A Collaborative Learning Environment

Digital Evaluation is Not Education Reform. It’s Only a Format Change Digitising exams doesn’t transform education. Explore why digital evaluation is only a format change and what true reform in assessment must address.

A recent survey by The Jed Foundation revealed that 61% of students report low motivation. But this isn’t just laziness. Often, it’s a slow erosion of connection. Students feel their voice doesn’t matter, their pace doesn’t count, and their strengths go unnoticed. One such moment happened in a class with Aarav, a class 6 student. It was a Monday morning. The teacher introduced a new chapter. She began sharing definitions, formulas, and facts to memorize for the upcoming test. A few students diligently wrote them down ✍️. Others quietly stared at their desks. Among them was Aarav - once a student who loved exploring the “why” behind everything 🤔. But today, his notebook was empty. Not because he couldn’t keep up, but because he no longer saw the point. In traditional classrooms, learning often flows in one direction: the teacher talks, a few students respond, and the rest fade into the background. Over time, even the curious ones disengage. Now, imagine a shift. Instead of passively copying notes, Aarav and two classmates are tasked with co-creating the lesson. One finds real-life examples. Another designs visuals. Aarav writes and narrates the script. They work together, laugh, argue, and refine their work. In this collaborative space, students build critical thinking by deciding what information is relevant and how to present it. Creativity emerges, communication skills strengthen, problem-solving abilities grow, and their confidence rises as they figure out how to simplify complex ideas. Beyond individual skills, something deeper forms: a community. That’s what Newsepick enables. When students feel heard, they start speaking up. When they speak up, they start showing up. And when they start showing up, motivation returns. Because sometimes, the way to relight a fire is by letting everyone add their own spark.✨ Curious to know more? Let’s talk 📧 [email protected] 🌐 newsepick.com 📞 +91 9903999574

In every school, there’s a quiet moment after the exhibition day ends. The posters come down. The models are packed away. And the stories behind those projects, the hours of curiosity, creativity, and courage slowly fade. What if they didn’t? Imagine if every child’s journey could be seen, not just scored. Where every project, poem, or prototype became part of a digital portfolio. A living timeline of growth and imagination. Because learning isn’t just about outcomes; it’s about evolution. When students look back and see how far they’ve come, something shifts. They don’t just remember the marks, they remember the moments that shaped them. At Newsepick, we believe a digital portfolio isn’t just a tool, it’s a mirror. It reflects effort, celebrates creativity, and connects teachers, students, and parents through visible learning. Aligned with NEP 2020’s vision, this is how schools can move beyond assessment to appreciation. Nurturing confidence, collaboration, and curiosity in every learner. ✨ Turning student effort into visible impact, one digital portfolio at a time. Curious to know more? Let’s talk 📧 [email protected] 🌐 newsepick.com 📞 +91 9903999574

When families shrink, screens expand, and time becomes the rarest gift, how can parents and teachers work together to raise emotionally strong, empathetic, and confident children? And crucially, how can we design the School of Tomorrow, one that nurtures values, balances innovation with warmth, and empowers every child to grow not just smarter, but kinder and more self-aware? In this episode of Beyond the Bells, Punam Kanodia, founder of Newsepick, speaks with Dr. Jonaki Mukherjee, an educator with over 26 years of experience and Director of Campus Enrichment and Community Relations - School for Techno India Group (‪@tigps_official‬ ) - a SRC initiatives, about mindful parenting, emotional regulation, and educational collaboration between schools and parents. Together, they explore how conscious parenting, empathy, and communication build a foundation of trust, turning students, teachers, and parents into active co-creators of the learning journey. The goal is to bridge generational gaps and create a world where children feel safe, heard, and empowered. About the Guest Dr. Jonaki Mukherjee has dedicated over two decades to holistic education, community enrichment, and skill development. Currently associated with the Techno India Group, she has worked with diverse institutions to make learning inclusive and emotionally grounded. An accomplished author whose Amazon bestseller “Classroom Whispers” explores empathy and sensitivity in education, Dr. Mukherjee champions mindful parenting, emotional intelligence in classrooms, and education that nurtures the whole child. Key Insights from the Conversation Mindful Parenting Parenting today requires awareness, emotional regulation, and deliberate presence, not just love and routine. The Future School The school of tomorrow must prioritize freedom, choice, and rejection of rigid stereotypes to align education with the modern world. Co-creators of Growth Trust must be the bedrock of the school-home-student partnership, turning all three parties into active co-creators of the educational and growth journey. Emotional Intelligence Over Perfection Empathy, kindness, and patience form the real foundation of learning, beyond grades or test scores. The Power of Connection Regular, mindful communication and listening without judgment can prevent emotional isolation in children, restoring the parent as the first place of refuge. Freedom to Grow Children flourish when given choice, responsibility, and space to explore their strengths at their own pace. Why This Matters This episode reminds us that raising emotionally intelligent children begins with emotionally mature adults and a unified ecosystem where every child is valued and trusted to lead a life of their own choosing. About Beyond the Bells Beyond the Bells is Newsepick’s flagship podcast, where visionary educators and leaders from institutions like the Techno India Group and beyond explore how learning can transcend traditional systems and prepare students for a dynamic, compassionate future.

