Lucknow,

07 Feb (H.S.): In the late nineteenth century, surgeon William Stewart Halsted

used a unique teaching method at Johns Hopkins University’s surgical residency

programme. Under this program, medical students learnt by watching surgical

techniques, then performed them and once they became adept, they went on to

teach others. This method embodied the 'learning by doing' tenet as well as the

oft-discussed each one teach one philosophy.

Modern

pedagogies have evolved today to encompass personalised and collaborative

teaching methods. Traditional, passive and non-interactive models have now been

rendered obsolete when it comes to serving the needs of diverse learners, “says

Dominic Tomalin, Founding Headmaster of Shrewsbury International School, India.

In

this context, residential schools in particular benefit students because they

not only focus on 'whole person' education within the classroom but also have

mentorship programs and personalised academic modules. These enable students to work on their

weaknesses and polish their strengths post-school hours. Dominic says,

This personalised system is very close to one-on-one teaching modules

that enable students to learn faster.

He

also elucidates some of the advantages of this system: Increase in positive

engagement: Personal attention and one-on-one teaching encourage students to

actively engage with the learning process. The quality of interaction in such

an environment is far superior as the learner and educator are on the same wavelength.

Students are free to ask questions, clear their doubts and seek help to

overcome difficulties and bridge learning gaps. This level of focused attention

is not possible in overcrowded classrooms where students with specific needs

can fall behind.

Constructive

feedback: In a one-size-fits-all system, it is not possible for educators to

give feedback to every student in a short period of time or to monitor their

progress quickly. However, during personalised sessions, students receive

constructive assessment and teachers can also gauge which areas need more

attention. This then helps students to address learning problems quickly,

improve study skills and prepare better for examinations.

Bespoke

teaching and open communication: Modern education initiates bespoke teaching

where learning materials are tailored to match the needs of the student. Modern

educators are realising that every student has a unique learning style and they

must meet a pupil halfway and create a channel of open communication. When

students learn at their own pace and are taught in a way that matches their

aptitude, they enjoy the academic process a lot more. This joy can also lead

them to become lifelong learners and engage in self-directed study with

enthusiasm.

Increased

confidence: Personalised teaching emboldens self-expression in students, builds

their confidence and mitigates the pressure of competing with other students.

It builds life skills like active listening, creativity, effective

communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and time management. In such

a nurturing and appreciative environment, students get the time and space to

realise their full potential.

Encourages

holistic development: In a far cry from the impersonal environment of a

conventional classroom where only grades define merit, modern pedagogies and

one-to-one teaching encourage the holistic development of a student. While

addressing the student's academic needs, the personalised modules also focus on

a student's intellectual, social, creative, emotional and moral development.

The goal of modern education hence is to create not just academic achievers but

fulfilled individuals who can also contribute positively to society.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi