www.theknowledgereview.com 2021 | VOL-05 | ISSUE-00
January 2022 Issue - 02
Best
5Italy,
International
SCHOOLS
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2022
Beyond Boundaries Eight Characteristics of a Great International School
Culture and Knowledge Understanding the Dynamics of Culture-Based Education
American
SCHOOL OF MILAN
Preparing Students to Excel in the Changing World of Tomorrow
EDITOR’S NOTE
PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER!
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German geologist – Alfred Wegener, once observed that the outlines of several coasts on the world map looked like they strangely fit together, like pieces of a puzzle. In 1915, Wegener went on to propose his theory of ‘Continental Drift,’ suggesting that the landmass of several continents had broken down from one ‘Supercontinent’ and shifted through time to form the present world geography. Interestingly, this process of drifting continents is still ongoing. However, the progression of humans is contradictory to this geographical progression of earth, as huntergatherers had initiated this human quest for bringing the world closer. As the wheel of time turned, humans explored and habituated the world, built extravagant
structures, shared wisdom advanced technologically to cut this constraint of distance further, predominantly bringing the world closer while the 'Plate Tectonics' are still drifting apart. While globalisation bolstered trade and business, it was 'International Education' that boosted knowledge transfer globally. The term International Education refers to a dynamic concept that involves a journey or movement of people, minds, or ideas across political and cultural frontiers. It further liberalises and transforms economic, social, and cultural arrangements worldwide. With this issue of '5 Best International Schools in Italy, 2022', The Knowledge Review brings you stories of the Best International Schools in Italy that have been striving to build state-of-the-art learning grounds and setting up a benchmark in building inclusive nurturing ecosystems for children. On the cover, we have a scintillating journey of American School of Milan, a school that has been educating international students from more than 50 countries for more than 50 years.
Other institutes highlighted in this issue includes stories of Castelli International School, Dilit International House, The International School in Genoa, Southlands International School. We have also included articles written by our in-house writers that will tickle your brain with exciting trends, helpful insights, and great ideas. Let this edition of The Knowledge Review be a go-to guide for your journey in the education industry. Have a wonderful read. T R
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Vrushal Ravindra Zatey vrushal.zatey@insightssuccess.com
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CULTURE AND KNOWLEDGE UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF CULTURE-BASED EDUCATION
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VETERAN'S INSIGHT ENHANCING ONLINE CLASSES FOR BETTER ACADEMIC OUTCOMES
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF MILAN PREPARING STUDENTS TO EXCEL IN THE CHANGING WORLD OF TOMORROW
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People behind this edition
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Name of the Institution AMERICAN SCHOOL OF MILAN
CASTELLIE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
DILIT INTERANTIONAL SCHOOL
SOUTHLADS ITERNATIONAL SCHOOL
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN GENOA
URL
Brief
asmilan.org/
The American School of Milan (ASM) is an independent, co-educational college preparatory day school with a state-of-the-art campus located south of Milan. Founded in 1962, ASM has been educating international students from more than 50 countries for more than 50 years.
castelli-international.it/
Castelli International School is on a misson to develop inquisitive, caring and well-rounded global citizens who will make a positive impact in our world.
dilit.it/
Dilit (Divulgazione Lingua Italiana), established in 1974 and ofcially authorized by the Italian Ministry of Education, was one of the rst language schools in Italy to teach Italian as a Foreign Language and has established itself as one of the most prestigious Italian Language Schools in the country today.
southlands.it/
Southlands is an outstanding British International School in the south of Rome. Offering a holistic British international education for students aged 3 to 18 on a spacious rural campus.
isgenoa.it/
The International School in Genoa has deservedly earned a reputation as a caring community that strives to make learning a joyful experience.
view enrolment of a student as a
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We are a close-knit community and partnership between the school and each family.
Preparing Students to Excel in the Changing World of Tomorrow
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5 Best International Schools in Italy, 2022
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ilan is not only considered as a global leader in the fashion industry but is also renowned for offering excellent educational opportunities to students worldwide. The leading schools of the city offer academic and infrastructural facilities of global repute. One such prominent school, which is embracing academic excellence while providing students with tremendous opportunities to grow and make a mark in their career, is The American School of Milan (ASM). The school was founded in 1962 by a group of American families looking for an English language educational opportunity for their children. Since those humble beginnings, the school has enjoyed the role of educational leader in Milan and the entire country of Italy. Today, ASM has 820 students from PreK through 12th grade, graduating about 70 students per year. Its mission guides its daily work and its long-term strategic planning: "The American School of Milan ensures a modern and rigorous education for International students to excel in the changing world of tomorrow."
ASM offers the IB Diploma programme, and its graduates attend top universities around the world, including Stanford University in the US, and Oxford in the UK. ASM is one of only two non-profit, truly diverse international schools in Milan. It currently has students from over 50 nationalities enrolled. The school serves the diplomatic community of Milan, including the US Consulate. ASM has a purpose-built campus located approximately 8 kilometres from Milan city centre. Located in the neighbourhood of Noverasco, ASM is flanked by a golf course and features a wide-open soccer pitch. It has two full gymnasiums and over 50 classrooms, including well-equipped science labs. The school's library serves all students from PreK to 12th standard. It also offers excellent food in its top-class school cafeteria. ASM opened a 500seat auditorium in 2019, capping a five-year expansion that saw new classrooms added, the cafeteria remodelled, and several infrastructure upgrades related to the needs of a growing campus.
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Our mission is to ensure a modern and rigorous education to
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prepare students to excel in the changing world of tomorrow.
Prioritizing Excellent Learning Outcomes Team ASM believes that curriculum is the invisible backbone of any school. Course objectives and learning outcomes are an integral component of any curriculum as they provide the point of arrival for learning. Without course objectives and learning outcomes, teachers are at risk of creating a raft of activities that do not combine into a meaningful whole. Backwards planning is a principle that the school adopted many years ago. It helps ASM to design the learning journey to make sure that the learning puzzle fits together, and students are able to build an understanding of meaningful content, skills, and concepts that are regularly assessed. At ASM, the ultimate academic objective is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Thus, its course objectives and learning outcomes are selected to make sure that there is alignment and adequate preparation for success in the Diploma Programme. The school has created a systematic curriculum review cycle that provides it with opportunities to regularly review its outcomes and objectives to ensure that its programmes are at the cutting edge of international education. During department meetings, teacher teams share representative student work from each grade level within divisions to look for progression and appropriate skill level. The standardized tests ASM selects help it to compare its achievement to the scores of international peer schools to benchmark its programmes and make adjustments accordingly. "We thoughtfully design course objectives and learning aligned to our values in order to provide a coherent
Wayne Rutherford Director- American School of Milan
learning experience for our students, so they are prepared for the pace of change demanded by the 21st century and develop the dispositions to take positive action," opines the management. The Passionate Leader Wayne Rutherford has been ASM's Director since August 2019. He arrived in Milan from Cairo, Egypt where he was Head of School for seven years. His crisis management leadership during Egypt's second revolution (Summer 2013) had somewhat prepared him for the crisis leadership necessitated by the COVID pandemic. Milan and Lombardia were the first places hit by the coronavirus in February 2020, and ASM was among the very first schools to be shut down due to the virus. It successfully turned to online learning (losing only one day of instructional time for teacher preparation) and emerged as a leader in the early days of online learning. Mr. Rutherford had several articles published about school leadership during the pandemic and leveraged the international network of schools to help ASM become a recognized leader in covid crisis management and online learning.
