Chandra Shekhar Bhatt, Senior Solution Architect, Ericsson, is highly appreciative of Apeejay for turning pandemic-induced difficulties into an opportunity to adopt a new way of learning. Calling online classes a “learning experience” for teachers, students and parents, Bhatt, father of Vivaan and Vihaan, students of class 3 and kindergarten in Apeejay Svran Global School, recounts how the teachers and the management have been supportive throughout the educational journey. Edited excerpts:
What made you opt for Apeejay Svran Global School?
One of the reasons was the school’s proximity to our house. More importantly, Apeejay is a renowned name in Delhi. We thought it would be a good school for our children and decided to apply there. Now that our children are studying in this school, we can surely say that our decision to enroll them was absolutely right. We are seeing first-hand how well the teachers are managing the classes.
Managing and teaching young children in virtual classes can be challenging. What do you have to say about the online classes at Apeejay?
It has been a learning experience for teachers, students, and their parents. Unlike physical classes, now we are able to witness how teachers conduct the classes, how and what children are learning, and so on, which is a very different experience. I appreciate the school teachers for adapting to the online mode of teaching so well. I personally congratulated my children’s class teachers for all their efforts. Even the children have improved over time and are now comfortable and well-versed with online classes.
I would also take this opportunity to appreciate the Apeejay management for supporting parents and kids throughout the pandemic—keeping the fee structure flexible, allowing parents to pay monthly instead of quarterly fees, and other such measures. I would like to thank the management, the teachers as well as parents like my wife Yogita, who made the effort of attending classes with their kids.
Do the teachers keep parents updated at all times and offer support?
All the time, even beyond the regular school hours. I have seen teachers messaging or calling in the evening to communicate with parents. The teachers have always been available to support and guide us and give us necessary feedback.
Apeejay is known to focus on a practical-based curriculum. Are your sons engaging in learning activities?
The teachers try to organise as many activities as possible within the limited scope of an online class. The students are learning quite well. They are also encouraged to try out DIY activities after class based on concepts like gravitational force, etc. We are eagerly waiting for the school to reopen so that children are able to engage in more of such learning exercises.
What improvements have you seen in your sons throughout their journey at Apeejay?
In terms of their communication skills, both my sons have improved a lot. In the case of my younger son, for instance, the fact that the teacher interacts individually with all the children in the class and encourages them to speak is what has worked in their favour. Not just communication, it has also boosted their confidence. They have also inculcated good etiquette.
When my elder son was in nursery or KG, I remember his teacher telling me how he would cry in class. But now, he is a confident boy, who does not hesitate while speaking to teachers or elders.
Disha Roy Choudhury is a Principal Correspondent at Apeejay Newsroom. She has worked as a journalist at different media organisations. She is also passionate about music and has participated in reality shows.