Students develop vocabulary in play-way method, e.g. unscrambling the jumbled word. There are several words to express the movement of a cat, e.g. ‘The cat staggered into the kitchen with the kitten in her mouth.’ Re-arrange the jumbled letters to make ‘movement words’: 1. Move slowly and steadily (eerpc) 2. Move cautiously especially at night ( wrocp) 3. Move quickly and slowly in order to get near without being seen ( talsk)
Vocabulary related to some reports: Vocabulary building and extension through classification: Students are first motivated to identify different games and sports. Later they are expected to tackle a list of different sports by classifying them into different areas .
4. Walk unsteadily almost falling ( gstgaer) 5. Jump suddenly and quickly ( plae)
How many of the following games and sports do you know? Work with your partner and complete the table given below. • Name of Game/Sport • Land/Water Sport • Team Sport/Individual • Popular in country
Derivatives: Vocabulary can be built by the derivatives, viz. use of affixes {Prefix and Suffix}. There are several common Prefixes that can be added to words to make their opposites: e.g. un-, in-, ir-, il-, im-, Most of the derivatives are different parts of speech from the headwords. Dry (Verb)
Dry + ness = Dryness (Noun)
Dry + ly = Drily (Adverb. Prefer (Verb) Prefer + ence = Preference (Noun) Prefer + able = Preferable (Adjective) Prefer + able + y = Preferably (Adverb)
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WASTE MANAGEMENT
P. V. Seshubabu
LISTEN
Wealth From Waste
RECYCLING Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into re-usable objects to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, energy usage, air-pollution and water pollution by decreasing the need for ‘conventional’ waste disposal and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
R
ecyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, tyres, textiles and electronics. The composting or other re-use of bio-degradable waste, such as food or garden waste, is also considered recycling.
(e.g. paper board) instead. Another form of recycling is the salvage of certain materials from complex products either due to their intrinsic value (such as lead from car batteries or gold from circuit boards) or due to their hazardous nature (e.g. removal and re-use of mercury from thermometers/ thermostats).
were coveted as they were cheaper to acquire than raw ore. Railroads both purchased and sold scrap metal in the 19th century and the growing steel and automobile industries purchased and sold by peddlers who scoured dumps and city streets for discarded machinery, pots and pans and other sources of metal.
Recycling has been a common practice for most of human history. During the time when resources were scarce, archaeological studies of ancient waste dumps show less household waste (such as ash, broken tools and pottery), implying more waste was being recycled in the absence of new material.
Beverage bottles were recycled with a refundable deposit at some drink manufacturers in UK. An official recycling system with refundable deposits was established in Sweden for bottles in 1884 and aluminum beverage cans in 1982.
Industrialization spurred demand for affordable materials: aside from rags, ferrous scrap metals
Recycling was a highlight during the World War II. Financial constraints and significant material shortages due to war efforts made it necessary for
Recycling of a material would produce a fresh supply of the same material. For example, used office paper would be converted into new office paper or used polystyrene foam into new polystyrene. ‘Recycling’ of many products or materials involves their re-use in producing different materials
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New-Age Alchemists! More and more green business entrepreneurs are making wealth from waste and saving environment from devastation! Fabric From Plastic Arora Fibres recycles discarded plastic bottles into polyester used as packaging material. Liquid Gold countries to reuse goods and recycle materials. These resource shortages caused by the World Wars and after other such worldchanging occurrences greatly encouraged recycling. The struggle of war claimed much of the material resources available, leaving little for the civilian population. It became necessary for most homes to recycle their work, as recycling offered an extra source of materials allowing people to make the most of what was available to them. Recycling household materials meant more resources for war efforts and a better chance of victory. A considerable investment in recycling occurred in the 1970s due to rising energy costs. Recycling aluminum uses only 50% of the energy required by virgin production; glass, paper
and metals have less dramatic but very significant energy savings when recycled feedstock is used. Recycling of consumer electronic items such as the TV has been popular since the 1920s. The first electronic waste recycling scheme was implemented in Switzerland beginning with the collection of old refrigerators by gradually expanded to cover all devices. There was no capacity to deal with the sheer quantity of e-waste generated. The problem was exported to developing countries as it worked out to cheaper. Demand in Asia for electronic waste began to grow when scrap yards found that they could extract valuable substances such as copper, silver, iron, silicon, nickel and gold during the recycling process. In 2002 e-waste grew faster than any other type of waste
