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Svarnim’s approach to promoting STEM education involves transforming scientific principles and theories into practical activities that actively involve young students from an early age. In contrast to the traditional chalkboard-based (theory-based) teaching method employed in government and government-aided schools, Svarnim has launched a practical learning-based STEM initiative. This program involves conducting experiments to teach fundamental concepts, and the key resource persons, i.e., teachers, have undergone specialized training. These teachers will be responsible for monitoring and instructing students in their respective schools.
Svarnim has added a new chapter to our mission of providing excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Arts & Humanities, and leadership development for students at the middle, high, and higher secondary levels. With a focus on hands-on learning, fostering human values, promoting social and environmental responsibility, and nurturing leadership qualities, our aim is to revolutionize science education by encouraging children to explore and discover scientific concepts first-hand. Ms. Kayalvizhi, Ms. Preethi, and Ms. Reshma have joined the STEM Resource Centre Project. In preparation for an upcoming training workshop in New Delhi in September 2022, the team has already participated in online interactive sessions facilitated by Ms. Anshumala Gupta. These sessions have laid a strong foundation for enhancing the team's capacity to deliver experiential learning sessions. We anticipate that the workshop will further equip our dedicated educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct engaging and empowering experiential learning sessions for students.
During November '22, outreach programs in four schools and a science exhibition at Government High School, Vadhanur, captured the interest of 207 students. Demonstrations on Sound, Liberation of Gases, and Parts of a Flower sparked their curiosity. Divided into small groups, students actively participated in discussions, experiments, and interactive sessions. This hands-on approach complemented formal learning, promoting engagement and collaboration among peers and teachers. The programs and exhibition effectively nurtured scientific curiosity, inspiring wonder and exploration in the students.
Throughout August and September '22, a series of online workshops were conducted to enhance the skills and knowledge of the STEM team. Svarnim anticipate that this program will soon evolve into a crucial Science Resource Center for Puducherry. The STEM Resource Centre team consists of Cayalvizhi, Preethi, and Reshma, with Geetha leading the team. They participated in a hands-on experiential science workshop held at IIT Kanpur's Outreach Centre in New Delhi from September 19th to 24th, 2022. This training program was a collaborative effort between SAS and JoLF (Joy of Learning Foundation), that is headquartered in New Delhi. Its primary objective is to enhance the capabilities of teacher-trainers in employing experiential pedagogy for teaching Science topics. Teacher trainers from Puducherry, Odisha, and the NCR (National Capital Region) attended this event. Once the schools reopen after the Pooja Holidays, in the first week of October 2022, the Svarnim team will commence the local training programs.
In November '22, Svarnim conducted outreach programs in four schools and a Science Exhibition at Government High School in Vadhanur. A total of 207 students benefited from these programs, showcasing their curiosity and enthusiasm during engaging demonstrations on themes like Sound, Chemical Reactions, Parts of a Flower, etc. This experiential approach not only facilitated deeper exploration of topics but also enhanced formal learning by promoting collaboration between students and teachers. Pamphlets were also distributed to give more information about the program.
During December 2022, Science outreach programs were conducted in seven schools in Puducherry, benefitting 425 students. Six of the schools were High Schools and one was a Middle School. These programs were designed to introduce students to STEM fields.
India has a young population, with an average age of 29 and around 28% of the population being youth. However, there has been a growing focus on utilizing this demographic dividend to drive economic progress. Sri Aurobindo Society aims to contribute to this goal by establishing a STEM Resource Centre catering to students from middle, high, and higher secondary levels.
The centre will not only focus on academic lessons but also cultivate human values, social and environmental responsibility, and leadership qualities in children. The current rote-learning based education system primarily focuses on memorization techniques to help students clear examinations. However, the STEM resource centre aims to bridge the gap by providing hands-on learning experiences and simulations that will prepare students to solve real-world problems faced by industries, governments, and communities.
Experiential learning is rooted in the belief that “experience is the best teacher.” Learning experiences that take place outside the classroom can be highly effective in enhancing learning and fostering personal and social development. Students who engage in such experiences have higher levels of motivation, better recall of course material, and improved academic performance. Early field experiences can be particularly formative and can inspire students to pursue their interests further.
STEM-based experiential education that focuses on the students’ lived environment can also play a vital role in protecting nature. By raising appreciation of nature, imparting scientific problem-solving skills, and instilling a sense of responsibility, students can become inventors of solutions rather than mere users of existing knowledge. The opportunities for growth and progress are limitless for a young India that creates capabilities for educational growth and new solutions.
If you have an innovative idea for bringing a positive change in Puducherry, join hands by sharing it with us in driving Puducherry to become a model Union Territory.