by Lynette Sequeira
MUMBAI, JULY 4, 2017: Father Dominic Savio Fernandes, principal of Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem, urged teachers from Don Bosco High School and Junior 
College, Borivli, during their Orientation programme on July 3, to focus on a holistic education by adopting methods that enhance the learning process.
Father Flovi D'Souza, the principal of Don Bosco, Borivli, invited Father Fernandes, who is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in the field of Education to brief teachers at the onset of the academic year in a bid to help them think of innovative ways of engaging with students in the classroom.
Armed with a guitar, a couple of songs that the teachers enjoyed learning and singing together, and the wealth of his knowledge and experience in the field of education, Father Fernandes touched on a variety of topics and provided the teachers with food for thought during the course of the session.
The teachers were encouraged to make children learners and not just to teach a subject. By sharing many of the unique techniques he has incorporated in his own institution, Father Fernandes encouraged teachers in Borivli to think of innovative ways to teach.
The teachers then evaluated themselves to discover whether they were visual, auditory or kinesthetic learners. This enabled them to understand how children learn in different ways and therefore need to be taught using a variety of methods that cater to these different styles of learning.
A strong emphasis was laid on the need for the teachers to read more and to encourage children to read more often. He also encouraged the teachers to create a school where children are happy. The teachers were challenged to become serious about being a teacher because children under their care were a big responsibility.