Educationists around the world unanimously agree that teaching is more effective when children are provided the necessary tools to create their own knowledge. On 16th and 17th of February16, Universal Learn Today conducted a workshop on developing student-centric teaching. The facilitator for the two day workshop was Mr. Vagish Jha, who is actively involved in the production and international dissemination of audio-visual educational programmes and teaching material.
This workshop dealt with teaching methods that focus on imparting students with the tools of creating knowledge, rather than emphasising upon ready facts. The workshop also aimed at making knowledge come alive and to 'spring out of the textbook' into the surroundings and the context of the learner, so as to make learning a lively process.
On Day 1 of the workshop, we learnt about some effective techniques to create an engaged classroom. We also discussed ways to use the immediate environment of School as learning resources. The methods of establishing a vibrant relation of knowledge concepts, the ability of observing carefully, writing observational reports, cataloguing artefacts etc were emphasised with the help of simple group activities to harness the cognitive ability of students.
Mr.Vagish suggested different ways of transforming ubiquitous information or facts into triggers for deeper learning. It was also concluded that a teacher must understand the difference between observation and inference or impression and that all scientific inquiry begins with the skill of observation.
On the second day, the focus shifted to the basic qualities required for scientific exploration and taking the abilities of observation to the next level. Also, to appreciate elements of scientific inquiry and ways of using them in classroom practices, not only in science but other pedagogies as well.
An extremely interesting group activity was where the teachers brainstormed and designed a nature walk with a clear learning framework and outcomes. Not only a fun filled activity, but a nature walk can be used as a creative strategy to establish critical engagement with the environment.
Knowledge is lot more than what can be found within the two covers of textbooks. What one watches, listens, reads, and perceives through our five senses, carry great meaning. But the knowledge needs to be distilled wisely. Herein lies the rationale for creating an active and engaged classroom.
Ms. Rajika Dixit.
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