Educator's Perspective on School Selection
In the dynamic world of education, the choices we make for our children's schooling shape their journey toward a brighter future. Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a school's ethos and vision? That’s where we as Smart Family sat down with sc
Sandeep Sharma, Principal and Director of Adhyayan School, is a technology and education expert with over seven years of experience in Nepal. He has previously worked in the US communication and aerospace industry and introduced Reggio Emilia to early childhood education. Sharma is a member of the ICT Development Committee in FNCCI, CNI Education Council, and NYEF Ktm Chapter. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. in Systems Engineering & Project Management.
1. How would you describe the current state of education in Nepal, and what are the system's key strengths and weaknesses?
Nepal's current education situation depicts a dynamic environment marked by both progress and challenges. While the curriculum has evolved significantly, surpassing past versions, the sector faces issues stemming from national goals, notably the need for greater funding allocation and implementation. Furthermore, the private sector has made great headway, providing parents with a wide range of excellent alternatives. However, a serious concern remains about undue affiliation within government school administrations. This has resulted in inefficiencies and differences in quality amongst educational institutions. Addressing these concerns is critical to ensuring that all Nepalese children have equitable access to high-quality education.
2. What criteria do you suggest parents consider when evaluating schools for their children, beyond academic performance and reputation?
Every school has its own set of characteristics, and each parent has unique needs. When assessing schools, it is critical to evaluate variables such as closeness to home, fee structures, educational philosophy, and the school's capacity to adapt to technological improvements and changes in the educational environment. Parents should emphasize choosing a school where their kid will be able to stay for an extended period, ideally 10–12 years, as frequent moves can interrupt holistic development and impair long-term growth. In addition, parents should evaluate the extracurricular activities and support services provided by the school to provide a well-rounded education. To make a smart selection, consider visiting the school in person, speaking with existing students and parents, and seeing the entire atmosphere.
3. What strategies do you recommend for promoting teacher professional development and ensuring educators have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality instruction?
First and foremost, a teacher needs to take on the roles of co-learner and researcher. This comprises an ongoing pursuit of knowledge, investigation, and personal development. Schools could help this process by implementing continual internal training programs and encouraging teachers to participate in external seminars and training sessions. At Adhyayan, we are committed to building a culture of continual learning in which everyone, including instructors, not only expands their knowledge but also shares their thoughts and experiences with their peers.
4. What measures can be taken to promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills within the curriculum and teaching methods employed in Nepalese schools?
Although the most recent curriculum places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, the main challenge is putting it into practice. Instilling these values into the school's culture is mostly the responsibility of the school leadership. And place a high value on developing students' critical thinking, creative, and problem-solving skills via the use of the Design Thinking approach, which is an effective method for tackling problems and promoting innovation.
5. Finally, what is the most rewarding aspect of being a principal for you, and what legacy do you hope to leave through your leadership in education?
Seeing the growth and accomplishments of our educators and students is one of the most rewarding parts of my job as principal. I think that the foundation of a country's progress is its education, and it can alter. This conviction acts as a constant source of inspiration for us as we strive to provide education that meets international standards. Our goal is to develop and enable the upcoming generation of leaders who will favorably impact Nepal's standing globally.
Message to the readers
In today's world, schools need to emphasize making learning fun and providing chances for students to practice addressing problems in the actual world. An innovative school places a strong emphasis on individualized instruction and gives students the tools they need to succeed in rapidly changing technology environments. At Adhyayan, we're working hard to put these plans into action to fulfill this goal and get our students ready for future success.
