Education has changed and evolved through its forms and teaching patterns. The ancient method of Gurukul transformed into the single-roof schooling system that balanced all subjects being taught in periods. The classroom studying got the support of the practical dimensions, with projects and assignments being added as a part of their self-study. The importance of practical training along with theoretical teaching has become prominent in the past couple of decades.

However, due to various personal or domestic limitations, certain students find it hard to study and score in the exams. There arises a need for the right and focused guidance that can build their interest in subjects and help them learn and study better.

By adopting a non-conventional approach to teaching using digital technology and interactive group learning, Sudha Kaviarasu is a prominent new-age teacher who has transformed the learning process through her simple and effective teaching methods.

She is the Founder of SK Academy, where she has rightly identified certain innovative teaching techniques through her experience. Sudha has developed some of the best, most interesting, and very effective learning processes that she implements in polishing the learning abilities of her students.

In the captivating rendezvous with the CIOLOOK India team, Sudha heralded the journey of her teaching profession, beginning the SK Academy and her early inspirations. She unfolded the challenges she faced, her strengths, her advice to the budding professionals, and the vision she has for SK Academy.

Please brief our audience about yourself, your USPs, and how you are currently positioned as one of the best educational institutions.

One of the distinctive features of SK Academy is that we teach without the help of books and guides. We teach them online and according to their reading level. The advantage of online classes is that parents can see their kids in class and observe how their studying and how I am teaching.

Tell us more about SK Academy’s offerings and what aspects make it stand out in the cutthroat competition.

I have started counseling, guidance, and motivational speech for kids and women.

Phonics: Phonics is an essential way of helping children how to read, write and spell. It is a great teaching method as it helps simplify the English language and is perfect for young children.

Drawing Classes: I have taken freehand drawing, mandala art, and pencil shading (Level One).

Teaching Awards: I am glad to inform you that I have received a number of awards during my career.

• 2006 – Innovative and active teacher award from TIPSE (CBSE) school, Erode. Tami Nadu.
• 2019 – Very special Teacher award from Disney school, Chennai.
• 2021 – Excellence in education award (for SK academy)
• 2022 – Best digital media teacher award (from ARIO)

I have received some more certificates from international schools where I worked as a volunteer. I have photos of my awards and certificates and a drawing collection too.

Please brief us about your journey in the industry and how you have made SK Academy excel in its niche.

My journey to building to my online academy has been a path of twists and turns.

I was born into a middle-class family, and I am living in Tamil Nadu, Chennai. I used to participate in several speech and drawing competitions back when I was in school, and it motivated me to use my talent to achieve something in the future. I graduated from college with a BSC in Physics and MCA and completed a dual Montessori Course in child psychology with distinction. I’ve worked in lots of jobs such as programmer, data entry, and Montessori teacher.

After, marriage decided to stop working to take care of my family for about five years. I had to travel to countries like Sweden, Britain, and Germany for my husband’s job. I learnt a lot of skills while living there. Now, since my children have matured, my husband has encouraged me to build my career. In 2019, I just came back from Germany to India and decided to go to work. I used to have this mantra, “I want to show who I am,” it really motivated me.

Then in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic started. While I was in lockdown, I did small arts and craft projects with my kids. More thoughts came into my mind. I started a home-based job in an IT company for eight months. That salary was not enough for my working hours as I spent at least ten or 11 hours working every day. So, I quit and then decided to start online classes for kids. I already had experience in the teaching field for seven years. I can manage to handle family and my work if I take online jobs.

I have started SK junior online academy in 2020.  First, I started phonics class for three to fifteen-year-old kids.  After six months, my student list increased, and I started more courses like drawing and handwriting improvement classes. I started teaching only two students now I’m teaching 134 students. I also take free classes for government schoolgirls.

Being an experienced leader, share your opinion on how the adoption of modern technologies like AI and ML is impacting the industry and how is SK Academy adapting to the change.

As we all know that education has become effective whenever changes were introduced. In the modern age of digital technology and computer applications, I researched new ways and means of introducing technology into my teaching curriculum.

I use computers, pictorial charts, graphic representations, and audio and video applications to make learning interesting and enjoyable. Technology today has helped students in faster learning in the education process.

Considering the current scenario, what kind of challenges do you face and overcome?

I have been different in my approach right from the beginning. I believe that children should not be burdened with thick heavy books and long, compelling periods. I wanted to change the approach of the teaching process so that learning can be fun and easy. My early challenge was to convince the parents in believing that their kids can understand and will study well. I befriended the kids and began the simply story-telling approach.

Teaching without books was a different experience for the kids. I implemented the computers with audio-visual aids. Any lesson was divided into five to ten units which were put in one circle. Then I formed a focus to learn easily.

I implemented the use of charts, diagrams, and point-based learning. This was an open method where every student was involved and understood the key points in each lesson. Then I read the lesson, and we all discussed the questions and answers in a fun-filled way.

What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the personal care sector?

Remember that education is about developing a good connection with the students. Take interest in them, befriend them and make them speak up. Innovate your approach to teaching even while using the books.

Don’t create the pressure of reading and learning big chapters. Break each chapter into units and then teach them in a story-telling form. The more diverse the approach in teaching, the better it is to understand and remember.

How do you envision scaling SK Academy’s operations and offerings in the future?

Thanks to the parents of the students, they are supporting pillars of SK academy. SK academy will reach new heights. Our journey will continue with new innovations of method day by day.

You can further check us on our website skjunioracademy.com or can contact us at skjunioracademy@gmail.com.