(June 06, 2003)

THE TIMES OF INDIA
June 6, 2003

A two-day workshop for 25 primary school teachers of seven NGOs focused on exploring innovative methods of teaching English and mathematics.

SMILE Foundation organised a unique two-day workshop recently for 25 primary school teachers of seven NGOs of Noida and surrounding areas. The training specifically focused on exploring newer and interesting approaches to teaching English and Mathematics with the aim of bringing qualitative changes in teaching methodology of these subjects, hopefully making them more interesting and student-friendly.

Clarifies Anupama Puri, (executive coordinator), Smile Foundation, “We have chosen to make vibrant two subjects, English and Mathematics. These two subjects have been observed to be the bane of majority of students – irrespective of their socio-economic, cultural background, and the type of school. Often problems faced be students in understanding and developing command over these subjects act as positive deterrent towards interest in studies itself.”

Anchored by Kiran, an educational expert with over 25 years of experience, the workshop was attended by teachers of Nai Disha, Sankalp, Efrah, Nav Jyoti Development Society, Amit Asha, Sai Kripa and Ambedkar School.

The workshop reinforced that play-way / activities method is the most effective way to induce learning since seeing is believing – doing is retaining. Children learn best when examples from their daily lives are used to reinforce the topics they are taught – from the known to the unknown.

Teachers were taught to make inexpensive teaching aids from – old newspaper, magazines, bottle caps, ice-cream sticks, twine, cloth, etc.

The workshop was participative in nature and concept of using puppets, poems, crossword puzzles, quizzes and more interestingly gestures and enacting of the subject by the teacher to enhance learning was also discussed and greatly appreciated by the participants.