Beyond Walls, Building Bonds: School Rooted in Community

In this episode of Pratibimba, we welcome Ms. Shashikala G.R. from Hunsur Taluk's Devagalli Government High School. A dedicated educator with 16 years of experience, Shashikala speaks about her role as both an assistant teacher and a member of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC).

Shashikala goes beyond academics at her rural school, fostering holistic development and confidence in children. By immersing herself in the community - visiting homes, and attending festivals - she understands their culture and uses relatable examples like organic farming and animal husbandry to build trust and explain concepts effectively.

The school embraces environmental responsibility. Each child planted a sapling, culminating in flourishing gardens with fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The collective effort of students, teachers, and community members earned the school the well-deserved title of "Hasiru Kashi” (Green Palace), showcasing their dedication to a greener future.

She highlights the utilisation of government recommendations that have significantly contributed to the school's development - initiatives like "Shala Vana" leading to the successful establishment of Hasiru Kashi, and alumni involvement through weekend labour. Community participation extends to celebrations and events, often organized in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat. These gatherings, like the Vijnana Habba (Science fair), provide parents with insights into their children's skills, the school's resources, and ways they can contribute to a more engaging learning experience. Additionally, rangoli competitions and other activities break the ice between parents and teachers, fostering mutual understanding.

Shashikala stresses the significance of adapting education to each community's specific context by understanding their environment, culture, and upbringing. Establishing meaningful connections with the community is crucial for comprehending their needs and offering improved support to their children.

Finally, she underscores the importance of transparent fundraising, emphasizing clear communication about needs and progress reports to build trust. This openness encourages frequent donor visits. The story paints a beautiful picture of a school deeply connected to its community, fostering holistic development while respecting the environment and embracing cultural diversity. Shashikala's dedication and innovative approach inspire educators and communities alike.

Welcome to Akshara Foundation’s podcast - Pratibimba. In today's episode, we have K. N. Harsha, a seasoned associate teacher with 29 years of experience, specializing in teaching mathematics and science. Currently at GHPS, Bodyguard Line, Kurubarahalli, South Zone, Mysore, Mr. Harsha is deeply involved in developing Teaching Learning Materials (TLM) and serves as the President of the Karnataka State Primary School Teachers Association, South Zone, Mysore.

Mr. Harsha emphasizes the crucial role of mathematics in a child's elementary education, moving beyond mere problem-solving proficiency. He highlights the decline in essential skills such as logical thinking and practical application of knowledge by the time a child reaches grade 10. This gap, he notes, puts students behind by two years in their learning capacity. The trend of Government school students favoring arts and commerce over science can be attributed to language barriers and a lack of exposure to mathematics.

He underscores the urgency of improving teaching methodologies to ensure a brighter future for children. While recognizing the importance of Foundational Literacy and numeracy, Mr. Harsha points out a neglect of in-depth learning. He identifies a challenge in teaching the importance of place value in basic mathematical operations, advocating for teachers to go beyond methods and ensure students understand the reasoning behind them.

Cooperation and coordination among teachers, along with teaching using the Concrete, Representational, Abstract (CRA) method and Ganita Kalika Andolana (GKA) Kits as valuable tools for primary school teachers. Mr. Harsha acknowledges the significance of textbooks and TLMs, emphasizing their role in providing a structured framework for learning. Despite these challenges, he appreciates the cultural richness brought by students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who have migrated for employment. Harsha remains optimistic about educators making a positive impact within the system, stressing the need for dedicated teachers who ensure students not only grasp mathematical concepts but also understand their rationale.

Hope you enjoyed listening to this recording by Akshara Foundation. This podcast tries to bring out such unique stories that are motivating, inspiring, and interesting. If you have an interesting story, please share it with 98450 79590.

Welcome to Akshara Foundation’s Pratibimba Podcast. In this episode, we delve into the Gram Panchayat Level Mathematics Contest (GP Contests), held across Karnataka, for students of classes 4 to 6. The primary aim is to elevate the quality of maths education in the state. Our guest today is Mr. Shankar Hadagali, an educator at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) in Gadag, and Nodal Officer for Akshara Foundation’s Ganitha Kalika Andolan (GKA).

DIET and Akshara Foundation collaborated to provide GKA Maths Kits, simplifying maths concepts and making the subject more engaging. Teachers are encouraged to innovate their teaching methods to foster a love for maths in young learners.

GP Contests have successfully introduced healthy competition among students, offering a refreshing break from the routine of regular classes. Education Volunteers educate school Headmasters about the significance of these contests and identify dedicated educational volunteers who facilitate the contests and create a comfortable environment for students.

The overarching goal of GP Contests is to make maths accessible and enjoyable, dispelling fears that students may have about the subject. These contests also empower parents to gauge their child's comprehension levels. By tracking monthly progress, we can plan targeted support for each child.

Mr. Shankar believes that by involving more individuals and reaching out to more schools, we can have a profound and lasting impact on these children's futures, instilling a lasting love for maths that will serve them well throughout their lives. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these young learners.

Hope you enjoyed listening to this recording by Akshara Foundation. This podcast tries to bring out such unique stories that are motivating, inspiring, and interesting. If you have an interesting story, please share it with 98450 79590.