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Marking a significant milestone in the realm of education within the system in Indian Schools in Oman, the first-ever two-day Innovate to Educate – Education Conclave: 2024, was held at the Indian School Salalah on 3 & 4 May 2024. With the aim of transforming the dimensions of education and learning, the conclave served as a platform for insightful interactions, sharing of best practices, and fostering collaborations among education experts, educators, and representatives from various educational institutions and organizations across the country.

The conclave commenced with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, along with other dignitaries including Mr. A. P. Ambalavanan, Director In-charge, BOD, Indian Schools Oman, Mr. M. P. Vinobha, Education Advisor, BOD, Indian Schools Oman, Dr. Abubacker Siddique, President, School Management Committee, Indian School Salalah and Mr. Deepak Patankar, Principal, Indian School Salalah.  This auspicious moment was followed by a captivating welcome song by the school choir and an invocation dance dedicated to teachers.

Dr. Abubacker Siddique, President, School Management Committee extended a formal welcome to the esteemed gathering He expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors for their unwavering support in the execution of the conclave, underscoring their pivotal role in making the event possible.

As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam in his felicitation address emphasized the profound impact of initiatives such as the education conclave in benefiting not only teachers but also students, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate the ever-changing world. While addressing the gathering Mr. A. P. Ambalavanan, Chairman, Project and Infrastructure Committee, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman and DIC, Indian School Salalah shared profound insights into the transformative power of learning and creativity. Mr. Deepak Patankar, Principal of the host school in his address, provided insights into the inception of the conclave and articulated its primary aim of facilitating the exchange of ideas among educators. An evocative audio-visual presentation showcased the remarkable journey of Indian School Salalah over the past 43 years highlighting the school's commitment to excellence in education.

The conclave featured meticulously curated conference sessions that delved into various relevant topics and trends in education. Sharing best practices through STEM Education at Indian School Muscat, Mr. Ubaid Ahmed showed how integration of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics is incorporated with CBSE curriculum. When Ms. Dhanya, Asst. Vice-principal, Indian School Al Maabela introduced the concept of an ‘Accelerated Learning Programme’, Mrs. Ambika Padmanabhan, Vice-principal, Indian School Bousher demonstrated how Differentiated Instruction, Formative Assessment, and Collaborative Learning enhance learning outcomes.

The music teacher from IS Al Wadi Al Kabir, Snehal Jani's exploration of music's applications in education was commendable, especially considering the potential for music to enhance learning experiences. Meanwhile, Mrs. Shamala K.'s discussion on students' enrichment activities in Indian School Al Seeb provided valuable insights into promoting holistic development beyond academics.Mr. Mammikutty T K, Vice-principal, Indian School Salalah in his presentation highlighted key practices followed in the school.

Dr. Gokuladas, Asst. Edu. Advisor, BOD in his keynote address titled "Professional Development – A Life-long Learning" appeared to have been a significant contribution to the conclave, emphasizing the crucial role of continuous professional development (CPD) in both professional and personal growth. Yet another keynote address by Mr. Amar Srivastava, Principal, IS Darsait introduced various concepts of AI and showcased a range of AI tools that educators can integrate into their day-to-day teaching activities. Principal, Indian School Sohar, Mrs. Sanchita Verma's presentation on Art Integrated Learning and the role of teachers in AIL were insightful and inspiring, promoting a more holistic and learner-centered approach to education.

On Day 2, the session ‘Digitization in education’ by Dr.Mohammed Yousoof, Convener & Chairman Academic Sub Committee, SMC captivated the audience with a lively and interactive presentation, engaging participants in discussions on the advantages of digital transformation and the challenges it presents. During the session, Dr.Mohammed Yousoof announced the introduction of the best techno savvy award recognizing outstanding educators who excel in leveraging technology for teaching and learning.  Additionally, a prestigious "Wall of Fame" will be established to showcase the accomplishments of outstanding teachers on the notice board for a duration of one year.

In the subsequent session, Mr. M. P Vinoba, Sr. Principal & Education Advisor, BOD, Indian Schools in Oman highlighted the importance of stakeholders’ satisfaction within educational institutions and emphasized the pivotal roles played by students, teachers, parents, BOD, SMC and the community.

