The contributors to this thread (Patsy, Arup, and Rico) have raised excellent issues on the topic of education - 1. access to quality in education (with an IGCSE Board school now running in Goa) 2. technology as an enabler in education 3. affordability of fees and exclusion of a segment of population who may not be able to afford steep fees
As responsible parents, all we want is that our children get the best education and are not left behind by technological innovations. All the above, equal in importance, should be considered together and not as separate components, to ensure that our education system is effective. Having an International Board available, but at ridiculously high fees makes it available only to the ones with those spending levels, a sort of richie-rich club. Crony capitalism seems to be finding its way into our education system turning it into a business-model. Progress is not measured by excluding those who can't access their right to education but by making education available to everyone, regardless of their financial background. Allow me to add to the discussion. An important link in the learning process must not be left out. That of the role of the teacher. How out-dated is the prescribed curriculum for teacher training? When were the teacher training modules last revised and updated? Are there any training modules to update teachers on technology in the classroom? Do we send out teachers on exposure visits to other countries that have developed better, robust methods of teaching? How can we make the learning process fun for our children? These are questions we should ask ourselves. Because the most important link in the teaching-learning process is the teacher! Merely having schools with infrastructure in place, a budget to spend, and children in the school will not impact learning outcomes. We know that every State has an education budget, and within this lies a digital component that is set aside for technology in the classroom. Where does the responsibility lie to ensure that the last mile is covered - that of capacity building of the teaching community? There may be a computer lab in every school, but what if teachers are not equipped to impart best practices to children, including ethics while using the internet, cyber security, and plagiarism in their project work? ASER* data shows that 47% children could not read a Class 2 text in 2010; this increased to 52% in 2016. Why are learning outcomes so abysmal? The landmark, and in many ways revolutionary, RTE Act should have facilitated a leap in learning outcomes. That it hasn't, is in itself a strong statement on the ways in which we impart an education to our children. This space is insufficient to go into more details on the subject. The need of the hour is not a focus on international Boards, but the quality of teacher training and an improvement in learning outcomes. In conclusion, Goa leads in literacy levels in the country and the education infrastructure in almost all of Goa is far far ahead of the country. Saligao has a long tradition of being a strong community of educators, technology innovators, and socially aware citizens. Good on you for raising this issue in this forum! *ASER - Annual Status of Education Report Post-script: I thought I saw somebody commenting on whether one of the voices speaking on this topic was an original Saligao-kar. Proactively, allow me to say that I have no idea what the definition of an "original" Saligao-kar is and would not like to respond to that comment . But this much I can say - that my late father was a teacher in Mater Dei in the 1930s, my late mother was a volunteer-teacher to marginalized children on the fringes of society, many of whom have turned into formidable citizens of Saligao today. I have a bachelors degree in Education and hold a licence from the RCI as a Special Educator, occasionally volunteering to work with children with mental & learning disabilities in my free time. I welcome international standards in education, but if it threatens to widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots, then it is going to be counter-productive and not the way forward towards an equitable society. Best wishes Rowena On Sat, Aug 19, 2017 at 4:52 AM, 'Patricia Nazareth' via Saligao-Net < [email protected]> wrote: > Copying Goanet and G-femnet on this important discussion, to get the > opinions of other interested folks, on the topic. > > I am not at all surprised by the steep fees. I sort of expected that! It > is being run along the lines of a private school, (and you have those > everywhere!) and people who have that kind of money go for it! > > I completely agree! Education should be inclusive and definitely not shut > out some sections of society because it is unaffordable! However, I > believe that the same (or comparable) quality of education can be achieved > without all the frills and fanfare. I'll tell you briefly what the setup > is in this part of the world, and I don't see why the same cannot be > achieved in Goa, without incurring huge costs and charging outrageous fees. > What is needed is a computer lab with about 15-20 computers...or start out > with less and add more as possible (perhaps hopefully donated/sposored by > some of the 'Richie Riches' of which Goa does have many!!! Businessmen, > philanthropists... Let's see them put their money where their mouth is, and > help to