Dr. Sonali Dasgupta (PhD)’s Post

Traditional Classrooms Are Failing to Prepare Our Kids for the Future Today’s traditional classrooms often rely on outdated methods like rote learning, leaving children disengaged and unprepared for the real world. Without hands-on activities, kids miss out on kinaesthetic learning, crucial for understanding complex concepts. They lack opportunities to problem-solve, collaborate, or develop critical thinking—skills that are essential in today’s rapidly changing world. This gap is especially evident in STEM education, where many teachers struggle to provide effective, inspiring lessons due to a lack of training and resources. At Creative Playground Education, we break free from these limitations. Our educators are passionate STEM specialists who believe in learning by doing. For example, our students design and program their own harvester while learning about the need for agriculture. Students are guided by our expert mentors who ensure every child is engaged, learning, and excited about their own creation. What impact has an inspiring educator had on your child’s learning journey? Share with us below! 🚀🔧 #STEMEducation #InnovativeTeaching #InspiringEducators

It is important to cultivate a classroom environment that fosters scholars' #STEM sense of belonging, so scholars see themselves as STEMists. Here are some tips on cultivating a STEM classroom culture: https://ow.ly/xXqv50R3Cht #SimplifyingSTEM

At STEM to the Future, our mission is deeply intentional. We aim to inspire, motivate, and support Black and brown elementary and middle school students to shape the futures they envision for themselves. When I founded this organization, I made a deliberate choice to not use the word "empower." This wasn't a decision made lightly; it stemmed from a belief that our young learners already possess immense power within them. Our role is not to bestow power, but to assist in actualizing the power they inherently hold. The language we use—inspire, motivate, support—echoes our student-led philosophy, ensuring we step back and illuminate the brilliance already present in our students. It's about recognizing their capabilities and providing them with the tools and encouragement to see their own potential. This approach isn't just about teaching STEM; it's about affirming our students' right to dream big and equipping them with the skills to turn those dreams into reality. As we continue to grow and evolve, maintaining this core philosophy is paramount. We strive to create a space where every student knows their value, can see their future in the innovations they create, and feels supported in every step of their journey. STEM to the Future is more than an organization; it's a commitment to fostering an environment where the power of youth is celebrated and nurtured. #STEMtotheFuture #Inspire #Motivate #Support #YouthDevelopment #STEMEducation #PlantingtheSeed

Traditional Classrooms Are Stifling Our Children's Potential In traditional classrooms, children often face outdated teaching methods that limit their growth. Rote learning and a lack of hands-on experiences leave students disengaged and underprepared for the challenges of the modern world. Without opportunities to problem-solve, collaborate, or explore STEM in a meaningful way, our children miss out on developing critical thinking skills and creativity—skills essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving world. At Creative Playground Education, we do things differently. Our educators are not just instructors; they are passionate mentors who bring STEM to life. Through interactive, project-based learning, our students don’t just memorize facts—they apply them. For instance, instead of just hearing about flying chairs' ride, our students build their own flying chairs amusement park ride, guided by our expert educators who ensure every child is actively engaged and excited about learning. Who is the passionate educator in your child's life? Share your story in the comments! 🌱📚 #STEMEducation #InnovativeTeaching #InspiringEducators

