EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING LESSON PLAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻: 1

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING LESSON PLAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻: 1

Name(s) of Faculty Member(s) in the Team: Ms. Noor Ul Huda

Class: IX

Subject: Environmental Education

Unit No.: 10

Chapter No.:

Lesson Name: Our Environment

Duration of the Lesson: 6 hours

❄️CONCEPT(S) COVERED:

1.Plastic Pollution

2.Properties of plastic bags

3.Impact on sea turtles

❄️CURRICULAR GOALS:

• Students will understand the complexity of environmental systems and how human activities impact these systems.

• Students will develop scientific literacy, enabling them to understand and analyze environmental data and research.

• Students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing environmental issues and proposing solutions.

• Students will develop collaboration and teamwork skills by working together on projects and activities.

❄️COMPETENCIES ADDRESSED:

• Critical Thinking

• Problem Solving

• Social and Ethical Competency

❄️BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE LESSON CONTEXT, CONTENT (CONCEPT AND PROCESS), AND RESULTANT LEARNING:

1.Plastic Pollution:

Definition: Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic objects and particles (e.g., plastic bottles, bags, and microbeads) in the Earth's environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

Sources: Plastic bags are a significant source of plastic pollution. They are used widely for shopping and packaging, often ending up in landfills, waterways, and oceans.

Properties of Plastic Bags:

Material: Plastic bags are typically made from polyethylene, a petroleum-derived polymer.

Durability: They are lightweight, strong, and resistant to degradation, which makes them persistent in the environment.

Non-biodegradability: Plastic bags do not decompose naturally, leading to long-term pollution.

2.Pathways of Plastic Pollution:

Littering: Improper disposal of plastic bags can lead to litter, which is then carried by wind or water into natural environments.

Ocean Currents: Plastic bags can travel vast distances through ocean currents, contributing to marine debris in remote areas.

3.Impact on Marine Ecosystems:

Marine Debris: Plastic bags contribute to the growing problem of marine debris, affecting all oceanic regions.

Habitat Disruption: Accumulation of plastic debris disrupts marine habitats, affecting the biodiversity and health of the ecosystem.

4.Impact on Sea Turtles:

Ingestion: Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, a primary food source. Ingesting plastic can cause internal blockages, malnutrition, and death.

Entanglement: Sea turtles can become entangled in plastic bags, leading to restricted movement, injury, or drowning.

Chemical Contamination: Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into the ocean, which can then be ingested by sea turtles and other marine organisms, affecting their health and reproductive success.

5.Conservation Efforts:

Waste Management: Proper waste management practices, including recycling and reducing plastic bag use, are crucial in combating plastic pollution.

Legislation: Many regions have implemented bans or fees on plastic bags to reduce their usage.

Community Actions: Beach clean-ups, public education, and promoting the use of reusable bags are effective community-driven efforts to mitigate plastic pollution.

❄️EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ACTIVITY/IES USED: Case Study

1.Learning Outcomes:

Students will understand the impact of plastic pollution on animals through case studies, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to environmental issues.

Students will understand the specific impact of plastic bags on sea turtles, analyze the causes and consequences, and explore potential solutions to this environmental issue.

Students will learn how to use mathematical concepts to understand and analyze data related to plastic pollution.

2.Tools/Material/Resources Needed:

• Whiteboard and markers

• Projector and computer

• Internet access for research

• Case study handouts on sea turtles and plastic bags

• Worksheets for group activity

• Videos on sea turtles and plastic pollution

• Poster-making supplies (paper, markers, etc.)

3.Steps:

Introduction to Plastics and Their Impact on Wildlife:

Introduction:

Start with a brief overview of plastics, including their types and common uses in everyday life.

Show a short video on plastic pollution in oceans and its general environmental effects (e.g., National Geographic's "Plastic or Planet?").

Presentation:

• Share statistics on global plastic waste generation.

• Explain how plastics end up in oceans and other ecosystems using diagrams and real-world examples.

Case Study Introduction:

• Introduce the idea of a case study and its use in examining real-world issues.

• Present the case study of sea turtles and plastic bags, explaining how sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, which can lead to ingestion and potential fatal outcomes.

Group Activity Setup:

• Divide students into small groups, assigning each group the case study of sea turtles and plastic bags.

• Hand out case study materials and worksheets.

• Instruct students to read through the case study, answer guided questions, and prepare a presentation of their findings.

Solution Brainstorming:

• Facilitate a brainstorming session where students propose ways to reduce plastic pollution and mitigate its effects on wildlife.

• Record all suggestions on the whiteboard, categorizing them into feasible and long-term solutions.

Poster-Making Activity:

• Provide materials for poster-making.

• Each group will create a poster that summarizes their case study and suggests solutions to plastic pollution.

• Display the posters around the classroom or school to raise awareness.

Value-Based Learning:

• Develop an understanding of environmental issues and the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

• Promote personal and collective responsibility for environmental stewardship.

• Encourage empathy towards wildlife affected by pollution.

• Foster respect for all living beings and the natural environment.

• Teach sustainable living practices and the significance of reducing plastic use.

❄️MATHEMATICS APPLICATION

• Context: Plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue, and analyzing the annual increase in plastic waste can help predict future trends.

• Problem Statement: In 2020, the world generated about 300 million tons of plastic waste. If this increases by 8 million tons each year, create a linear equation to model this situation and use it to estimate the amount of plastic waste in 2030.

Steps:

Define Variables:

• Let y represent the total amount of plastic waste in millions of tons.

• Let x represent the number of years since 2020.

