L.E.A.D. - Life Skills Empowerment for Aspiring Educators
From May 15 to December 10, 2024, Loreto College's Department of B.Ed. organized an enriching Life Skills Certificate course for its second year students in the college. The certificate course was conducted in a blended mode with online and offline sessions. This course aimed to equip the students with essential life skills through a series of interactive sessions and activities.
The workshop commenced with a warm welcome and introduction of the Life Skills coach, Dr. Gauri P. Hardikar, by the Head of the Department of B.Ed., Dr. Banerjee. Dr. Banerjee highlighted Dr Hardikar's extensive experience and expertise in the field, setting an anticipatory tone for the workshop. Following this, Sr. Dr. Nirmala, the Acting teacher-in- charge, addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of life skills in both personal and professional spheres.
A ceremonial lighting of the lamp, accompanied by a prayer service on the theme "Resilience," marked the formal beginning of the workshop. This ceremonial start created a serene and focused atmosphere, preparing the students for the engaging sessions ahead.
The students were then divided into groups based on the animals they identified themselves with, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork right from the outset. The workshop's curriculum was structured around key topics crucial for personal and professional development, including:
1.The Concept of Life Skills
2.Life Skills Models
3.Self-Awareness
4.Social Skills
5.Facilitation Methodologies for Life Skills Education
Each topic was explored through a blend of discussions and hands-on activities, ensuring that students could grasp the concepts thoroughly and apply them in real-life scenarios.
One of the most memorable activities was, all the students dancing together, an exercise aimed at helping them overcome their fear of judgment. Through this, they learned to express themselves freely and confidently. A trust-building activity, which involved pairing students with peers they hadn't interacted with much before, was particularly impactful. In this exercise, one student would close their eyes while the other guided them to the nearest tree, fostering trust and communication.
As the workshop progressed, the students reflected on their learnings. At the end of each day, they shared valuable lessons they intended to carry forward, creating a collective repository of insights and inspirations.
On the final day, the class was divided into two groups, each tasked with presenting their learnings from the workshop. The presentations were creative and diverse, including charts, a dance drama, a medley, and a dance performance, all of which depicted the key takeaways from the sessions. The innovative presentations received widespread praise from Dr Gauri P. Hardikar, who commended the students for their enthusiasm and creativity.
To express their gratitude, the students presented Dr Gauri P. Hardikar with a handmade thank you card, symbolizing their appreciation for her guidance and the positive impact she had on their personal growth. It was not only a learning experience but also a celebration of self-awareness, and the power of collaboration, leaving a lasting impression on all participants. The course was continued in online mode.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