What does education in transition look like when schools prepare children not just for exams, but for life in a changing world? How does South Point High School blend tradition, empathy, and innovation to help every child grow with confidence and purpose? In this episode of Beyond the Bells, Punam Kanodia, Founder of Newsepick, speaks with Jaidev Ghosh, Principal of South Point High School, about how one of Kolkata’s most iconic institutions is navigating this transition. Together, they explore how South Point is shaping a nurturing environment that goes beyond exams, highlighting community, mentorship, and future-ready learning in a rapidly changing world. About the Guest Jaidev Ghosh is a visionary education leader with decades of experience guiding one of Kolkata’s most prestigious schools. Under his leadership, South Point High School now serves over 12,000 students, pioneering approaches that connect learning with life skills. He is passionate about mentoring children, fostering empathy, and preparing young minds for a fast-changing world. Key Insights from the Conversation Education in Transition: At South Point High School, learning is a constant shift, from what was learned yesterday to the skills children need tomorrow. The Role of Empathy: South Point shows why schools must nurture compassion and responsibility, proving education is about shaping lives, not just grades. Attention in the Digital Age: With focus levels falling, South Point’s teachers innovate to keep young minds engaged and inspired. Balancing Legacy and Innovation: Rooted in its legacy of “Courage to Know,” South Point blends tradition with digital tools, project-based learning, and future-ready skills. Beyond Exams: From strong alumni networks to being the only school in India building its own satellite, South Point shows how education can expand into life, community, and curiosity.

Tune in to discover how collaboration is shaping classrooms today and why embracing it may be the key to unlocking tomorrow’s education.

What does education look like when it moves beyond classrooms and boundaries? How can schools prepare children not just for exams, but for life itself? In this episode of Beyond the Bells, Punam Kanodia, Founder of Newsepick.com, sits down with Suman Sood, Director & Principal of BD Memorial Junior School [ ‪@BDMEMORIALOfficial‬ ], to discuss the vision of “Schools Without Borders.” About the Guest Suman Sood is a multi-award-winning education leader who has pioneered global collaborations, led India’s first Montessori school to win the British Council International School Award, and represented India on international education platforms. She is also the Founder of the Early Childhood Association, Kolkata Chapter, actively working with NGOs and industry bodies to advance holistic learning from the earliest years. Key Insights from the Conversation Seamless Learning: Suman Mam emphasizes that “learning is seamless”—connecting subjects, real-world challenges, and collaboration so children remain curious and engaged. Experiential & Peer Learning: From rap-song lessons to nature-based experiences, children learn better when knowledge is lived. Older students teaching younger ones builds confidence, empathy, and leadership. Community Initiatives: Projects like Shrishti and interest-based newsletters bring teachers, students, and parents together—showcasing project-based learning, creativity, and shared responsibility. Parent Engagement: Campaigns like the No Sugar Campaign and the Play Policy involve parents in rethinking health and the role of play in education. Collaboration Between Schools: Virtual WhatsApp groups, national campaigns, and shared projects foster collaboration. Urban students in Kolkata and rural students in the Sundarbans, for example, learn from one another’s perspectives—whether it’s tech-driven innovation or nature-based living. Resource Sharing & Digitalization: From Facebook Live teacher training to donating unused furniture, BD Memorial extends support to under-resourced schools, highlighting how digital platforms can bridge learning gaps. Challenges & Future Needs: Currently, many processes are manual-driven, adding pressure on teachers and management. Suman stresses the need for systematic processes and digital platforms to ease this load while ensuring quality. Global Outlook: Education must embrace peer learning, cross-cultural collaborations, and forest schools. Even in urban areas with limited space, schools must create opportunities for children to connect with nature, mirroring the gurukul tradition and forest schools now emerging in the West.

