GIIS Noida hosted a six-hour CBSE Capacity Building Workshop focused on creating emotionally safe, engaging, and learner-centred classrooms through effective communication and reflective teaching practices.

The workshop brought together educators for an enriching day of interactive learning, insightful discussions, and hands-on activities led by distinguished CBSE Resource Persons – Ms. Prerna Pradhan and Col. Prem Prakash. Also present at the session was Deeksha Agarwal, who encouraged teachers to embrace continuous professional growth and lifelong learning.

The first session, titled “Nonverbal Communication for Building Stronger Relationships,” was conducted by Ms Prerna Pradhan from CBSE. Through engaging discussions, reflective exercises, and classroom-based scenarios, educators explored how facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, silence, and body language significantly influence teacher-student relationships.

Teachers were introduced to concepts such as Kinesics, Chronemics, Paralinguistics, and Student Decoding activities, helping them better understand how student behaviour may often reflect emotions like anxiety, stress, insecurity, or fear rather than indiscipline. The session encouraged educators to become more empathetic, mindful, and emotionally aware communicators in the classroom.

The second session, “Teaching Them Like Thinkers – Learning Strategies to Foster Ownership of Learning,”was led by Col. Prem Prakash, Sena Medal (Retd.). The session focused on shifting classrooms from teacher-led instruction to facilitation-led learning environments that nurture critical thinking, collaboration, reflection, and experiential learning.

Through collaborative activities and discussions, teachers explored key educational concepts including Pedagogy, Andragogy, Heutagogy, Metacognition, and Constructivism. The session highlighted the importance of creating learning experiences that empower students to think independently and take ownership of their educational journey.

One of the most engaging moments of the workshop was the tallest tower-making activity conducted towards the end of the session. Without detailed instructions, participants were encouraged to think creatively, collaborate, and experiment freely. The activity beautifully demonstrated how innovation, exploration, and experiential learning can lead to meaningful and enjoyable outcomes.

The workshop also encouraged educators to reflect deeply on their classroom practices and recognise how small shifts in communication and teaching methodologies can significantly enhance student engagement, confidence, and participation.

Overall, the CBSE Capacity Building Workshop at GIIS Noida proved to be an insightful and impactful learning experience. It equipped educators with practical strategies, reflective tools, and future-ready approaches that can help create supportive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environments for students.