During the session on the ‘Effects of cooperative learning on cognitive engagement and task achievement’, Dr. Moosa Ahmed Hassan Bait Ali Sulaiman, Chair of Education Department, Dhofar University highlighted the importance of group discussion, peer tutoring, collaborative problem-solving, and shared responsibilities as key elements of cooperative learning citing real life examples in an interesting manner. In another interesting session on “Empowering Students through Innovative Teaching & Learning,” Dr. Khalid Almashikhi, Dean of College of Arts and Applied Sciences, Salalah emphasized the importance of fostering a positive learning environment, nurturing strong teacher-student relationships, promoting peer collaboration, and encouraging independent thinking among students. In a session addressing the academic challenges confronted by schools in the 21st century, Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dhofar University focused on   the challenges faced by teachers and principals in the modern era. He also provided some practical solutions to overcome the challenges.

The second day of the conclave also featured an engaging ‘Case-Study’ competition conducted by Mrs. Sanchita Verma, Principal of Indian School Sohar. Participants were presented with 16 diverse case study scenarios and tasked with devising innovative solutions through suggestions, role-playing, and other imaginative methods. A panel of judges evaluated both the creativity of the solutions and the quality of the presentations. Prizes were awarded to the winner and the runner up team of teachers. In the final session of the day, Dr. Gokuladas V.K, Asst. Edu. Advisor – Operations, BOD focused on the significance of soft skills in professional life, particularly for educators.

During the educational conclave, the action research sessions provided valuable insight into classroom teaching practices. Ms.Jyoti singh, Academic coordinator, Indian School Alwadi Alkabir shared her action research on assistive technology for the differently abled children. Dr.Leena Francis Principal, Indian School Muladha and Mr. Binu Thamarakolly Johny , Faculty, Social Science department, Indian School Seeb presented an action research on measures for effective teaching learning process with the help of collaborative learning strategies. Mrs. Selvi Malayathevar, Art educator from Indian School Sohar highlighted on improving retention using diagram questions in science education for grade 7 students through art education in her action research. These sessions offered educators profound perspectives fostering continuous improvement in teaching practices.

To appreciate the efforts and role in shaping the vision and direction for the Education Conclave and as a token of love and gratitude mementos and portraits of members of BOD (Sketched by students) were presented to the Chairman-BOD and all the members of BOD by Dr.Abubacker Siddique,(President of SMC), other members of SMC and Principal Mr.Deepak Patankar. The key note speakers and the presenters of best teaching practices and action researches were honoured with mementos by the members of BOD and the Members of SMC that includes the President of SMC and Principal. All the members of the SMC of IS Salalah and admins of the host school  were honoured with a memento by Mr.M.P.Vinobha, Sr. Principal & Education Advisor, BOD, Indian Schools in Oman

Recognizing teachers for their exceptional achievements in producing centums in their subjects during the CBSE board examination 2023, the following teachers were honored during the conclave: Mr. Shaji K. V.  (HOD Malayalam), Mrs. Maya P. Nair (Malayalam), Mr. Sinu Krishnan (Malayalam), Mr. Unnikrishnan, HoD, Social Sciences, Mrs. Sindhu C. (Social Sc.), Mr. Mohammed Javed, HoD, Computer Science (IP) and Mrs. Meena Venkat (Psychology).

Dr. Mohammed Yousoof, Asst. Professor, Dhofar University Convenor, Chairman Academic Sub Committee, SMC, ISS thanked Chairman, BOD, Education advisor and all the members of BOD, Principals from various Indian schools, President SMC and all the members, Principal, and the admin team( Vice Principal Mr.Mammikutty and Asst.Vice Principals Mrs.Anita Rose and Mr.Vipin Das)as well as the entire staff for their support, cooperation in the smooth conduct of the educational conclave.

The Educational conclave organized by Indian School Salalah has provided insights into the  current practices and effective strategies, equipping teachers with the tools they need to navigate the teaching-learning process successfully.. These sessions also ensured that they are well prepared to create engaging and effective learning experiences for their students.