GUWAHATI, Aug 28 � If things go according to plan, Assam would soon have its first batch of teachers specially trained to make science and mathematics more interesting to high school students.
Under an ambitious programme, young educators selected after careful screening, are being empowered with new knowledge and skills so that their teaching is transformed.
The Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) is in charge of the effort that would ultimately create at least one model science and mathematics teacher to serve in a school based at each constituency of the school.
Recognizing that there is great scope in improving science and mathematics education in the State, the ASTEC initiative is the first of its kind in this region. Its success is likely to spawn more measures, which would extend benefits to the remotest parts of the state.
Director of ASTEC, Dr SK Choudhury, told The Assam Tribune that the aim of the endeavour would be to �improve the method of science and mathematics teaching in the State, and to create a pool of innovative teachers who would act as facilitators�.
The new approach introduced to the 71 participants during the 21-day residential camp in Guwahati differs from traditional methods. The present process of training lays stress on conceptual clarity of the teachers, and their capacity to make science and mathematics more exciting for young learners.
There is an intent that the teachers of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics would not just learn about their respective subjects, but see the co-relation one subject has with another. Showing the linkages among the subjects is a key component of the training.
Describing the ongoing training as a pilot project, the head of Science and Technology Division of ASTEC, Dr RK Barman said that proper science and mathematics education at the high school level can have a very positive impact on society.
�What we see is important, what we don�t is more important. But, what we see through science and mathematics is most important,� Dr Barman remarked and pointed out that in the days ahead, the newly trained teachers would definitely be able to motivate more young minds through their innovative techniques. He informed that the effort will continue in a phased manner for at least a year and train more young men and women from every part of Assam.
The ASTEC initiative is novel in another way: it seeks to equip the teachers with a social conscience. Former Head of Mathematics, Cotton College, Dr Tarakeshwar Choudhury, who is the chief consultant for the programme, revealed that all the trainees have been asked to help students and teachers from nearby schools, apart from their own. �We expect they would be able to spread knowledge and skills in a manner that brings maximum benefit to learners of science and mathematics,� he stated.
Although the programme has just started, the feedback from the students has been encouraging. Joon Devi Sarma of Chaygaon and Minu Rani Das of Mirza mentioned that they were earlier unacquainted with the new methods of teaching, and believe they would be more confident to teach once their training was over.
GUWAHATI, Aug 28 � If things go according to plan, Assam would soon have its first batch of teachers specially trained to make science and mathematics more interesting to high school students.
Under an ambitious programme, young educators selected after careful screening, are being empowered with new knowledge and skills so that their teaching is transformed.
The Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) is in charge of the effort that would ultimately create at least one model science and mathematics teacher to serve in a school based at each constituency of the school.
Recognizing that there is great scope in improving science and mathematics education in the State, the ASTEC initiative is the first of its kind in this region. Its success is likely to spawn more measures, which would extend benefits to the remotest parts of the state.
Director of ASTEC, Dr SK Choudhury, told The Assam Tribune that the aim of the endeavour would be to �improve the method of science and mathematics teaching in the State, and to create a pool of innovative teachers who would act as facilitators�.
The new approach introduced to the 71 participants during the 21-day residential camp in Guwahati differs from traditional methods. The present process of training lays stress on conceptual clarity of the teachers, and their capacity to make science and mathematics more exciting for young learners.
There is an intent that the teachers of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics would not just learn about their respective subjects, but see the co-relation one subject has with another. Showing the linkages among the subjects is a key component of the training.
Describing the ongoing training as a pilot project, the head of Science and Technology Division of ASTEC, Dr RK Barman said that proper science and mathematics education at the high school level can have a very positive impact on society.
�What we see is important, what we don�t is more important. But, what we see through science and mathematics is most important,� Dr Barman remarked and pointed out that in the days ahead, the newly trained teachers would definitely be able to motivate more young minds through their innovative techniques. He informed that the effort will continue in a phased manner for at least a year and train more young men and women from every part of Assam.
The ASTEC initiative is novel in another way: it seeks to equip the teachers with a social conscience. Former Head of Mathematics, Cotton College, Dr Tarakeshwar Choudhury, who is the chief consultant for the programme, revealed that all the trainees have been asked to help students and teachers from nearby schools, apart from their own. �We expect they would be able to spread knowledge and skills in a manner that brings maximum benefit to learners of science and mathematics,� he stated.
Although the programme has just started, the feedback from the students has been encouraging. Joon Devi Sarma of Chaygaon and Minu Rani Das of Mirza mentioned that they were earlier unacquainted with the new methods of teaching, and believe they would be more confident to teach once their training was over.
