Principal of the CBSE section at the prestigious Priyadarshani High School, Pune, Ms. Shilpi Shukla has transitioned from the corporate segment to the educational setup with her passion for creating a positive impact on children’s lives and the education system as a whole. Having been associated with Pune International School, Orchids International School, and D Y Patil Institute of Engineering and Technology in the past, she has explored and influenced the mindset of both college and school students. In the current era of digital literacy, she inculcates critical thinking and information evaluation to help students develop the ability to discern sources from misinformation and build a stronger value system. With the mission of harmonizing heart and mind, she aims to nurture and mentor the future of the society and nation to their fullest potential.
In an exclusive interview with Nitish Raj; Editor-in-Chief, Today Magazine the noted educationist talks about the changing paradigm of modern education along with the importance of teachers in the development of children.
Q.1 How do you see your transition from being into corporates to the education sector?
SS: Transitioning from the corporate world to education is a significant change, initially when I was given class teachership of class 1, I felt that it was not my cup of tea but it resulted be a reward as I was passionate about making a positive impact on students' lives and the education system as a whole. I started enjoying spending time with kids, and doing activities with them. The Best time with my kids is when I play with them on the ground.
Q.2 What difference you have discovered in the mindset of college students and school students as you have worked in both?
SS: The transition from school to college can be a significant adjustment period for many students as they adapt to the changes in mindset and responsibilities. College is often seen as a time for personal growth and exploration. College students may be more open to trying new experiences, exploring different belief systems, and developing a greater sense of self-identity.
School students, particularly those in primary and secondary education, are dependent on schools for many aspects of their education and development. Though they learn a lot from their peer group their bond with peers is not as strong as college students have.
Q.3 What aspects do you find different in the mindset of students a decade back as compared to those in the present day?
SS: Change is the only constant. If I think about students 10 years ago, I can recall children who were not too exposed to social media, maybe with better communication skills and more curiosity. Those students had very good skills of questioning to get their doubts cleared.
Students today are more likely to have grown up with technology as an integral part of their lives. They are often more tech-savvy, comfortable with digital tools, and rely heavily on smartphones, laptops, and the internet for learning and communication. They have a better global perspective which was not there with kids a decade back. Students are more aware of choosing their career path rather than their parents guiding them.
Q.4 How much the role of teachers has shifted in terms of guiding their children as these days teachers are bound by certain restrictions?
SS: The role of teachers has indeed evolved, and teachers today often face various challenges and restrictions that can impact their ability to guide and support their students. They are more facilitators than educators. New teaching methodologies require ongoing professional development, which can be constrained by time and resources. Their adaptability and commitment to their profession continue to shape the future of education.
Q.5 What mental shift is observed in the children of today’s social media age, in terms of focus on their education?
SS: As I quoted, children of this Era are more tech-savvy, comfortable with digital tools, and rely heavily on smartphones, laptops, and the internet for learning and communication. With the proliferation of information online, students today may have a greater focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, and information evaluation. They need to discern credible sources from misinformation.
Q.6 What measures are taken by Priyadarshani School, Bhosari to make its learning environment more student-friendly?
SS: The mission statement of the school is Harmonizing heart and mind, we educate our children to express & nurture positive emotions, and to express the wonderful qualities of their hearts. We mentor them to be successful and make this world a happy place. We understand that children have a big future if their heart is used to their fullest potential.
Dr. Jitendraa Singh, managing trustee of Priyadarshani Group of schools, always quotes, ‘World will look beautiful to you if you replace Competition with Cooperation in your life’
Q.7 What attributes do you think are necessary when you don the hat of an educationist?
SS: When donning the hat of an educationist, whether as a teacher, school administrator, or educational leader, several attributes that are essential to be effective in promoting quality education and fostering a positive learning environment are Passion for teaching and learning, patience, empathy, adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, and most important adaptability.