Extra-Curricular Endeavours ASM not only focuses on academic development of the students, but, also provides them with ample opportunities to shine in the extracurricular arena. Extra-curricular activities provide opportunities for leadership and personal growth. The ASM sports and after-school activities are designed to provide students with a variety of activities wherein students can learn new skills, develop their talents, and socialize with friends. The activities fall into three main categories: active, creative, and academic. Students are encouraged to take the opportunity to participate in at least one activity during the school year. The Wall of Fame Owing to its dedicated educational endeavours, ASM has received various noteworthy accolades. The school is accredited by the American Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, as well as by the International Baccalaureate Office, which authorizes its IB Diploma programme. ASM is an Eco School, recognized for various initiatives towards green operations. It facilitates the 5th and 8th grade Italian exams for the Italian students wishing to maintain their Italian credentials. ASM is a member of the Mediterranean Association of International Schools (MAIS) and the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS). Prepared for the Pandemic Team ASM has learned a lot about operating a school during a pandemic. Last year's lessons along with the most recent Italian government edicts and the latest science guide the school's efforts to always keep the students and the whole community safe and healthy. For most part, its approach is the same
from the time the pandemic began: a proven, multi-layered set of procedures and requirements that combined, allow it to avoid any on-campus transmission of COVID. Team ASM plans to continue to carry out temperature checks, masks, social distancing, and frequent hand sanitization. “Although history has shown us that school systems are slow to change, the pandemic has taught us that schools can indeed be agile”, shares the management. At ASM, necessity was indeed the mother of invention. It has learned from Early Childhood to Grade 12 that putting student learning and happiness at the forefront of its priorities and monitoring its systems and protocols accordingly is the recipe for success. Building Bright Careers The goal of ASM's university counselling office is to help its students identify the appropriate 'fit' for all postsecondary options. 'Fit' is defined as finding an institution that meets the academic, emotional, geographical, and financial needs of the student. This improves a student's likelihood of graduation from a chosen college, as well as ultimate success in their chosen field of work.
Future Perspective Moving forward, collaboration will continue to be a hallmark of how ASM operates. During the lockdown, teachers were given more time online to collaborate as they had to adapt a curriculum designed for on campus learning to an online model. "Since we emerged from lockdown, we have created more middle level leadership positions and provided more grade level and subject level meeting time within the school schedule to allow for cross pollination of ideas and putting plans in place for supporting students," states the management. Data informed instruction in the school's teams has helped it respond to where students are in their learning. Targeted small groups have helped ASM to support those who struggle as well as enrich academic learning for those who need it. "Social emotional learning and support of it in order to foster the dispositions we think that our graduates will need to be successful in our uncertain world are now integrated into our school programmes," the management expresses. ASM has committed to professional development for all its upper school teachers in integrating the
skills and dispositions of collaboration, communication, self-management, and thinking skills. This is because, it believes that the students will leave the school with those dispositions and attitudes equipped to be lifelong learners rather than masters of specific content. Marching ahead in these uncertain times, ASM will be a nimble, collaborative, data informed, and socially supportive community of learners.
Developing Caring, Inquisitive, Well-Rounded Individuals
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n internationally focused curriculum which helps to ignite the students’ curiosity, small class sizes for equal development of every student, and lush green environment consisting of vineyards, olive groves, and gardening plots. These are some of the numerous facilities provided by Castelli International School (CIS), which makes it a sought-after destination for educational excellence. Established in 1977 and situated at Grottaferrata, Rome, Italy, the school provides a challenging, well-rounded,
and international curriculum. It allows the students to think critically, develop research skills, and experience collaborative learning. CIS was the first bilingual school to integrate Italian with the Anglo-Saxon approach to education, including the hands-on approach to teaching to ignite the students’ curious minds. Its campus is nestled in the vineyard-speckled hills of the Castelli Romani with a breathtaking view of Rome in the distance. The vicinity to Rome and its ancient monuments, the Appian Way is just a 10-minute drive from the school,
which allows for fascinating school trips at the doorstep. The school has great facilities, which include outdoor classrooms, a library, a computer suite, garden plots, an educational greenhouse, two AstroTurf football fields, and a multi-purpose court for volleyball, basketball, and tennis. The family atmosphere, small classes, a pleasant country environment and the school’s hands-on approach is clearly expressed in the Chinese proverb: When I hear, I forget.
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Our faculty takes a creative approach to teaching, while encouraging collaborative learning.
When I see, I remember. When I do, I understand.
way this is to achieve its course objectives and learning outcomes.
