Structured Pedagogy Guides Launch Event: How to Improve Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
SAICF Education W4D2: Innovative Finance Mechanisms and CSR – The Haryana Development Impact Bonds
Working with teachers to help them feel equipped to meet the needs of every student in their classroom.
Smita Chaturvedi is a grade 1 teacher at Koirajpur Primary School in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP). She recognizes the critical role she plays in making sure that her students meet their educational milestones in time, and what that means for their future. Throughout her 14-year career, she has had very little external support to improve and grow as a teacher.
Over the last two years, Smita Chaturvedi has been able to access lesson plans and teaching tools, to help her teach foundational concepts more effectively. Tactile learning aids like alphabet cards and illustrated story posters combined with engaging activities help her students engage with lessons. She is also a part of a network of local teachers where she can share challenges and learnings. As a result, she is now able to ensure that every child in her classroom receives customized support that meets their diverse learning needs.
“These children come from extremely vulnerable backgrounds, they receive little to no educational guidance at home. The learnings from courses and mentors have helped me make sure that I include children of all learning levels in my class, use innovative teaching methods to engage them and maximize their learning.”
Says Smita Chaturvedi
STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Co-created materials have changed the way teachers have approached their curriculum.
Since introducing the Teacher Guide in Uttar Pradesh, Head Teacher Satyendra Tripathi from Rameshwar First Primary School in Varanasi began to approach teaching the curriculum in a very different way.
“Previously, teachers would follow textbooks in a linear manner. This meant that they taught concepts as in the textbook, in the same order within the book. If students missed any classes it was difficult for them to catch up with the rest of the class. Since lessons were taught without a clear plan and structure, it was harder for them to revisit a concept that was taught earlier. Now, there is ample opportunity for students to revisit and revise earlier concepts as they are all interconnected”
The revised curriculum allows for multiple checks for understanding, which is very different from linear format rote learning. It has helped teachers and students understand and master the topics and content.
“Our teachers go through 4-5 day intensive training to learn to use the teaching guide. This gives us a lot of clarity on what to teach, when and how. We are able to ensure students are actually understanding the concepts being taught instead of rote memorization since the lessons in the guide also include activities for students.”
2030 MISSION
By 2030, we will reach 35 million children by influencing classroom practices of more than 2 million teachers and teacher educators
Your support can help us achieve this mission