Brewing Knowledge Friday
My Good School: Where Passion Meets Education, by Sandeep Dutt and published by Rupa Publications Pvt Ltd. Read with us every Friday afternoon.
My Good School by Sandeep Dutt highlights the key elements that make a school effective, focusing on quality education, creativity, and social development. The Introduction chapter emphasises the importance of a clear vision, strong community partnerships, effective leadership, and well-trained teachers. Dutt advocates for diversity and inclusion through systems, training, and scholarships. The overall message calls for continuous learning and adaptability to meet society's changing needs, ensuring that schools remain relevant and impactful in shaping students' futures.
The book reading session of My Good School by Sandeep Dutt, discussed by Sandeep Dutt and Kunal Rajpurohit, focused on the importance of quality education and the role of schools in social development. They emphasised that schools must have a clear vision and mission to guide students and foster innovation effectively. The Fabindia School's mission to become a national leader in affordable, quality education exemplifies such a vision.
Summary of the session:
The Purpose and Functions of a School
Sandeep Dutt explains that schools are where teachers shape students' lives. He discusses the progression of education from primary to secondary and higher education and introduces a renowned educationist and former principals of various schools.
Dutt highlights the educational process's importance in developing problem-solving, creative thinking, and curiosity in students.
Quality Education and School Operations
Sandeep Dutt emphasises the need for quality education and the challenges of operating a school effectively. He outlines three key functions of the educational process: problem-solving, creativity, and curiosity.
Dutt also discusses the role of libraries, sports, and community service in developing character and citizenship. He stresses the importance of balancing curriculum opportunities to allow students to nurture their interests and talents.
Building a Quality School
Sandeep Dutt compares building a school to a potter moulding clay, emphasising the need for empathy, care, and devotion. He advises property developers to approach school projects with heart and soul rather than simply as business ventures.
Dutt defines quality in education as having happy teachers, a favourable student-teacher ratio, modern equipment, and adequate space. He highlights the importance of retraining teachers and offering competitive salaries to attract and retain quality staff.
Leadership and Community Involvement
Sandeep Dutt discusses the importance of leadership in running a school, particularly the role of a dynamic principal. He emphasises the need for strong partnerships with the community and society to build a successful school.
Dutt explains the principal's role in balancing various responsibilities while staying up-to-date with educational trends. He advises school owners to act as resource providers, allowing principals the freedom to lead effectively.
Vision and Mission in Education
Sandeep Dutt distinguishes between a vision and a mission, using the example of The Fabindia School to illustrate their importance. He emphasises that a clear vision and mission are essential for guiding a school's direction and purpose.
Dutt discusses the role of stakeholders in supporting and evolving the school's vision and highlights the need for a shared and supported vision to make it a reality.
Examples of Vision and Mission in Practice
Kunal Rajpurohit highlights The Fabindia School, where the vision and mission are integrated into daily life. He recounts a story about a principal explaining the school's vision to a student, showcasing its impact on the community.
Sandeep Dutt underscores that education is more than simply acquiring knowledge; it's about applying learning to real-life situations. He emphasises the role of local community members in understanding and supporting the school's vision.
From Good to Great: Systems and Training
Sandeep Dutt identifies three key elements that make a school great: sound systems, practical training, and a scholarship program. He highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
Dutt emphasises the role of systems in supporting good performance and achieving positive outcomes. He stresses the need for continuous training and development to align with changing educational trends and needs.
Role of Technology and Best Practices
Sandeep Dutt differentiates between systems and technology, stressing that systems are processes that enable good performance. He discusses the need for better school management to deliver affordable, quality education.
Dutt emphasises the importance of adopting best practices and transforming leadership to build innovative schools. He advises finding the right people and providing the necessary training to implement effective systems.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Sandeep Dutt concludes by stressing the importance of continuous learning and aligning with society's changing needs. He highlights the role of a learning organisation in fostering intellectual growth and development.
He thanks the participants for their time and commitment to training and learning and encourages everyone to strive for quality education and innovative practices in their schools.
GSA Ambassador
MK@LearningForward.org.in