Lucknow: The second day of the International Roundtable Conference ‘Ed Leadership-2026’, underway at the CMS Kanpur Road Auditorium, was marked by insightful deliberations on innovative teaching methodologies for bringing about positive change in education. More than 1,000 teachers, principals and educationists from across the country participated in the discussions. Organised by the Global Education and Training Institute (GETI), the three-day conference is being held on the theme ‘Redesigning Schools for the AI Era’. The proceedings on the second day commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Bharti Gandhi, Founder-Director of City Montessori School, said that school is an extension of home and teachers are like second mothers to children. Teachers must nurture creativity, collaboration, communication skills, critical thinking and character excellence in students, while also encouraging them to become ‘Green Warriors’ committed to protecting the environment.
Dr Sunita Gandhi, Founder of GETI and Devi Sansthan and Convenor of the conference, warmly welcomed the participating teachers and principals. She said that education is a powerful instrument for positive social change. The need of the hour is activity-based and project-based learning, in which children become active learners rather than passive listeners. Emphasising the importance of peer learning, paired learning and respect for diversity in the ‘ALfA Learning Pedagogy’, she stressed the need to prepare children to become global citizens.
The roundtable discussion on the theme ‘Put Learning on Trial’ was a major highlight of the day. Moderated by Ms Sonali Chaudhary, Headmistress, CMS Jopling Road Campus, the session featured insightful perspectives from eminent educationists. Dr Sharda Gupta, renowned educationist, emphasised that every classroom discussion should have a clear purpose. Dr Reeta Sonawat, Director, Ampersand Group, observed that children can identify and correct their mistakes independently, even before the teacher intervenes.
Ms Priyanka Agarwal, Principal, CMS Shalimar OneWorld, highlighted how the ALfA methodology enables children with different learning abilities to work together. Ms Soma Chandra, Principal, CMS Gomti Nagar Campus I, stressed the importance of giving students sufficient opportunities to learn independently, while
Dr Rachana Goel, Principal, CMS Jankipuram, highlighted the mutual benefits of peer and paired learning. The panellists also agreed that homework should not be restricted to written assignments. Activities such as conducting interviews, planting trees and engaging in other creative tasks can provide meaningful learning experiences.
A fascinating and educational presentation was organised under the coordination of Ms Saba Mirza of GETI. Eleven teachers, dressed as Japanese teachers, participated in the presentation and shared their experiences from ALfA classrooms.
The international roundtable conference is moving towards its successful conclusion. The conference will culminate on October 10 with an award distribution and closing ceremony, during which eminent educationists from India and abroad will be honoured for their outstanding contributions to the field of education.
