25th Quality Circle Conference: Resounding Success

The 25th International Quality Circle Conference 2024 concluded with remarkable success, bringing together educators, students, and dignitaries to explore innovative educational strategies. Hosted at City Montessori School, Kanpur Road Campus, Lucknow, the event emphasized the importance of quality education, collaboration, and technological advancements.

Inauguration and Highlights

The event began with the inauguration of the newly established Artificial Intelligence Laboratory by Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CICSE). He praised the lab’s advanced ROS capabilities and its potential to revolutionize education. Dr. Emmanuel officially opened the convention, welcoming 117 participating schools from India and abroad, and paid heartfelt tributes to the late Dr. Jagdish Gandhi, a beacon of educational excellence.

The inaugural day also featured performances by 11 school bands, showcasing their talents in music and dance, with themes addressing global challenges like war, empathy, and justice. Over 7,000 students participated, reflecting their creativity and commitment.

Themes and Discussions

The conference revolved around themes like environmental conservation, peace, and unity. Dr. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Manager of CMS, emphasized the transformative power of education, quoting Abdul Baha, “Amongst the greatest services that man can render to God is education.” She highlighted the school’s efforts in adopting advanced teaching methodologies like metacognition and the ALFA system, which accelerate learning and foster analytical abilities.

Prominent international speakers enriched the conference:

• Dr. Senthil Kumaran from Bangalore discussed quality as a journey requiring strong values and a vision.

• Dr. M.R. Kabir from Bangladesh stressed the importance of outcome-based education and involving every child.

• Dr. Hayal Koksal from Turkey focused on empowering students through collaboration and real-life challenges.

•  Shan Rup Rai from Australia highlighted the need for global competencies and AI integration in education.

Key topics like equity vs. equality, collaborative learning, and critical thinking resonated throughout the sessions. The event also emphasized inclusivity, featuring insights from Mohun Das Teeluck of Mauritius, who showcased the achievements of disabled students in creative activities.

Cultural and Social Activities

Evening sessions featured vibrant cultural performances by schools from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and India, culminating in a spirited Dandiya night. Students embraced the opportunity to celebrate diversity through dance and music, strengthening bonds across borders.

The convention concluded with Dr. Sunita Gandhi introducing the ALFA pedagogy, which has shown transformative results in student learning. The closing ceremony underscored the value of participation over competition, with almost every school receiving trophies. Dr. Kamran, the convenor, inspired students to dream big, urging them to foster peace, unity, and brotherhood globally.

The 25th Quality Circle Conference was a testament to the collective pursuit of educational excellence, leaving participants motivated and eager for the next edition.