Srinagar, Feb 08 (KNS): In order to improve the basic reading and arithmetic levels of children across India and in J&K state a non-governmental organisation, PRATHAM has taken imitative to train the teachers with innovative techniques and ideas.
PRATHAM is working since 1994, across India and in Kashmir it started its operations in 2015. Since beginning, Pratham has been trying to work with Government and run independent projects to improve the learning levels throughout the Country.
It initiated its program in Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the district administration of Bandipora in 2015-16. Combined Activities for Maximized Learning (CAMaL) – a pedagogy innovated by Pratham was adopted by 120 government schools.
The program aimed to build foundational skills of children from grades 3 to 5 in three subjects – Language (Urdu), Mathematics and English. After successful implementation of the program in Bandipora, the Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has decided to scale up the program in 10 districts of the state in the year 2016-17.
Methodology
The CAMaL methodology is often described as Teaching at Right Level (TaRL). The TaRL framework is a guideline for teachers to lead learning activities that build up students’ competencies for specific and measurable learning outcomes.
The pedagogy is targeted at children in standards III, IV, and V with a special focus on those who have not reached a standard 2 level in reading or arithmetic.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Throughout the entire process, children’s progress is assessed through ongoing simple measurement of children's ability to read, write, and comprehend and do basic arithmetic. TaRL activities are organized in ascending levels of competency for students to move up through. The combination of competencies, directions of learning, and classroom dynamics together constitute a whole learning experience for students to achieve specified learning outcomes.
Program Objective
To improve the reading, writing and basic arithmetic skills of children between 6-14 years, through TaRL framework.
All government schools in 10 districts of Kashmir – Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian.
The program in 10 districts of Kashmir is being implemented under the direct leadership of Director of School Education, Kashmir.
As a part of the program, more than 25,000 government school teachers are being trained in Pratham’s CAMaL methodology. The teachers will implement the teaching learning methodology in 9000+ schools from June to November 2016.
Pratham is building a strong team of 10 state level personnel and 40-45 district level personnel to support government in ensuring efficient and impactful implementation of the program. (KNS)