Opinion | Teaching at the Right Level Initiative Encouraging Students and Teachers in District Baramulla

Education is the backbone of progress, and the improvement of the learning outcome at the school level is the first step towards the development of an educated society. The District Baramulla has taken a remarkable leap in this direction by launching the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) initiative. The initiative with the worthy leadership of the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla supported by Pratham Education Foundation and the Education Department is transforming classrooms and inspiring teachers and students equally.

A District Wide Collaboration.

The program aims at the students of Classes 3rd to 5th and the three key subjects are English, Urdu and Mathematics. The special training was given to all teachers belonging to the zones of the district in collaboration with Pratham Education Foundation. The trainings were organized at the Zonal Level so that all teachers irrespective of their location could be able to attend.

The training was far from being theoretical. Teachers were equipped with activity oriented lessons and new methods of teaching to engage children actively. Teachers learned how to categorize students according to their learning levels, conduct activity based lessons and check progress regularly. The aim was to bring all children to the relevant learning level and not merely complete the syllabus.

Learning Levels and Activity Based Approach.

In this program, students were categorized into different learning groups based on their reading, writing, and numeracy levels. This is significant because students of the same class are at different levels of understanding. With the assistance of learning gaps teachers are able to provide individualized support.

A 40 day activity based learning calendar was started in all schools. Teachers spend at least an hour a day on these concerted efforts. The activities include storytelling, group discussion, role playing, games, reading practice, number activities and problem solving exercises. These methods are good to teach children by doing instead of learning by heart.

The initiative follows the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which has given a focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). Activity based learning not only builds subject content but also increases communication skills, teamwork and confidence.

Teachers as Change Makers.

The most inspirational aspect of this program is the zeal of the teachers. Many teachers have stated that the training has given them a fresh perspective towards teaching. Instead of traditional methods they are now focusing on child centered methodology. They develop creative teaching learning materials, use the art of storytelling and encourage active participation by students.

Teachers have also reported that the teacher-student relationship is improved. Previously, the majority of the kids were afraid to ask questions, but now they feel confident and active. The sense of achievement they obtain after completing an activity makes them more confident and prompts them to learn more.

Students’ Response and Visible Improvement.

The students’ response has been very positive. Children welcome the innovative methods of teaching as learning becomes more enjoyable and engaging. They particularly enjoy group work where they learn from other children, are competitive in a constructive manner and share ideas.

The impact of this project is already visible. The educators can already observe significant changes in reading fluency, comprehension, and basic arithmetic abilities. Students who used to find it difficult to read a plain paragraph are now able to read comfortably. In math, they are capable of doing word problems as well as arithmetic operations without any difficulty.

The parents have also been fond of the program as they can see their children becoming confident and enthusiastic towards studies. This indicates that activity based learning is not just increasing academic grades but also shaping the students’ mindset towards education.

Alignment with NEP 2020.

NEP 2020 has given a significant emphasis on FLN as the priority sector for the school education system. Under it, it is expected that each child must be at levels of basic literacy and numeracy in Grade 3. The Teaching at the Right Level initiative directly supports this vision by giving extra care to those children who lag behind until they reach the targeted level.

By setting aside one hour a day for these activities schools are ensuring that no child gets left out. Such focus is one of the major reasons behind the success of the program in Baramulla.

A Step Toward Long Term Educational Reform.

The success of the scheme demonstrates that concerted and concerted efforts can bring in real change in the educational system. The District Baramulla model can inspire other districts to follow similar approaches. Such schemes if put into practice in an organized manner, can significantly contribute to improved outcomes at the state and national level.

Secondly, this program is also creating an innovative and responsible culture among teachers. They are now more aware of the level of learning for each student in their class and try to improve them in an orderly manner.

Personal Observation and Reflection.

Watching these activities closely I have noticed a remarkable improvement in students’ performance and class participation. The learning environment has been changed and teachers-students relationship has been enhanced.

This project demonstrates that teachers can change the learning environment with proper training, support, and dedication.

Students react positively when they are supported and motivated.

Baramulla’s Right Level Teaching initiative is more than a program. It is an effort towards quality, equity and child centered learning. The collective work of the Deputy Commissioner office, Pratham Education Foundation and the Education Department has set a strong precedent for how administration support, teacher training and innovative pedagogy can complement each other to achieve the intentions of NEP 2020.

All of these steps are necessary to establish a solid foundation for our children’s futures. The increase in the levels of learning is a sign of development and if this is sustained, Baramulla would be a model district for India’s basic literacy and numeracy in the near future.

(Writer is a Teacher, An Author and Columnist hails from Boniyar Baramulla and He Can Be Contacted on mukhtar.qur@gmail.com)