Water is the real liquid gold today! Water technology company, V A Tech Wabag, a Chennai-based company recycles industrial and municipal waste water either for re-use as drinking water or to plough back for industrial use. Green Power Irfan Furniturewala, Chairman, Hanjer Bio-Tech Energies, is turning solid waste into fuel to run power plants. Cleaning up e-Wasteland Gururaja Upadhya, cofounder Cerebra Integrated Technologies, Bengaluru, extracts precious and other metals from mountains of e-waste in Europe. This caused investment in modern automated facilities to cope with the influx of redundant appliances. Recyclates A Recyclate is a raw material that is sent to waste recycling plant to form new products. For e.g. plastic bottles, that are collected can be re-used and made into plastic pellets – a new product. april 16
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CAREER
Vanalatha
Some of the prominent Institutes in India • National Museum Institute of History, Conservation and Museology, Delhi • Vikram University, Madhya Pradesh • University of Baroda, Gujarat • University of Calcutta, Kolkatta • Benaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh
MUSEUM STUDIES
Conservation of History and Heritage useology, or Museum Studies, is the science of the administration and management of museums. Often termed as Museography, this branch of knowledge helps Museum professionals to have an indepth understanding of the needs of a museum and also be aware of the processes of the museum organization and management. It also makes a professional aware on other aspects such as museum collection, research and documentation, museum exhibition, museum education, conservation and preservation, and so on.
M
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How to Enter the Field Students with a backgroud in arts as well science can pursue this course. A basic requirement of all these courses is a background in History, especially ancient Indian history and a minimum of 50% marks at the graduation level will find the field rewarding. Librarians, historians, and archivists looking for new careers will also find the field challenging. Career Prospects With increased awareness about conservation of history and heritage
there is a growing need for professionals in this field. In India, there are more than 1000 Museums offering wide employment, starting from Central Government Museums to the District level ones and from Trust Museums to private ones. A variety of careers exist within the discipline of museum studies, including Museum director, curator, educator, exhibit designer, archivist and conservation specialist. Skills Required To be a museologist one needs to be very passionate and curious about the subject with lots of dedication.
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Dr. Mahua Chakraborty, Associate Professor of Museology, University of Calcutta, responded to the questionnaire sent by Brainfeed.
Q
years including project work, field/ study tour and internship, are divided into four semesters.
Museology is a very uncommon subject of study preferred by students in India. As a faculty in Calcutta University related to Museology, what is your opinion about the field of study for a career? What avenues are open to students? Museology is somewhat less known subject in India though it is of high demand in European and American countries. It is related to the preservation, exhibition and communication of cultural and natural heritage of any nation. This subject is highly technical. If the course is studied thoroughly, it will help in future to get job in museums. Many of our students are now employed in museums of national level and regional levels as well. So, this is a useful subject in my opinion.
Q
Many students are unaware of Museology as a subject. How can awareness be created amongst them? Unfortunately, the subject is only taught in postgraduate degree level. If it is introduced in undergraduate level in colleges, the students will spontaneously be attracted and they will get admission. By this way, we can expand the knowledge area.
Q
This field is about cultural heritage and learning the proper method of preserving and protecting it. Can you highlight about this course? The speciality of Museology courses in Indian universities has been the equal emphasis on
the theory and practice of the core Museological principles, as well as on the application of basic academic disciplines. Globalization has opened enormous opportunities for our department as well as properly trained museologists. The course is in conformity with the international standard. Emphasis has been put to make the students self-sufficient. Two full academic
COURSE CURRICULUM:
Paper 1 Organization and management Paper 2 Exhibition and education
The University of Calcutta, Museology department is a centre for advanced academic activities, by means of organizing conferences, seminars, publications, etc. to disseminate knowledge in Museology, encourage its development and set its scientific and social objective on a firm foundation. The department ensures appropriate blending of theoretical instruction with practical experience in the various specialist museum techniques.
