Usha Mani, founder of ParenTeen Bond, is a changemaker and educational thought leader with over 40 years in education. An award-winning teacher, TEDx speaker, and inspirational author, she received the National Award from the President of India in 2015. Usha founded ParenTeen Bond to enhance communication between teenagers, parents, and teachers. As a mother, grandmother, and dedicated professional, she began coaching and speaking at 68. Her book, It’s Now or Never, offers practical advice for parents, and she has led workshops for diverse audiences. Usha is on a mission to impact 1,000 teenagers in 2024, driven by a passion for community and education.
How do you define education in this 21st century?
In the 21st century, education has evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. It equips students with essential skills, adapting to economic, technological, and social shifts. Emphasizing the 4C skills—Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Creative Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication—modern education moves beyond rigid curriculums and standardized assessments. The National Education Policy 2020 promotes project-based and experiential learning, focusing on student- centered approaches and innovative teaching methods. This transformative era redefines curriculum as a roadmap for self-discovery and creativity, while assessments aim to identify and harness individual strengths, paving the way for a revolutionary shift in educational quality and effectiveness.
Defining 21st Century Education
– Preparation for a Rapidly Changing World:
Equips students with skills to succeed in a dynamic environment.
Adapts to economic, technological, and social changes.
Prepares students for future jobs that may not yet exist.
– Focus on 4C Skills:
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Creative Thinking
Collaboration and Communication
– Paradigm Shift in Education:
Moving away from rigid curriculum structures.
Moving beyond standardized assessments that do not capture true learning.
Emphasizing a qualitative transformation in education.
– National Education Policy 2020 Highlights:
Focus on Project-Based and Experiential Learning.
Student-centered approaches and innovative teaching methods.
Curriculum designed as a roadmap for self-discovery, critical thinking, and creativity.
– Evolving Assessment Methods:
Moving beyond grading to identify strengths.
Harnessing and maximizing students’ potential.
Providing constructive feedback at every stage of growth.
– Call for Educational Revolution:
Embracing a revolution in quality and transformation in education.
Witnessing a paradigm shift towards more holistic and effective educational practices.
