Conversation with Ms. Areesha Naaz conducted by Siya Garg, a class 11 student of Bal Bharati Public School, Rohini, and Emerging Leader at NoticeBard.
Given the varying opinions, with parents leaning toward studies and students advocating a balance, how do you, as a teacher, view the significance of academics compared to extracurricular activities in shaping a well-rounded education?
In today’s scenario, there is a cutthroat competition when it comes to getting a job in any field. Theoretical as well as practical knowledge is very important for students. So academic as well as extracurricular activities are equally crucial for students. They help in shaping a child’s future growth. There should be a balance between the two.
By participating in various extracurricular activities, students learn management skills, and leadership skills, and gain confidence etc., vis-a-vis only indulging in academics and being neglectful towards extracurricular activities will gain only theoretical knowledge.
Your efforts in preparing students for various business competitions are commendable. What strategies do you employ to ensure students are well-equipped and confident when participating in these competitions?
As a teacher preparing students for business competitions, my top priority is to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the given topic. I do this by asking them 5W and 1H questions to test their comprehension. I always provide them with ample time to prepare and encourage them to give me daily updates on their progress.
Innovation is at the core of entrepreneurship. How do you encourage and nurture innovative thinking among students within the entrepreneurship club, and have there been any notable projects or ideas that emerged from this initiative?
To encourage innovative thinking and entrepreneurship acumen, I take the route of weekly group discussions and continuously brainstorming ideas. The most effective way to promote this is by giving them case studies and then having a discussion about what strategies could be implemented by the business (as mentioned in the case study) to increase its social media presence, what went wrong etc. Talking about notable projects, we recently collected Rs. 10,000 as funds only by selling Sattu drink to parents and children on PTM. We realised the need of the hour which was increased awareness towards health and thus successfully able to raise funds.
Lastly, for students who aspire to become entrepreneurs, what advice do you have for them as they embark on their journey? Are there key principles or lessons you believe are essential for budding entrepreneurs to succeed?
As a message to young entrepreneurs, I would encourage them to think creatively and innovatively, take risks, and step outside of the box. Remember, the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward. Stay curious and keep an eye out for problems that need solving, as these often present the best opportunities for developing innovative products or services that can make a difference in people’s daily lives.
Image taken from here.
