6 months on, activity-based learning still on the anvil

Here is another much-hyped proposal mooted by the UT Education department that has acquired the 8216;pending8217; status.

Here is another much-hyped proposal mooted by the UT Education department that has acquired the 8216;pending8217; status. More than half the session has passed, but the concept of activity-based learning proposed for Classes I and II in all government schools is yet to see the light of day.

Inspired by the concept running in around 38,000 schools in Tamil Nadu, it was said to be implemented in the UT from April this year. The system is still in the process of development at the State Institute of Education, Sector 32.

Activity-based learning promises to do away with school bags, by using practical study material, and examinations.

Even after visiting the schools in the Tamil Nadu capital where this concept is being used successfully and detailed discussions thereof, the work seems to be moving at a snail8217;s pace. A 12-member team comprising teachers, technicians and experts went to Chennai on a 10-day trip in March this year. The visit was followed by discussion sessions and seminars to prepare the study material. The authorities admitted to the delay and said they were not sure when the system would be implemented.

8220;The computer designing and animation of the study material is taking time. Also, only two technical experts are working on one subject, which is making the process slow. Nothing can be said when the study material will be ready,8221; says Surinder Singh Dahiya, Director, State Institute of Education.

The enthusiasm among the teachers when the proposal was mooted, too, seems to be dying due to the delay. 8220;It has been months now since we have been hearing of activity-based learning for Class I and II. We have lost hope that the concept will be implemented in this session, as declared by the education department earlier this year,8221; says the principal of a government school.

Proposals yet to see light of day
Free computer education for all students of government schools from Class I to X
Dress code for schoolteachers
Accommodation for principals on the school premises
Appointment of vice-principals
No junk food in school canteens
Use of playgrounds after school hours
8216;Read Chandigarh8217; concept to inculcate the habit of reading
Laptop for principals
Submission of fee and funds at e-sampark centres
Director Public Instruction Schools S K Setia8217;s taking over each school as principal on weekends, undertaking all duties, including cleaning of toilets