By Mr Rajesh Jamadagni and Br Alfred Menezes for BISMumbai

The staff of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Lonavla, participated in an engaging session on 6 and 7 June 2023, which was led by Mr Neil Azavedo, a dynamic communication skills expert and speech and drama trainer.

It was a truly enlightening and enjoyable session where the staff learned novel and useful ways to increase vocabulary, correctly spell words, improve communication skills, and engage in a variety of other interesting and enjoyable activities. Mr Azavedo gave the teachers demonstrations of a variety of games and activities designed to spark students' interest in their studies. Additionally, he discussed how different students learn in different ways, using real-world and personal examples to illustrate his point.

Mr Azavedo’s invaluable advice helped the staff conduct their English classes and other classes in general, and they will always be grateful for that. Mrs Asgari Syyed, a teacher, remarked: “The session was very interesting and innovative, and I learned many new things from it.”

On 7 June 2023, the staff of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Lonavla, were also exposed to the various problems faced by children with learning disabilities in the session that was conducted for them by Mr Rahul Lalwani who is a renowned clinical psychologist, a remedial educator, and a career counsellor.

The staff was acquainted with the behavioural patterns of slow learners, which would help them in their identification, and they also mastered the techniques of helping these students overcome their challenges. Mr Lalwani took a detailed session focusing on each type of learning disability that is found in the classroom, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.

After the input part of the session, Mr Lalwani ensured that he gave satisfactory responses to the various questions posed to him by the staff members. The session ended with the staff thanking Mr Lalwani for his expert guidance, which would enable them to gain a better understanding of the problems of children with learning disabilities. 

Both of these sessions that were taken are very pertinent because they will help the teachers be more efficient and creative in their approach to the students. They are now equipped with various tools that they can use to tap into the creativity of their students. They are also equipped to identify and help students with learning disabilities. This is indeed a wonderful way to be prepared for the new academic year.