1. CRDC Newsletter 2009-10

Our vision is to serve as agents for influencing

1. Institutional level changes in the conceptualization and practice of teaching
2. Building the Podar brand of qualitative education.

The mission of the CRDC is to enhance quality of instructional materials and support all the educators in their role by:

We believe that:

1. Teaching, and the development of teaching, is a professional responsibility of  all academicians
2. Learning to teach is an ongoing process. Improvement in instructional practices enhances teacher-effectiveness.
3. No one way is the best. While there are some set principles of effective practice in teaching, there are many different ways of exemplifying these principles.
4. Good teachers develop an authentic personal style of practice and use methods appropriate to particular contexts and goals.
5. Teaching is an activity that involves ongoing critical reflection and self-evaluation  
6. Recognition enhances teacher commitment.

We value:

1. Responsiveness: We provide responsible and timely suggestions whenever needed.
2. Diversity: We use diverse approaches to teaching and learning and promote respect for diverse perspectives.
3. Innovation: We encourage the development and implementation of innovative teaching projects or learning materials, by individuals or departments.
4. Reflection: We are reflective and critical in practice and take action to improve our own expertise. We keep pace with the latest developments in the field of education.  
5. Communication: We encourage open discussion about teaching, and use our interactive website to promote communication among teachers and students.
6. Collaboration: We promote collegiality among teachers, and work to develop a climate that is supportive of collaboration among the teaching and learning community at the Podar Group of Schools. 
7. Integrity: We demonstrate integrity in our relationships with other educational developers, colleagues, faculty, staff, students, and administrators. We promote an ethical practice.
8. Professionalism: We engage in ongoing professional development and maintain the highest possible standards of practice.

The Curriculum Research and Development Centre of the Podar Education Complex was conceptualized by the management in 2008.  It has been functioning from the academic year 2008-2009.

The activities of CRDC can be classified as follows:

Development and updating of curriculum:  The CRDC gives insights into:

1. New approaches of planning syllabi keeping in mind the broad-based aims of education.
2. Providing holistic understanding of educational domains
3. Development of an integrated curriculum (IB/CIE, ICSE and CBSE) at Podar Schools.
4. Development and updating of curriculum for grades I-XII.

Short duration programmes for teachers: As part of professional development, the CRDC conducts visits to Podar CRDC Schools, during which various workshops are conducted by the team members on different areas of concern with regard to the academic progress.  It also evolves scalable classroom practices. Preparation of laboratory manuals, lesson planning, effectiveness of classroom teaching etc is looked into. This programme is open throughout the year.  

Developments related to Educational Technology: In this programme, latest developments in instructional technology, use of multimedia, demonstration of audio visual aids  is shared with all Podar Schools keeping update with the latest innovations related to educational technology and taking it to the classroom is the focus.

Development of student evaluation procedures and materials on examination reforms: A re-look at the student evaluation procedures has become necessary with the developments in educational technology; CRDC is in the process of streamlining this area.

Development of positive school community:  The CRDC provides strategies that go into making the school a child-friendly school and building connections with, and between, staff, students, families and the community.

Development of global citizens:  The CRDC provides training and resources in personal grooming for both teachers and students so as to develop every member of Podar Schools as a global citizen, to match with global standards.  It also designs modules to help teachers become proficient in English and other Indian languages.  

1. CRDC Newsletter 2009-10