‘Quality education is investment, not expense’

PARDEEP Singh, Shamrock Christian Senior Secondary School, Hambran Road, has an experience of about 20 years. She feels that education is not just about books, exams and grades but also about shaping lives, building character and preparing students to become confident and responsible citizens. She shares her experiences on many issues with the Principal Correspondent Shivani Bhakoo.

n How to motivate students so that they do not view academics as a burden?

I strive to create an environment where learning is meaningful, joyful and inspiring. These years of experience has taught me that education is not just about teaching subjects, but nurturing minds and building strong values. The students should be provided a stress-free environment to excel.

n Can consistency make wonders happen?

I understand that in the present time, competition among students is intense, while at the same time, it is heartening to see that a number of students excel. It can become overwhelming for those who progress at a different pace. For some students, it is stressful, but, if a student is regular and avoids unrealistic expectation, things can be good. Regularity and consistency matter.

n How to help students manage stress?

I feel stress can be avoided, if competition in academics can be healthy. It should inspire growth, not fear. Students should be encouraged to learn, not just score. We should remind our students that education is not a race, but a journey.

n How important is the role of parents?

According to me, parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s future. As primary caregivers, they provide love, support and guidance, which helps in laying the foundation for a child physically, emotionally and in all round development. Parents play a very important role by instilling values and ethics that shape a child’s character and influence their decision-making. Parents should also encourage them to pursue their passion.

n Education has become expensive, do you agree?

Yes, in the present time, education has become expensive, but parents expect the best for their children. This increase in the expense is due to the rising operational costs, modern infrastructure, technology, teacher-training and the changing educational demands. Parents’ concern about fees, uniform and books are valid to some extent but, as a principal, I believe, schools act fair in demanding the fee. Parents must understand that quality education is an investment, not an expense.

n How can we shape the future of students in a better way?

To shape the future of the students, in a better way, we must go beyond textbooks. Values like empathy and resilience must be added into the curriculum. We should also focus on career guidance and personality development from an early age. In the end, I would like to say, let us build a system that prepares not just toppers, but good human beings.