Prioritizing Academic Excellence Academic progress is of paramount importance at CIS. However, that does not mean that it is slavishly ploughing its way through one textbook after another. For the school, it means combining all the things together that make it wonderful to be human— sport, music, drama, art—and integrating them throughout the programmes that it delivers. CIS’s results demonstrate what an effective
A Caring Educator Marianne Palladino, also known as Ms P, is the Head of School. She does not believe in textbooks but acknowledges that they have a place in the classroom. In her opinion, learning should never be restricted to bookish content. Back in the 70s, when Ms P was teaching out of her kitchen and garden, she developed a creative, down-to-earth approach to education. This approach, along with her deep
connection to the natural world, infuses and enthuses everyone in the school community. Her deep understanding of education encourages staff to regularly break the mould and take a ‘why not’ approach. Ms P understands children with exceptional accuracy. Her advocacy for those pupils who find things harder means that every child is lifted to reach their full potential. She ensures that that their difference is celebrated, and everyone plays to their strengths.
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5 Best International Schools in Italy, 2022 Under Ms P’s guidance, when the students graduate from CIS, they enter the world with a sense of confidence and success. The love and respect that successive student bodies have held for her is palpable, and her passion for education and deep respect for the environment makes her a celebrated educator. Beyond Traditional Teachings CIS’s classrooms are normally full of expectant children at the end of each day, awaiting whatever after-school club they have chosen to partake in. There are clubs for football, dance, athletics, piano, percussion, drums, and tennis, to name just a few. The school is also very active in the inter-school sports arena, regularly competing and doing extremely well, particularly in football events. Socially, the school has a very active and enthusiastic parents’ association, which organises events such as the annual sports day and Halloween party. Drama also plays a central role in the school, with numerous performances to entertain all throughout the year, but particularly at the end of the winter and summer terms.
the most difficult students come back and say thank you. This school is constantly focused on innovation and creation with the child/student in the centre. The Pandemic Dynamic The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the smooth functioning of CIS. However, its most important priority from the outset was to ensure that the students’ academic progress should not be adversely affected by the various lockdowns. That resulted in the remarkably swift organisation of an online platform and the upgrading of teachers’ technological skills to deliver a full programme of lessons throughout the school. A key motivating factor in delivering such a comprehensive programme so quickly was to help ensure that CIS was helping not only its students, but their families. Families were under huge pressure and needed the school to provide a stable daily structure for their children. Upon pupils’ return to school, significant measures were taken to ensure the safety of all in the community. Education about hygiene standards and the insistence upon their
implementation were of paramount importance and helped to ensure that the school didn’t have a single case of COVID-19 transmission within the school. “We are also fortunate to have beautiful school grounds and numerous outdoor classroom spaces, so the students can learn and have lessons outdoors,” shares the management. Career Opportunities and Exposures CIS always focuses on training every student properly so that they can succeed in their endeavours and build bright careers. No matter what problems the child/student may face the school authorities never discourage, but always encourage and
We lead our pupils on a voyage
Achievements Galore CIS is not only renowned for its excellent curricular and extracurricular activities but is also known for the major accomplishments that it has made throughout its impressive tenure. Aside from participating successfully in BIEA (British International Education Association) competition (3rd runner up 2021), the IMUN (Italy Model United Nations), and attending the HMUN (Harvard Model United Nations) for 19 consecutive years, the school does not look for accolades or awards. However, the most rewarding achievement for CIS is when former students enrol their children or when
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of discovery.
try to find what really interests her/him and what they are good at doing. Once discovered, it develops that part in them and through this interaction, they become more confident. Upon reaching there, the students are led into academic subjects, by having them role play, create presentations, and share their achievements with their peers. This proactive approach makes the student more involved and interested. Students thrive by finding ways to experience and learn more by risking, taking up challenges, and discovering for themselves how to overcome obstacles.
Stepping towards the Future Team CIS believes that in the future, things would not be ‘normal’ or ‘regular’ based on exams, tests, and numerical grades. In this perspective, teachers will have to play the role of facilitators and discover the student’s strengths and talents. They will have to work together with the students on the weak areas that can be strengthened. The management believes that the spirit should not be competitive but collaborative where students help each other to innovate and explore new fields of knowledge to adapt to the ever-changing conditions in this climate driven earth.
Eight
CHARACTERISTICS OF A
Great
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL E ducation encompasses many forms. It is at the heart of human development and shapes the socio-economic landscape we live in today. Whether you are a parent, a student, or an educator, education is something each one of us cares about deeply. This is why, it's so important to choose a suitable form of education for your child. As you begin your search for an international school
near your home, allow us to educate you about some key characteristics that define a great school: Academic Excellence Instilling students with skills like those often used to create innovators and leaders, a well-respected international curriculum is a deciding factor in choosing an international school.