improve the education of Goa's kids - giving them access to 21st > century teaching-learning methods and opportunities. I hope at least some > of them (or at least, someone who knows some of them!!) are reading this. > This computer lab I speak about is usually set up ideally, (but not > necessarily,) in or adjoining the school library. Also, every class has a > computer (sometimes 2) so that the teacher and kids can easily access info > in class as well. There is a sign up book in the computer lab where > teachers can sign up to have their kids use the computers at some point > during the day. > > No fancy infrastructure... just computers and an internet connection! > > Taking this one step further, the older kids are allowed to bring in their > own PEDs, laptops, ipads, if they have them, to use them as a learning > tool, monitored by the teacher, of course, (and registered with the school > board.) Over the last few years, all schools have carts (again, to be > signed out) with ipads, chrome books, etc. But this does not have to > happen all at once. Go step by step...start with a few computers. > > Does this sound too far fetched or idealistic for Goa schools at this time? > > It would be nice to hear what others have to say. > > Ever hopeful!😊 > Patsy > > Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android > <https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/mobile/?.src=Android> > > On Fri, Aug 18, 2017 at 5:49 PM, Frederick Noronha > <[email protected]> wrote: > On 18 August 2017 at 16:38, Arup Bhanja <[email protected]> wrote: > > Fees are mentioned in this link: https://www. > paradiseschoolgoa.com/at-how- much-we-do/ > <https://www.paradiseschoolgoa.com/at-how-much-we-do/> - looks a bit > steep to me :-) > > Regards, > Arup > > > Bit steep would certainly be an understatement. I have rather mixed > feelings about institutions that set up base here and offer products or > services at prices only Big City folks could afford. Is this another form > of colonisation then? Large sections are being pushed out in the name of > 'development'. > > Definitely not a model for improving education in Goa, which admittedly > has many problems of its own. The lack (or mis-allocation) of resources > being an important one. FN > > https://www.paradiseschoolgoa. com/at-how-much-we-do/ > <https://www.paradiseschoolgoa.com/at-how-much-we-do/> > > Special Introductory Rate - for our first year only 6-8 YEAR OLDS > = ₹150,000 PER YEAR8-1O YEAR OLDS = ₹200,000 PER YEAR10-14 YEAR OLDS > = ₹250,000 PER YEAR 14-15 YEAR OLDS = ₹300,000 PER YEAR (IGCSE PROGRAMME)15-16 > YEAR OLDS = ₹350,000 PER YEAR (IGCSE PROGRAMME) > > *This fee purely covers our teachers, building and infrastructure. It does > not include books, food or transport.* > ADDITIONAL COSTS > > One off refundable deposit = ₹ 30,000 : Registration and Admin Fees > = ₹20,000 > > *Food*: a smoothie at break and a good quality lunch with dessert is > provided everyday for ₹200 a day. > > Students can bring in packed lunches also. > > Books are charged separately as and when needed at cost price; however, > most of our work is done online. > > Students bring their own stationery according to their preference and > style. > > Parents have organised a private car-pooling vehicle to bring children to > school at a reasonable cost. > > > *PAYMENT PLAN* > > Payment takes part in 2 blocks - *50% on joining and 50% in December.* > > Parents will siblings can pay in quarterly installments. > > *Students starting now will be kept on this rate for this year and next > (unless they go into the next age bracket) to say thanks for sailing with > us on our maiden voyage :) * > > *From 2017-18 the new Academic Year, our prices will be going up for new > Admissions. * > > > > On Friday, 18 August 2017 16:26:47 UTC+5:30, Arup Bhanja wrote: > > No idea on costs. Their website does not mention the fees. Maybe you can > call them up and get some more info ? https://www.paradiseschoolgoa. com/ > <https://www.paradiseschoolgoa.com/> > > > > Thnx > > > > On Friday, 18 August 2017 11:47:32 UTC+5:30, Frederick [FN] Noronha * > फ्रेडरिक नोरोंया wrote: > > > What is the cost of running a school of this kind? What are the fees > charged at the Aldona.school? > > > > > > > > > FN > > > > > > > > > On Aug 18, 2017 11:42 AM, "Arup Bhanja" <[email protected]> wrote: > > > Patsy, > > > > > > > > > > > > Agree that technology is an enabler if used properly. Just have a look > at Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/ - I am sure many are aware. > It's a great way to learn things that otherwise might seem daunting to > students. In fact, Sal Khan started it to help his cousin do Math better. > > > > > > > > > > > > Thnx > > > > > > Arup > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Thursday, 17 August 2017 20:14:17 UTC+5:30, Patricia Nazareth > wrote: > > > > > > > Although I did my teacher's training and taught in Goa for several > years, I now teach in Canada, where technology is such a huge part of the > teaching-learning process. Living in the techno age, it is inevitable! > Besides, there is so much more you can do with technology/learning of a > much higher quality takes place, as compared to the old blackboard (and > even the newer white board!) methods. The interesting thing is that the > teacher does not need to know everything there is to know about using > technology because the students, being so adept at it, are eager beavers > when it comes to teaching others (teacher included!!) how to use stuff. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patsy > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 10:33 AM, 'Patricia Nazareth' via Saligao-Net > > > > > > > > > > <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Arup, you are right! I have absolutely no doubt about the quality of > our educators in Goa. All that is needed now is to get them on board with > this plan, by doing the needful. There is nothing more important than > making learning fun and relevant to students...especially in this day and > age - and that is what Paradise in Aldona is seeking to do. I am so very > happy and excited with this new school! And I can't wait to see the > concept spread to other parts of Goa - Saligao, in particular, of course!😊 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patsy/Patricia > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 10:17 AM, Arup Bhanja > > > > > > > > > > <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > > > Patricia, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Happy to post such info that may help educators get some more ideas. > My sense is that we already have capable educators and we do not > necessarily need imported methodology to make learning better and more > productive. Dr. Sugata Mitra's work [SOLE] is a case in point. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > Arup > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Thursday, 17 August 2017 19:27:26 UTC+5:30, Patricia Nazareth > wrote: > > > > > > > > I've just read the article about the new school and concept in > Aldona, from the link that Arup posted. Thanks for sharing this info, > Arup. This is FANTASTIC!! I can't wait to see the school myself! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patricia > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 9:24 AM, Arup Bhanja > > > > > > > > <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > > > > Found this out today. Thanks for posting this - a bit of history > floats before me now. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > > Arup > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Wednesday, 2 August 2017 12:23:02 UTC+5:30, Frederick [FN] > Noronha * फ्रेडरिक नोरोंया wrote: > > > > > > > > > Thank you so much, Con (and earlier, Mel) for keeping this alive > and in our (fading) memory. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Published on 12 Mar 2014 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The Saligão Anthem. O Brilhante e a Estrela. (O Bright and > Shining Star.) Composed by Joaquim António Mascarenhas, in celebration of > the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of Mae de Deus in > Saligao on November 26, 1923. Photobgraphs by Mel D'Souza, Bel Remedios, > Edwin D'Souza, Elaine D'Souza. Music: Arranged by Rex Clamp, and played by > members of the Salvation Army Band, Rexdale Citadel, Rexdale, Ontario, > Canada. Video by Mel D'Souza, 21 Brentwood Dr., Brampton, ON L6T IP8. > Canada [email protected] Tel (905) 793-6123 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > > > > > > > > From: Con Menezes <[email protected]> > > > > > > > > > Date: 2 August 2017 at 08:10 > > > > > > > > > Subject: Saligao Anthem. > > > > > > > > > To: [email protected] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 1942 when I attended Costa’s School > > > > > > > > > aka Mae de Deus School on the eve or perhaps on evening of the > feast day,the > > > > > > > > > pupils > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > paraded in the evening with ‘lampiao’ on the stick. singing > saligao > > > > > > > > > anthem through parts of the village, in Portuguese . Real > festive occasion > > > > > > > > > . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I was only ten then. I can still visualize that evening. > Wonderful > > > > > > > > > memories. > > > > > > > > > https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=xWPzPPZVGNQ > <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWPzPPZVGNQ> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Virus-free. www.avast.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/ > > > > > > > > > _/ > > > > > > > > > _/ फ्रेड्रिक नोरोन्या * فريدريك نورونيا > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _/ Frederick Noronha +91-9822122436 > > > > > > > > > _/ (Please SMS if you can't get through) > > > > > > > > > _/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > Saligao-Net is at http://groups.google.com/group /saligao-net > <http://groups.google.com/group/saligao-net> > > > > > > > > To post to this group, send email to [email protected] > > > > > > > > To unsubscribe email [email protected] m > <[email protected]> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- > > > > > > > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google > Groups "Saligao-Net" group. > > > > > > > > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, > send an email to saligao-net+unsub...@googlegro ups.com > <saligao-net%[email protected]>. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/op tout > <https://groups.google.com/d/optout>. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Saligao-Net is at http://groups.google.com/group /saligao-net > 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