Forming bonds in online programs
Our annual after-school program starts today.
As we excitedly await meeting the students again after the summer break, a lot of people ask me how we managed to form such a close bond with the students in a completely online setting, with just once a week interaction!
⏺️ Students have been sending messages that they are eagerly waiting for the classes to resume.
⏺️ Some of them are going into their 4th year at the STEMonsters Education programs, having attended every class, week on week, for the last 3 years!
If I were to analyze how we achieved this, it comes down to five key elements that we focus on during the classes, which are absolutely non-negotiable.
✨ Connecting beyond the academics. We make sure that our teachers know each child's likes, dislikes and talents.
✨ Allowing the students to lead their learning path. Each session, although in a group, encourages the students to ask questions freely, irrespective of whether it aligns with the topic.
✨ Making the learning relevant to their experiences, be it in their school or at home.
✨ Giving them a space to vent out without worrying about repercussions 😃
✨ Incorporating loads of fun, interactive methods of learning.
❤️ Student learning is not just about gathering knowledge but also of developing self-awareness.
If we can achieve this together, not in isolation, learning outcomes follow naturally.
P.S: This cherished photo from 2 years ago, is with a student who traveled during her summer break just to meet me in person.
The best #mondaymotivation ever!
STEMonsters Education
#stemeducation #scienceeducation #stemforstudents #nep2020 #stemleadership #stemprograms #handsonlearning #scienceeducation #innovativelearning