• Formulate the Linear Equation:

• The initial amount of plastic waste in 2020 (when x=0) is 300 million tons.

• The annual increase in plastic waste is 8 million tons.

• The linear equation is: y = 300 + 8x

Predict Future Plastic Waste:

To find the amount of plastic waste in 2030, calculate x for the year 2030.

x = 2030 - 2020 = 10

Calculate the Prediction:

Substitute x = 10 into the linear equation: y = 300 + 8(10) y = 300 + 80 y = 380

Thus, the predicted amount of plastic waste in 2030 is 380 million tons.

❄️HOMEWORK

Write a reflection essay on what they have learned about plastic pollution and its effects on wildlife, including any personal actions they plan to take to reduce plastic waste.

❄️PRECAUTIONS

Ensure Permissions, Safety, and Supervision:

Secure all necessary parental consent before starting the activities.

Confirm that safety measures are in place, including providing first aid kits and ensuring students are dressed appropriately for the activity, with sun protection if needed.

Make sure there is adequate supervision throughout the activities and that every student has the chance to engage, share their ideas, and participate fully.

❄️ASSESSMENT

Group Activities and Discussions: Evaluate students based on their active participation and contributions during group activities and discussions.

Group Presentations: Assess the quality and clarity of the group's presentations, including their ability to communicate their findings effectively.

Poster-Making Activity: Judge the creativity and accuracy of the posters, including how well they summarize the case study and proposed solutions.

Reflective Essays: Review essays for a demonstrated understanding of the topic and personal engagement with the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on wildlife.

IMPORTANCE OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND SHARING OF BEST PRACTICES

IMPORTANCE OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND SHARING OF BEST PRACTICES

Where ever a process is involved procedure of managing the process can be drawn out. Across the institutions and within in an institution itself similar works where the same process is involved, a well-drawn out SOP provides clarity and standard. These SOPs provide how a process can be carried out in an effective and efficient manner.

▪️CBSE has brought out some Essential Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) required for Affiliation which include:              

1) Composite Science Laboratory 2) Physics laboratory 3) Biology 4) Chemistry Laboratory 5) Mathematics Laboratory 6) Computer science Laboratory 7) Library and 8) Sports Infrastructure.  (Link to all these SOPs are attached for reference). CBSE also releases SOPs related to conduct of examinations, practical assessments, procedures of registrations etc.

Working for the similar goal, usually schools follow multiple similar operations, with a little bit of difference in implementation procedure.  However, the procedures to handle these processes are based on written down documents or verbal directions and simply the practices as being followed.  

The areas for which these SOPs are required include School Transport Management, School clinics or Infirmary, School Assembly proceedings, Safety Procedures and Emergency evacuation Policy, Academic management, Personnel Management (selection, induction, appraisal and promotion, disciplinary procedures, retention policy, exit interviews). The list can be manifold.

In a world of heterogeneity where there are hundreds of schools, managing different strata under different conditions, yet aligned to a common goal, that is the holistic development of the future bearers, with safety and dignity, there is no harm in handholding each other in terms of sharing what is best with them and where we all need to improve, since the best form of education is to bring about a change in and around ourselves.

When educationists share their best practices it helps others to reflect and improve their performance of handling the various processes in a more effective manner, and hence intentionally or unintentionally contribute to the development of  a better world.

Although, some institutions may not feel comfortable to share their documents as it may violate the non-disclosure policy the institution has, yet without the institutional credential in the documents, certain guidelines or practices relating to any particular area or situation can be communicated as a success story or situational procedure that can benefit a larger group.

This will not only enhance the understanding of administrators and leaders helping them modify the presently followed policies but will  also bring in a better standard in the educational sector regarding various processes involved in their operations without compromising the individual specific requirements.

When good practices are shared  usually it generates a discussion  among members who come across it,  followed by sharing of thoughts ,suggestions and advice ultimately setting  common standards which can be  followed by all.

This can prove very beneficial in few instances which usually are not much known to the institutions as such or in vulnerable situations where even well-established institutions could panic. For example, what are the procedures to be followed in case a school bus meets an accident? In such situations, a better understanding of the procedures to be followed, steps to go with like first the rescue, first aid, safety, shifting to hospital for treatment, Information to parents, information to authorities and legal proceedings and be very helpful to handle the situation.

Thus sharing such practices in a large group cannot only disseminate important information but also edify institutions to handle it confidently and proficiently.

▪️SCHOOL QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK ( SQAAF)

In the sustainable Development Goals of 2030, one of the major goals is the Quality Education towards achieving Global Excellence. This is remarkably one among the major objectives of NEP 2020. SQAA covers seven domains which are the key performing areas for any educational institution with the first domain - Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment bearing 40 % weightage and all other six domains having a 10 % weightage each.

The other domains are Infrastructure, Human resources, Inclusive practices, Management and Governance, Leadership and Beneficiary Satisfaction. While an institution assesses itself, it needs to present evidences and how these processes are operated needs to be proved with evidences of formats being used and pictures supporting the activities etc. It is here the SOPs too become important.  

Earlier it was commonly understood as a Quality Assessment and Accreditation and it lead to lots of speculations among the school leaders. Hence to remove the stigma of threat and fear of what if not qualified for accreditation, the word Accreditation is replaced with ASSURANCE.

The purpose of SQAA is a planned and continuous improvement of each institution. The SQAA Manual has already been shared before and the link is attached for the reference.

