Low-cost and personal connect with parents and children are essential: Dr Rukmini Banerji
By S Alisha Akankshya
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 24: Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) held its 11th edition of Ideate in partnership with FICCI-Aditya Birla CSR Centre for Excellence on 23rd November 2022 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The subject of deliberation was “Paradigm shift in Education Landscape – Blended Pedagogy” NEP, Post Pandemic & Technology infusion in education.
Dr Rukmini Banerji, CEO Pratham Education Foundation, joined the session over virtual presence to deliver the Special Address and said, “Low-cost and personal connect with parents and children are essential factors to help the reach the underprivileged and rural sector. Blended Pedagogy is not only about curriculum based experiential learning but blending parents and students into the education landscape. During pandemic, her team worked not only to teach all, also to reach all.”
The distinguished panelists were Dr. Y Suresh Reddy (Lead CSR & Director SRF Foundation), Dr. Neelima Chopra (Lead-Early Childhood Care & Development, HCL Foundation), Mr. Madhukar Banuri (Founder – Leadership for Equity) and Professor. Hrushikesh Senapaty (Ex-Director NCERT).
Ms.Shaifalika Panda, Trustee & CEO, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation welcomed the audience with opening speech stating: “NEP 2020 sets out the objective of improving quality education, learning outcomes, equity in education through capacity building and digital outreach. Implementation frameworks must be designed by stakeholders keeping in mind the respective segment of learners each organisation serves.”
The subject of deliberation at the 11th edition of Ideate was to discuss India’s education landscape based on three essential parameters National Educational Policy (NEP 2020), Blended Pedagogy and Technology Infusion in the post pandemic scenario. The multi stakeholder panel reflected on how to bridge the gaps in the education system in order to achieve best learning outcomes.
Dr. Y Suresh Reddy (Lead CSR & Director SRF Foundation) said “Teachers are facilitators; we need to empower them through capacity building and qualitative programs. Our aim is to make children future ready which is beyond school curriculum. The structural changes by Government should equally address to socio-emotional development of children”.
Dr. Neelima Chopra (Lead-Early Childhood Care & Development, HCL Foundation) said “Technology is a big enabler which depends on three factors: firstly Access (to technology, to device, to internet) secondly Equity (children from low income group should be able to leverage the benefit) and thirdly Technology progress should consider children with special need and children from low income group).
Mr. Madhukar Banuri (Founder – Leadership for Equity) spoke “Policy framework is on one side but we should also understand the needs and demands of teachers and students to develop a qualitative framework. Teachers are at the point of delivery, they should feel Accountable, Supportive and Motivated. He explained about the dichotomy of 40 which shows a 40 year old teacher-in 40 mins- teaches 40 students-through a 40 degree view angle”
Prof. Hrushikesh Senapaty (Ex-Director NCERT) said “National Curriculum Framework is looking to develop the curriculum by introducing new subjects, making it flexible and competency based. BNEP 2020 emphasises Learning outcome is of primary importance”.
On this occasion Ms.Shaifalika Panda, Trustee & CEO, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation said “The paradigm shift has started, however it needs a robust framework where stakeholders collectively address how to collaborate together for quality education to reach the last mile equitably. Be it private or government schools, NGOs or corporates – everyone must align with the goal of literacy”.
