‘Educators & parents must be mentors, not monitors’

Sister Crispin Maria DM, Principal, Sacred Heart Convent School, Sector 39, Urban Estate, Ludhiana, talks to Principal Correspondent Shivani Bhakoo about her transformative journey over her two-and-a-half-decade career in the field of education. She says her journey has been deeply rewarding and shares her thoughts on the National Education Policy (NEP), and the changes she has observed in the education system, among other things.

n Tell us about your journey?

In the last five years, I have had the opportunity of visiting more than 25 schools in the northern part of the country to inspect and help these get affiliated to the ICSE. The NEP has opened up a horizon of changes in education. It has brought in a paradigm shift in how students learn and how teachers adapt; from the traditional chalk-and-talk classrooms to today’s tech-integrated learning environments. I have witnessed that the evolution has been both challenging and inspiring.

n What changes have you observed in the system?

The education system has seen a significant shift from rote learning to conceptual understanding and skill-based learning. Mental health, life skills and humanitarian values are receiving the deserved attention, alongside academics. Modern students no longer depend solely on conventional teaching methods instead, they prefer interactive, technology-driven learning experiences in the classroom. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful support in this remarkable change, making teaching-learning more interesting and productive. However, in the times of AI, the human connection can never be neglected which is the heart of education.

n What needs to be added to make students more responsible, believe in healthy competitions?

Over the years, our education system has become more inclusive and holistic. There is now a greater emphasis on skill development, critical thinking and emotional well-being. Encouraging teamwork, recognising effort over just results and promoting self-discipline help students value healthy competition. However, what needs further reinforcement is the nurturing of responsibility among students and their ability to engage in healthy competition. This can be achieved through value-based education, mentoring programmes and creating safe spaces for dialogue.

n How should students choose their career?

Career guidance has emerged as a cornerstone of modern learning, the ICSE is actively organising webinars and guidance sessions for students, parents and educators. These initiatives empower young minds to make informed choices. Career choices should no longer be confined to a few conventional paths. Schools must encourage students to explore diverse fields through career counselling, internships and exposure to real-life achievers.

n What do you think about co-education system? How healthy is it?

Co-education builds peer companionship. When students learn together, free from bias, they develop mutual respect, understanding and a shared commitment to growth. Schools remain the cornerstone of moral and ethical learning, guiding students to distinguish right from wrong and staying steadfast in their values. When guided with proper values and boundaries, co-education is important for the social, emotional and intellectual growth of children. It promotes holistic development and better communication skills, while also reducing gender biases.

n Should moral policing be done in schools?

Children need guidance, not moral policing. Creating a culture of trust, open dialogue and values-based education is more effective than fear or surveillance. Educators and parents must be mentors, not monitors.

n What role should parents play in shaping the personality of a child?

Today’s parents are well educated and they actively engage themselves in their child’s development. Their support in counselling and guidance ensures that students learn both at school and at home. Parental involvement is pivotal in shaping a child’s personality. Open communication, trust and healthy discipline at home go a long way in fostering self-esteem, empathy and resilience among children.

n Your take on drug-culture among schoolchildren?

The rising concern of drug abuse among students is alarming and calls for urgent action. Through impactful slogans like ‘Say No To Drugs’ and awareness sessions and counselling we are making our students well aware of the hazards of drugs. We advise parents to arrange for recreational activities—such as painting, swimming, sports — for their children. When young minds are engaged they will stay away from drugs.

Ludhiana