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BEYOND BOUNDARIES
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Many parents choose to send their children to an international school so that they can receive a high-quality education. One of the reasons parents are so quick to select an international school over the school district in their child's home country is the curriculum used to educate their children. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a rigorous and highly respected programme designed for students from around the world to challenge their minds. Global Educational Networks Many programs provide a way for students to connect with others locally or across the world – these are typically well-coordinated, supporting a broader perspective and showing kids that they are not alone in their experience. Students connect with others both locally and globally through the network of global connectedness. The school's participation in global affairs, the global partnerships, and interscholastic exchange programs create a truly international community within the campus. Local Partnerships Partnering with local businesses and organizations to bring your students health, wellness, and community-based experiences have never been easier or more affordable. Partnering with a knowledgeable partner can open new doors for your school and help you get students directly connected to their community. Local partnerships are essential for providing students with options and experiences they won't get at the school they attend. Schools that have connections with local businesses can offer special classes, volunteer work, sports teams, and more!
Commitment To Local Community A well-rounded community is one with access to multiple points of service, such as health clinics, schools, and parks. Having this access has proven to help local communities thrive. A great way to build a thriving community is by creating public schools that are contributing to the local economy in more ways than one. A commitment to the community helps guide students in their daily lives and gives them a place in their community where they feel inspired to use their voice for the greater good. Personalized Learning The need to find new and innovative ways to tackle today's problems is crucial. A personalized learning curriculum, whereby a student's interest is taken into account, is an essential factor in supporting their progression and success. The classroom experience is being redefined by personalized learning programs where schools deliver a curriculum to meet the needs of each student. A personalized learning curriculum is a set of experiences designed to instill what you want your students to learn and remember, and to ensure they reach the standards and benchmarks you've defined. Excellent Facilities Students at international schools come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. That's why international schools boast exceptional campuses designed in such a way as to foster interaction and collaboration. The best examples of these campuses are intentionally built to promote a sense of community, excitement and energy for learning, stimulating research and creativity in students.
In addition to having top-notch teaching programs and strong associations with universities, language schools, SAT Boards and other institutions, the very design of their facilities sets them apart as leaders in international education. World-Class Faculty A great international school recruits faculty both locally and around the world to promote a diverse range of values and live experiences. There is growing global interest in international schools, which is accountable for their achievements. To remain competitive on a global scale, it is crucial to recruit faculty from various countries and nationalities strategically. Dedicated Support Systems Students come to international schools with a wide array of needs, and support systems are in place to help students succeed. Different students have different needs, so when choosing an international school for your child or student, it is important that you carry out adequate research into the available support systems and services. The best international schools have networks of dedicated teachers, office administrators, and other staff working together to support each child. International schools are an important part of experiencing new cultures and languages, learning about the world around you, having unique opportunities that differ from what is available in your own country. These schools help children become independent thinkers who can adapt to their surroundings, solve problems, create differences. This type of schooling is focused on community involvement and working together for a common goal.
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Veteran's Insight
Enhancing
Online for
Classes Better
Academic T
he present trend in the education system shows a rapid takeover of technology in all its functions. If looked at the right way, there is going to be a huge disruption in the education industry, which is evident even now. Then as leaders how this should be utilized as an effective change maker. The leaders should take to upskill their talents to utilize such trends with technology to help the school culture, to take up different shades of becoming more engaging, meaningful, relevant, inspiring and more so very transparent. No doubt the new edtech trends will be disruptive especially in India. The huge population in India with its rich diversity and culture in varied degrees poses a sense of responsibility on every individual as an academician or educator to unlearn and relearn “What teaching -learning is all about?” The edtech trends has helped everyone to combat the present challenges in resorting to virtual learning platforms with simple digital tools to high end paid apps and tools. The next question
Outcomes
that arises is how to balance the components of curriculum and approaches with a new outlook?
