Monthly Meeting - 25th January 2025

Meeting Purpose

Monthly review and planning meeting for the GSA Impact Team to discuss the calendar, new initiatives, and an upcoming quarter.

The minutes will help the Interns and Fellows stay informed and contribute meaningfully.

Key Takeaways

February calendar finalised with structured weekly events (Meet & Greet, documentary, workshop, book reading)

New customised learning programs launched for schools (e.g. Arthur Foot Academy, JDS)

Focus on teacher development and engagement through reading, reflection, and technology integration

Retreat sign-ups close January 31; limited to 50 participants (20 supported schools, 30 GSA members)

Topics

February Calendar Overview

1st Sunday: Meet & Greet with K.C. Jain on health, yoga, meditation

2nd Sunday: Documentary series + book reading

3rd Sunday: YES workshop (45 min) by Lina Ashar on passion, purpose, play

4th Sunday: Extended book reading session

Weekly: JDS reading sessions (Fridays 2pm, 45 min) for 40 weeks

Monthly: Arthur Foot Academy offline session

New Initiatives

Customised learning programs for schools (e.g. Arthur Foot Academy, JDS)

Transition to Google Meet for My Good School sessions

Interns focusing on the joy of learning rather than social media posts

Happiness survey implementation at Arthur Foot Academy (every 6 months)

Digital Platforms & Resources

WhatsApp communities/groups for different programs

Blogs: happyteacher.in Joy of Learning Diaries

Website: www.MyGoodSchool.in with program info, book lists

YouTube channel & podcast (Learning Forward) with 6000+ subscribers

Teacher Development Focus

Reading and reflection emphasised over direct "values" lessons

Arthur Foot Academy: Teachers creating visual representations of reflections

Technology integration: Basic computer skills, plans for AI introduction

Student Engagement

Positive feedback on English-speaking initiatives

Increased lab access for students (e.g. Sunbeam School: 15 workstations/school)

Young students (8-10 years old) participating in sessions, sharing experiences

Next Steps

Close retreat sign-ups by January 31

Implement a happiness survey at Arthur Foot Academy

Create a list of teacher volunteers for the Sunday School reading

Establish minimum post requirements for intern certification (1 post/month)

Share the happiness survey format with Minakshi for implementation

Continue encouraging teacher reflections and original content creation

GSA Impact Team Monthly Meeting
January 25, 2025

AI supported the draft; please forgive any errors and oversight.

My Good School, Sunday 26 January 2025

 

Sunday School #173

Reflection Questions from the Chapter "Take Courage" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben:

1. Empathy and Animal Behavior:
   How does Peter Wohlleben illustrate courage in animals in this chapter? Reflect on when you observed courage in an animal or another living being. How did it challenge your understanding of animal behaviour?

2. Perception of Animal Emotions:
   Wohlleben often draws parallels between human emotions and those of animals. Do you agree with his perspective that animals exhibit emotions like courage? Why or why not?

3. Ethical Implications:
   If animals can demonstrate courage and other complex emotions, what implications does this have for how humans treat and interact with them? How might this perspective shift societal norms?

4. Personal Courage:
   The chapter explores animal bravery in different contexts. How do you define courage in your own life? Can observing animals inspire us to act courageously? Provide an example.

 Wohlleben's narrative combines personal observations with scientific insights. It offers a thought-provoking perspective on the emotional lives of animals and invites readers to view them as sentient beings with experiences and emotions similar to ours.

  Reflection Questions from the Chapter "Black and White" from The Inner Life of Animals:

1. Sense of Justice:
   How does Wohlleben's discussion of fairness and justice in animals challenge traditional views of animal behaviour? What are examples of animals displaying a sense of fairness in their interactions?

2. Origins of Morality:
   If animals exhibit behaviours that resemble moral judgment, what might this suggest about the evolution of morality? How does this perspective influence your understanding of human and animal relationships?

3. Impact on Ethical Choices:
   After reading about animals' emotional and moral complexities, do you feel differently about human responsibilities toward them? How might this change the way we approach animal welfare or environmental conservation?

The central theme of the chapter "Black and White" from The Inner Life of Animals is the exploration of fairness, justice, and moral-like behaviours in animals. Peter Wohlleben argues that animals, like humans, can display a sense of right and wrong, challenging the idea that their actions are purely instinctual and highlighting the emotional and cognitive depth shared across species.

