The need for educational institutions to incorporate global techniques in their routine of teaching and learning so as to remain competitive has once again being reiterated.
Abiola Lamikanra, Head of School, City of Knowledge Academy (CKA), Ogun State, who stated this recently noted that the objective of every school should be to prepare students that are global in orientation and at par with their counterparts around the world.
According to her “To prepare pupils for the 21st century challenges, there is the need to expose them and their teachers to modern teaching and learning practices”.
Lamikanra while speaking to journalists after a facility tour at the school observed that teaching children about global issues is very imperative and raising a child in a 21st century requires a common sense; stressing that one century is not different from another, the only thing that happens now is that we are more global in perspective.
“We are all very connected, whatever happens in any part of the world in one minute, the whole world knows the next minute, so to be able to get our children to participate globally, we have to be very active in the use of technology and this should be the target of all education managers.” She said.
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While commenting on her school preparedness to groom global leaders through the school mould of teaching and learning, the educationist reveals that at CKA, while grooming our students with our ethical pillars which border on culture, character and confidence, we also explore other avenues, such as Physical, Social, Health and Economic education, where we expose them to the essence of personal responsibilities and the need to acquire other life skills.
“We pay a lot of attention to the acquisition of life and organisational skills, time management and interpersonal relationships. There are other programmes they take in conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and fixed mindset versus growth mindset. All these are designed to ensure our students are well equipped to cope with future academic requirement,” she said.
She further disclosed that the school deploys virtual learning platforms, where teachers engage students and parents could also access the happening around the academics of their children.
In her words, “Technology is used as a tool not for decoration, when the children are in class they make effective use of the interactive board, they have their netbook with them and as the teacher is interacting with them, they are exploring the Internet together.”
On the issue of culture, the educationist insists that the school has a mission to produce children who aside from having a clear knowledge about their culture, but those who also have respect for other people’s culture.
“On the aspect of confidence, our children have confidence in themselves, they can go anywhere in the world and participate actively in any programme. We build their self-esteem and that is important in educating a child in today’s world”, she added.
In explaining the ethical pillars of the school, Lamikanra reveals that emphasis is on culture, character and confidence. “We have explored the dimensions of character in today’s world, in terms of accountability, honesty, responsibility and leadership. Having good character is important to us all in maintaining a good position in a society.” She added.
KELECHI EWUZIE
