An experienced educationist, Alka Kapur is the Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh New Delhi and President of Sahodaya Schools, North West Delhi, presently. The story of her success began in 1998 when she joined MPS as a primary teacher and was promoted within a span of 2 years. She has been leading Modern Public School for the last 33 years. Under her guidance as head of the school, MPS made commendable progress and achieved various preset goals. with more than 20 years of unparalleled experience in education, Alka has shouldered her responsibilities in teaching as well as administration efficiently and successfully.
In an in-depth conversation with Women Entrepreneur India, Alka speaks about India’s education system, the role technology plays in learning, addressing the country’s learning crisis and much more.
Your journey in the field of education began back in 1988. In your opinion what are some of the most striking changes or evolutions that Indian school education has undergone in the past two decades or so?
Over the past two decades, Indian school education system has witnessed a paradigm shift. There has been a growing emphasis on improving the quality of education in India. Efforts have been made to enhance the curriculum, teaching methodologies, and assessment practices to ensure better learning outcomes. The focus has shifted from purely academic achievements to holistic development. Schools are now placing importance on extracurricular activities, sports, arts, and personality development to foster well-rounded individuals. Also, with the advent of technology, there has been a significant shift towards digital learning in Indian schools. Many educational institutions have adopted digital tools, online learning platforms, and multimedia resources to supplement traditional classroom teaching. Overall, there has been steady shift from rote learning to experimental and practical learning. Further, with the introduction of NEP 2020, the curriculum has been made more inclusive for the students as the learning process is now focused on adopting a more practical approach.
With the rise in popularity of digital mediums and the Internet, education as a whole has undergone a sea of change. Do you see the Internet as a boon or bane for the Indian schooling system and why?
The internet can be considered both a boon and a bane for the Indian schooling system, depending on how it is utilized and managed. The internet provides easy access to a vast amount of information and resources, enabling students and teachers to explore a wide range of educational content. It allows for self-paced learning, independent research, and access to up-to-date information, expanding the learning opportunities beyond the confines of textbooks. Teachers can utilize the internet to access and share educational resources, lesson plans, and teaching strategies. Online communities and social media platforms enable collaboration among educators, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices. However, the approach is easier for future but students never realise the disadvantages and repercussions of technology and they do not realise when the limit exceeds which results in disruption of an individual or society. Also, one of the major challenges in India is the digital divide, with unequal access to the internet and digital devices among students. Disparities in internet connectivity and technology infrastructure can exacerbate educational inequities, hindering the learning opportunities for students in marginalized communities.
Reports suggest that India, much like several other developing nations is facing a learning crisis. Although the number of students enrolling in schools is increasing, yet a large chunk of children lack even the basic reading & writing skills. What is your take on this?
The lack of basic reading and writing skills among students is influenced by multiple factors. One significant factor is the condition of schools, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, where there are infrastructure challenges. These challenges include insufficient resources, the absence of libraries, limited access to books and learning materials, and inadequate learning environments. Such conditions can hinder the development of reading and writing skills.
Socio-economic factors also play a crucial role, such as poverty, lack of parental education, and limited educational support at home can significantly impact a child's ability to learn. These factors contribute to the overall educational outcomes of students.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the Indian education system. To prevent the spread of the virus, schools were closed for an extended period, resulting in a significant disruption in learning. Students faced challenges in accessing quality education and missed out on valuable classroom interactions.
During the pandemic restrictions, educational institutions and teachers had to adapt to online learning platforms and digital tools to provide remote education. However, the transition to online learning was not smooth for everyone. Varying levels of internet connectivity, the lack of digital devices, and limited digital literacy among students and teachers posed obstacles to effective online education.
In your opinion what steps can be taken to overcome the ‘learning crisis’?
To effectively address the education gap in India, there should be adequate training and professional development opportunities for teachers to improve their instructional techniques and ensure effective delivery of foundational skills. Also, there is a need for continuously updating and revising the curriculum to include evidence-based teaching methods, focusing on phonics, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies. Another way to effectively address the learning crisis can be by involving parents, community members, and local organizations to create a supportive learning environment. Encouraging parents to actively participate in their children's education and promoting reading habits at home can play a key role in addressing the learning crisis in the country.
Can you tell us about some innovative programs or interventions that you have implemented at Modern Public School, New Delhi. Also tell us about the impact created by said interventions?
At MPS, we have incorporated the International Baccalaureate (IB) Board’s Primary Years Program in our curriculum, which promotes a holistic approach to education, focusing on the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of students. It aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are curious, knowledgeable, and caring. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to become active participants in their own learning. Through inquiry, students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of concepts across various subject areas. Also, we have already blended AR / VR with the student’s learning approach. Our staff and students are able to amalgamate technology with the understanding of various subjects for easier and practical learning. Recently, we have organized virtual field trips to the Washington House for the students with the use of AR / VR. Students are also guided to create ChatBots by visualizing problems in the society and help to solve it. We are also focusing on the amalgamation of Gaming with studies. Through sandbox game, Minecraft, our students are encouraged to create their own hypothetical world which is greener and shows sustainable living and a happy society.
In your opinion, what are the most gratifying aspects of being in the field of education?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being in the field of education is the privilege of witnessing the daily growth of young minds and being an integral part of their diverse academic journeys. As educators, we strive to foster and embrace our students' creativity and vision, and we take great pride in assisting them in achieving their goals by guiding them along the path to success. When our students accomplish their objectives, it becomes an incredibly rewarding experience for us.
Notably, our students have not only excelled in their academic pursuits but have also made remarkable achievements in the realm of sports. Arjun, one of our outstanding students, recently attained two silver medals in an international sporting event, showcasing his talent and dedication. Additionally, we are elated to celebrate the success of Kashish Lakra, who secured a gold medal in the Youth Asian Paralympics Games. Witnessing our students win accolades for our nation fills us with immense pride and satisfaction.
Moreover, it is truly overwhelming to have the opportunity to guide our students in the field of innovation. Being alongside them as they make significant contributions and create groundbreaking technologies is an extraordinary experience. We cherish the privilege of nurturing their innovative spirit and witnessing the commendable impact they make on the world through their inventions.
Overall, the joy and satisfaction we derive from being educators stem from the growth, achievements, and impact our students make in various domains. We embrace their unique talents, guide them towards success, and take immense pride in their accomplishments, whether in academics, sports, or innovation.
What message would like to give out to aspiring leaders in the field of education?
Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous challenges that, rather than breaking me, have served as catalysts for personal growth and professional development. Each obstacle I faced became an opportunity to become stronger and wiser, enabling me to navigate the complexities of my chosen path with resilience and adaptability. In essence, I have come to embrace the profound truth that the allure of roses is not without its thorns, and it is our duty to approach those thorns with wisdom and strength, mindful of protecting ourselves and others from harm.
As educators, it is our duty to make a profound impact on the lives of young individuals by going beyond the classroom, collaborating with our peers, and actively participating in school activities. By doing so, we not only enhance our own careers but also make a significant contribution to the field of education, leaving an indelible mark on the future generation.
As an aspiring leader, you have chosen a noble path that has the power to shape the future of individuals and society as a whole.
Education is the cornerstone of progress and development, and it is through your leadership that transformative change can occur. You have the opportunity to inspire and empower students and the entire educational community. Your role goes beyond administrative responsibilities. It extends to creating a vision, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture of lifelong learning.
Remember, leadership in education is a privilege and a responsibility. Your actions and decisions can shape the lives and futures of countless individuals. Stay true to your values, lead with integrity, and always keep the best interests of your students at the forefront.