Q
This course of study requires a particular skill. According to you what are the necessary skills required for a student pursuing Museology? A good bachelor’s degree with honours or a master’s degree in relevant subjects is required to get admission in Museology postgraduate degree course.
Paper 3 Care and conservation Paper 4 History and archaeology / Earth science Paper 5 Ethnic art & culture of India / Life science Paper 6 History of art / Anthropology Paper 7 Museum technique (Practical paper) Paper 8 Care and conservation (Practical paper) Paper 9 Practical papers on previously mentioned papers 4,5,6. Paper 10 Project report and field report. Paper 11 Internship report. Paper 12 Dissertation
Q
What advice would you like to give the students who choose Museology as a subject for their career? Students must be attentive and have love, passion and interest in natural and cultural heritage. Moreover, they shall have to pursue the regular courses of lectures, practical classes, study tours, internship and other academic assignments given in the two-year academic term. april 16
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HEALTH
Vanalatha
World Health Day
Beat Diabetes The theme of World Health Day 2016 is “Diabetes: scale up prevention, strengthen care, and enhance surveillance”. he World Health Day is celebrated worldwide every year on April 7, under the leadership of World Health Organization to draw attention to global health. The celebration focuses on increasing the life expectancy by adding good health to the lives of people and promoting healthier living habits.
T
The main goals of World Health Day 2016 campaign
are to increase awareness about the rise in diabetes, and its staggering burden and consequences in particular, in low and middle income countries and to trigger a set of specific, effective and affordable action to tackle diabetes. WHO designed posters on diabetes for use around the world during this year’s campaign. The poster visual promotes ways to “stay super” and “beat diabetes”.
Ayurvedic Solution for Diabetes: Ayurveda – life’s knowledge – is one of the oldest practiced forms of medicines in the world. Diabetes affects vital organs of our body and also causes loss of eyesight. Lack of physical exercises and sedentary lifestyle causes diabetes. Juvenile Diabetes due to obesity has become common nowadays. Ayurveda offers solution to all the problems due to diabetes. It One important prescribes seasonal dietary plans when rule is NOT to eat followed strictly keeps the disease stomachful always. at bay. One important rule is never to eat stomach full. Half the diseases occur because no attention is paid while eating. We eat in a hurry and we do not eat on time. If we compromise on time for food, we are also compromising on our health adversely. Dr Paramkusam Nirmala, B.A.M.S. Ayurveda Siromani, Chennai
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Dr V. Sri Nagesh MD, DM, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Care Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, responded to the questionnaire sent by Brainfeed. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the blood sugar levels are high over a long period of time. How can a person realize that he/she is suffering from diabetes? Development of diabetes extends over a decade or two and includes a pre-diabetic state that gradually progresses to frank diabetes and eventually presents with these symptoms. In these 1-2 decades, changes occurring in the body because of high blood sugar levels can cause complications related to the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and brain. The only effective way of detecting diabetes early is to screen for diabetes in people at high risk of diabetes with fasting and post meal sugars, HbA1C or glucose tolerance test, as required. India is assumed to be the diabetes capital of the world and it is a major concern for both
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children and adults. What are the reasons or causes for this concern? Over the past three decades, India has witnessed a steady rise in incidence of diabetes and according to the latest International Diabetes Federation Atlas released in December 2015, there are almost 7 crore people in India with diabetes. According to the ICMR-INDIAB study, another 7.7 crore people have pre-diabetes. The reason for this is due to interaction of various factors like genetics, changing diet patterns, lesser physical activity right from the school level, rising living standard and also to some extent, steady urban migration. There are different types of diabetes. Please highlight about the types of diabetes. People might be aware of only 2 types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes affecting children and type 2 Diabetes affecting adults. In reality there are many more causes of diabetes. 1. Gestational diabetes is detected in pregnancy. It may continue after pregnancy or blood sugars may come back to normal after delivery. However, it poses a risk for developing diabetes again, later in life. 2. Pancreatic diabetes implies diabetes caused by any disorder like an inflammation, injury, stones or cancer affecting the pancreas. 3. Monogenic diabetes can be caused by defects in genes involved in blood sugar control. 4. Some drugs like steroids, anticancer drugs can also cause diabetes.
