By Sandy Hooda 

Why a progressive school over a traditional one?

Special needs students in progressive schools

Dealing with introverted children

What is the aim of a progressive school?

The philosophy of a progressive school is to provide a learning environment that is less pressure and more focused on helping students understand the material. Progressive schools use one or more learning methods – experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, and project-based learning to help students grasp the concepts being taught. These methods are fully aligned with CBSE and NEP 2020 and provide students with an exceptional education. The goal is to help every student succeed. Today, the best schools in Gurgaon are progressive ones.

The school’s primary aim is to provide children with a happy and nurturing environment in which they can thrive and develop essential skills for the future. This ensures that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

What is the curriculum like?

The school’s curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the 21st century, preparing children for a rapidly changing world. It is flexible and adaptable, allowing children to learn at their own pace and in their own way. The school also places a strong emphasis on developing life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. These skills are essential for success in any field, and the school ensures that every child has the opportunity to develop them. Top Gurgaon schools are adopting progressive teaching methods.

Extracurricular activities in a progressive school

In addition to academic excellence, the Top Gurgaon schools, especially progressive ones, also offer a range of extracurricular activities. These include sports, music, and drama. The schools also have a number of clubs and societies, which provide children with the opportunity to socialize and make new friends. The activities, including sports, are integrated with the subjects, making learning more interesting and less burdensome for the students.

Long-term benefits of progressive schools

Top Gurgaon schools believe that by giving students the tools to succeed both academically and personally, they will be able to lead fulfilling lives and make a positive impact on their communities.

Tow progressive schools help children in the post-pandemic world

The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone and some students may be feeling more isolated than others. The goal of top CBSE schools in Gurgaon, especially the truly progressive ones, is to make sure that all students feel supported and connected, both in and out of the classroom. They have implemented a number of programs and initiatives to help make this happen, including special connection time, one-on-one counseling, and in some cases, special counselling for students who may need additional support. As a top school in Gurgaon, counseling is taken seriously and is committed to helping all students thrive.

If you are concerned that your child may have special needs, it is important to speak with your pediatrician. Special needs are medical diagnoses that cannot be caused by the environment. However, extended time at home and online learning can cause some academic gaps. If you are concerned about your child’s progress, please talk to their teacher or school administrator. They can help you determine if your child would benefit from additional support or resources. Top schools in Gurgaon, especially progressive ones will ensure they have established special needs departments and create environments where children are never segregated based on special needs.

A progressive school will understand that every child is unique, and that includes introverted children. It won’t see introversion as a cause for concern, but simply as another personality type to embrace. It’s important to note that being shy and being an introvert are two different things. Never try to force an introverted child to become an extrovert, but do encourage them to form meaningful and close friendships in and outside of the classroom.

Every child has something special to offer, and top progressive schools value the contributions of introverted children just as much as they do those of extroverts. They hope that by providing a supportive and inclusive environment, they can help all our students reach their full potential.

Project based learning at Progressive schools

Project-based learning is a great way to keep overly energetic children engaged. Modern and interactive teaching strategies are designed to keep children engaged and their senses stimulated. With project-based learning, learners take charge of doing things, that interest them more than traditional teaching methods. This type of learning is perfect for hyper or over-energitic children, as it allows them to use their energy in a productive and enjoyable way. If you are looking for a school that can accommodate your child’s needs, look no further than progressive Schools.

Individual learning plans/Differentiated learning

Differentiation is important in order to make sure that all students are being challenged in the classroom. Every child is different and therefore a variety of ways are needed to challenge students. Individual attention as well as differentiated instruction need to be provided in order to make sure that each child is able to learn at his or her own pace. Learners who have already mastered a certain subject are more likely to help their peers by guiding them through the work. When it comes to projects, teachers are looking for outcomes on open-ended questions in order to challenge all students. By providing these opportunities for all students, progressive schools are able to make sure that each child is being challenged and is able to reach his or her full potential.

