The Benefits of Lifelong Learning & Growth Mindset at CIS Bangalore
In a rapidly evolving world, the value of lifelong learning has never been more important. As industries, technologies and global challenges continue to evolve, the ability to adapt, grow and constantly up-skill is crucial for personal and professional success. Real impact is possible when people are empowered with the right approach to learning — one that lays an unshakeable foundation during their schooling days.
At Canadian International School (CIS), Bangalore, we believe in fostering a culture where learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. Through a combination of experiential learning, internship opportunities and an overarching commitment to self-directed, experience-based education — students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset to serve them well throughout their lives.
Experiential Learning:
The Power of Hands-On Education
Experiential Learning (EL) is a teaching approach that encourages students to engage directly with the world around them and apply what they’ve learned in class, in real-world situations. This hands-on approach has proven to be valuable in helping students understand that learning is not just to do well on a test; it is about creating a foundation of knowledge that can be built upon and used in everyday life.
At CIS, there are dedicated EL days where students across grades spend the day engaging in activities and learning skills that connect to their classroom learning. One such workshop included a component on marketing where interested middle school students learned about marketing basics and how to design and set-up the school’s pop-up shop. This not only helped them devise the strategy of product placement, but also got them thinking about creative ways to market the shop to their community.
EL activities also help students strengthen their social and emotional skills. In the bicycle assembling workshop, students assembled bicycles from parts they purchased through crowd-funding initiatives, and once assembled, donated these cycles to support staff at their school. These cycles provided a means for staff to get to and fro their workplace on a daily basis. Students learned skills while also understanding the value of empathy. They were able to see first-hand how their actions made a positive difference to people's lives.
Mr. Bipin, our secondary school Experiential Learning (EL) and Athletics & Activities Coordinator (AAC), explains, “Experiential Learning connects classroom lessons to real-world experiences through which students are able to see the relevance of their education and retain knowledge more effectively, while also learning the importance of patience, determination, adaptability and collaboration — key skills that will serve them well in any field. In middle school, students are offered workshops that may or may not be connected to their classroom learning, while in high school, we have activities that link with the teaching curriculum."
Delving deeper into an example of how EL benefits students, he says, "When students have to choose their classes and have done an EL day on woodwork, for instance, they have actually asked to take up the Design Technology subject offered by CIS to hone their interest in the subject. Just by giving them the experience earlier, they are able to make more informed decisions later in their schooling career."
Self-Directed Learning: Cultivating
Curiosity and Critical Thinking
Right from pre-kindergarten, students are taught to take responsibility for their own education, set personal learning goals and reflect on their progress. They are not just passive recipients of knowledge, but active participants in their own knowledge development. This opens up the possibility of developing self-confidence, building intuition and encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Students stand to develop a love for learning that becomes an integral part of their lives and helps them stay adaptable in the face of new challenges. It is this approach to learning that has nurtured and empowered our students to create and be vital members of projects including a student-led blood donation drive called Red Wave, a Indian groundwater conservation initiative, an initiative on providing financial literacy to the underprivileged and many more.
How Early Internships
Shape Career Exploration
Internships provide students with a unique chance to explore the world beyond their school walls and gain hands-on experience in professional settings. Every industry offers a myriad of career choices, and internships give students the opportunity to explore their options. It is an ideal platform for them to apply their classroom learning in a real-world context while also continuing to develop important skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. For many students, this early exposure to the workforce encourages them to step outside of their comfort zones and take on new responsibilities. They learn the importance of time management, accountability and professionalism.
As our Head of Strategic Initiatives at CIS, Anjana Sastri, explains, “At CIS, the importance of internships is recognised not only for career preparation, but also for personal growth. It encourages students to build professional networks, meet potential mentors and explore their interests. All these experiences play a crucial role in helping them develop confidence, leadership abilities and a greater sense of self-awareness which are all key components of a lifelong learning mindset.”
Whether students choose to pursue higher education, enter the workforce or explore other paths, they truly stand to benefit when they are equipped with the right tools to keep an open mind and embrace learning throughout their lives. In fact, it’s not just school-going students, but even adults of all ages who would greatly benefit from this attitude and approach of embracing lifelong learning to become drivers of innovation and positive change in the world.
CTA: Discover how CIS Bangalore fosters lifelong learning and growth mindset — schedule a campus tour today!