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In The Demon-haunted World, famed astronomer Carl Sagan observes that kindergartners and first-graders are eager and enthused about learning. “Provocative and insightful questions bubble out of them,” he notes. But much to his dismay, 12th graders don’t display the same curiosity or…
First published in The Hindu, 6th October 2024 Most readers will vouch that they read a book for the sheer joy of reading. But what about rereading a book? What propels some people to revisit pages to journey again with…
While climate change is in the news and children are being introduced to climate science in schools, another aspect of climate is very relevant to students. Just as our planet’s climate affects our everyday lives, the classroom climate also impacts
Ayub, known for his strong work ethic and affable demeanor, was always welcome on most teams at work. Easy to get on and work with, Ayub didn’t get on people’s wrong side. Until Keya entered the organization. She too found…
To be calm, composed, and centered is not a learning goal that is spelled out in most curricula. While a minority of schools in the country have socioemotional learning (SEL) programs and explicitly teach these skills, the emotional lives of…
Ashish, a young techie from Hyderabad, was thrilled to get a job offer from a start-up in Austin, Texas. This was the break he had long been dreaming of. He planned to work at the new job for four years…
First published in The Hindu, 8th September 2024 You’re a student at a prestigious liberal arts college, majoring in Economics. The course work excites you and you strive to be a diligent student. Soon after class, you head to your…
First published in The Hindu, 1 September 2024 That a number of excellent liberal arts colleges have mushroomed in different parts of the country signifies that the need for a rounded education is finally being recognized and met within India….
Like many people, I’ve grown used to the comfort of online shopping post-COVID. And, two recent experiences have made me more averse to going to a physical store. Both times, I landed up at the shops at 11 am, the…
First published in The Hindu, 4 Aug 2024 When ChatGPT debuted in November 2022, it created a brouhaha. How were educators to make out if a student wrote a term paper or whether ChaptGPT spewed it out? Banning its use…
Aruna Sankaranarayanan is the author of Zero Limits: Things Every 20 Something Should Know. She was the Founder & Director of PRAYATNA, a centre for children with learning difficulties in Bengaluru & Chennai for 22 years.