(About the writer: Johnson P J (Principal), GD Goenka Public School, Srinagar)

https://saras.cbse.gov.in/sqaa

https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/ChemistryLabSOP.pdf

https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/CompositeScienceLabSOP.pdf

https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/PhysicsLabSOP.pdf

https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/MathematicsLabSOP.pdf

https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/BiologyLabSOP.pdf

https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/ComputerLabSOP.pdf

https://saras.cbse.gov.in/saras/Aff_SOPs/LibrarySOP.pdf

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR NEW EDUCATORS

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR NEW EDUCATORS

1-SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS WITH STUDENTS

Set clear expectations first thing and reinforce them often during the first month of school. Emphasize processes and routines, and follow through on expectations and consequences consistently. Remember, it’s easier to pull back and be less strict than it is to become more strict when it comes to classroom management.

2-WRITE AND CREATE YOUR PLAN BOOK DIGITALLY

So many unexpected hiccups can derail your best-laid plans, so design with flexibility top of your mind and an eraser in hand. Writing plans on mini sticky notes is also helpful.

Consider making your plan book digital as well, so it’s always easy to organize, edit, sort, and search for the resources you need.

3-MAKE #besties

Establish strong relationships early on with the front office assistants and the custodians, as you will need them in your court countless times week in and week out (if not daily). They have eyes and ears on all aspects of the school community, and they will be your go-to ally in many instances, promise.

Give yourself the gift of not having to know everything. Don’t be afraid ask ask ask questions of veteran teachers you trust. PLUS, the office manager and the custodian can save you, make friends with them!

4-KEEP YOUR SPACE CLEAN

A dust buster, a Mr. Clean Eraser, and a fragrant plug-in will keep your classroom in tip-top shape on a day-to-day basis. However, please keep allergens in mind when it comes to fragrances! Remember to check school policies before introducing any scented products.

5-ASK QUESTIONS!

Best PD might be right down the hallway. Don’t be afraid to ask your fellow teachers for feedback or help when you need it or when you feel overwhelmed. They won’t think less of you! And, all the teachers I’ve worked with have always bent over backward to help if I asked for it.

There are no stupid questions, only answers. No matter who asks, the teacher or the student.

6-GET ORGANIZED DIGITALLY AND TRADITIONALLY

Organize one master copy of your printed materials — lessons, worksheets, and resources — in plastic sleeves. Put those sleeves in sequential order, pair them with lesson plans and notes, and group them thematically in labelled binders that can be on a shelf within reach.

7-PAPER, PLEASE!

Consider ways to cut back on paper use and save that tree by using digital alternatives on Nearpod such as Draw It, Drag and Drop, and more to support classroom activities and collaboration.

You can also seek out local companies to donate, put in requests with DonorsChoose.org, or ask your classroom families to contribute, but you will go through a lot of paper in any given school year, and the worst is having plans but then running out of paper for copies.

8-COLOUR COUNTS

Regardless of your students’ ages, go all out in decorating and covering classroom walls with colourful learning resources and rotating student work. You all spend hours in your room, so treat it like a second home that you all want to take care of.

9-DON’T PICK AT IT

A staple remover will save your fingers and fingernails! This handy dandy little plastic contraption will be your new best friend. Invest in more than one sense those little guys can easily be misplaced or lost.

10-REMEMBER TO HANG TOUGH

Invest in several rolls of blue or green painter’s tape instead of masking tape to adhere student work to the walls. Regularly change out so kids can see their hard work appreciated. However, when true staying power is needed, especially on those concrete classroom walls, turn to ever-impressive duct tape.

11-DON’T GO RED

Vary the colours of the pens you use when reviewing work so that kids don’t associate being wrong with colour. Create a robust feedback loop by considering other ways to provide feedback besides with a pen, like video feedback or a face-to-face conference. Cultivate the mindset of “failing forward,” and remember that a sticker (for all ages) goes a long way when it comes to recognition!

12-TRY OUT DIFFERENT WAYS TO CHANNEL STUDENTS’ ATTENTION

Research ways to help channel children’s attention — put a strip of Velcro under desks for some tactile stimulation, add a red card to the corner of desks for focus, use exercise balls instead of chairs, and practice group breathing exercises to help kids embrace mindfulness.

13-PLAY MUSIC

Discover what kinds of music your students like as background noise, which can help drown out other distracting classroom noises while everyone works. Look for playlists on Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Prime Music, or other streaming sources, or simply make your own and play from any digital device. Music can help calm anxiety, soothe feelings, and lift moods.

14-BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS

Sounds simple enough, but do find the time to get to know your students on a personal level. Have them fill out a questionnaire, conduct mini-conferences, and reach out to their families continuously throughout the year to establish an authentic relationship. You can use Nearpod’s Polls or Collaborate Board to conduct questionnaires and collect feedback. Weave in social and emotional learning (SEL) moments with your students in your daily instruction to reinforce relationship building. 

Relationships matter! Get to know the ins and outs of your students and their families! Making those connections from the start will make for a successful school year and carry you through the thick and thin! It’s as simple as knowing your student’s favourite sports team or what they enjoy doing on the weekend. Those little things go a long way!

15-STICK TO A ROUTINE 

Your students will thrive with it, your families will appreciate it, your administration will expect it, and don’t worry — there’s enough good daily drama within classrooms that your day will never be boring!

16-PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Have a sub folder ready to go with the practical notes about your students and their schedules, plus a host of turnkey activities that a substitute teacher can use in your absence; especially for those unplanned ones.

We’ve compiled a list of tips to make sub teacher plans a smoother experience for classroom teachers, substitute teachers, and students.

17-LEAVE IT BEHIND

Don’t bring (too much) work home with you. Teachers’ prep and grading work is never done, so do try to set strict limits so that you have a balanced work-home life.

