Schools of the future: Ms. Runa Chatterjee

Ms. Runa Chatterjee, Headmistress of The Heritage School, Kolkata believes that the future of education needs to be intrinsically linked to the future of our planet. With this thought, she shares with us her view of what she sees as the best way forward for teachers, schools and education.

Human connections and interactions are the most important components of education. After the pandemic, it has become abundantly clear that the role of the teacher in the school community is irreplaceable. Teachers help in building the future minds of the nation.

Successful schools build successful communities. Tomorrow’s school will be designed to enhance constructive and student-centered learning, conserve resources, be environmentally responsive and engage the surrounding community positively. The school of the future will incorporate many sustainability features such as energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems, environmentally friendly building materials, water and energy conservation mechanisms, and the use of sunlight and natural ventilation throughout the school building.

The classrooms of the future will open doors for more flexible teaching and effective education. All trends in education speak of a better adaptation to the needs of students, as well as better learning and more opportunities for the young generation. Knowledge will be actively constructed by the learner on a base of prior knowledge, attitude and values. The education of the new generation will be marked by multiple learning styles, flexible learning opportunities, and adaptive learning technology. The classrooms of the future will need teachers of the future who will be ready to adapt to the new flexible learning methods.

The education system will move its focus to the specific strengths, interests, and goals of each individual student. Schools will encourage their students to follow individual educational paths by building relations with other educational institutions, providing flexible schedules and specific learning environment for their students.

The focus of the Schools of the Future will be based on the following:

• Personalized Learning
• Multidisciplinary approach
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Flexible Assignments.
• Cloud Computing.
• Encouraging innovations and their adaptation to specific circumstances,
• Equity and excellence
• Teaching of basic skills combined with creative problem-solving
• Respect for individual values as well as diversity,
• Preparation for democracy as well as a world economy.
• Research based learning in the classroom, development of critical thinking documentation and dissemination of evidence-based research.
• Assessment of students learning through portfolios and creative performance tasks