Good Schools of India
Joy of Learning Weekly #40
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Cover photo: New India Education Summit 3.0 hosted by ScooNews
Beyond the Syllabus – What School Doesn’t Teach Us
High-schoolers took the mic to question the very system that shapes them.
Megghna V (Agurchand Manmull Jain School, Chennai), Luv Kumar A (St. Mark’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School), and S. R. Muthraa (Holy Sai International School) shared what today’s curriculum misses—and what real-world prep should really look like. The session was chaired by Shreya Lakshmi Kaundinya, Associate – Learning, Innovation, and Outreach, Akshar Arbol International School. Also in the photo: Ravi Santlani, Balaji Ramanujam, Vasudha Neelmani, and Sandeep Dutt on stage to felicitate the young people.
Personal Growth and Awareness
Reading from the book The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumihiko Koga, we discussed personal growth and self-awareness through the lens of relationships and overcoming complexes. Sandeep and Gurdeep exploreAdler's’s views on superiority and inferiority complexes, as well as the impact of competition on personal feelings and relationships. We concluded with a discussion on handling personal attacks and power struggles, emphasising effective communication and composure.
Overcoming Inferiority and Superiority Complexes
We discussed the concepts of inferiority and superiority complexes. Sandeep explained how coaches can help individuals overcome these feelings by identifying and accepting their weaknesses. Shalini shared her reflections, highlighting how understanding and accepting her insecurities can lead to personal growth and freedom. The session concluded with a discussion on the importance of identifying and accepting weaknesses as a first step towards overcoming complexes, with Sandeep emphasising the need to let go of these feelings.
My Good School
My Good School on Sunday began with a virtual book reading discussion and reflections from Joy of Learning Diaries, followed by insights from a recent communication workshop led by Kartik. They then read and discussed various stories about characters like Schascha and Carl, exploring themes of literature’s impact on personal growth, communication skills, and the challenges of apologising. The conversation ended with discussions about book-delivery projects, character analysis of “Ronja The Robber’s Daughter,” and a session on cricket teamwork and self-confidence led by Manisha, followed by a reading in Hindi from The Whistling Schoolboy by Ruskin Bond.
Learning Forward Saturday - ECD
Learning Forward Saturday, to introduce a practical, object-based teaching methodology for language and other subjects.
Key Takeaways
Adopt the LSRW Sequence: Teach language naturally by following the sequence of Listening, Speaking, Reading, then Writing. This builds a strong oral foundation before introducing literacy.
Use Everyday Objects for Multidisciplinary Lessons: A single object (e.g., a soap carton) can serve as a rich teaching aid across multiple subjects (Language, Math, Science, Economics), making lessons engaging and practical.
Integrate Fine Motor Skills with Language: Simple dexterity activities like tearing paper build pencil grip while simultaneously teaching new vocabulary through repetition and context.
Invite a Numeracy Expert: Neelashi will invite a Palampur-based organisation to speak on developing math teaching aids from recycled materials, a key need for early learners.
Brewing Knowledge Friday
Brewing Knowledge Friday book reading from Kamala Mukunda’s ‘What Did You Ask At School Today?’ discussed moral behaviour, responsibility, moral reasoning, the limitations of IQ tests, cultural biases, and debates over their educational use.
AI: Diverse Perspective And A Common Future
Handbook of Global Philosophies on AI Ethics: Towards Sustainable Futures
Sunil Malhotra, the author of YOGAi: Interplays of Yoga and Artificial Intelligence (paperback, published 26 March 2024), is our friend and mentor. He has contributed a chapter to the book Whose Ethics for AI?
Books of The Week
Message from Smt Sneh Lata at EBD from 1971 to 2025: “Brewing Knowledge truly embodies the spirit of community by focusing on the importance of books and authors. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a nurturing space that encourages lifelong learning and personal growth. I deeply appreciate your commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering such a supportive environment. Together, let’s celebrate #BrewingKnowledge and uplift others by sharing valuable insights and information.”