British Council teacher workshop- Introduction to Core Skills

The British Council conducted an Introductory Module on Core Skills for successful classrooms on 21 July, 2017 at the Le Meridian Hotel. Representatives of about 50 schools of Delhi/ NCR that attended the same. Ms. Susan Thomas and Ms. Yahvi Seth represented our School.

The workshop began with a brief welcome and a shuffling of participants to form new groups.This was followed by a brainstorming session on deep learning. We were told about how Blooms Taxonomy defines deep learning. During this introductory session we were also made to do some activities like looking at our palms and drawing a tree.

Thereon our facilitator Ms. Chandeep Marwah spoke about the 6 core skills and discussed with the help of videos, games etc how and why each of these is important.

The first skill discussed was CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING. Here the meaning of both the terms, was discussed. A situation related by the speaker and a role play explained some of the pitfalls of the new age classroom. Critical thinking entails thinking out of the box and being able to produce innovative ideas. Problem solving is being able to achieve one's goal despite hurdles in the way. We learnt about questioning strategies, types of questions that we must pose to students and how those must be directed.

The second skill was CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION. Here we were told to interpret a video shown, in our own way. We were asked to introduce ourselves simply using our names and prefixing an adjective of the same letter as the initial of our first names. We were asked to prepare questions and even asked to draw a scenery. All these activities aimed to explain ere what creativity means and how each one's thought process is unique. It followed that we must ensure we respect diverse views.

The third skill introduced was COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION. Here we discussed the importance of working together at different levels as well as how important the need of effective communication is. We realised that communication may not necessarily be verbal; sometimes non verbal or written communication also plays a vital role. We did an exercise of picture story-making at this point. We also played games like arranging ourselves in the order of our birth months but without speaking or using number signals. Another activity entailed that we, as a group create a rhythm using whatever item was on the table! We were asked to craft something of use with a pen and demonstrate the action to let others guess. All these activities helped us understand how communication and collaboration works to help us function.

The fourth skill was CITIZENSHIP. This had to do with the relation between us and our country. It talked about the values we must have and the connect we must share as citizens of a country. It referred to being globally aware of the happenings around us. We were asked to come up with one threat , our planet faces and discuss the 'why' and 'how' of it in our groups.

The fifth skill was DIGITAL LITERACY. Digital literacy is far beyond just knowing and understanding computers. It deals with using technology as a tool to reinforce, strengthen and deepen learning, including for international collaboration as well.

Here we were explained the importance of video conferencing, skype sessions etc and how these lead to multicultural learning. We saw two videos, one of children who are technologically advanced and the second of a Mystery Skype session. We then differentiated between the learning the students received in the two distinctive ways.

The sixth skill was STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. As the name suggests this has to do with the importance of self growth and defining a good leader. We did a think- pair- share activity where we had to discuss the concept with our partners. We learnt the importance of leadership at the student's level.

The entire day was an amazing learning experience. We not only left the place with new knowledge but also a deeper discovery of concepts we are familiar with .We look forward to introducing what we learnt in our classrooms.

Next we shall be attending an in-depth session on Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.

Ms. Yahvi Seth.