Integrating Students’ Quality Circle (SQC) in schools has been a transformative movement over the past two decades. More than just an educational activity, SQCs have reshaped how students learn and grow, helping them to develop into well-rounded individuals. By encouraging students to work together, solve problems, and make decisions, SQC nurtures the ‘goodness’ and ‘smartness’ within young minds.

What is SQC?
A Students’ Quality Circle (SQC) is a group of students who come together to solve common problems they encounter at school. These circles provide a structured platform for students to brainstorm, identify challenges, and develop solutions. The students are guided by teachers who act as facilitators, giving them the independence to make decisions while providing the support they need. The concept of SQC brings dynamism to school life, promoting important skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership. In essence, SQC is a method of encouraging students to work together toward making their school environment a better place, while at the same time developing skills that will help them in the future.

Installing ‘Goodness’ through SQC
One of the main goals of SQC is to foster a sense of ‘goodness’—qualities like kindness, responsibility, empathy, and respect—within students. Here’s how SQC helps develop these qualities:
Teamwork and Empathy: SQC encourages students to work as a team. They listen to each other’s ideas, understand different perspectives, and learn to value each member’s contribution. This strengthens empathy and compassion because students become more aware of their peers’ feelings and viewpoints. They also learn how to resolve conflicts respectfully.

School Culture: By involving students in solving real-life issues at school, like managing cleanliness or improving school events, SQC encourages students to take responsibility for their surroundings. This helps them build and feel like valued contributors to their school.

Student-Teacher Relationship: SQC also strengthens the bond between students and teachers. In a circle, teachers are not just instructors; they are mentors. They guide students, help them explore solutions, and provide support, making them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and taking responsibility for their actions. This nurturing environment adds a layer of trust and mutual respect to the student-teacher relationship.

Nurturing ‘Smartness’ through SQC
Besides ‘goodness,’ SQC also cultivates ‘smartness’—problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, analytical thinking, and creativity—within young minds. Here’s how:

Leadership and Critical Thinking: Every student gets an opportunity to take on leadership roles. Whether it’s leading a discussion or managing a project, students get a chance to practice being a leader. They also learn to analyze problems deeply, consider multiple solutions, and implement the best course of action which develops their critical thinking skills.

Innovation: SQC follows structured approaches where the students identify problems, plan solutions, put them into action, and study the outcomes to improve continuously.

Parents’ Engagement: SQC also brings parents into the learning process. Schools inform parents about the benefits of SQC and how they are contributing to their child’s development. When parents see how their children are learning valuable life skills, they are more supportive of it. This combined effort from both home and school helps students grow smarter.

Implementation of SQC
The effectiveness of SQC depends on how effectively it is implemented. Here are some good practices that schools should consider:
School leaders need to believe in the value of SQC and support them wholeheartedly to make it sustainable and effective.

Everyone involved—teachers, students, facilitators—should know their roles. Proper training is important to make sure everyone understands the goals and processes of SQC. Training helps build essential skills like brainstorming, data analysis, and effective communication.

Regular reviews and feedback help students see where they are doing well and where they need to improve, keeping them motivated and focused. Therefore, the Students’ Quality Circle (SQC) is an effective way to nurture both ‘goodness’ and ‘smartness’ in young minds. SQC transforms students into thoughtful, capable, and socially responsible individuals. Through active involvement in real-life problem-solving, students learn to be proactive, develop leadership skills, and prepare themselves for the challenges of the future.

The writer is the SQC Hub Co-ordinator at Chitwan Hub.