Diabetes gradually affects all the organs in the body. Please advice about the ways and means of preventing it.
1. Emphasis on a healthy balanced diet, low in simple carbohydrates like sugar, salt and saturated fat.
The most important consequences of diabetes are the changes that happen in the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and other organs due to damage caused to the blood vessels supplying these organs.
2. Eat more complex carbohydrates rich foods like whole grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables.
1. We can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes by following a few simple rules, like eating healthy, becoming physically active and losing a few extra kilos. Regular screening for diabetes helps to detect and prevent or slow down the progression of prediabetes to diabetes. 2. The best method of preventing or delaying these diabetes complications is by ensuring good blood sugar control by diet, exercise and early consultation with an endocrinologist and effective diabetes treatment. 3. Quitting smoking and alcohol is good for heart, nerves and kidneys. 4. Daily self-examination of the feet for ulcers, cracks and injuries along with periodic examination by the doctor helps to prevent foot complications. 5. Regular eye examinations including dilating pupil by eye drops to observe the retina are essential for detecting eye complications. Systematic and timely diet is the key factor for diabetes treatment. What food would you advise to the diabetic patients?
3. Prefer skimmed or fat free milk. 4. Cut down on meat and egg yolk. 5. Include more soluble fibre in diet, in the form of fruits, vegetables, beans, flax seeds and oatmeal. 6. Reduce portion sizes if you are overweight. The theme for World Health Day 2016 is “Diabetes: Scale up prevention, Strengthen care, and Enhance surveillance. How can the awareness be created in people about the rise and risk in diabetes? Preventing this epidemic of the future requires a lot of inputs from the individual, the community and the government. At the individual level, avoiding junk food, replacing television viewing with physical activity help a lot. At the community level, provision for more playgrounds and greenspaces is necessary. At the government level, policy decisions to limit sale of junk foods in schools, food labels on common packaged foods to count calories, creating awareness about diabetes through print and visual media, FM radio can add a lot of value. Also the government should work in tandem with doctors and NGOs to create awareness about screening and monitoring of diabetes.
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WRITE RIGHT
HANDWRITING SECRETS - 32 LISTEN
Y. Mallikarjuna Rao Director National Handwriting Academy, Hyderabad Email:handwriting56@gmail.com
1
5 Fun Filled Activities of
HANDWRITING for VACATIONS
May and June are the two words children like the most. Apart from entertainment, recreation and relaxation, one must focus on skill enhancing activities during the vacation time. As we strongly believe that handwriting is one of the very useful Scholastic Skills, look at the following entertaining cum handwriting enhancement activities and work on them. Take a couple of drawing charts, preferably white, cut the letters of your name, your family members’ names, and your favourite fruit/place/person’s names. Arrange all those letters in a row on a pencil line. Now start filling them with your favourite colours or patterns or objects or flowers etc.
Create a message or a greeting line; make it on the floor with fine sand or salt crystals or with pulses or grains. Use combination of pulses and grains to create natural colour variations.
3
Practicing letters and words or tracing them on a slate with slate pencil is a wonderful and beneficial activity in the vacations. Ask your family member with a beautiful handwriting, to write a word or a motivational line on the slate. You just start tracing on the same stroke for few times and it would certainly add creativity and enhance your penmanship when you switch on to write on the paper. In addition to that, your friends will notice changes and start appreciating you.
Take few pieces of chalk of different colour and start writing on black or green board. That is real fun to do and your fine motor skills would also sharpen during the course of practice.
