REPORT ON PROGRAM I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ATTENDED:

WHEN: September 19th & 20th , 2014, (Module I) and

November 29th , 2014 (Module II)

TIME: 09.00 AM TO 5.00 PM

VENUE: Audio Visual Hall of Vidya Mandir Sr. Sec School, Mylapore

WHO: Mr. G.N. Radhakrishnan, & Mr. Stephen Chinnasway Mentors of the Program, Mrs. Beena Gopinath, Coordinator

First of all, I would like to thank especially my Principal and Vice Principal for nominating and for giving me the opportunity to attend the Program “I Can make a Difference”. Those both Modules were very interesting and gave the opportunity to learn many issues in regards to self, student, classroom, school and society. As a teacher it was a very enriching experience for me to attend this program. I will describe briefly below the different aspects discussed in the program.

At the outset, I would like to thank the mentor and his team who have enlightened new vision for this profession. As a teacher by experience we motivate students, but this program have thrown more light on the aspects of student, classroom, parents, school, society where we teachers can make difference.

This program was organized in two modules; first Module was organized on September 19th & 20th, 2014, where Mr. Radhakrishnan and his team introduced themselves to our batch of teachers from schools in Chennai. After self introduction, we had Icebreaker session, where we introduced to each other by sharing our brief profiles.

Next to Ice breaker session, we teachers took oath as

Today I will make a difference (the way I think)

Today I will make a difference (the way I handle emotions)

Today I will make a difference (the way I handle mistakes)

Today I will make a difference (to my inner landscape)

The core vision of the program is expected to develop the following

Develop the confidence and enthusiasm in me to make a genuine difference to the students who came under our care.

Create capability in using methods meant for making a difference

Module I - Day 1 (19th September 2014)

The topics addressed

Why are you a teacher today

Why am I a teacher

What is my real inner purpose and drive that defines me being a teacher today

Why we are teacher

Why this profession and not any other

Why would you continue to be a teacher tomorrow

Why we are teachers in the first place

Ideas and experience of teachers were shared for more innovations in teaching and training student to make difference The Project “I can make a Difference as a teacher” stands for Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence, and Collaborative Teaching.

Module I – Day 2 (20th September 2014)

Team work activities were conducted for us which advised us to in turn implement the same activities among students as group activities is school to bring in difference among them

Exercise and Games – individual and group activities which could enhance our commitment to improving student outcomes. Continuously sharpen our practice and that we will recognize, reward, and learn from great teachers and principals. Work and learn together in communities of practice, hold each other accountable, and lift each other to new levels of skill and competence.

A short film featured, the hero in the movie develops a keen interest to make the students more ready for the outside rough world, in terms of behavior, dresses etc. The desire drove him to face all obstacles internal and external work out approaches, patiently and tirelessly pursued his mission and the end was called by the same students who harassed him to give a gift and say “To Sir with Love”

We were also asked to a present a project I can make difference in any one of the following areas Student, School, Colleague, self, family.

As suggested we were asked to submit interim report based on the questionnaire given to us, and same we were submitted to them a copy of the same is enclosed for your ready reference.

As agreed with the mentor of the program, we have also forwarded anecdotes which we experience in our profession in school and outside, a copy of the same are also enclosed for your ready reference.

Module II - Day 1 (29th November 2014)

The second module started off with a feedback session on the last modules’s activities and interim report submitted by us. All the teachers shared their views, their likes and dislikes, on the last modules activities. Mr. Radhakrishnan then wanted to make those teachers come out more openly who had been hesitant during the earlier sessions. He made everyone of them to present their projects. It really needed a lot of cajole from him for these teachers to shed their inhibition. Mr. Radhakrishnan again stressed on the fact that unless we come out of our shells and talk with the children in a language that is easy to understand for them, we will not be able to improve the quality of education at our schools. He was using a lot of examples and engaging all the attendees so that it does not become a one-way lecture. In the end, he gave further activities to all the teachers as a home work. (A brief idea of my project explained is enclosed for your reference)

At the end of the session, we shared our views and experience gained, Mr. Radhakrishnan & Mr. Stephen Chinnayswamy hinted out that this is just a start for everyone, and not an end after this session, all were requested to reach them for further clarification, support and other details in future at any time.

Personally what I learned from this project is

“Scientist designs Rocket for the space program, but this scientist is designed by a teacher to become a scientist, so it is our pride to be a teacher who makes difference”