18-DESIGN YOUR OWN PD

In this day and age, seek out recommended ways to hone your craft. Consider reading the Wong’s tried-and-true handbook, The First Days of School: How to Be An Effective Teacher. Discover the many free options such as listening to educator podcasts, subscribing to blogs, registering for webinars, or taking an online course.

Friendly reminder to register for Camp Engage, Nearpod’s free virtual professional development for educators! Camp Engage happens several times a year – around February, July, and November.

19-PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO COMMUNICATE

Giving out your phone number may be a controversial tip, but I relied on my phone both as a way for students to reach me so that they were never left with unanswered questions and so that I could simply connect with their caregivers to share a good story.

You can also use a parent communication app like Remind or ClassDojo. You can also create a Google Phone number that you can discontinue at any time.

I would suggest seeing if there’s one that is commonly used in your building that the parents are used to, in addition to seeing which platform offers the best options that you’d like it to do.

20-DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL

Share your great ideas so your colleagues will be willing to too, but remember what a treasure trove Pinterest is — so much inspiration can be found for creative activities in a single photo. 

21-AND BREATHE!

Accept that you will make mistakes, veteran teachers do too. Learn from them and move on.

[About the Author: Ms. Priya Durairaj M.A., M.Ed., M.Phil.,Principal, Lotus International school]

21 Things Every 21st Century Teacher Should Do This Year

A new school year always brings about new ideas and hopeful ambition for teachers. However, it’s almost 2023. Gone are the days when we can use the excuse that “we don’t do technology”.  Part of being a teacher in the 21st century is being creative in integrating academics and learning into student’s digital lives. With access to content being ubiquitous and instant in student’s out of school lives, we can either reject their world for our more traditional one, or embrace it.

While some of the ideas that follow may seem a bit trendy, it’s never hurts to model ways to interact with all this new media as a covert way of teaching digital literacy and citizenship.   The great news is, you don’t need every student to have a device to make these happen. Heck, in most cases all you would need is a single smart phone.  All you need is an open mind and some student-led creative thinking.

And so, I present the 21 things every 21st century teacher should try in their classroom this year:

1. Post a question of the week on your class blog

One of the best ways to engage student (and family) interaction with your classroom is to have a class blog.  While these are becoming more common, I like the trend of having a weekly student “guest author” write up the ideas and learning objectives discussed in class.  This is also a good place to discuss appropriate commenting behavior on blogs and websites.

2. Have a class twitter account to post a tweet about the day’s learning

Just like a blog only smaller.  Nominate a “guest tweeter” and have them summarize the day’s learning in 140 characters or less. Then ask parents to follow the account so they can also get a little insight into the happenings of the school day.

3. Make a parody of a hit song

The ultimate form of flattery is imitation.  The ultimate form of stardom is when Weird Al makes a parody of your song.  Why not take that to an creative level and have students re-write lyrics to their favorite hit or a popular tune?  Sure, this might take more time than it’s worth academically, but the collaborative sharing and engaging aspect of producing such a thing can be a positive.  Who knows, maybe someone in history class will remake “Chaka Khan” into “Genghis Khan” or something like this classic:

4. Create an infographic as a review

Those clever little graphics are appearing everywhere from popular mechanics to Cosmopolitan. Why not make one as a way to help visual learners review and remember information?

5. Go paperless for a week

Depending on your grade level, this might be harder than you think. Even in a 1:1 district we still print or have need to print things from time to time.  The idea behind this challenge is see if you can figure out ways to make things more digital.  Maybe instead of a newsletter you print and send home, you write a blog or send a MailChimp?  Or instead of asking kids to write and peer-edit each other’s papers, you ask them to share a Google doc?   If your students don’t have devices, then challenge yourself to try this personally for a month.

6. Have a “No Tech Day” just for nostalgia’s sake

And then have your students blog about the experience.

7. Create your own class hashtag

Tell your students and their parents about the hashtag and have them post ideas, photos, and questions to it.  It’s a great way to get people from not only in your class but also around the world to contribute to your class conversation. You can also use this with your blog posts (#1) or classroom tweets (#2). Bonus points if you use something like visible tweets to display your posts in your class.

8. Create a List.ly list to encourage democracy in your class.

It could be as simple as a list of choices for a project or something as grand as what is one thing you want to learn about this year?  Whatever the choice, use List.ly  to create a crowd-sourced voting list and let your students have some say in their learning!

9. Integrate Selfies into your curriculum

This one might take some outside the box thinking,  but I’m guessing that there are students in your class that could come up with a creative way to do this.  Maybe take a selfie next to a science experiment? Or a selfie with an A+ paper? #SuperStudent

10. Curate a class Pinterest account 

Pinterest is a great visible way to curate resources but why not create a class account that has a different board based on projects throughout the year.  Add students as collaborators and let them post their projects to the board.  You could also have a board on gathering resources and information for a topic which would be a good time to mention what is and what isn’t a valid resource?

11. AppSmash Something

Besides just fun to say, you should definitely take multiple apps on whatever device you use and smash them together into a project.  

12. Participate in a Twitter Chat

Twitter can be like drinking information from a fire house at times, but finding a good twitter chat on a topic and participating can be a great way to learn and grow as a teacher.  

13. Make part of your classroom “Augmented”

Why not make take an app like Aurasma and hide some easter eggs around your room? You could make them about a project or just secret nuggets about you.  It’ll keep kids (and parents during back to school night) engaged and turn dead space in your classroom into an interactive learning opportunity.  Need some ideas?  