5
2
4
Sit with your siblings or friends or relatives. Ask one of the elders to dictate a text with time limit. This is not only a fun doing activity with your peer group but will amazingly help you to improve the abilities like…speed, spellings, dexterity etc. All the above exercises are not only fun-filled but are skill enhancers and few of the best activities to fill your vacations with.
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LearnEnglish
BRITISH COUNCIL Activity 1 Before you read, match the word to a definition.
1. acrobatic
2. colonise 3. intense
5. protest
6. rhythm
4. participants
7. strengthen 8. stretch
a. do something to show that you disagree with a law or rule b. extend your muscles to prepare them for exercise c. involving lots of hard work d. involving or having lots of difficult jumping movements e. make your body stronger f. take control of another country g. the beat and speed of a song or piece of music h. the people who take part in an event or activity © Terry de Roode - Kotterman www.terryscosycouch.com
Capoeira: The Brazilian martial art of dancing By Freddie Gay
Fighting or dancing? Brazil is probably most famous for samba and football, but there is another hobby that is very popular among Brazilians. It is called capoeira and, like karate or judo, it is considered a martial art. However, there is no contact in capoeira. In fact it is more like a dance. The dance Participants make a circle, sing songs and play different musical instruments. Two people then start the dance while the others continue to sing and play the musical instruments. Anyone can jump into the circle to dance at any time, exchanging places with someone already there, but there are never more than two people who perform the dance at one time. During the dance, participants move in time to the music. If the rhythm of the music gets faster, so will the dancing. Intense training Like other martial arts, capoeira involves a lot of intense training. If you take classes, you will spend a lot of time stretching, doing fitness and strengthening exercises and learning the basic steps. At more advanced levels, you will begin to learn acrobatic movements. You should also learn some of the songs they sing, and perhaps even how to play one of the musical instruments that they use. Uncertain origins Capoeira has a fascinating history. During the 1700s Portugal colonised large parts of Brazil and brought many slaves from Africa. When these slaves arrived in Brazil, they were treated very badly. Some people say that these slaves started the capoeira dance to protest against the bad conditions. Others believe that capoeira had already started in Africa and the slaves brought the dance with them.
Activity 3 First, put the words of each sentence in the correct order. Then decide if they are true or false, according to the text. Can you correct the false ones? 1. a dance. / but really / Capoeira / fighting, / it is / look like / may 2. and play / dance, / musical instruments. / sing / the other / participants / two people / While 3. acrobatic / be / capoeira. / in order to / need / take part in / to / very / You 4. actually / Africa. / Although / Brazil, / capoeira / in / in / is / it / popular / started 5. around / can / capoeira / classes / countries / find / in / many / the / world. / You.
Activity 4 Complete the sentences with the correct connecting word from the table and add any missing punctuation. during
however
in fact
then
while
Example: Like karate or judo, capoeira is considered a martial art (. However,) there is no contact in capoeira. 1. I don’t agree that he was a good prime minister (..........) I think he was awful. 2. Many people like to swim in the sea at this beach (..........) there can be strong currents so do be careful! 3. His house was broken into (..........) he was on holiday. 4. She stayed in London for a week and (..........) decided to get a train to Scotland. 5. (..........) the 1990s there was a huge rise in the number of internet users.
Activity 5 Are there any interesting hobbies or activities which are popular in your country? What are they and why do you think they are popular?
Around the world
Now complete the sentences using words from the text. Make any changes to the words that are necessary. 1. Many African countries were (..........) by European countries during the 16th and 17th centuries. 2. My favourite music is salsa. I just love dancing to its (..........). 3. I had a really (..........) training session in the gym yesterday. My muscles are really aching! 4. I’ve been going to the gym for six months now and I feel I have really (..........) my muscles. 5. We had some more new (..........) in our aerobics class this week. There are quite a few of us now. 6. If you want to be a gymnast, you have to be very (..........). 7. Many people are angry about the government’s decision and plan to (..........) against it. 8. (..........) before doing exercise is a good idea as it can prevent you from getting injured.
