Education moves beyond classrooms

Madhura Visweswaran, Co-Founder of the Redwood Montessori School Llp, and the Redwood Foundation shares insights into the changing educational landscape

- Madhura Visweswaran

Of late, due to the situation we find ourselves in, online education has come to the forefront and is, in some instances, also replacing the classroom experience. I recently read a report about high school students pursuing online Advanced Placement (AP) programmes or classes, which universities abroad require, even while they are in school to get admission into the school of their choice. These online classes provide an opportunity for children to school themselves – learn, assimilate knowledge and work, even in the physical absence of a teacher. The basic component for this kind of selfschooling comes from intrinsic motivation based on a structure offered through coursework. But what’s even more significant and encouraging for a child is the parent and teacher’s faith in him/her.

Trust in our children, in their choices, and the right learning environment are the key to their happiness and success. This has to be preceded with information regarding the opportunities available to them, the long-term effects of choices and an analysis of the pros and cons. For all parents, the need to make choices for children and sometimes a lack of of trust in their instincts can be their biggest roadblocks. However, if our children had the aforementioned freedom, it must be accompanied by guidance and structure from parents.