14. Create a recipe on IFTTT.com to make your life easier

With all of these tools and social media platforms, it might be a good idea to create some ways to automate tasks in your classroom.  IFTTT.com has some great pre-made “recipes” to combine some of your accounts into simple workflow solutions.  

15. Create a Class Instagram Account 

Have a daily student photographer who’s job is to post an example of something your class/students did that day. If you don’t want to mess with “do not publish” lists, you could ask that it be of an object or artifact, not a person.  This would also be a good time to talk about when and how to ask permission to take someone’s photo.  Mix in your class hashtag(#7), throw in an IFTTT (#14)recipe, and all the sudden you can also auto-post selfies (#9) to your class Pinterest board (#10)

16. Perform in a LipDub Video 

This can be either a solo project or for even greater effect, tie in your parody song (#3) and have your students act out their learning throughout the video.  Don’t forget to hashtag it. Bonus points if said video goes viral like this one:

17. Make a class book

The ease with which you can publish books now is amazing.  Using a tool like Book Creator or iBooks Author, you can publish to the iBooks store or Amazon.  

18. Participate in a Mystery Hangout

This sounds a lot scarier than it is but essentially think of playing the game 20 questions with another classroom somewhere in the world. It’s a great way to increase cultural and global awareness and you could event invite the other class to add to your Pinterest board (#10), vote on your List.ly (#8), comment on your blog (#1) or maybe co-collaborate on an eBook (#17).

19. Produce a class Audio podcast

Have students create a podcast highlighting classroom activities, projects or students. That way mom and dad can listen to the weekly recap while going on their evening walk or driving to work.

20. GHO on Air with an expert

With so many resources and experts available, it only makes sense to bring in someone from “the real world”. This not only creates interest in the topic, it adds an air of authenticity.  Using Google Hangouts On Air means you can record this session on the fly and post it to your class site or embed it on your blog to generate discussion at home.

21. Become an activist for a worthy cause.

If the AI can teach us anything, it’s that sometimes a little creativity is all you need to awareness to a cause. Whether it’s helping a country in need or finding a cure for a disease,  our new connected society can be a powerful thing when galvanized for good.  Participating in a global project gives students perspective on their own lives while helping others with their own life challenges.

BONUS – Let your students drive the learning

While you could do all of these challenges by yourself, the real power comes in letting students own a piece of it.  They have the curiosity and the digital acumen, it’s the teacher’s job to give them instructional focus and empowerment.  We live in wonderfully connected times.  Despite all of technology’s perceived misgivings and the fears that we are losing ourselves as a society, why not use some of this power for good?

Just know that as a teacher in the 21st century you ultimately hold the key to unleash this creative beast.  So try something on the list this year that may force you a bit out of your comfort zone because there is no better way to learn than trying.

Just be sure you blog about it when you are finished as learning in isolation helps no one.

Oh….and be sure to hashtag it.

 

Group discussion - certificates should be given to the school?

Anil Anis Kurup

Conversation starter

On appointment in a school as a Principal or Subject Teacher-is it necessary to hand over the original certificates to the school authorities.

If handed over and if  the said certificates are lost/ misplaced or damaged who will be responsible.❓

Views

1. Original documents must be returned back to the Candidate after adequate verification. The School Authorities cannot keep the Originals unless it is needed for any inspection Body or otherwise. Originals are just like Adhar Card or Pan Card. It is a personal document of any individual. It can be challenged in the Court of Law. In no other profession other than teaching such stupid practices are found.
2. Inspection body can be satisfied by attested copy of documents
3. It's neither required nor right to collect Originals but many institution are practicing in order to retain the employee till the session ends.
4. CBSE doesn't make it compulsory. However some teachers change jobs in between which makes it difficult for the schools to run. If you sign a contract with the school they may add this clause. If you agree to it, you need to follow it. Just be careful while signing a contract with the schools.
5. 1st Question why handed over because it's your asset. 2nd. If you want stability the best thing is to keep one month salary as deposit. Which you can deduct 20% per month or if teachers agree you can deduct in 2 to 7 installments.
6. Even while signing any contract. Nobody make it mandatory. Contract doesn't stand if it's not prepared according to law. Even salary deduction is not legal. Under no circumstances you can keep anyone's salary as security or any such deduction.
7. So if a school has taken originals of a teacher and her notice period is one month still they force her to work and on completion of notice period do not return her certificates what shall the person do?

6. Bcz at any point you can't force a person to work against the will, if he or she has followed all the rules.

8. Teachers are one of the most exploited community. They don't have an authentic fraternity of their own to stand for them. Very sad.
9. Go for legal process . And before submitting  the documents take colour Xerox and submit as your acedmics documents  keep original with you
10. Teachers can hand their certificates and credentials over to the management by the acknowledgement given by the school as follows:

Dear [Employee],

We value your commitment to [School Name] and appreciate the dedication you bring to your role. In order to streamline administrative processes and ensure a smooth transition, we kindly request that you leave your certificates and credentials with the school.

This measure is in place to facilitate any necessary documentation procedures and to maintain a comprehensive record of your qualifications during your tenure. Rest assured, this is a standard practice, and your certificates will be promptly provided to you whenever needed.

We believe in fostering an environment of mutual trust and respect. Therefore, should you need to leave your position for any reason, we encourage you to communicate your intentions with proper notice and adherence to the terms and conditions outlined in your employment agreement.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated, and it contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our school operations.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

6. No need of submitting originals at all. Self attested is sufficient. None of the unit is higher than constitution and as per that even government use to take self attested documents. So why a society or trust require original. Matter of fact is that they pay less so all such tantrums to make teacher a forced labour.

