-By Chandan Anand, Group Editor, ArdorComm Media
August 14, 2024
“The key factors are the choice of parents to send their children to our school, honesty towards the children, and a sincere commitment to service.” Said Prof Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Manager, City Montessori School
We would like to understand more about your organization, its diversification, and your vision for the future.
City Montessori School is a K-12 school in Lucknow with 21 campuses across the city, serving about 63,000 students. Each campus has its own principal, and there is a head office managing common operations. We focus on providing education in three areas: material, human, and divine. We emphasize skill development, not just theoretical learning, so children can apply their knowledge effectively and develop communication and collaboration skills.
How does it feel to have your school ranked and nominated in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest school in a city? What are the key factors attracting both domestic and international students?
It’s a great privilege to be in the Guinness Book of World Records. The key factors are the choice of parents to send their children to our school, honesty towards the children, and a sincere commitment to service. Our diligent teachers, discipline, focus on good values, and respect for teachers contribute significantly to our success.
What key implementations have you made to modernize your education system and move towards new-age learning?
We have embraced educational technology, using tools like Google Classroom, interactive whiteboards, and flat panels. However, modernizing education is not just about technology but also about moving away from rote learning towards skill development. We’ve reformed our assessments to be competency-based, encouraging teachers to focus on creating competencies rather than just preparing students for exams. This shift aims to ensure conceptual clarity and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.
The event is named the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Award. What does the term “new normal” mean to you?
The new normal signifies a shift from traditional teaching methods, where the teacher is the sole source of knowledge, to a more engaging and participatory approach. It involves students being actively involved in their learning through peer work, group work, and collaborative learning. We aim to integrate subjects and use experiential learning to show connections between different topics, like how geography and chemistry intersect.
We are celebrating the third anniversary of ArdorComm Media. Do you have any messages or feedback for the ArdorComm Media Group?
Connecting people and bringing together stakeholders in education is valuable. By facilitating exchanges of ideas, you help improve education practices. I appreciate the platform you provide for educationists to share their insights.