What do we do at Comini?
Priyanka and I had an opportunity to discuss this on a podcast with Isha from Bloon Toys. We love what Isha and her team do and make at Bloon Toys. It was great to share notes on play, its many forms, and its role in helping kids discover the world and themselves. Here is a link to the transcript of the podcast. Now if you are like us, that is about 5000 words too long. And one can only read so many stream-of-consciousness paragraphs speckled with filler words. I mean, umm yeah, right?
Well, this is a perfect opportunity for the likes of ChatGPT to flex their summarizing skills - the kind we think could have a transformative role in learning. Here is a lightly edited 500 word AI-generated summary of the transcript. Good job, GPT4!
Podcast Episode Summary
In a recent episode of The Bloon Toys Podcast, Isha, founder of Bloon Toys, hosted a conversation with Priyanka Rai and Sai Gaddam, founders of Comini Learning, a micro-school in Mumbai that adopts a Finnish education style. Their discussion sheds light on an approach to education that prioritizes child-led, mixed-age play and playful learning.
Priyanka Rai explained the genesis of Comini, emphasizing the influence of their daughter Meera's education on their philosophy. "It all started only when we had our daughter Meera," she said, revealing a personal journey into education driven by parental concern and discovery.
Sai Gaddam, a computational neuroscientist, connected his professional interests with education, saying, "I've always had a theoretical interest in learning and the mind." This melding of theory and practice forms the core of Comini's approach.
The conversation then shifted to the choice of the Finnish education model. Gaddam noted, "Finnish pedagogy is really just sensible and scientific," highlighting the system's child-centeredness and emphasis on play as crucial learning components. This point underscores the school's philosophy of nurturing holistic development through playful experiences.
The founders further detailed the daily operations at Comini. Priyanka described it as "a lot of chaos," with a significant portion of time dedicated to free play and organic learning. This insight provides a practical look into the school's functioning, where conventional classroom structures give way to more dynamic and fluid learning environments.
On the topic of Comini's size and approach, Sai added, "We are a microschool and that our goal is to be micro." This emphasis on small scale ensures personalization and close attention to each child's needs, a fundamental aspect of their educational philosophy.
The conversation delved deeper into the neuroscience of play. Sai explained, "Play is really how we are learning about the world," emphasizing the role of imaginative and imitative learning in child development. This perspective is integral to understanding Comini's methodology, where play isn't just recreation but a vital educational tool.
Reflecting on community involvement, Priyanka shared, "We do actually rely on our community," showcasing the school's unique model where parents and local experts contribute to the learning process. This approach broadens the educational experience beyond the confines of the school, integrating real-world interactions and diverse perspectives.
In discussing the future, Sai touched on the potential of AI in education. "I'm amazed by what's possible now," he said, foreseeing AI as a tool to enhance personalized learning and democratize education.
Finally, Priyanka concluded with a nod to the collaborative spirit between Bloon Toys and Comini Learning, "It's great...to be able to share what we are doing." This statement reflects the shared vision and mutual respect between the two ventures, both committed to redefining educational experiences.
In essence, the discussion on The Bloon Toys Podcast with Priyanka Rai and Sai Gaddam offered insights into the philosophy, practical workings, and future vision of Comini Learning, painting a picture of an educational approach deeply rooted in child-centric, playful learning, community involvement, and innovative uses of technology.
Link to full transcript here.
Thank you!