Pay according to structure then staff will definitely sustain with the system. Lust play no role in education. It stand on the pillar of ethics.

11. In my school, 7 teachers so far left their job in between the session and our students are suffering... as their course is getting pending each time.

In such case what do you expect the management to do?? That's why the certificates are taken.

No.. it's not true.. Nowadays vacancies of teachers is available all the time. Few teachers leave because of getting good increment in their salary. They don't even bother for their students.

6. Look middle class people move out from their home for job n to earn. If management pays well "keeping themselves within constitutional limits" definitely staff will sustain.

12. Nobody leaves the job or profession. Just a bad management. If recruitment was proper and confident, then none would leave in the middle.

11. What about the commitments they do while giving interview?

Here nobody is talking about those students who left depriving of studies because of the teachers.. Very sad!!!

6. With all due respect if management bother about student. Then first thing to teach is to respect our constitution. And by doing illegal activity we are teaching the same so.

13. Nowadays, those who do not get any jobs, end up as Teacher. That is the misery of this profession.All time availability of teaching vacancies reflects the outflow.

8. The concerned areas are..

1. Whether the schools pay teachers as per 7th pay commission salary fully.

2. Whether teachers are eligible for 12% deduction of salary against PF as employer contribution.

3. Whether teachers are given gratuity as per norms.

4. Whether they are allowed for 15 casual leave and 15 earned leave in one session.

5. Whether group insurance against mediclaim is there as a system.

6. Is there any plan for encashment against balance EL at the time of retirement/leaving.

7.Whether school follow extratime stay occasionally or daily and for how long...

And most importantly

WHETHER MANAGEMENT GIVES ONE MONTH/THREE MONTHS SALARY/NOTICE AT THE TIME OF TERMINATION.

If we pay peanuts, we will get monkeys

I think no one deserves to open school in the of social service if you do not have funds to pay full salaries of staff..How can school wala can open many branches in only few years of the conception of mother school. Management is having money for everything except paying salaries to the staff

6. Actually people forget that it's for betterment of society not for business. Sooner they realise better outcome will get.

14. Pls don't ask about salary to teachers

8. No teacher will leave institution if have proper welfare system in the school

14. In one of my known school, employees gave a notice to Management for gratuity and they had to pay it

They paid too

6. Illegal approach is only seen  where team leader is incompetent. Hence to suppress incompetence certain nowhere rules where comes in action.

8. I m heading an institution where few teachers left even government jobs

14. Is der any petition for salary to teachers?

Across India

6. Basis is if income is above 1 cr 7th pay should be paid. And society has to maintain a rule of investing 85% of income in welfare. Only 15% can be utilised for infrastructural developer

8. No basis for full salary sir...It is compulsion on the part of Management to pay full salary

6. So collaboratively if we will see it's very easy to maintain rule and regulation as per constitution.

13. Teaching profession is a service to our society. Don't make it a mere profession of earning money.

8. Best welfare system for staff and professional work culture is a key factor for any any institution to prosper..

1. What changes could you bring in *(Today's Society)*??? Particularly in today's youth? I am talking about the values.

6. If any teacher need any help I am always there to help them. Even legally we have started a free legal consultation on the same for this fraternity.

1. TOP AGENDA

NO COMPROMISE ON SALARY OF STAFF IN ANY INSTITUTION.

14. Most important Empathy.. Nowadays, our young generations is devoid of it. Honesty, sympathy, respect towards others and their belongings too.

8. This will come from us....whether we own these values genuinely. Let the light emerge from within. Let us be the animators of all virtues and values. The easiest task is to change ourselves first...

14. Ji

But bhukhe Bhajan Naa hoye Gopala

And why teachers only should sacrifice?

And who the hell values our sacrifice?

No rule in favor of teachers. Teachers can' t take tution also as per rules. No rule supports us. Pathetic condition

8. A driver can drive a vehicle ANYWHERE

A businessman can sell his product ANYWHERE

A lawyer can fight case in ANYCOURT

A police person can check unlawful activity ANYWHERE

BUT A TEACHER CAN TEACH ONLY IN SCHOOL

If we want India to be developed and sustained country then EDUCATION AND HEALTH services should be best in the world.

15. Less pay and more work.

This is the condition of teachers.

They are literally exploiting us.

16. I was a teacher and a part of management in my past experiences.

I truly believe that both side is responsible for this mess.

But at the same time condition of teachers is pathetic in India unfortunately.

No one will ever want to make their son or daughter a school teacher I can bet.

Management always use this situations as their advantages.

Not all fingers are same  at the same time.

But we talk always for majority.

Teachers should always be the last to be blamed , I believe..

Management has always options but teachers don't atleast in India.

The worst career option in todays time.

8. My humble request to all the members in this group is that if you are in leadership role then please ensure utmost welfare including full salaries of staff. And if you are owner of the institution I pray please pay full salary and happy working environment to the staff. I am sure staff will make your institution one of the best in the segment. I promise.

AND PLEASE KEEP IT IN THE MIND YOU ARE NOT DOING ANY SOCIAL SERVICE IF ANY PENNY OF EARNED MONEY OF THE SCHOOL IS DIRECTED TO ANY ACTIVITY BEYOND THE PURVIEW OF SCHOOL.

17. Good evening everyone

Sir where is law in schools have any standing order to follow the rules & regulations by the school or by the employees is they notified or certified by the government authorities? No there law is there own law they can change it time to time according the situation.

Why MNCs are not asking for original documents or salary deposit rather then they are paying very high.

Here is need to make proper law in schools for both employer & employee need to be setup proper HR & Administration

6. Yes orders are their but due to non availability of strong governing authority. Usually school owners are into malpractice. Else they have to follow state norms.

1. I agree with Mr. Ghanshyam, Pay high get high, pay low get low. Schools have to go a long way to truly be professional.

18. For this management should have gap over arrangement teachers ready and meanwhile make use of other additional teachers to cover up the syllabus but requested not to go against the law which states no institute can ask for originals of the employees so unnecessarily invite trouble in case anyone approaches court. In my personal opinion I would rather suggest to have the appointment letter signed with conditions for resigning i.e one month notice or salary in lieu of the same. Moreover if you provide good remuneration, good Professional growth and healthy atmosphere at the work place then I don’t think they will even think of leaving unless or until it is inevitable  due to personal reasons.

6. Law,rules all are there. Lack of knowledge and persistence leads to this.

17. Correct, but if you know the law you are not a suitable candidate for their school

3. In our school in Indore,

They get resignation from every teacher before 5years to avoid Gratuity Law. Why should a teacher then not leave if he gets a better opportunity.

19. Relevant concern affecting lives of Teachers and School Management raised yesterday

We spent quality 20 hours in discussing for the same and reached No where.

Needy applicants will keep accepting, suffered Management will keep tweaking their tricks for running thier Sessions, every Session.

Let us now kindly focus on Agenda of the group.

Regards

Are we making teaching and learning more enjoyable

JOURNALISM OF COURAGE

My Dear Students | Let’s reflect on the classroom teaching experience; has it lost its value?

'Are we making teaching and learning better and more enjoyable?' asks Nuggehalli.

'Why do we need classes on jurisprudence?

My dear students,

Today I want to give you some idea of what I have been telling my students about the value of classroom teaching. We are packing you like sardines in cans for hours on end; at the very least we must reflect a bit on what you and I, teachers and students, are getting out of it. I don’t mean I get a salary and you get a job at the end of it. I mean to ask if we are making teaching and learning better and more enjoyable or are we just sticking to something that has outlived its value. I am teaching legal philosophy this term. This is what I am telling my students. There are some references below that are specific to legal philosophy but I don’t think that will come in the way of your reading

Welcome to jurisprudence. I suppose we must begin by asking why do we need classes on jurisprudence? You can get your readings from the internet. You have talking heads on YouTube and Instagram delivering lectures on jurisprudence. Why do you need to sit in a collective physical space and why do you need me? If we don’t answer this question, we will not utilise our time properly in this term.

You need me because the texts will not speak for themselves. I won’t be doing my job unless you come out of the class with some insights into the texts you did not have before you entered the class. This is the challenge for me: to try to get you to think about things you wouldn’t have thought of if you were left alone with the texts. Hopefully I can get you to think about the text from different viewpoints, point out what the author is trying to get at, how that fits into the rest of the literature, how it adds to the existing state of knowledge, how you might want to agree and disagree with it, and why it’s interesting enough to warrant your attention and mine.

You don’t need only me though. You need each other. This is an even bigger problem than convincing you that you need me. I find that many of you have very little faith in your ability to contribute to class discussions. Perhaps it’s because you think you haven’t prepared enough or read enough. But, at least in jurisprudence, you will be made to do plenty of reading in the class. At that time, please have some faith in yourself and in your friends that you will come up with insights that will invigorate the discussion in the class. You will understand what’s been taught better because you will build on each other’s insights. Is this so hard to believe? Will it help if I tell you that in previous batches this has worked very well, that students who were seemingly diffident came out with perspectives and thoughts that helped everyone—me, their friends and themselves — navigate jurisprudence better.

You still don’t believe classroom discussions add value? Let’s take the example of just the last two classes. I asked you to look at the Speluncean Explorers case and tell me what the judges thought of the nature of the law and the relationship between law and morality. Some of you answered that if authority is the essence of the law, then necessarily morality can’t play a role in identifying legal propositions, because we need to maintain the sanctity of authority. Some others in the class said that it is precisely because authority is integral to law that people who apply law, such as judges, use moral principles while applying the law. The actual solution to this issue is not important right now, it’s just that I really liked the way many of you responded to the issues. You were thinking through the problem and you were using the classroom as it was meant to be used; as a forum for shaping thoughts, debating different points of view, and working with and off each other to arrive at insights you probably won’t get on your own. 

The most boring thing you can do is just sit tight and listen only to me. There is a certain point of time after which I find it difficult to listen to myself and so I have no hope that you will listen to me for more than a few minutes if I start on a soliloquy. Here’s what I would like you to do. Keep aside your previous years in law school. Perhaps you lost interest in some of your classes or you have gotten used to your more garrulous classmates intervening in the class discussions all the time. Let’s make a fresh start. You start listening to me and to each other. You have nothing to lose. You might even gain something. At the very least, you won’t be bored.

Online Frauds - Kunju C Nair

Online Frauds

Kunju C. Nair, Thrissur, Kerala

This is the updated version for your information and to spread the awareness. This article was already published by UN Volunteers on Feb. 04, 2023.

Frauds are there in every aspect of our life. We often have to face various scams in all aspects throughout our life. At any level of our cautiousness with maximum care and possible precautions, they take all opportunities to overcome it by making their tricky plans to trap others for their success by their crooked ways. At the most, they are misusing the trust and status of the victim/s - means, just cheating...

Fraudsters have found an easy way to make easy money without having any hesitation. Gradually, it may be outdated soon, as the awareness on the basic concept is spreading so fast. It is happening on a regular basis now. I came across with many such experiences through my friends and associates. Also, recently I had personal experiences for multiple times, for the same. Even though, many people are aware about such scams, at a sensitive point of time, most of them do not realize the seriousness of the matter, as a matter of honest and sincere friendship with a personal attachment. 

