Anagi Gunasekera
Hi, I am Anagi Gunasekera, a 19 year old multipotentialite from the Pearl of the Indian Ocean - Sri Lanka. I studied at Ladies' College, Colombo which has made me the person and leader I am today. My mind is ignited by the dynamic mixing of different subjects like neuroscience, educational psychology, business, maths, digital art and editing, to name a few. I enjoy spending time working on my public capstone project the Goodville Program. I love to express myself through music, whether it be through singing - or playing the piano, violin and ukelele. As a contemporary hip hop dancer, I love busting some energetic moves from time to time! I have a quirky addiction to cracking puns, so I guess you can call me a punner too!
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A Glimpse into My Current Endeavours
This year so far has been an incredible journey of growth, creativity, and learning. I’ve been able to dive deep into my passions, from developing the Goodville Program to teaching and exploring innovative educational models through continuous research.
Goodville Program: A Growing Impact
The Goodville Program has been a major focus of mine, and it’s been truly rewarding to see it flourish. From creating engaging social-emotional learning (SEL) related cartoon graphics and emotional management techniques and other learning tools, I’ve been hands-on in every aspect of the project. These tools are not just theoretical—they’ve been tested and refined through my work over the past couple of months. I’ve also had the privilege of conducting parent sessions, where I’ve received invaluable feedback from parents who’ve found these techniques practical and transformative. The parents' support and children's enthusiasm have been a driving force, pushing me to innovate further and ensure that Goodville remains a relevant and impactful resource.
Teaching Music and Music Therapy
This year, I also had the privilege of teaching music at ABC Preschool and ABC School of Early Learning. I’ve gone beyond just teaching songs- I’ve introduced the children to body percussion, rhythm, ear training, and singing in tune. It’s been a joy to see them engage with music on a deeper level. Additionally, I started offering music therapy for children with special needs. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, as I’ve learned to tailor my teaching to each child’s unique needs, observing how music can have a therapeutic effect. The positive feedback from parents and the head of the inclusive unit has been incredibly heart-warming, especially when they tell me how much their children enjoy coming to my sessions.
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Tutoring: Tailored Learning for Every Student
Alongside Goodville, I’ve continued to enhance my tutoring practice, where I bring a personalized, practical approach to subjects like business, math, and science.Teaching has always been something I love. Whether it was helping friends with last-minute exam prep during my school days or working with my current students, I’ve always found joy in making learning fun and enriching. I’ve had the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds, including those with learning challenges like ADHD. I tailor my methods to each student’s needs, ensuring that they not only grasp the material but also develop a positive mindset towards learning, especially in subjects that can be challenging.
Research and Learning: Expanding My Horizons
To complement my practical work, I’ve been engaged in research and learning, particularly in areas like educational neuroscience, cognitive load theory, and AI-powered learning models. My recent involvement with the 'Learning Designers Community' has been a significant part of this journey, exposing me to a wide range of educational theories and practices. I’ve attended conferences, roundtable discussions, and youth events, all of which have broadened my perspective and inspired new ideas for my work. It’s been fascinating to learn about how the mind processes information and how we can apply these insights to create more effective and inclusive learning environments.
A Holistic Approach to Education
Bringing together my work with Goodville, my tutoring practice, and my ongoing research, I’m constantly striving to create a holistic, innovative approach to education. I believe that true learning happens when we connect with students on multiple levels—emotionally, intellectually, and practically. This holistic approach has been at the core of everything I do, whether I’m designing a new activity for Goodville, helping a student solve a math problem, or diving into the latest educational research.
As I continue this journey, I’m more excited than ever about the possibilities that lie ahead. Education is not just my passion—it’s my purpose. And I’m committed to making a positive, lasting impact in this field, one step at a time :)