How do progressive schools make students interested in studies?

The most important thing when it comes to keeping a child interested in anything is to make sure that they are engaged and invested in what they are doing. Teachers will always work hard to connect the child’s interests and strengths to the activity so that they feel motivated to continue. If there is something about the activity that is not working for the child, teachers will be flexible and make changes to ensure that the child is comfortable and happy. Ultimately, it is important to provide a safe and supportive environment where the child can explore new things without feeling pressure or judgment. This way, they can discover what they are passionate about and develop a lifelong love of learning.

How do progressive parents support children with homework?

It is important for parents to support their children by asking about homework and projects. This helps children develop a sense of responsibility and ownership over their work. Progressive parents encourage children to do the work independently.

However, there are times when children need help with their homework or projects. In these cases, it is important for parents to be able to provide guidance without doing the work for their children. Parents can help by asking questions that lead their children to the correct answer, providing resources, or offering encouragement. It is also important for parents to praise their children’s efforts and progress to help them build confidence in their abilities.

Set up a dedicated homework area in your home. This should be a quiet space with good lighting and few distractions.

Help your child get organized by creating a homework schedule or plan. This can be as simple as setting aside time each day for homework after school.

Check-in with your child regularly to see how they are doing with their homework. This is a good time to offer assistance or answer any questions they may have.

Encourage your child to take breaks as needed and to step away from their work if they are feeling overwhelmed.

Celebrate your child’s successes, both big and small. This will help them to feel motivated and encourage them to keep up the good work.

Helping your child deal with gadgets

There is no doubt that gadgets have become an integral part of our lives, and this is especially true for children. While there are many benefits to using gadgets, it is important to strike a balance between them and extracurricular activities. Too much time spent on gadgets can lead to children becoming isolated and less active. On the other hand, engaging in extracurricular activities can help children develop important social skills and stay physically fit.

It is important to find a balance that works for your family. You may want to set limits on the amount of time your child can spend on a gadget in a week, and encourage them to get involved in more outdoor activities. Whatever you decide, the important thing is to communicate with your child and come to a mutual agreement.

Overcoming social emotional gaps in Children

Top schools in Gurgaon, especially the progressive ones offer counselling services to provide emotional counselling to help your child with personality development or behavioural issues. They recognize the large social-emotional gap created by the pandemic and are here to help. Their team of counselors is experienced in working with children and young people and can offer support on a one-to-one or group basis. If your child is struggling with any issues, they can provide counseling to help them cope and make positive changes.

How do Indian colleges and Universities accept students from progressive schools?

Universities in India and around the world have embraced progressive methods of study and have included them as a key component of the university experience.  In fact, many universities have incorporated case study methods and other application-based teaching methods. As a top CBSE school in Gurgaon, especially as it prepares students for tomorrow, it must focus on students understanding concepts well.

This allows students to have a better understanding of grade-specific topics and real-world applications. Experiential learning is not only restricted to certain course modules but is also included in other aspects of the university experience such as co-curricular and extracurricular activities. For example, many universities now offer internships and service-learning opportunities as part of their undergraduate programs.

By offering experiential learning opportunities, universities are able to provide students with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in the real world. This type of learning is also beneficial for employers, as it allows them to hire employees who have the ability to think critically and solve problems.

Progressive education does not limit students’ options for further education. On the contrary, it prepares them with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in any educational setting. Leading colleges and universities in India, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and Ashoka University, are focused on providing an education that emphasizes the depth of knowledge and application-based learning. This focus ensures that students who have received a progressive education are well-prepared to succeed in any educational setting, both inside and outside of India.

If a child has to go back to the traditional way of learning, will it be a smooth transition? Sometimes families must shift locations and there may not be a progressive school in the new location. Learners who have been trained using progressive methods become critical thinkers and problem solvers. Those skills typically make them stand out above those who have only experienced rote learning. While the learner may not be as excited about the traditional methods at the new school, they are in fact able to be successful because of the skills they’ve learned. So while it may not be a smooth transition, it is one that can be overcome. Why are textbooks not the only source of learning in

If a child has to go back to the traditional way of learning, will it be a smooth transition?

