Dr. Devkant Joshi, the Principal of LRI School in the vibrant locality of Kalanki, Kathmandu, gracefully brings forth a rich tapestry of 33 years adorned with profound educational experiences. Embarking upon his journey in 2049 BS, he chose to anchor his aspirations within the illustrious halls of LRI School subsequent to the attainment of his Master’s Degree from India and a doctorate in the meticulous domain of Education Planning and Management from Tribhuvan University. In a recent rendezvous with College Readers, he generously imparted his invaluable wisdom and discerning perspectives.

Dr. Devkant Joshi, the Principal of LRI School in the vibrant locality of Kalanki, Kathmandu, gracefully brings forth a rich tapestry of 33 years adorned with profound educational experiences. Embarking upon his journey in 2049 BS, he chose to anchor his aspirations within the illustrious halls of LRI School subsequent to the attainment of his Master’s Degree from India and a doctorate in the meticulous domain of Education Planning and Management from Tribhuvan University. In a recent rendezvous with College Readers, he generously imparted his invaluable wisdom and discerning perspectives.

Beyond the rise of new schools, what are the biggest factors driving the transformation in how students learn today?

In the past, terms like private schools and government schools were common. Now, we have community schools, public schools, and institutional schools. Changes in the education sector have occurred due to new government plans and international policies. Parents' attitudes towards their children's education have also evolved. Previously, typically only one parent was educated, but now both parents are educated, positively impacting education. Presently, parents are actively engaged on social media and are highly conscious. The student learning process has also transformed. Rather than solely absorbing information from teachers, students now question, seek reasons and conduct independent research. Students exhibit a heightened curiosity for subjects, shifting the teaching and learning dynamic towards more inquiry and less lecturing.

Parents are now more educated and aware of the influence of social media, yet some students in private schools remain focused on rote learning. How do you assess this issue?

This cannot be applied broadly across the entire country. While there are instances of rote learning in villages, the reality is that fewer students are remaining in these areas. Personally, I hail from Sudurpaschim Province, Kailali district. I have encountered numerous schools that stand empty due to urbanization and emigration to foreign lands. Even the limited number of students in village schools are not immune to the influence of social media. However, social media comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Both students and educators are drawn to urban areas, merely biding their time, and hoping for a brighter future. In my view and based on my experiences, the quality of education in village schools has diminished. This decline can be attributed to waning student interest in learning, teacher dedication, poor parent-teacher communication, and the allure of urban lifestyles.

What initiatives have been implemented at LRI School to enhance the quality of education?

LRI School was founded in 2044 B.S., and I have been part of it since its inception. The school has evolved in line with the changing needs of society and time. Initially, lacking computer facilities, we relied on handwritten materials, later transitioning to typewriters. Today, we offer a comprehensive range of amenities, including computers and internet access in every classroom. Our students benefit from the latest techniques and technologies.

Over the past 15 years, we have extensively traveled to various countries to study their educational systems. Emphasizing sustainable development goals, we aim to cultivate global citizens who can transcend physical boundaries. Finland boasts the world's leading school-level education system, while Israel excels in education. During our visit to Israel, we were amazed to see kindergarten students confidently using iPads for projects. Developed nations prioritize students' self-learning abilities. I have observed our students to be highly enthusiastic and eager learners.

In the past, education in Nepal primarily focused on English fluency. However, the system is now shifting towards holistic student development, encouraging extracurricular activities, leadership, and confidence, even in international settings. The infrastructure has significantly improved compared to the past, and we strive to implement best practices from other countries. Initially, we explored various nations before organizing student visits.

During the Dashain Tihar break, we took students to Korea, and we are planning a NASA program trip to America in two weeks. Foreign diplomats have praised our students' talents, communication skills, and confidence, dispelling misconceptions about Nepal. For the past two years, we have conducted the online EPASS program, focusing on science, in collaboration with Japan. We hosted Russian and Japanese teachers last December. Our school offers diverse choices, enabling students to pursue their passions and desired subjects. Recently, we held an orchestra performance with experts from Japan and Vietnam on our foundation day, where students showcased their talents. Recognizing each child's uniqueness, we provide opportunities for them to excel and progress.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, LRI School embraced digitalization, creating a platform for global learning opportunities. While we have resumed physical education post-social distancing measures, we continue to integrate the benefits of online education. Understanding the limitations some students face regarding travel and visas, we offer both physical visits and online sessions. We have witnessed improvements in our students' critical thinking, creativity, knowledge, and confidence.

Community and parental involvement play a significant role in the quality of education. How do you view this point?

We have always involved parents in our school since its inception. Nowadays, it's easier to reach out to them as they are educated, informed, and engaged. Previously, we had to initiate meetings with parents, but now they visit voluntarily at regular intervals. Their understanding has increased.

We have found that parental expectations have negative effects on children. What is your perspective on this?

In my view, in the past, parents had high expectations mainly in two areas: proficiency in English and achieving top grades in grade 10. Students used to adhere to parental and teacher advice, sometimes sacrificing their own aspirations. We would advocate for parents to allow their children to pursue their preferred fields. Nowadays, most parents comprehend their child's interests, yet some remain demanding and critical. This could be attributed to expatriate parents seeking foreign educational approaches in Nepal. Around 20 years ago, we took our students to Lincoln College for a friendly girls' basketball match. The headmistress mentioned that her grade 12 students couldn't pass our grade 8 exam, citing our excessive focus on academics. She noted that our grade 12 students lacked the conversational skills of her grade 7 students, emphasizing their emphasis on self-learning and independence by age 18/19. While we are evolving, replicating the American model in Nepal may not be ideal. Some aspects borrowed from foreign education systems do not align well with Nepalese students. Presently, students feel frustrated by forceful decisions and may make misguided choices.

Devices provided to students for online classes during the COVID era are currently being misused by the students. How do you perceive this situation?

I prioritize family time by disconnecting mobile phones and TV. I engage meaningfully with my kids, listen to them, and discuss interesting events. I think parents share responsibility for children's excessive use of mobile phones as they often mimic their parents. Teachers are not allowed to bring phones to class, and students should be guided on proper device usage.

We believe that every child has unique potential. What are the policies of LRI School for providing individualized care to students?

Various educational institutions are significantly influenced by students' economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. In schools with uniform parental economic status and standards, providing equal opportunities to all students is straightforward. However, in diverse schools like LRI, the situation is more intricate. Initially, we segregated students based on their performance, observing that those in D, E, and F sections showed decreased motivation and academic results. Consequently, we integrated all students, albeit facing disapproval from parents. Nowadays, parents supplement their children's education with additional tuition and classes. To address this, we introduced morning coaching sessions for senior students over two years, tailoring instruction to their abilities and encouraging independent problem-solving. Additionally, we offer remedial classes for junior students after school.

What suggestions would you convey to parents while selecting schools for their children?

When discussing LRI School, we acknowledge the unique values of each institution. Our focus is on self-improvement and addressing weaker areas, rather than comparing with other schools. The decision of parents is crucial when choosing a school for their children. While impressive infrastructure is common in many schools, it does not guarantee quality education. The qualifications, experience, and satisfaction of teachers are key factors. Schools should provide a welcoming environment for students and help enhance their overall personality for global representation. The management team and leaders of the institution are also important considerations. As we do not receive government funding, we set fees to ensure sustainability and gradual growth, following local government regulations on fee structures. Parents should take these factors into account when selecting a school.