As a leader or institution as a whole, the ed-tech trends can be utilized to strengthen the pillars of moving towards becoming digital leaders. The common areas which can be mobilized to our benefits are Communication, Public Relations, Branding, Student Engagement and learning Professional Development. Few tips on enhancing online classes for better academic outcomes: Ÿ To some extent consider the online classes too as a “real” course. Ÿ Try to understand the types of distractions for students who are remotely attending the classes. Ÿ Help students to figure out how they can learn their best. Ÿ Active participation of students must be ensured. Ÿ Help students create a regular study space, pace and self-monitoring strategies to understand what their goals are in terms of learning outcomes to be achieved.
Ÿ Both teacher and student need to practice time management in terms of preparation, Self-study, use of resources. Ÿ Use the greater degree of flexibility that the online resources can provide to increase the retention rates of knowledge gained. Ÿ The interactive online tools, multimedia devices and apps can also help to make the learning more enjoyable. Ÿ Online learning can help both the students and teachers upskill their digital literacy. Ÿ Digital skill acquisition helps better outcomes interms of creating better opportunities in this era of digital rule. Ÿ If online, there is a scope for flexible hours for both teaching and learning. Ÿ Teachers can teach from the comfort of their own homes and work outside routine class hours; this provides an opportunity to move away from the customized learning hours and can be used for other engaging activities of interest by both the teachers and students.
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Ÿ It just can be used to provide a congenial comfortable learning environment free from distractions. There is no elaborate class room scenario students enjoy this kind of conducive environment more than a traditional class room. Ÿ Teachers can use such online platforms to motivate otherwise shy and reticent children feel more at ease to participate in discussion and course activities. Ÿ Such collaborative learning beyond school boundaries with students across the Globe can help get many views on the topic learnt. Ÿ Employability rate with online qualifications can be explored far and wide. Ÿ There can be multiple ways to learn to go with learning Styles / Inclusive Education. Ÿ There are varied activities like Games, Guided Design projects, Pre-recorded lectures; power points with voice-over, web conference, nurture a community culture reaching out to more people. Ÿ The rural-urban divide can also be narrowed down by sharing all resources. Ÿ Though socio cultural learning is advocated much in any learning system online learning is improving. (Online students continue to thrive too). Experiencing the present transition for more than a year, there is already a pressing need felt on embracing the digital transition with open arms. Reflecting on reinventing and redesigning the pedagogy with the aid of right tools shall probably end up in Becoming “Phygital” (Blend of physical and digital) 1. Switching over to offline-online integration 2. Developing Highly personalized learning modules in favor of the
R. Meenakshi
Director, VSKILL
Vels Group of Institutions learner need will become the trend by 2025 This is the time to break the myth "One size fits all" in the latest edtech industry. Manifestation of technology in everyday learning of students is visibly seen and experienced. Hence there is an utmost need to take care of keeping the online education highly engaging and experiential .This would mean that as teachers constant up skilling is a must to keep abreast of the latest trends. With the NEP 2020 implementation guidelines in India there is a lot of scope to bring in effective governance of schools by all educational leaders. Some of which that can be looked into are:
1. Promote social, intellectual and voluntary activities 2. Share - enable sharing of human and infrastructural resources 3. Efficient expedition and resourcing for schools through building school complexes 4. Twining/ pairing of one government with one private school across the country 5. Better of education across all levels through connecting schools and shared teachers and resources No wonder, some of the above mentioned edtech trends can definitely bring in a new dimension and definition to understand and grow with technology for a better tomorrow.
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5 Best International Schools in Italy, 2022
DILIT
Educating Students to Ensure their Personal, Intellectual, and Cultural Development
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he most remarkable international schools follow an impressive curriculum that encourages students to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers. They ensure that no student remains deprived of quality education. These schools assist the students to construct their own career paths and become trendsetting professionals of their respective domains. A school which follows a diversified curriculum with the objective of providing students with the best educational facilities is Dilit (Divulgazione Lingua Italiana). It was founded by a small group of young Italian teachers in 1974 and was
We assist students to realize their dreams.
