Kuntal Bhandare

Kuntal Bhandare is a seasoned school librarian with 22 years of experience, 15 of which are in the IB curriculum. As an Extended Essay coordinator for the past 7 years, she is passionate about teaching and learning research skills. A co-founder of the Liferarian Association, Kuntal is dedicated to sharing her expertise and upskilling librarians. She has conducted numerous workshops on research skills and the EE process for teachers and students. Additionally, she plays a key role in the International Collaboration of Extended Essay, a group of coordinators providing free guidance sessions for students globally.

Workshop Details

• Understanding the Extended Essay Framework: Gain insight into the structure, objectives, and key components of the EE, including the requirements for research and writing.
• Develop Research Strategies for EE: Learn how to identify reliable sources, formulate research questions, and organize information effectively for the essay.
• Know the Assessment Criteria in Detail: Familiarize yourself with the rubric and assessment criteria used to evaluate the EE, ensuring alignment with expected standards.
• EE Reflection: Understand the importance of the reflection process in the EE, including how to critically assess and document the research journey.
• Understanding the EE Grading: Learn how the EE is graded, including the point allocation and how it affects the final score.
• Sharing Good Practices: Discover successful strategies and tips from past EEs to guide and improve your own research and writing process.

Brinda Pandit

Brinda Pandit Trivedi  is an experienced and passionate teacher librarian, dedicated to fostering a love of reading across the whole school. Known for her eagerness to explore, interact, and continually learn, she brings a rich, diverse culture into her classroom. Her love for picture books and storytelling has the magical ability to transport her audience on a journey around the world without ever leaving their seat. Her Commitment and dedication for her work makes her a valuable asset for the school.

Heeru Bhojwani

Heeru Bhojwani is an experienced international school librarian with 25 years of expertise in Primary and Secondary education. She is passionate about fostering digital literacy, creative writing, and integrating AI tools into learning environments. Heeru has conducted various librarian workshops both nationally and internationally and believes in the vital role of a librarian in building a community of lifelong learners, including parents and teachers.

Strategies for interactive read aloud to deepen language and comprehension skills

• Difference Between Read Aloud and Interactive Read Aloud: Discover how interactive read  alouds can enrich the learning experience.
• Benefits of Interactive Read Aloud: Understand the role of interactive read alouds in fostering language development and comprehension.
• Hands-On Activity: Explore strategies to make read-aloud sessions more engaging and interactive.
• Implementation: Learn how to apply these strategies effectively in classroom settings or within your library’s context.

Importance of library policies and a diagnostic framework to Set Target Goals

• Explore the Role of Library Policies: Understand how well-defined policies guide daily operations, manage resources, and create a positive learning environment.
• Introduction to the Library Diagnostic Framework & Rubric: Learn to assess and enhance library effectiveness using a comprehensive evaluation tool.
• Hands-On Activity: Draft sample policies and evaluate your library services using the Diagnostic Framework to set actionable target goals.

Ketki Bedekar

Ketki Bedekar is a dedicated teacher librarian at Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai, where she brings over 8 years of experience in international education and librarianship.With a passion for promoting literacy and developing 21st-century skills, Ms. Ketki is deeply committed to fostering a love of reading and encouraging critical thinking among her students. As a core team member of the Liferarian Association, Ms. Ketki plays a pivotal role in managing accounts and facilitating workshops for various school library coursework and responsibilities.A strong believer in the power of collaboration, she works closely with educators to ensure that the library is a dynamic learning space that supports students’ academic and personal growth. 

Mythily Iyengar

Mythily Iyengar, is a dynamic educator and a core team member of the Liferarian Association with a passion for technology integration in learning and teaching. With a love for technology and AI tools, Mythily actively incorporates them into her daily educational endeavors. As the school-wide Teacher Librarian, she brings a wealth of experience from her background as both an administrative librarian and school librarian, offering dedicated support to students and teachers in their research pursuits. Her commitment to exploring new technologies and sharing knowledge makes her a valuable asset to her school community. 

Learning to teach information skills to become ethical users of information

• Navigating and Using Information Effectively: Explore essential skills to help students evaluate and responsibly use information.
• Teaching Plagiarism and Copyright: Learn strategies to guide students in understanding plagiarism, copyright laws, and the responsible use of digital content.
• Hands-On Activity: Understand how to help students become safe, respectful, and responsible users of information online.

Learning to teach media literacy as envisioned by NEP and International Schools

• Understanding Media Literacy – Define media literacy and its role in promoting critical thinking and responsible media use as per NEP and IB.
• Evolving Role of Librarians – Highlight the shift of librarians into facilitators of digital and media literacy skills in schools.
• NEP & IB Alignment – Explain how NEP’s focus on digital citizenship and media literacy aligns with IB’s inquiry-based learning.
• Teaching Strategies & Tools– Provide practical strategies, activities, and tools for teaching media literacy, including assessing bias and credibility.
• Collaborative Learning – Emphasize collaboration between librarians and teachers to embed media literacy and the importance of ongoing professional development.