3-2-1 TUESDAYS WITH MS NIV

Issue #228, 19th November 2024

Which produces higher quality work? Focused work typically produces superior results since it allows deep concentration, reduces errors, and enables complex problem-solving. Multitasking splits attention, leading to more mistakes and shallower thinking.

What’s the impact on mental energy? Focused work uses mental energy efficiently by maintaining a single stream of thought. Multitasking depletes energy faster due to constant context switching, which can be mentally exhausting and lead to decision fatigue.

How does time efficiency compare? While multitasking creates an illusion of productivity, research shows it can take 40% longer to complete tasks when switching between them. Focused work, though seemingly slower, often completes tasks faster and more thoroughly in total time spent.

You might want to reflect when do you multitask and when do you focus and how does it impact you and the outcome of the task – as a student, as parent and as an educator. Here are some further thoughts on it.

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Three images of the week

Two Thoughts of the Week

In this media-drenched, multitasking, always-on age, many of us have forgotten how to unplug and immerse ourselves completely in the moment. We have forgotten how to slow down. Not surprisingly, this fast-forward culture is taking a toll on everything from our diet and health to our work and the environment. – Carl Honore

Look at this generation, with all of its electronic devices and multitasking. I will confidently predict less success than Warren, who just focused on reading. – Charlie Munger

One Video of the Week

Learning how to learn while learning your subject content can help you over the years, dear students. Meet my guest on this episode of Career Choices Unplugged, Tripat Preet Singh, to hear how it helps in creating a meaningful career.

Reading with Ms. Meenu: Tip of the week

Really Reading in Literature Circles:

As teachers who are trying to raise real readers, how can we more fully deliver on our commitments? Many of us from kindergarten through university are now setting aside a regular portion of the week, the month and the whole school year for genuine “lifelong reader” experiences. These activities are not hybrids or compromises, but chunks of time that all the habits of true grown-up reading. And the most popular structure for delivering such an experience is the literature circle or book club. These groups are closely patterned after adult reader groups, those circles of friends who meet regularly in each other’s living rooms, in church basements or in the back rooms of bookstores to discuss a book they have chosen and read. These book clubs have recently experienced quite a rebirth and sparked after the pandemic.

What happens when we translate this simple literacy practice of adult reading groups to the educational setting? In school, we define literature circles or book clubs or reading groups as small, peer led discussion groups whose members have chosen to read the same article, poem, book or novel and to talk about it with each other. Here are the consistent elements for reading groups:

·         Students choose their own reading materials.

·         Small groups (three to six students) are formed based upon book choice.

·         Grouping is by text choices, not by “ability” or other tracking.

·         Different groups choose and read different books.

·         Groups create and meet on a regular schedule.

·         Discussion questions come from the students and not the teachers.

·         Personal responses, connections and questions are the starting point of discussion.

·         A spirit of playfulness and sharing pervades the room.

·         Assessment is by teacher observation and student self evaluation.

·         New groups from around new reading choices and another group begins.

Let’s focus on all these elements and keep on shaping future readers.

Happy Reading!
Meenu Gera

Consulting home and school librarian and reading guide.

Career assessment, guidance, and placement strategies:

Navigating Career Choices: Journey from Multitasking to Focused Growth

Meher’s parents are doctors,  and our interaction with her started when she was in grade 9. At that time the objective was to assist her with subject selection and enhance her academic focus. There were mixed preferences – her parents being doctors, but she did not want to pursue medicine and wanted to explore alternative career paths. As she progressed to grade 10, she decided to enroll in JEE coaching and set high academic goals for herself, eventually achieving over  90% in her ICSE board examinations. Alongside her academics, she was learning Bharatanatyam; this year 2024, she successfully completed her arangetram. She now trains young learners in Bharatnatyam. 

When she entered grade 11, she shifted to NEET coaching and also enrolled in CLAT coaching. She managed her schoolwork along with NEET and CLAT preparations. However, by grade 12, burnout started to take a toll. Currently, Meher is undergoing career and psychosocial counseling sessions with our expert to help her reduce anxiety, manage her time effectively, and choose a focused career path to achieve her goals. 

Case study provided by: Team Fermata, www.fermataco.com

And Finally…

Dear reader,
I work with the school leadership team as an advisor, collaborate with teachers as a pedagogical trainer, assist parents as a parenting counselor, and engage one-on-one with students as a personal guide and mentor. This weekly newsletter shares what I read, learn, and experience.

3-2-1 Tuesdays with Ms. Niv is a newsletter you can subscribe to and enjoy your learning journey with me.

From the archives

Many of you have been asking for the earlier editions of this newsletter. I am very happy to note that you are enjoying the content served here. Now, with every new issue, I am sharing a link to the newsletter from the archives. I am starting from the earliest ones available.

Here is the link for – issue#004 https://niveditamukerjee.com/2020/08/04/3-2-1-tuesdays-with-ms-niv-3/

Enjoy and subscribe.