Srinagar: National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and its National Assessment Centre Parakh; Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) SCERT and the Ministry of Education’s Vidyanjali scheme joined hands with PHDCCI to conduct second workshop in the series of a nation-wide campaign on learning competencies, called Project Vidyasagar, in Srinagar on 1-2 December.
About 100 teachers from 10 districts of Kashmir and state education officials participated in the workshop.
The two-day workshop had twin objectives- creating awareness among school teachers about learning competencies at different levels and creating awareness about Vidyanjali.
Inaugural session was attended by CEO of Parakh, NCERT Prof Indrani Bhaduri; Director, SCERT J&K and Chairman of JK Board of School Education, Prof Parikshat Singh Manhas; senior officials of Vidyanjali scheme; Chairman, PHDCCI Kashmir, A P Vicky Shaw; Co-Chairman, PHDCCI Kashmir, Himayun Wani; Co-Convenor, Education Committee of PHDCCI Kashmir, Shahid Khan; officials of Vidyanjali project management unit, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, Shalini S Sharma and Deputy Director, PHDCCI Kashmir Iqbal Fayaz Jan.
Speaking in the inaugural session, Prof Bhaduri said that the objective of Parakh was to prepare children for 21st century needs. The new education paradigm which the NEP 2020 ushered in the country focuses on competency-based learning, moving away from rote learning, she said.
Pointing out that the SCERT in J&K had been doing phenomenal work in bringing teachers up to speed on the new thinking, she exhorted the participants to take back the learnings from the workshop and share with their peers for a ripple effect at the ground level.
Prof Manhas expressed his gratitude to NCERT and PHDCCI for organizing the workshop in Srinagar. He emphasized the importance of teachers being well versed with the latest in pedagogy.
He also lauded industry joining hands with the government to create an entrepreneurial environment in the state. He shared his own initiatives in this direction at the University of Jammu and the positive results that they had borne. He exhorted PHDCCI to collaborate with SCERT and JKBOSE to organise similar events and programmes in the state.
Vicky Shaw, in his welcome address, emphasized the crucial role that teachers and education play in people’s lives. He commended the adoption of the latest competency-based education approach, which focuses on the development and demonstration of specific skills, knowledge, and abilities, rather than relying solely on traditional rote memorization.
Wani shared with the teachers the importance of working hand in hand with private bodies, which are equally vital components of the education ecosystem alongside government institutions.
Shahid Khan stressed the need to change the way children were assessed on their competencies. The education system must identify and develop each child’s hidden talents and abilities, he said.
A detailed presentation on Vidyanjali was presented elaborating that the scheme is aimed at strengthening the school education system and boost learning outcomes by leveraging the expertise and resources of people from local communities.
Volunteers could sign up through the Vidyanjali portal and select a school of their choice, they explained to participating teachers.
Sharma gave the background of Project Vidyasagar and how it was conceptualised to supplement government’s initiatives in education. She reaffirmed the support of PHDCCI in achieving the objectives of Parakh as well as Vidyanjali.
The objective of Project Vidyasagar is to provide teachers with a comprehensive understanding of the National Achievement Survey, its purpose, methodology, and significance in improving the quality of education.