In today’s fast evolving world, collaboration is no longer just a buzzword. It's becoming the foundation of how students learn, share, and grow. In the first episode of Beyond the Bell, Punam Kanodia, founder of Newsepick, speaks with Paromita Guha Roy, Principal of Apeejay School, about how schools are reimagining education through collaboration. Paromita Ma’am shares refreshing stories from her classrooms and how students are stepping up to support peers, project based teamwork sparking curiosity, and science experiments turning into opportunities for shared discovery. She highlights how collaboration is breaking down silos, nurturing innovation, and fostering collective learning. At the same time, she reflects on the evolving role of teachers in an age where information is just a click away. For her, guiding students with the right questions and ways of thinking is more crucial than ever. This thought-provoking conversation offers teachers, parents, and students a glimpse into how collaboration is shaping the future of education. View More : https://beyondthebells.in/gallery/together-we-learn-the-new-age-of-collaboration-in-education-podcast-with-paromita-guha-roy-principal-of-apeejayschool-episode1

How to prepare students for choice of subjects in school? Before we ask our children to choose the subjects, we need to let them explore. But, how to help students find what interests them? Let’s find out how interest-based communities can help.

Why do we Still Treat Subjects Like a Status Symbol “Science, Commerce, Arts” Why do we still treat these as a hierarchy instead of choices? Too often, students are labeled by the subjects they pick: 🔹 Science? “You must be smart.” 🔹 Commerce? “That’s... practical.” 🔹 Arts? “Didn’t do well in school?” But education isn’t a scoreboard. It’s a journey of discovery, curiosity, and purpose. ✨ Every subject has value. ✨ Every stream has thinkers, creators, and leaders. ✨ Every child deserves the chance to choose what feels right for them not what sounds impressive to others. At Newsepick, we’re building a space where learning goes beyond the syllabus and subjects into real-world exposure, critical thinking, and self-discovery. Where children can explore who they are before being told what they should be. Because the future isn’t shaped by the stream they pick It’s shaped by the passion they bring to it. 💬 What do you think we can do as educators, parents, and mentors to help children choose without fear? For more details 📞 +91 9903999574 📧 [email protected] 🌐 newsepick.com

In a world full of noise, children speak in quiet, powerful ways. 🌼 At our first storytelling workshop, they brought their pets, their toys, their laughter and their full selves. What we saw was more than participation. It was 💫 connection It was 🤝 trust It was 🌱 growth These are the spaces Newsepick strives to create. Because storytelling isn’t just about words, it’s about belonging. 💛

Every classroom has its own mix of personalities. 📚 The Topper who always has the answers. 💪 The Hardworker who never gives up. 🌀 The Wanderer who’s still figuring things out. 🎤 The Talker who brings energy into the room. 🤫 The Quiet Thinker who surprises everyone with deep insight. Not everyone learns the same way. And that’s exactly why collaborative learning matters. When students learn together, they don’t just understand better, they build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. They teach. They listen. They grow. At Newsepick, we’re reimagining learning as a shared journey. A digital space where every student brings something valuable to the table. So tell us, Which one were you in class? Or maybe… a little bit of everything? 👇 Comment below and tag a classmate who shaped your learning journey. For more details 📞 +91 9903999574 📧 [email protected] 🌐 newsepick.com

The world is changing rapidly, and with it, the way we live, work, and connect. What if our classrooms could reflect that same pace of change? At Newsepick, we’re helping build a learning environment that’s dynamic, relevant, and rooted in real-world context. We believe education should spark curiosity, nurture critical thinking, and inspire students to engage with the world around them. ✨ Let’s shape learning that grows with our children—forward-thinking, future-ready, and full of purpose. Curious? Let’s explore what’s next. For more details 📞 +91 9903999574 📧 [email protected] 🌐 newsepick.com

What if learning wasn’t prescribed... but pursued? Imagine a space where children can express themselves freely, collaborate with peers and let curiosity take the lead! Newsepick Summer Project 2025 makes summer a season of learning and discovery. It’s a space to think freely, create openly, and grow meaningfully. Students can explore their interests and create a project in any category that excites them. There are a few suggested ideas listed under each category to provide inspiration, but participants are welcome to think beyond them. They can either choose from the reference ideas or propose their own unique topics in any category. 🗓️ Last date to enroll: 31st May 2025 📩 Project submission deadline: 29th June 2025

What happens when dreams of a better future for the child drives the parents into depth of debts? Let’s discuss the rising cost of education in India, which is surpassing the financial growth of parents.

How do you teach or parent your kids when AI does and knows everything? When AI does everything and fame and money looks easy to get from social media, children start asking, what’s the point of studying or creating anything? How do you respond as parents and teachers?