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Answers
Activity 2
Activity 1 1. d; 2. f; 3. c; 4. h; 5. a; 6. g; 7. e; 8. b Activity 2 1. colonised; 2. rhythm; 3. intense; 4. strengthened; 5. participants; 6. acrobatic; 7. protest; 8. Stretching Activity 3 1. Capoeira may look like fighting, but really it is a dance. True (T) 2. While two people dance, the other participants sing and play musical instruments. T 3. You need to be very acrobatic in order to take part in capoeira. False (F) – At more advanced levels, you will begin to learn acrobatic movements. 4. Although capoeira is popular in Brazil, it actually started in Africa. F – It is not known whether capoeira began in Brazil or Africa. 5. You can find capoeira classes in many countries around the world. T Activity 4 1. I don’t agree that he was a good prime minister. In fact, I think he was awful. 2. Many people like to swim in the sea at this beach. However, there can be strong currents so do be careful! 3. His house was broken into while he was on holiday. 4. She stayed in London for a week and then decided to get a train to Scotland. 5. During the 1990s, there was a huge rise in the number of internet users.
Wherever capoeira began, it has now become popular around the world. You can take capoeira classes in many countries. It is a great way to get fit and meet new people. So if you like the sound of it, time to get off the sofa and find your nearest class!.
To find more English language activities visit: www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish © British Council 2014
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LANGUAGE
VOCABULARY in
FRENCH
F FRENCH
HOW IS THE WEATHER TODAY? Quel temps fait-il aujourd hui? Kel ten fetil osurdyi?
C’est bien! Se byen! HOW MANY WINDOWS ARE THERE IN THE CLASSROOM? Combien de livres y-a-t-il sur la table? Kombyen de livr yatil syr la tabl? YOU HAVE DONE VERY WELL! Vous avez tres bien reussi Vuzave tre byen resi
P
P
ONE MUST TAKE THE GOOD AND THE BAD TOGETHER!
F P
F P
F P
F P
F P
F P
Qui e’pouse femme e’pouse les dettes! Ki epus fem epus le det! OLD FRIENDS ARE THE BEST! Vievx amis, vievx e’cus! Vye:zami vye:z eky! CUT YOUR COAT ACCORDING TO YOUR CLOTH! Selon is bourse gouverne is houche Selon la burs govern la buz
(Scientific Pathways to a Bright Future)
Review
Authors: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam & Srijan Pal Singh Published: 15 May 2015 Hard Cover/ Paperback: 272 Pages ISBN: 139780143333548 Language: English
BFM APR 16_Text_Kala.indd 56
F
HE WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW! Il vous verra demain Il vu vera demen
RE-IGNITED
BOOK
56
F
IT IS GOOD!
for BEGINNERS Here are some everyday used simple words in FRENCH language.
P PRONUNCIATION
Will Robots take over the world? When will we meet aliens? How are memories stored inside the brain? Join Dr A P J Abdul Kalam on fascinating quest to explore the realm of science and technology, its extraordinary achievements and its impact on our lives in the days to come. Co-written with Srijan Pal Singh,this book features exciting and cutting edge career paths in areas such as robotics, aeronautics, neurosciences, pathology, paleontology and material sciences in other words, careers that are going to make a difference in the future. The result of extensive research, this book offers a plethora of ground-breaking ideas that will make youngsters think out of the box.
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ORDER YOUR COPY
CROSSWORD SOLUTION 33 S P C O F F E E A E A R T H Q U A K E R A I N Y I I C M W A T E R S P O R T S N T P E E O L I B R A R Y E I R A S C U D I N M Y L C E B F C E R V O L C A N O R E E E L B O A T S L T R A I N
TODAY Name
: ........................................................................
Address
: ........................................................................
........................................................................
........................................................................
........................................................................
........................................................................
...................................Pin:...............................
Mobile No. : ........................................................................ Email
SUDOKU SOLUTION 33
: ........................................................................