Sometimes families must shift locations and there may not be a progressive school in the new location. Learners who have been trained using progressive methods become critical thinkers and problem solvers. Those skills typically make them stand out above those who have only experienced rote learning. While the learner may not be as excited about the traditional methods at the new school, they are in fact able to be successful because of the skills they’ve learned. So while it may not be a smooth transition, it is one that can be overcome.

Why are textbooks, not the only source of learning in a progressive school?

The curriculum of top schools in Gurgaon is aligned with CBSE standards and is divided into benchmarks which outline what students need to learn in each grade. Under each benchmark are Learning Outcomes, which guide the teachers in designing grade-appropriate projects and activities. In addition, teachers design and share study materials related to the topics being covered in class, so that students have all the resources they need to succeed.

Progressive schools believe in hands-on learning and provide opportunities for our students to research, collate, and present their findings through events like Student Led Conferences and Project Exhibitions. These real-world experiences help students to better understand the concepts they are learning in class.

So, the top progressive schools provide a well-rounded education that goes beyond just textbooks!

Progressive schools’ approach to peer pressure

When it comes to peer pressure, it is important to remember that you are the only one who can control your actions and decisions. You should never do anything that you are not comfortable with, just because your friends are pressuring you. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel like you are being pressured into doing something, it is okay to walk away or say no. Just because your friends are doing something, doesn’t mean you have to do it too. Always stay true to yourself!

How do progressive schools adapt children to meals?

If a child is not used to eating outside food, the school will work with the parent to help the child adjust. The teachers and nannies will introduce different types of healthy food to the child in a subtle way and expect the parent to complement the same effort at home. The goal is to gradually help your child develop healthier eating habits. The parent needs to have patience and belief that the child will eventually start eating better. With time and proper guidance, the child will be on their way to a healthier lifestyle.

How does a progressive school help a child thrive academically, but without all the pressure?

Progressive schools deploy either experiential learning or project-based learning or inquiry-based learning, or a blend of all three progressive teaching methods across all grades, which allows all students to be more self-directed and engaged in their learning. The assessment system also ensures that learners are evaluated based on their depth of knowledge. If you’re looking for an academically rigorous school that will also support your child’s social and emotional development, look no further than a top progressive school in Gurgaon.

How are teachers hired in top progressive schools?

Once the school has identified a potential candidate, they undergo a series of interviews, tests, and demo classes. This process helps the school evaluate its skills and compatibility with its teaching methods. Only the best candidates who meet high standards are selected to join the faculty.

What can parents do at home to help their children?

There are a few things that parents can do at home to help their children succeed in school. One is to have healthy discussions with them about real-world issues and give them encouragement and freedom to find new and better ways of doing things. Another is to support them with their projects and work at home but be careful not to do the work for them. Finally, it is important to make sure that they are getting enough rest and exercise, as both of these things can impact their ability to focus and learn in school. By taking these steps, parents can help set their children up for success in school and in life.

How to make my child read at home?

One way to encourage your child to read is by modeling reading yourself. When children see their parents reading, they are more likely to want to read themselves. Try to engage in interesting and humorous conversations about the books you’re reading, without getting too caught up in moral lessons or pronunciations. Just let your child enjoy the story and characters, and they will eventually pick up all the other skills they need. 

Shall my child write or type?

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that writing, rather than typing, can be more beneficial for learning. This is especially true for young children, as writing helps to develop the cognitive skills needed for academic success.

One study found that when 4th and 5th graders were asked to write out their arithmetic solutions, they performed better on tests than when they simply typed them out. This suggests that the act of writing helps to solidify arithmetic concepts in the mind.

Another study found that students who took notes by hand outperformed those who used laptops. The students who used laptops were more likely to transcribe lectures verbatim rather than process them and re-framing them in their own words.

