E-Magine — We all are special!
Who are We
Who are We
E-magine is a start up of two psychology students that spawned out of a simple yet unique approach to a common social problem. Pakistan has one of the largest population of out of school children after Nigeria according to a UNESCO report.
People with highest literacy rates are over represented in metropolitan areas and even then standards of education are dwindling. This creates a knowledge gap globally when these children come out into job market and find themselves less equipped with the required interpersonal and career skills needed to excel in their fields.
At Emagine we believe that every child is a gifted child. Huda is currently a student of MA in Industrial Psychology with proven track record in education industry. Her experiences and interactions with global leaders at international forums have inspired her to come up with an innovative solution to the problem.
She is joined by her fellow student Ali who has been teaching and has experience in school operations. Joined together we decided to embark on a journey that we believe will make the change one child at a time.
Our Approach
Our approach is deeply entrenched in scientific methodology and proven strategies of education children. Unlike most traditional schools that emphasize on traditional class environment with strict syllabus and inflexible teaching methods, we think that every child has a different learning style and performs the best when the pedagogy is modified to suit the individual needs. It is easy to pigeonhole a child as dumb and average but finding out ways to impart knowledge that is comprehensible takes effort and time.
According to Gregorc learning model a child has following perceptions:
Concrete
Abstract
The perceptions can than be organized into random and sequential learning blocks. What this means is that every child is able to discern between tangible and intangible objects but has a preference to learn between through a dominant disposition. Based on four dispositions we have some dominant learning styles concrete sequential, abstract random, abstract sequential, and concrete random. Its only through special pedagogy geared towards a certain disposition we can maximize the information internalization in a child.
A more practical example is a child who suffers from calculation disabilities. Its hard for him to discern between addition and multiplication. Traditional approach is to make her learn the multiplication tables by rote memory. However if a child has concrete random disposition it is difficult for her to sequentially process the numbers with theoretical steps.
The best learning methodology for teaching her is using visual aids to give her a real life scenario. This can include storytelling that includes her favorite toy and how buying more of them can multiply them and eventually write it down in a multiplication table form.
A very similar model with profound implications is Kolb’s learning style model. It combines the abilities to recommend a career path for students. For example someone with Concrete Experience and Reflective Observation simultaneously can be very good at social work because of their inclination towards explaining concrete facts with possible theoretical causes.
An advanced career and personality assessment test is called Myer Briggs Type Inventory which is proven and recommended test for understanding one’s learning styles better. It is very common in the developed world but is still new to Pakistan.
We aim not only to impart quality education to our students but also assess their natural abilities and guide them in satisfying and enriching life path. In a society where fulfillment is valued below obligations this is our conviction that finding out natural dispositions at early age is pivotal for stress free life.
Our Work
We started off with selected few students through rigorous screening process for the pilot program. Initially 5 students were admitted so that we can do the pre and post program analysis on what we need to improve. We met with parents, children, other educators and everyone who could help us with their inputs and experiences. We are nervous but we confident that we will succeed.
We decorated the rooms with bright colors and equipment, bought furniture, choose the lighting and color scheme. We made sure children felt at home and like the place they would be spending their time. Our children turned out to be even more excited.
Classroom became the fun spot for all of us. Competitions and games added a spark to the learning environment. We kept the ambiance casual and everyone could express themselves openly without being docked down for it.
Parenting the Parents
We strongly believe that change can only come from within and parents should participate in bring that about as much as the tutors. For this we invited Moms for a get together where we could talk about vision and bring them on board. Strategies that could help mothers at home were exchanged and we made sure that we align our values both at home and school.
Event was a huge success. We call it parenting the parent which was such a wonderful experience of both of us. Session was very informative and enjoyable and bridged the much needed traditional gap between hands off approach of teachers and concerned parents.
Graduation
One of the most proud moments for us when our first batch graduated from the course. Kids had to complete requirements based on what they had learned and final presentations had to be made and presented. They amazed us with what they came up with. It was beyond all expectations. They went beyond the mile and showed us what putting effort into them can create.
The labor of love had paid itself and the gratitude and pride we felt cannot be described. We were delighted to have contributed towards a solution to a need so common and neglected. Children were beaming with smiles and energy. We invited Abbas Hussain, one if the best teachers trainer in Pakistan
to hand out certificates and parents were extremely happy with our work.
Student Projects
Our students made some great final projects that we would like to share with you. Let their work speak for itself.
Our courses
We have started with teaching children most wanted skills of today’s world. Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. People in professional settings have been found lacking these basic skills and this is not what we would like to see our children growing up with. The best age to learn and retain the knowledge is between 7 to 14 and this is exactly we aim to do. Our fun and interactive teaching methodology impart following during our short courses:
MS Word
Module I: A Bird’s Eye View of Microsoft Word
Module II: Inserting and Formatting of Text
Module III: Getting acquainted with various options on the Insert Menu
Module III: Getting acquainted with various options on the Design Menu
Module IV: Some Advanced Techniques
Microsoft Power Point:
Module I: A Bird’s Eye View of Microsoft Power Point
Module II: Working With Slides
Module III: Getting acquainted with various options on the Insert Menu:
Module IV: Transition and Animation Effects
Module V: Some Advanced Techniques:
Microsoft Excel
Module I: A Bird’s Eye View of Microsoft Excel
Module II: Inserting and Formatting of Text
Module III: Working With Formulas
Module IV: Getting acquainted with various options on the Insert Menu
Module V: Some Advanced Techniques
Get in Touch!
Now that you know us, let us meet. Visit us, talk to us on Facebook, or simply call us. Let us help you discuss the individual needs of your children. We look forward to meet you.
For details contact: 03482666626 / 0336653455.
Email: emagine.edu@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/emagine.edu/