JASON Consultant Spotlight!✨ Say hello to Dr. Susan Tave Zelman, a brilliant consultant and educator representing JASON Learning from Ohio! 🌟 Connection to JASON:  I remember JASON back when the JASON Project was developed 35 years ago. When I became State Superintendent of Ohio in 1998-99, I looked into the JASON Project because I liked it so much! My passion was to get high-quality curriculum and instruction in ALL Ohio schools, particularly in underresourced and underserved schools. What I love is that JASON Learning is not a commercial curriculum firm but a nonprofit organization with a powerful mission regarding equity and diversity and helping students see themselves as successful in STEM-related careers. 🌟 Current job title/what you're up to now:  I’m a Senior Consultant to JASON Learning. My passion was to begin working in Appalachia and help rural school districts that need access to STEM education connect with JASON. 🌟 Favorite JASON memory/experience:  Going to the STEM to WORC conference at Noble Local Schools in Ohio at the beginning of our workforce development grant from the US Department of Labor in partnership with OVER. It was rewarding to see both educators and the business community being excited about the opportunities that JASON curricula and training can provide and the possibilities for educator-business partnerships in the future. 🌟 Advice, encouragement, and ideas to engage students in STEM education: All students can benefit from project-based experiences. STEM education helps students understand abstract concepts in real-life situations. Additionally, seeing actual role models that resemble their backgrounds helps students find a sense of purpose for their own career pathways. Project-based learning is an important methodology, and teachers should use it to reimagine and redesign learning to meet the needs of all students and their families. JASON Learning encourages educators to open the school doors and engage the entire community in addressing problems that can strengthen the community! Not only with regard to workforce development but also with developing partnerships for social cohesion. #JASONLearning #STEMlearning #STEMeducation #k12education #superintendents #schoolleadership #careerexploration #workforcedevelopment

We must raise thinkers, not just observers. “You are just playing.” That was the impression people and educators got when we started with our STEM courses for children 8 years ago. What people saw was children being happy, and having fun. They also observed that children were not quiet in the classroom. We sometimes even called that controlled chaos. For someone looking from the outside, it seems like children are not “obedient” and that they are not paying attention. But that is far from the truth. They were just: ✅ engaged in solving the problem,  ✅ communicating,  ✅ finding solutions and  ✅ deciding what to do next. And that is called STEM approach. 🚀 I think STEM approach will prepare children and youth for the 21st-century by developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary skills. How can we have innovative engineers if they cannot use their critical thinking skills and are only obeying the rules and doing tasks that are being told to do? 👎 It will not work out. We need to encourage the STEM approach with hands-on, project-based learning, where children, youth and students apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. This is how we will progress and innovate. To nurture thinkers, not passive observers. Do you agree? #STEMeducation #education #STEM #GoINNO

We believe that the foundation of tomorrow's leaders is built today. Read our latest piece on the pivotal role of STEM education in early childhood. 🔬🧒 #STEMEducation #FutureLeaders https://lnkd.in/exK8CFr6

The Magic Potion Called STEM Imagine a potion brewed in classrooms—a potion that transforms young minds into problem-solvers, innovators, and critical thinkers. 🔬 Boil it with creativity, and you get innovation—where students turn wild ideas into groundbreaking solutions. 🧩 Sprinkle it with problem-solving, and you unlock solutions to challenges that seemed impossible. 📊 Pour it with logical reasoning, and you nurture a positive mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities to learn. STEM education is that magical potion. It equips students not just with knowledge but with the tools to think, create, and lead in a rapidly evolving world. How do you incorporate the magic of STEM into your teaching? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other! #STEMEducation #Innovation #CriticalThinking #FutureReady #EdTech #Education

Great #Teaching and #Learning as well as #StudentSuccess are demonstrated in this video https://lnkd.in/ghEHTCVH. It also debunks the notion that #culturallyrelevant teaching strategies are exclusively race-based. Learn more from the article. #STEM

Exploring the thin but game changing terminology: #stem vs. #steam education In my #recent #discussion with #leaders from prominent institutions, the distinction between STEM and STEAM education became a focal point of intriguing conversations. It's remarkable to witness the diverse #perspectives, with some putting forth their #own #theories on this obvious nuanced difference. Here a notable player in the global #toy industry #legoeducation and education sector highlighted the STEM vs. STEAM education, echoing the same observations, I debated. Link 🔗 to the article: Below ⬇️ Let's foster open discussions to enhance our collective understanding and navigate the educational landscape with clarity and purpose. 🌐🚀 #STEM #STEAM #educationinsights