Reflection questions based on Chapter 15, Riding an Enfield, from My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Prakash Joshi:

1. Freedom and Connection:
   How does riding the Enfield symbolize freedom and bonding for the characters in this chapter? Can you recall a similar experience where an activity or object strengthened your connection with someone?

2. Shared Experiences:
   The chapter highlights how shared experiences can create lasting memories. What role do shared adventures play in building relationships, and how does this chapter reflect that theme?

3. Personal Growth:
   Riding the Enfield represents more than a journey—it also reflects personal growth and confidence. How do you think such moments of adventure help individuals step out of their comfort zones and build self-assurance?

The central theme of Chapter 15, Riding an Enfield, from My Name is Cinnamon, revolves around the sense of freedom, adventure, and bonding that arises from shared experiences. The ride on the Enfield becomes a metaphor for stepping out of one's comfort zone, fostering personal growth, and strengthening relationships through trust and shared joy.

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

GSA Calendar February 2025

My Good School

2^nd February 2024 
Meet and Greet with KC Jain. 
Honorary Director of Adhyatma Sadhna Kendra an Institution dedicated to Preksha meditation and also working in the field of meditation and health.

Book Reading: The Inner Life Of Animals

9^th February 2025
Amardeep Singh Screening of Episode 14                    
Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels
Setu Bandh
Bridge of Transition
Metaphoric expositions for a transition from negativity to positivity are expounded by Guru Nanak at ‘Setu Bandh’.

Book Reading: My Name Is Cinnamon

16^th  February 2025

Meet and Greet with Mr. Vikas Prakash Joshi

Book Reading: My Name Is Cinnamon

Book Reading: The Inner Life Of Animals

23^rd  February 2025

The YES workshop with Lina Ashar
We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate while embracing their dreams and aspirations. 

Book Reading: The Inner Life Of Animals

The Teacher's Academy

Professional Learning Program (PLP)

AFA Special Edition

Is Your Child Ready To Face The World (Hindi Session)

Exclusive event for our five DEI Member Schools 

20th February 2025

Please email Manisha Khanna MK@LearningForward.Org.IN, or send her a WhatsApp message for details.

Masterclass Webinar
Book reading: Shomie Das, The Man Who Saw Tomorrow
Masterclass every Saturday at 5:30 pm - except 8th February 2025.

We invite you to join our Saturday Evening webinars! To secure your spot, please use the link 🔗 to register immediately: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FaZLwScqRLiqAFlCbQIiFA

JDS Weekly Reading Sessions

Book Reading: My Good School Where Passion Meets Education

Every Friday at 2.00 PM over Zoom

Please contact us for details by email LF@EBD.IN

Meetings

Arthur Foot Academy Monthly Meeting
1^st February 2025 at 11 am - WhatsApp Video Call

GSA Monthly Meeting 

22^nd  February 2025 at 7 pm 

AI vs. Teacher: The Perfect Pairing for Student Success! 🤖👩‍🏫✨_ Adya Agrawal

AI and teachers each play unique roles in a student's life. 🤖 AI offers instant access to information and personalized lessons 📚, available 24/7 ⏰ without tiring. It can quickly assist with homework and research 📝, providing quick answers and resources 🌐. However, it lacks the human touch 💔, and its understanding of emotional needs and personal challenges is limited. On the other hand, teachers 👩‍🏫 bring emotional intelligence 💖, guiding students not only in academics but also in their personal and social development 👫. They create a supportive, motivating environment 🏫, adapt to each student's learning style 🎨, and offer real-world experiences 🧠 and encouragement 🌟. While AI is an incredible tool for instant assistance, teachers nurture students' overall growth and well-being in ways AI cannot replicate. ✨

Adya Agrawal
Sunbeam Suncity Hostel

Sunday Insights from Sunbeam Suncity School

In my view, AI is really helpful because it can be used to create artificial rain in regions that don't receive enough rainfall. AI can be applied in this way to help mankind, as well as other living beings, making our Earth a better place to live in the future.