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officially authorized by the Italian Ministry of Education. It was one of the first language schools in Italy to teach Italian as a foreign language. Throughout the years, it has become one of the most prestigious Italian language schools in the country, widely appreciated for its innovative teaching method. The school, a five-storeyed Liberty style villa, has 16 classrooms, a cafeteria, two terraces, and a nice little garden. It employs 20 people, of which 14 are fulltime Italian teachers. The school is situated in the centre of Rome, just a short walk from the central railway station and conveniently placed for transport to every area of the city. Prioritizing Students’ Learning Dilit’s teaching method is based on the principle that each student is seen as an individual with specific competencies and needs. The teachers put these competencies and needs in play by organising teaching activities where the student is seen as a researcher of the language and not merely as a recipient of information given by the teacher. At the same time, considerable time is spent on peer work with a constant exchange of ideas
among the students. This implies that the course objectives and learning outcomes are the natural results of a process that involves all students in a fruitful and constructive way. The Forces which Steer Dilit Behind the success of the school, there is not a single person, but a group of people who, with passion and determination, have put in practice the dream of creating a unique school with the highest-level teaching quality and a welcoming working and study environment. Over the years, it has achieved many results: a research department has been set up and in-house training has become an integral part of teachers’ working hours. Textbooks have been written; and the school conducts an International Seminar for L2 teachers every year where participants share their experiences and experiment with new teaching activities. Authorities have created a teacher training department, which trains over 5,000 people from all over the world.
The school has achieved quality marks and has won numerous awards as the best Italian language school. Over 70,000 students from all over the world have populated the school’s courses, becoming part of its rich history. Erudite Leadership The personality, under whose guidance Dilit achieved noteworthy landmarks is none other than Tiziana Di Dedda, the Director. She has been associated with the school for almost 50 years. She is a very energetic professional who brings positive vibes to the table. She has great knowledge of the educational sector and focuses on nurturing students and transforming them into able professionals of tomorrow. Dilit’s Noble Mission The school’s goal is to offer, in a multiethnic and multicultural context, an environment and atmosphere where every student feels welcome and the object of the care and attention of all the school’s staff. With the support of a constantly adjourned teaching methodology, it wants to make sure
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that the students experience their study as an integral part of their personal, intellectual, and cultural development. All services and activities offered by the school, from teaching to leisure time activities and the accommodation facilities, are aimed at the well-being of each and every student. Going Beyond the Curriculum Apart from the Italian language courses, the school offers a variety of activities such as walks in the city to visit Rome’s wonderful streets, squares, fountains, archaeological sites, historical buildings etc. as well as seminars on Italian History of Art, Home-Cooking, Opera, etc. Moreover, it organises cocktail parties and excursions outside the city. All these activities offer the students an insight into Italian culture and a great opportunity to practice the language outside the class and an opportunity to socialise.
is a part of the International House World Organization which includes over 120 language schools in 20 countries all over the world. It is also a member of IALC (International Association of Language Centres) and ASILS (Associazione Scuole d'Italiano come Lingua Seconda). The school has been the winner of several awards promoted by renowned organizations in the sector.
All services and activities offered by the school, from teaching to leisure time activities and the accommodation ofce, are aimed at the well-being of each and every student.
A Mountain of Achievements Throughout its illustrious journey in the education sector, Dilit has made many noteworthy accomplishments. It January 2022 | 30 | www.theknowledgereview.com
It is also an examination centre for the CELI examinations of Perugia University and for CILS examinations of Siena University. Furthermore, Dilit is well-known and appreciated in Italy and abroad for its Teacher Training Department accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education and for the publication of course books and other language teaching materials. Facing the Pandemic Head-On Prior to the emergence of the COVID19 pandemic, Dilit had already been offering online courses. Obviously, the demand for such courses increased following travel restrictions in most countries. As a result, the school has reorganised its online structure and now offers a wide variety of online courses which deal not only with the language but also with significant aspects of Italian cultural and social life. As far as hygiene and safety precautions are concerned, it follows all the relative governmental procedures addressed to the educational sector. It administers the measurement of the body’s temperature when entering the school, the mandatory wearing of a mask, the frequent use of sanitiser for both hands and furniture, and the respect of the
minimum distance of at least one metre.
short time with the aim of increasing its student intake by 25% in a couple of years.
