Modern education can unlock the potential of every child

Educationist Abhishek Mohan Gupta outlines the reasons that make holistic pedagogy a transformative force

India’s educational landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by the rapid expansion of international schools. According to the ISC Research India Report 2023-24, international schools in India now serve over 416,000 students aged 3 to 18.

Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Founder and President of the Board of Management at Shrewsbury International School India, says discerning parents across India are seeking out the best educational opportunities for their children. Elucidating how global education curricula can help children unlock their leadership potential, he shares the salient qualities of future-forward pedagogy and experiential learning.

Early Leadership Training

‘Whole person’ education addresses not only academic development but also focuses on soft skill development via mentorship and experiential learning. By sharpening communication and interpersonal skills and inculcating abilities like self-regulation, adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving, modern pedagogies like the Floreat Model prepare pupils for leadership roles in the future. They also instil resilience to enable the pupils to withstand challenges, adapt to setbacks, overcome pressure, and bounce back stronger.

Emphasis on Ethical Values

A salient quality of the Floreat Model is its commitment to making each pupil a flourishing, best version of themselves. This pedagogy provides opportunities for Intellective, Active, Expressive and Reflective growth. Shrewsbury for instance focuses on instilling six core Salopian virtues like kindness, wisdom, courage, integrity, self-mastery and spirit in the pupils. Modern pedagogy’s goal is not just academic excellence but character development so that the leaders of tomorrow are ethically rooted, well-rounded individuals.

Student-led Learning

Unlike the conventional, chalk and talk models where passive, rote learning is encouraged, modern education systems make space for an enriching dialogue between teachers and students. The student-centred learning is personalised, and interactive, encourages participation as well as active engagement and helps pupils to lead discussions and projects. Using multiple teaching techniques and resources, this method encourages the spirit of inquiry which is an essential quality in anyone aspiring to a leadership role.

Diversity and Inclusion

The leaders of tomorrow will be global citizens and international schools offer their pupils a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities and languages. Multiculturalism and multilingualism in international schools foster acceptance of different perspectives and this collaborative and integrated learning culture holds future leaders in good stead.

Collaboration and Teamwork

By promoting collaboration and teamwork, modern education teaches students the value of combining individual strengths to achieve shared goals. International schools not only celebrate individual independence but also interdependence by encouraging active listening, idea sharing, and participation in collaborative projects. “Leave no one behind” (LNOB) is the central tenet of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international schools like Shrewsbury are working towards achieving exactly that.

Skill-based learning

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientific minds in history, once remarked, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ This wisdom highlights the importance of skill-based education in modern curricula. Practical sessions focusing on performance skills enable students to bridge classroom learning with practical applications. At Shrewsbury, we prioritise a pupil-centred approach, providing a dynamic environment that encourages active problem-solving and cultivates a deeper understanding of real-life challenges.