The KPM approach
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Overview
The KPM Approach to Children was first practised at Sri Atmananda Memorial School, opened in Kerala, India, in 1987 by Sri K Padmanabha Menon. The school was named after the founder’s father, a respected writer and sage (http://www.kpmapproach.org/). The KPM Approach to Children is based on the notion that “every child is born with an innate wisdom that must not be educated out of them” (http://www.childrenofthenewearth.com/print.php?page=articles_free/global_alliance/torchio_moira/article1).
The child is at the heart of the KPM Approach to Children, which acknowledges and cultivates the individuality of each pupil. This child-centredness creates a secure environment in which the child feels valued and understood (http://www.kpmapproach.org/). Such a supportive environment fosters self-confidence, motivation and enthusiasm in children, enabling them to better apply their learning and to work with others. Underlying this approach is the belief that a child who is valued and knows his own worth will be more considerate of others and better able to respect differences between people of other cultures. Such confidence forms the basis of the child’s school and working life.
Atma Vidya Education Foundation (AVEF), founded in India in 1985, promotes educational transformation in harmony with its broad and inclusive vision of promoting an education that values the individual child, and conducts training, publications and outreach activities. The AVEF supports the ‘KPM model school’, as the Sri Atmananda Memorial School in Kerala, India, is known. A second Sri Atmananda Memorial School was opened in Austin, Texas, in 1995, established by the KPM Institute (http://www.samschool.org/). The school takes pupils from kindergarten to twelfth grade and bases its curriculum upon Texas state guidelines. Both private coeducational schools have a multicultural intake and therefore host a variety of religions and backgrounds in their school communities. The schools also involve members of the local community, welcoming volunteers and visitors, which is intended to enrich the pupils’ experience. Teachers of the KPM Approach to Children are trained in India, learning that “the role of the teacher is to awaken, invigorate and support rather than force the child's faculties upon prescribed courses of thought” (Borich 2004 p.25).
The relationship between teacher and pupil is fundamental to the learning process. When the child feels valued in person and opinion he develops trust and confidence in the teacher. This relationship provides a solid foundation for the child’s educational experience. Teaching methods create both enjoyable and inspiring lessons for the pupils. The KPM Approach to Children considers that learning should be fun. Children are given positive guidance, their interests are encouraged and they are valued “unconditionally” (http://www.kpmapproach.org/). Classrooms are arranged by subject rather than age, and children choose their activities according to their interests. Noncompetitive games and activities are also encouraged.
Sources
Borich, Gary (2004) Vital Impressions: The KPM Approach to Children, Atma Vidya Educational Foundation. http://www.edb.utexas.edu/BORICH/texts.html (Visited 29-June-05)
Children of the New Earth
Online magazine devoted to the needs of today’s children and providing a forum for issues pertaining to children’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being.
http://www.childrenofthenewearth.com (Visited 29-June-05)
KPM Approach to Children: Atma Vidya Education Foundation
Information about the Approach, teacher training, publications and details of the model school.
http://www.kpmapproach.org (Visited 29-June-05)
Sri Atmamananda Memorial School, Texas, USA
Information about the school, the KPM Approach and the KPM Institute.
http://www.samschool.org (Visited 29-June-05)
Useful Links
An Indian School in America
An article by David Inglehart (2002) about the Sri Atmananda Memorial School in Austin, Texas, which begins by asking “what would you be like today if all your teachers in school had treated you with understanding and respect, so that you always felt encouraged and were never made to feel small, guilty, or ignorant?”
http://www.onr.com/user/digleha/storiesofindia/SAMSarticle.html (Visited 30-June-05)
The Week: India’s No 1 Weekly News Magazine
A cover story entitled I-school, my school by Farwa Imam Ali, Nistula Hebbar and Litta Jacob, which looks at innovative schools in India including a visit to the Sri Atmananda Memorial School in Kerala.
http://www.the-week.com/23feb09/cover.htm (Visited 30-June-05)