After the crisis caused by the Covid 19 pandemic and the subsequent reduction in student numbers, the school has come up with a new organizational chart that optimises to the utmost the skills and competencies of the teaching and non-teaching staff. With this in mind and an increase in the marketing activities organised by the school, the authorities aim to increase the participation in study fairs, international seminars, webinars etc. Team Dilit hopes to reach pre-pandemic numbers in a relatively
The Career Dynamic Dilit’s primary objective is to improve the language level of the students who come to the school. With its methods, it encourages students to ask questions, to imagine what people are saying, and to put their limited knowledge of the language in use. In other words, Dilit nurture students to be the protagonist of their story rather than an observer. The management believes that this attitude could be beneficial in any person’s career path.
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CULTURE AND KNOWLEDGE
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Understanding THE OF
DYNAMICS
Culture-Based
EDUCATION C
ulture is the way of living of a community that tries to find different ways of living by adapting to one's natural environment. It is a dynamic factor that has been evolving as people constantly try to cope with the everchanging world and its demands. Culture imparts values, morals, and some practices upon which a particular group agrees. Hence, it is more like the values and norms that people follow in order to live within their societies.
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It is increasingly becoming important to study the culture of the state where you are going to study abroad because it will help you in understanding how things work out there. Finding the best universities and colleges out there is primarily dependent on two factors − academic excellence and cultural values. With the immense popularity of education in foreign countries, multiple students go abroad every year for pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or higher education. How Culture Influences Culture influences how we see the world, how we see the community we live in, and how we communicate. It also determines our learning and behaving patterns. Therefore, it is essential to understand the culture of a specific community so as to be able to teach and learn effectively. In our ever-changing and increasingly global society, learning styles and strategies are rapidly diversifying in order to adjust to new cultural influences. Importance of Culture-based Education Culture is the building structure of one's personality. It is a conglomerate of all traditions, norms, customs, and patterns of behavior that are transmitted from one generation to another through learning and imitation. Culture-based education is very important in supporting students to be successful learners around the globe as it gives a holistic approach towards gaining education in different countries with different cultural backgrounds. Diverse Backgrounds and Cultures It may be hard to consider the benefits of a curriculum that incorporates different perspectives, especially when
you have children with diverse backgrounds and cultures. However, several benefits can be derived from it. This is because faculty who create such curriculums aim to create an environment for students where they can experience new knowledge, beliefs, practices, and attitudes that are different from their own. Learning from different perspectives plays an important role in the students' personal, academic and professional lives. One of the best ways to learn about a foreign perspective is by studying diversity education in schools. The Ever-Increasing Role of Teachers In the era of globalization, teachers have various mechanisms to encourage the students in their learning process. These days, many schools are promoting bilingual education in such a way that its curricula are taught in two or more languages. Similarly, when there is an increasing diversity in class, it is not feasible for teachers to handle all the students individually. Therefore, teachers need to develop creative ways and classroom practices to help them interact with all students without additional effort and time. The Ever-Increasing Responsibilities of Teachers As a culturally responsive educator, it's essential to recognize and develop the full potential in each of the students. This isn't something that can be completed by simply ticking compliance boxes and following a set curriculum. It requires interaction between the student and educator, authentic engagement in their learning, and ongoing assessment of their progress.
Culturally responsive teachers need to embrace the students' cultures, languages, and backgrounds for learning. They need to come up with strategies for encouraging and developing student participation, so educational institutes can see what they already know before moving on to new concepts that they may not have encountered yet. Understanding Students' Culture and Heritage Schools are responsible for developing a nurturing environment that empowers students with the right values and skills, encouraging them to participate in team-building activities which promote their individuality. Teambuilding activities allow students to develop an identity. Learning about each other certainly assists with that by showing that they share the same language and heritage while also strengthening their identity in society. A Culturally Responsive Classroom A culturally responsive classroom environment is one where students feel respected and safe to learn, grow and develop. It is a place where they develop a sense of pride and selfesteem. The classroom has been regarded as a microcosm of society where the diversity in the school population mirrors that of society. Culture-based education is defined as the role of education in developing an individual's cultural identity and the socialization of an individual within a given culture. In a broader sense, it encompasses patterns of thought, values, norms and practices that show how the society interacts with individuals for socialization and the development of the culture.
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