REPORT ON PROGRAM I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ATTENDED:

WHEN:

September 19th & 20th , 2014, (Module I) and

November 29th , 2014 (Module II)

TIME:

09.00 AM TO 5.00 PM

VENUE:

Audio Visual Hall of Vidya Mandir Sr. Sec School, Mylapore

WHO:

Mr. G.N. Radhakrishnan, & Mr. Stephen Chinnasway Mentors of the

Program, Mrs. Beena Gopinath, Coordinator

First of all, I would like to thank especially my Principal and Vice Principal for
nominating and for giving me the opportunity to attend the Program I Can make a
Difference. Those both Modules were very interesting and gave the opportunity to
learn many issues in regards to self, student, classroom, school and society. As a
teacher it was a very enriching experience for me to attend this program. I will
describe briefly below the different aspects discussed in the program.
At the outset, I would like to thank the mentor and his team who have enlightened
new vision for this profession. As a teacher by experience we motivate students, but
this program have thrown more light on the aspects of student, classroom, parents,
school, society where we teachers can make difference.
This program was organized in two modules; first Module was organized on September
19th & 20th, 2014, where Mr. Radhakrishnan and his team introduced themselves to
our batch of teachers from schools in Chennai.

After self introduction, we had

Icebreaker session, where we introduced to each other by sharing our brief profiles.
Next to Ice breaker session, we teachers took oath as
Today I will make a difference (the way I think)
Today I will make a difference (the way I handle emotions)
Today I will make a difference (the way I handle mistakes)
Today I will make a difference (to my inner landscape)
The core vision of the program is expected to develop the following

 Develop the confidence and enthusiasm in me to make a genuine difference to

the students who came under our care.
Create capability in using methods meant for making a difference

Module I - Day 1 (19th September 2014)

The topics addressed
Why are you a teacher today
Why am I a teacher
What is my real inner purpose and drive that defines me being a teacher today
Why we are teacher
Why this profession and not any other
Why would you continue to be a teacher tomorrow
Why we are teachers in the first place
Ideas and experience of teachers were shared for more innovations in teaching and
training student to make difference The Project I can make a Difference as a teacher
stands

for

Recognizing

Educational

Success,

Professional

Excellence,

and

Collaborative Teaching.
Module I Day 2 (20th September 2014)
Team work activities were conducted for us which advised us to in turn
implement the same activities among students as group activities is school to
bring in difference among them
Exercise and Games individual and group activities which could enhance our
commitment to improving student outcomes.
Continuously sharpen our
practice and that we will recognize, reward, and learn from great teachers and
principals. Work and learn together in communities of practice, hold each other
accountable, and lift each other to new levels of skill and competence.

 A short film featured, the hero in the movie develops a keen interest to make the
students more ready for the outside rough world, in terms of behavior, dresses
etc. The desire drove him to face all obstacles internal and external work out
approaches, patiently and tirelessly pursued his mission and the end was called
by the same students who harassed him to give a gift and say To Sir with Love
We were also asked to a present a project I can make difference in any one of the
following areas Student, School, Colleague, self, family.
As suggested we were asked to submit interim report based on the questionnaire
given to us, and same we were submitted to them a copy of the same is enclosed for
your ready reference.
As agreed with the mentor of the program, we have also forwarded anecdotes which
we experience in our profession in school and outside, a copy of the same are also
enclosed for your ready reference.

Module II - Day 1 (29th November 2014)

The second module started off with a feedback session on the last moduless
activities and interim report submitted by us. All the teachers shared their views,
their likes and dislikes, on the last modules activities. Mr. Radhakrishnan then
wanted to make those teachers come out more openly who had been hesitant
during the earlier sessions. He made everyone of them to present their projects. It
really needed a lot of cajole from him for these teachers to shed their inhibition. Mr.
Radhakrishnan again stressed on the fact that unless we come out of our shells
and talk with the children in a language that is easy to understand for them, we
will not be able to improve the quality of education at our schools. He was using a
lot of examples and engaging all the attendees so that it does not become a one-way
lecture. In the end, he gave further activities to all the teachers as a home work. (A
brief idea of my project explained is enclosed for your reference)
At the end of the session, we shared our views and experience gained, Mr.
Radhakrishnan & Mr. Stephen Chinnayswamy hinted out that this is just a start
for everyone, and not an end after this session, all were requested to reach them for
further clarification, support and other details in future at any time.
Personally what I learned from this project is

Scientist designs Rocket for the space program, but this scientist is
designed by a teacher to become a scientist, so it is our pride to be a
teacher who makes difference