The Centre for Community Impact and Engagement for North-East (NE-CCIE) at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIM Shillong) organised an event, ‘School Connect: Engagement through Reflection,’ today.
This initiative aimed to foster a collaborative platform for stakeholders from diverse schools across Shillong to actively participate, reflect upon, and synergize efforts in advancing educational practices.
The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, with approximately 190 students and 37 teachers representing 15 schools in Shillong actively engaging in insightful discussions and collaborative activities. It proved to be an enriching experience for educators and students alike, as faculty members of IIM Shillong had the privilege to interact with the bright young minds of Shillong, a press release said.
The student sessions were designed to nurture personal development and explore career pathways. Initially met with a degree of shyness, the students soon warmed up, expressing their innovative ideas on career choices and profound insights into personal growth. Some of the students were keen to know how to get into IIMs.
During the teachers’ session, educators were encouraged to share their joys, concerns, and sources of motivation while reflecting on their perceptions of IIM Shillong. The discussions unearthed both the triumphs and challenges within the educational landscape. Educators expressed satisfaction in witnessing student progress and enthusiasm for learning while lamenting issues such as administrative appreciation, government regulations, and curriculum adequacy.
Furthermore, the event featured a stimulating brainstorming session addressing contemporary issues such as the impact of mobile addiction on learning, societal biases towards certain subjects, and the emergence of AI teachers.
Teachers underscored the indispensable role of human educators and identified the need for interdisciplinary approaches to education. Highlighting the collaborative spirit, teachers acknowledged the support of select NGOs in addressing student mental health concerns, emphasizing the importance of holistic student well-being.
Reflecting on the event, the team from NE-CCIE expressed gratitude towards all participants for their unwavering commitment towards educational excellence. They reiterated NE-CCIE’s dedication to fostering meaningful engagements that propel positive change in the educational landscape of the North-East region.