These studies suggest that writing, rather than typing, can be more beneficial for learning. This is likely because the act of writing helps to solidify concepts in the mind, and also forces students to process information in a way that typing does not. When it comes to academic success, every little bit counts. So if you can, ditch the laptop and grab a pen and paper instead.

How do progressive schools involve parents?

There are many ways to be actively involved in your child’s school. One way is to join the Parents’ Council. As a member, you will have the opportunity to help shape the direction of the school and be involved in various decision-making processes. You can also volunteer for the school in various ways to enhance the learning experience. Some ways you can volunteer include chaperoning field trips, helping out in the classroom, or assisting with after-school activities. By being actively involved in your child’s school, you will help them succeed and reach their full potential.

Religion and a liberal/progressive school

The school shall respect the religious beliefs of all students and staff, and will not promote any specific religion.

How do progressive schools help children deal with exam pressure?

Exam pressure is something that every child has to deal with at some point in their schooling. While it is understandable that parents and guardians want their children to do well in exams, the pressure that comes with it can often be too much for young students to handle.

In a progressive school, however, the focus is not on exams as the only measure of success. Instead, students are encouraged to see learning as a lifelong process and to approach their studies with a positive attitude. This means that they are less likely to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of exams and more likely to cope with them in a healthy way.

There are several strategies that progressive schools use to help children deal with exam pressure. For example, they may provide opportunities for students to learn in different ways and at their own pace. This means that students are less likely to feel like they have to memorize everything in order to do well.

Progressive schools also typically have a more relaxed atmosphere, which can help reduce stress and enable students to perform better, even in exams.

How are new teachers trained in a progressive school?

First, all new hires must have previous experience working in a school setting. This ensures that they are familiar with the culture and expectations of a learning environment.

Second, all new hires must undergo a rigorous training program. This program covers all aspects of the job, from lesson planning to classroom management.

Third, all new hires must be observed by a veteran learning leader. This allows the veteran leader to provide feedback and support to the new hire, as well as monitor their progress.

Fourth, all new hires are given a probationary period. This allows them to acclimate to their new position and ensure that they are meeting the needs of the students.

Progressive schools and open learning spaces

The best progressive schools have designed open spaces specifically for collaborative learning. This means that there are individual quiet zones, large spaces for immersive learning, and small hubs for individual assistance. The goal is to provide a healthy and open learning environment for all learners. As such, learners are expected to respect their peers and adjust to the open learning environment. This helps minimize distractions and maximize learning.

Modeling good behavior

When children see their teachers respecting and valuing others, they learn to do the same. By modeling respectful behavior, teachers at top progressive schools create a culture of kindness and respect that extends beyond the classroom walls.

In addition to setting the tone themselves, the teachers also explicitly teach children about respect. Through lessons and activities, they help learners understand what respect looks and feels like, why it’s important, and how to show it to others.

When children feel respected by the adults in their lives, they are more likely to reciprocate that respect. By creating a culture of respect teachers ensure that students grow up to be kind, compassionate adults.

Dealing with shy and quiet children

This is especially important for those children who are not very expressive. It is essential that no child is left behind in a classroom, and that includes making sure everyone is given a chance to answer questions and participate in discussions.

Progressive pedagogy encourages learners to think deeply and also gives them the freedom to express themselves, even if it is in a few words or through non-verbal communication. The teachers will make use of stories and anecdotes to gradually draw the learners out of their shells. This way, everyone has a chance to participate and no one is left behind.

How will parents communicate with their school?

There are many avenues for communication. Parents connect with teachers through email, Google Classrooms, Microsoft, or Zoom. The best schools have a Learning Management System (LMS) or Student Information System (SIS). All faculty members are required to respond to all communications. Parent Engagement coordinators are points of contact for parents when they are not sure who to ask or approach. Academic Coordinators meet often with parents to discuss concerns and give updates. The principal has weekly coffee sessions with different groups of parents to ensure that he/she is accessible. The schools offer evening events such as Family Maths and Literacy Nights to bring parents into the school and provide them with resources.