Such frauds are happening now a days in Facebook regularly. The fraudsters make an identical profile in Facebook similar to that of yours, taking your same credentials and profile pictures from the Facebook. With their fake ID, impersonating you, they start sending friend requests to your real friends. Unknowingly, they tend to accept the request keeping you in their mind. Then the fraudster with your ID start chatting with your friends in the Messenger and begin to ask for financial support through online payment. Using your identity, they ask to all those innocent people, whoever accepted the friend-request. As a matter of innocent friendship and misunderstanding the situation as any need of emergency, some of the best friends may tend to oblige the request of those ‘frauds’, losing your own money not even benefitting to the real friend. Even they may ask for personal information, etc. this may happen in other Social-Media also, like Instagram, etc. 

Even though it happens, impersonating the Facebook IDs and Pages are not allowed in Facebook. If you come across with any such incidents, impersonating you or any others, you have the option to ‘report’ such impersonating Accounts / Pages.  

If you come across with any such incidents, as a caution, spread the message immediately for the awareness of all your friends, in Facebook as well as in other media. Always keep posting about the frauds frequently for awareness.

Besides the impersonating your account by creating your Fake ID or hacking your existing ID / Page, the scams may not be limited only in Facebook. They are :

1. Trying to maintain online lovely, romantic relationships with you and gain your trust, then requesting for money with various reasons seemingly reasonable.

2. Offering jobs through e-mails, as if they reviewed your CV and shortlisted. Even if you applied, generally, they do not mention the position you applied, because, it is a fake offer. 3. They take your personal data through the process - never respond to such offers.

4. Offering jobs at a fee / apply for a job at a fee - there are many fake offers. There are many job postings with irrelevant information - A genuine employer never takes any charges. 

5. Offering Online Jobs along with Lap-top, with Work-From-Home Facility, at a nominal fee. 

6. Sharing spam links, to have access to your personal / confidential information.

7. Offering instant loans at lowest interest rates with a small amount of processing fee.

8. Offering lottery as you are the winner and asking for a processing fee or a certain amount for tax obligations, along with your personal details, as if they are genuine.

9. Unknown people pretending to be very close to you / your friends and proposing business / asking for financial support.

10. Offering big amounts with confidential dealings, which (as if) they have inherited from authorized / unauthorized sources - for charity, business, investment, etc. in your country, at a charge.

11. Offering Investments in your country, with a processing fee from you, as if they have a huge unused amount from unaccounted sources.

12. Offering big amounts, as if, from reliable sources, which they have been assigned to handle the same.

13. Offering big amounts, as if they are rich ladies, under treatments and going to die soon due to some severe diseases like cancer, etc., trying to get your sympathy, subsequently leading to your loss.

14. Giving you warnings and threats, as if they have got your password, then demanding money from you.

15. Offering Scholarships / Compliments, etc. to get access to your personal information.

16. Offering Awards at a fee - as if they are a genuine and you are a most deserving candidate.

17. Trying to hack your e-mail ID, to get your confidential data / information - Never use any identical / same passwords in different applications.

18. Mails / Messages / Calls - with embedded links to update your bank account details - to update your KYC, documents, User ID, Password, Debit Card Number, PIN, CVV, OTP, etc. - from fake IDs – Never respond.

19. Taking a nominal fee and offering a big amount as a charity to be expected soon.

20. Giving promises, like financial support, loans, etc., they may cheat you with fraudulent Online Apps.

There are various online games, even promoted by celebrities, with challenges and charges.

They may take the control of our Sim Card, by Sim Cloning / Swapping / Porting. Be very cautious, whenever you handover your Mobile to anybody, for any reason, especially, when they are not familiar to you.

There are people coming with parcel - which doesn’t belong to you, as if it is for you. If you do not claim it, they are asking for cancellation of the delivery through a link in your mobile, and they access to your information. If you claim it, they take some charges, which would have been a big loss.

There are fake promises of parcels, containing valuables, like currencies, ornaments, etc. which you will have to claim, by paying their charges, leading you to uncertain troubles, along with financial losses.  

There are fraudsters, watching you through your camera on your mobile / other devices and recording you through your cameras, and using it for their advantages. Whenever you use your Mobiles / Devices for online purposes, always keep your camera/s closed with some stickers. Open it only when it is required for your purpose.

Beware of all these frauds. Beyond all these, there may be various frauds with new concepts. Always safeguard your passwords. They may ask you for your personal / confidential details also, to fulfil any of the above offers, ultimately resulting in cheating and loss of your money.

Besides all, at a crucial time, whenever you are undergoing any of the above experiments or experiences, or facing any crisis on account of any of the above, some good Samaritans (may be very close to you) may approach you, as if, they are standing with you for your moral support, trying to convince you, and subsequently ask for their financial support. They are not at all reliable. 

“Any earnings beyond ethics are not worthy”© - Kunju C. Nair

Such people who earn beyond the ethics, never got prosperity. They may be enjoying and spending lavishly with the unethical earnings.

 

Respect your money. Be the master of your earnings.

Never let it be lost, cheated or misused by miscreant. 

[About the author: Mr. Kunju C. Nair is the National UN Volunteer - India.  He is a Finance Specialist, with international reputation. He is accredited as Change Maker, with Platinum Award. He is a well-known personality in the Socio-cultural activities, with best awards and accolades. He is the Author of various books, and there are many articles and reporting in various media to his credit.]