School Name: ....................................................Class: .........
7
8
1
5
4
2
9
6
3
YEARS
ISSUES
ACTUAL AMOUNT
PAY ONLY
6
9
4
3
8
7
2
1
5
1
12
`900
`800
5
2
3
1
6
9
7
4
8
2
24
`1800
`1600
1
7
2
8
5
6
4
3
9
3
36
`2700
`2300
4
5
9
7
2
3
6
8
1
8
3
6
9
1
4
5
7
2
3
6
5
4
9
8
1
2
7
9
4
8
2
7
1
3
5
6
2
1
7
6
3
5
8
9
4
1 7
11+
5
4 2 3–
6X
2
60X
5
8X
4
6–
1 7
3
6
144X
56X
6
8
3 4 1 2 7–
8
3–
5
8
7
3
10+
6
2–
6 3
4–
7
2–
5 1 8
40X
8 2
2 3 7
5–
6 1
2
4
4
5
18+
7
5
1
6
2–
6 8
6–
8
2
80X
5 4
42X
3 4
2
2
3
1
2
7
School Managements can contact for bulk orders for their students at SPECIAL DISCOUNTED price. Kindly draw the DD/Cheque in favour of “Brainfeed Magazine” payable at Hyderabad Cheque/DD No: ..................................................................... Issued Date: ...........................................................................
KEN KEN SOLUTION 28 8+
Note: If you want to get the magazine by courier add `400/- per year.
Amount: ................................................................................. 4–
4
Bank & Branch: ......................................................................
8
Date: ......................................................................................
2
Signature: ..............................................................................
6
8-3-191/565/K, Vengalarao Nagar
10+
3
SR Nagar Post, Hyderabad - 500 038.
7
Ph: 040- 65 51 51 51, +91 9494 43 9444
6+
email: info@brainfeedmagazine.com
5 1
facebook.com/brainfeededumag Scan for more Info
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MIND
MINE
CROSSWORD 34 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10 12
8
9
14
15
16
17
20
23
24
21
22
25
26
27
28
30
2 5–
3–
12+
A 3X3-square puzzle will use the digits from 1 to 3, a 4X4-square puzzle will use the digits from 1 to 4, etc.
144X 7+
1–
16X
280X 15X
2–
3–
4–
16+
12X
12+
2–
1– 3
4–
1–
6– 4
1–
How to Solve Ken Ken? Fill the grid with digits so as not to repeat a digit in any row or column. Digits within each heavily outlined group of squares, called a cage, must combine to make the arithmetic result indicated.
58
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2. Number- pronounced same as tree.
6. _______ and hers.
3. Shirt and ________ 4. Superlative ending
10. Comeback
5. Ma and _______
12. Cease to live
7.
14. Shoes and _____________
8. One time
Solving a Ken Ken puzzle involves pure logic and mathematics. No guesswork is needed. Every puzzle has a unique solution.
11. You and me (pronoun)
17. Past tense of go
13. short form of I have
20. Past tense of sit
15. Part of the leg
22. Exist
18. Automobiles
23. Preposition
19. __ and fiction
25. Test
20. Part of a plant that comes up from the roots and supports the flowers and leaves 21. Fasten with a rope, cord, etc. 22. Colour like sea or sky
30. A group that works or plays together
24. Article 26. Chew and swallow
31. Short and __________
29. South East abbreviation
SUDOKU 34 7
In a cage marked with a plus sign, the given number will be the sum of the digits you enter in the squares. In a cage marked with a minus sign, the given number will be the difference between the digits you enter in the squares ( the lower digit subtracted from the higher one).
A large group of people
9. Examination
28. Abbreviation of United States of America
240X 48X
1. ____ and groom.
27. Macaroni and __________
KEN KEN 29
6
29
31
18+
1. Bread and __________
16. Always; at any time
18 19
Down
7. Hat and _________
11
13
Across
9 9
2 4
6
4
3
8
5
5 6 9 3 8 1
2 4
8
5
1 7 8
9 4
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