Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Activity-oriented pedagogy for Plus Two classes

Sangeeth Kurien

Second phase of teacher-training begins

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second phase of the five-day training programme for Plus Two teachers on `Activity-oriented and participatory method' of instruction in schools, organised by the State Council for Educational Research and Training, began here on Tuesday.

The programme, being held in all 14 districts in the State, aims at familiarising teachers about the new activity-oriented pedagogy for Plus Two classes, which gives equal importance to the process of learning and knowledge acquired, said E. Valsalakumar, director, SCERT.

As many as 2,500 teachers from various city schools are taking part in the programme, being conducted at eight centres in the city.

The new method of instruction — which aids the implementation of the continuous evaluation system already practised in lower classes — includes seminars, projects, assignments, library sessions and practical sessions along with regular classes.

P. Sathyanesan, curriculum head, SCERT, said: "Earlier the teachers were focussed solely on imparting knowledge to the students. And the examinations conducted tested only the memory of the candidates. Now emphasis is also given on assessing a candidate's comprehension and analytical skills." The focus of instruction has shifted from a `teacher-centric approach' to a `learner-centric approach,' he said.

The training programme held in two phases — 13 subjects in the first phase and the remaining 35, consisting mostly of langauge subjects, in the second phase from July 25 to 29 — will also clear doubts raised by teachers regarding the `hard spots' in the curriculum apart from devising a mechanism to monitor the effective implementation of the programme in schools.

"Our aim is to create a democratic classroom and a democratic teacher," said Mr. Sathyanesan referring to the participatory nature of the teaching method.

Nearly 20,000 teachers across the State are taking part in the training programme. The programme comes in the wake of the grading system and new curriculum introduced in Plus Two classes from this academic year. The SCERT has also introduced new textbooks for language subjects, including English, Hindi, Arabic and Malayalam, for the first time.

Established in 1994, the SCERT handles the academic aspects of school education, including formulation of curricula, preparation of textbooks, teachers' handbooks and teacher training.

It advises the Government on policy matters relating to school education

The academic activities and programmes of SCERT are carried out by the various departments.

The SCERT plans and co-ordinates all academic projects and programmes in the State.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Non-compliance to medical prescriptions on the rise
`Segment traffic enforcement' scheme in capital, Kochi
Activity-oriented pedagogy for Plus Two classes
Record placements at College of Engineering
Custodial deaths: Chief Minister expresses concern
Child development project facing crisis
Birthday wishes for Prince
`Bring out Khalid Commission report'
C-Dit invites applications for Mainframe course
Head post offices to accept tax returns
Painting contest for students
Around the City

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu