Page 10 - CMS Annual Magazine 2024

ANNUAL MAGAZINE 2024 ANNUAL MAGAZINE 2024

From the From the
General Secretary Honorary Chief

Academic Advisor

The Constitution of India is ALfA: Accelerating Learning

inspired by our ancient ethos for All, Shaping the Future

and culture of Education

Ratan Chandra Gupta Dr Sunita Gandhi
General Secretary, CMS Honorary Chief Academic Advisor
CMS
India has to take a lead in creating a united and peaceful world. CMS is making contribution in this behalf under its ideal,
vision and mission that "A Modern School must act as a Lighthouse of society and must concerns itself with the affairs of the
Age'. Through model World Parliament and various international events, the students of City Montessori School have gained
knowledge about many global problems and issues, like global warming and climate change, childrens' rights, gender
Dear Parents,
equality, regional and international terrorism, international institutions and many problems and issues having international
I am delighted to present to you the ALfA (Accelerated Learning for All) approach, a groundbreaking transformation in
ramifications. The deliberations at 'The International Conferences of Chief Justices of the World on Article 51 of the
educational methodology. This innovative shift is redefining our conventional classrooms, turning them into lively and
Constitution of India' adds to their knowledge about international issues and about global institutions, as the said Article 51
energetic centers of learning. At its core, ALfA prioritizes the essential skills of literacy and numeracy, which are crucial
relates to international peace and security. But how many of them know about cultural heritage of India and its ancient
stepping stones for advanced learning.
wisdom and knowledge as in the Vedas and Upnishads. Albert Einstein had said 'We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us
how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made'. The ALfA methodology marks a significant
departure from conventional teaching
Bharat (India) is a great democracy with about 1/6 population of the world, which its Constitution binds together. Therefore,
it is incumbent on us all to know about our own Constitution, along with knowledge about global institutions and about methods. Gone are the days of passive
international problems and issues. We must know about working of our Parliament and State legislatures. We must continue learning, where the teacher's monologue and
to hold Model United Nations but we should also hold session of Model Indian Parliament so as to inculcate in the students rote memorization prevailed. Instead, ALfA
the ideals of Indian ethos - Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, Indian cultural heritage, highlighting the ideals of Indian democracy and champions an interactive, hands-on learning
important provisions of the Constitution of India. environment, inspired by educational
visionaries like Maria Montessori. This shift
Now Constitution Day is observed every year on 26th November, the date on which our Constitution was adopted and from a teacher-led to a student-led model
enacted. Observing the Constitution day is not enough. Our students must be taught about the salient features of the fosters a more engaged, active classroom
Constitution, enlightening them about the basic concepts and various important provisions of the Constitution. The where students are not just learners but
Government organs owe their origin to the Constitution and derive their authority from, and discharge their responsibilities explorers and creators.
within, the framework of the Constitution. Whereas our Constitution provides for fundamental rights and fundamental
freedoms, it also provides for duties of every citizen of India in its Article 51-A, a fact which is lesser known and cared for. Central to ALfA is the emphasis on real-world
(This Article is different from Article 51 which relates to International peace and security on which CMS hold International application and social interaction. Our random
Conferences of Chief Justices). Article 51-A was inserted in the Constitution in 1976 and came into force in January 1977. pairing system, a cornerstone of this approach,
Article 51-A enjoins every citizen some of the basic duties which budding students need to be inculcated and imbibed. They ensures that students work collaboratively in constantly changing pairs, enhancing
should be sowed in their receptive minds in their formative periods so that they take deep roots at maturity. The students both cognitive and social skills. This method not only supports diverse learning
not only need training at the inception, especially about Fundamental Duties, but also periodical orientations in this behalf so styles but also fosters a sense of community and mutual respect among students.
that the students would reap the rich benefits thereof. We recognize the importance of the 4Cs – critical thinking, communication,
collaboration, and creativity – in preparing our students for the future. ALfA
"India was China's teacher in religion and imaginative literature, and WORLD's Teacher in Trigonometry, quadratic equations,
grammer, phonetics, Arabian Nights, animal fables, chess as well as in philosophy, and she inspired Boccasccio, Goethe, classrooms are thus designed to encourage debate, discussion, and hands-on
Schopenhauer and Emerson.” - Lin Yutang, Chinese Writer (1895-1976) problem-solving, ensuring that learning goes beyond textbooks. Reflective thinking
is also a key component, allowing students to analyze and understand their
learning journey.
—Ratan Chandra Gupta Our assessment methods have evolved too. We’ve moved away from traditional
Former Joint Secretary, Law & Parliamentary Affairs,
Government of Uttar Pradesh

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