Staff members are committed to creating a positive and productive partnership with parents because they know that parental involvement is crucial to student success. Research has shown that when parents are involved in their child’s education, the child is more likely to succeed academically and socially. Vega staff members go above and beyond to make sure that all parents have the opportunity to be involved in their children’s education.

How do the best progressive schools deal with bullying and bad behavior?

When a child is behaving aggressively or bullying other children, it’s important to take a step back and understand what might be causing this behavior. Oftentimes, there is a root cause that can be addressed, such as feelings of insecurity or anger.

Progressive educators want to help children understand their emotions and reactions, so they can be in charge of their behaviour. They can do this by talking about natural consequences and giving learners choices that help them make good decisions.

If a child is feeling insecure, educators help them understand how their actions are impacting others. We can also give them choices that will help them feel more in control, such as suggesting different ways to express their feelings.

If a child is angry, educators help them understand what might be causing their anger and how to manage it in a healthy way. Again, providing choices can be helpful, such as suggesting different ways to release their anger.

Ultimately, the goal is to help children change their behaviour by teaching them empathy and understanding. With the right support, they can learn to make good decisions that will benefit everyone involved.

How do progressive schools deal with different learning speeds?

No matter what level the child is at, a good progressive will support them in their learning. Highly trained teachers know the skills and level of understanding of each student, so they can develop instruction as needed.

For students who have already mastered a subject, progressive schools provide opportunities to deepen their knowledge by helping their peers through their work. This helps everyone in the class move forward together.

For students who need additional help, schools provide scaffolding and on-the-spot support. This ensures that every child can succeed in our program.

Progressive schools and technology in the classroom

When it comes to using technology in the classroom, it’s all about finding the right balance. We want to make sure that we’re using technology as a tool to support learning, rather than making it the centrepiece of the curriculum. That means using things like projectors and screens when they’ll be helpful, but not relying on them too heavily.

Similarly, we want to make sure that learners have access to computers and tablets when they need them, but we don’t want to force them to use them all the time. It’s all about finding a balance that works for our students and helps them achieve their goals.

Experiential learning at progressive schools

There is no denying that a classroom is an important place for learning. It is where children are first introduced to new concepts, where they learn to think critically and solve problems. But if we want to truly prepare our students for the real world, we need to also provide opportunities for them to learn outside of the classroom.

Real-world learning experiences have a number of benefits. They can help students to better understand and retain information, develop new skills and confidence, and build relationships with their peers and teachers.

When done right, learning experiences outside of the classroom can be just as impactful as those inside the classroom.

Once the real-world learning experience is over, it’s important to follow up with your students. This is a great time to debrief the experience and discuss what your students learned. It’s also an opportunity to address any challenges that arise and to plan for future experiences.

Assessments in progressive schools

Like any assessment, the progressive learning approach has its own unique set of challenges. In order to properly assess students in this type of environment, educators must be familiar with the principles of progressive learning and how they can be applied to assessment.

When assessing students in a progressive learning environment, it is important to consider the following:

 The focus of the assessment should be on the process, not the product. In other words, assessors should focus on how students are approaching and solving problems, not on whether or not they are getting the “right” answer.

 Assessments should be ongoing and formative in nature. This means that they should be used to guide and inform instruction, rather than simply to evaluate student progress.

 Students should be involved in the assessment process. This includes setting goals, self-assessing their work, and reflecting on their progress. 

Clubs and teams at progressive schools

Progressive encourages involvement in a variety of activities outside of academics. They believe that this helps build the whole child, and provides them with experiences that they may not get otherwise. They have a wide range of clubs, teams, and training opportunities available for students to participate in, and are always looking for ways to expand their offerings. They want all the students to explore the different activities that are available to them, and find what excites them. By doing this, they believe that they will be better prepared for success in all areas of their lives.