Parth Tulsyan
Sunbeam Suncity Hostel 

I think the 'Misal Pav' would taste better when Cinnamon had it with his birth mother, as food always tastes better when eaten together with loved ones

Adwik Gupta
Sunbeam Suncity Hostel

Sunday's story session made me think: why aren't we like Cinnamon? Why are we not ready to help our elders? If Cinnamon could help his mother without thinking that he was new to this, why can't we? This story teaches us the lesson to help our elders in their times of need, just like they helped us when we were infants and helpless

Mayank Malani
Sunbeam Suncity Hostel

House full! - My Good School session at Sunbeam Schools

WOW, what a beautiful start for The YES workshops at My Good School on Sunday the 19th of January 2025, house overfull! 

We hosted Raghu Pandey the Founder of iMature.in, India's pioneering edtech company in Digital Citizenship & Internet Maturity education. He is India's leading subject expert in Digital Citizenship education. He has authored India's first book (titled "Become an iMature Student"), designed India's first curriculum and also developed India's first online course (titled "Digital Citizenship & Internet Maturity Powers") on the subject.

Sunbeam School Varuna students attending My Good School via Zoom

Reflections - Session with Raghu Pandey of iMature.in, getting ready for an AI powered world!
Courtesy Deba Naqvi, Fellow at My Good School and HM at Sunbeam Varuna Hostel.

Sunbeam Gramin School listening the maiden session of My Good School, joined us in January 2025. 

Sunbeam Group’s philanthropic venture, Sunbeam Gramin School, Karasna has 800 students studying absolutely free of cost. The school was established in the year 2002-03 with just 20 students. Photos courtesy Shweta Morolia, Incharge Sunbeam Gramin School and she works at Sunbeam School Suncity.

My Good School, Sunday 19th January 2025

Session No. 172

Mr Raghu Pandey,  the founder of iMature.in, led an insightful session focused on preparing students for the future in the context of AI readiness, internet maturity, and digital citizenship. 

Key Points from Mr. Raghu's Session:

1. AI Readiness & Future Careers:
   Mr. Raghu discussed how AI will disrupt traditional career paths and job structures. He explained the importance of students developing essential skills to thrive in an AI-powered world, including:

   • Continuous online learning is needed to stay adaptable and acquire new skills.
   • Online Reputation Management to effectively showcase their abilities and secure opportunities.
   • Mastering the "4 C's"—Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration—is key to success in human-centred roles, even as AI evolves.

2. Online Safety and Internet Maturity (FAST CAR Method):
   Mr Raghu stressed the importance of students practising internet maturity and adhering to online safety practices. The FAST CAR method for online safety was highlighted:

   • Firewall, Antivirus, Strong Passwords: Basic tools for securing devices and personal information.
   • Trust with Caution, Confidence, Avoidance, and Reporting: Guidelines for online interactions while avoiding cyberbullying and antisocial behaviour.
   • Never Share Physical Location Online: Encouraging students to protect their privacy.
   • Be Cautious of AI-generated content: Always verify the credibility and source of information found online, as AI-generated content can sometimes be misleading.

3. Digital Citizenship Skills:
   Mr. Raghu emphasized the importance of developing digital citizenship skills, including responsible, ethical, and safe use of technology. He discussed how these skills are essential for navigating the digital world and balancing emotional and moral growth in an AI-driven society.

In conclusion, Mr Raghu's insights provided a clear roadmap for ensuring students are ready for the future and well-prepared to responsibly navigate digital citizenship's challenges.

Book Reading

Chapter 14, "Misal Pao," from My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Joshi

What skills does Cinnamon demonstrate while interacting with others in the chapter, and how do these skills help him navigate his relationships?

This question encourages us to reflect on Cinnamon's communication, empathy, and adaptability as he interacts with those around him.

How do the characters in this chapter use practical skills to express themselves or contribute to their family and community?

This question explores how specific skills, such as cooking, can represent personal expression and connect individuals to their culture or traditions.

In what ways does the chapter illustrate the difference between academic skills and life skills, and why might both be important for personal growth?

This question considers the value of academic achievements and life skills (such as social interaction, resilience, and emotional intelligence) and reflects on their balance.

How does Cinnamon’s perspective on the value of skills evolve throughout this chapter, and what does this reveal about his character development?

This question invites us to reflect on Cinnamon’s growth and how he came to understand the importance of various skills—both practical and personal—on his journey toward self-discovery.