Additional information
by Viplav Baxi (Author)
WhatIfEdu examines our systems of education from twelve different perspectives. Each WhatIf question compels us to reflect on changes we can bring about in our education systems, building on the experiences of practitioners from across the world.
WhatIfEdu prompts you to rethink education and to adapt innovations in governance, pedagogy, techniques, technology, skills and processes to your local contexts. It is a compelling starting point in the conversation around change in your system of education.- How do we structure time better to allow reflection and personalize learning?
- How do we structure groups so that they are porous or permeable and open to ideas, and interactions, reflective of the abilities and interests of our children?
- How do we integrate curricula such that themes form the basis of learning in the classroom?
- How can teachers engage in reflective and collaborative practices to both learn and teach, in a rigorous and open manner?
- How can we better handle mixed abilities within our diverse classrooms?
- Are we industriously creating degrees?
- Shouldn't we reward every child's achievements and aggregate them into portfolios that more truly reflect their abilities?
- Which new skills and specializations must teachers acquire to meet the demands of the new age digital economy?
- How can teachers use games, gamification and simulations to enhance impact in the classroom, build 21st century skills and adopt new age assessment methods?
- How can we encourage our children to engage openly and constructively with makers in the giant laboratory that is our world?
- How can massive open online courses (MOOCs) really live up to their promise?
- How can school ownership be vested in the people who are most impacted by it?
- How can we wisely employ humor in our classrooms?
REVIEWS
Baxi has assembled a set of wonderful and seriously educative narratives through 12 reflective scenarios which are a response to simple looking but very difficult challenges to the education system itself. I have high hopes that WhatIfEDU will create many 'Islands of light' by illuminating the minds of the readers.
- Dr. Vasudha Kamat, Former Vice Chancellor, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai and Member, Committee for Draft National Education Policy of India (2018)
WhatIfEDU is a refreshing and timely work that stimulates the reader to rethink the present system of education. It was a delight reading it. I hope that all readers will find it engaging, stimulating and help them firm up their own personal educational philosophy.
- Prof. M M Pant, Former Pro-Vice Chancellor at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
A brilliant and thought provoking book that manages to start a conversation about the Holy Grail - our education system. With its extensive research, the book is a minefield of resources and ideas.
- Anuradha Rai, Principal, Ambience Public School, Gurugram and Lead of ECHO Education
A superb compilation of simple, yet powerful thoughts and ideas to change the face of education. A must have tool kit for all Educators. Baxi's powerful "out of the box" narrative provokes and provides educators with simple to implement strategies at their institutions.
- Girish Gopalakrishnan, Founder, Wiksate
The "what if" questions are very relevant and so is the commentary, analysis and insight!
- Manish Upadhyay, Edtech Advisor, Entrepreneur & Investor
The lucid synthesis of the best practices globally are eye opening. This is not just a "must read" but also a "must experience" book that shall continuously provoke and inspire us.
- Lokesh Mehra, Lead - Research and Development, NASSCOM