Curriculum at progressive schools

The curriculum is designed to challenge and engage students so that they can reach their full potential. Progressive schools use a variety of methods to deliver the curriculum, including problem-based learning (PBL). PBL is an instructional approach that emphasizes learning through active engagement in real-world projects. Students work on teams to complete assignments that require them to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

PBL allows students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-world situations. It is an effective way to prepare students for the challenges they will face in college and their careers. The curriculum is designed to challenge and engage students so that they can reach their full potential.

Diversity and inclusion at progressive schools

Progressive schools help guide students on diversity and inclusion by emphasizing empathy as a core value. By approaching all student issues with acceptance and respect for others, teachers can help foster a more inclusive environment in the classroom. This is done through a variety of activities, such as role-playing exercises, group discussions, and open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking about diversity and inclusion. Additionally, teachers provide resources on various aspects of diversity, such as culture, religion, race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. By increasing awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion, students are better equipped to create a more inclusive world.

Progressive schools and leadership

One of the things that the top progressive schools do best is develop leaders. Students are constantly collaborating and working together to solve problems. This develops their ability to negotiate interests, understand the views and feelings of others, and step up to provide direction. In this way, progressive schools are huge leadership laboratories.

The children have the opportunity to hone their leadership skills in a real-world setting. This prepares them for success in whatever field they choose to pursue after graduation. And, because leadership is such an important skill in today’s world, it’s sure to give them a leg up in the job market.

Progressive schools and problem based learning (PBL)

Problem based learning is an effective way of teaching that allows learners to be actively involved in their own learning. In problem based learning, learners are given problems to solve that are based on real-life challenges. This type of learning allows learners to discover answers and learn new things by themselves, as opposed to being instructed by an adult. By giving learners the freedom to ask questions and discover answers on their own, problem based learning helps them to become more independent and resourceful. In addition, problem based learning also helps learners to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills which are essential in today’s world.

Progressive schools and foreign languages

Spanish is a beautiful language with a rich culture and history. It is the second most spoken language in the world, making it a great choice for students who want to learn a third language. Spanish is also the official language of 20 countries in South and Central America, as well as several Caribbean nations. This makes Spanish an excellent choice for students who want to travel or do business in those regions. Additionally, Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Approximately 10% of all content on the Internet is in Spanish. Consequently, learning Spanish can open up a wealth of new opportunities for students.

Progressive schools and reading

Progressive schools understand the importance of developing a love for reading in their learners. That’s why they have a DEAR program (Drop Everything And Read) as part of the curriculum.

DEAR time is a designated period in the classroom calendar where both learners and their teachers can stop what they’re doing and just read. This is in addition to the guided reading that takes place during language classes, and it’s a great way to encourage independent reading.

Progressive schools and Co-curricular activities?

Progressive schools educate their learners in Theatre, Music, Art, and Dance. They also expose our learners to free play and other structured activities in their choice time. Overall the learners spend almost one and a half hours every day on co-curricular activities. This allows them to explore their interests and develop their skills in a variety of areas. It also helps them to socialize and make friends with others who have similar interests.

Participation in co-curricular activities has many benefits for learners. It can help them to develop new skills, confidence, and a sense of teamwork. It can also be a great way to make friends and have fun. Top progressive schools believe that all learners should have the opportunity to take part in co-curricular activities and provide a range of activities that cater to a variety of interests.

Daycare at progressive schools

Although nothing comes close to a mother’s affection, good quality Daycare’ staff will put great emphasis on treating children with the utmost tenderness and listening to things they cannot express. From helping them clean up, feeding them lovingly, playing with them, and training them to be independent in going to the toilet, the nannies make it a home away from home for the child.

The didis will be specially trained to handle very small kids with great care and patience. They will be experienced in dealing with children who have special needs.

For more information on the above subject, write to us at info@vega.edu.in.