SarvaPrathamik Training Workshop at Shanti Mandir Ganeshpuri

On the 7th of June, at the Shanti Mandir Ashram in Nimbavali, Learning Space teachers held a demonstration for students in attendance from nearby schools. This was to initiate participating students to the SarvaPrathamik learning program. Children between the age bracket of 4-6 years old were in attendance and a few teachers were given the opportunity to present lessons to them, one after another. The program was held at the Shanti Mandir Ashram to signify the fellowship between Shanti Mandir and Learning Space in achieving the mutual objective of uplifting rural education.

Introductory speeches to announce the collaborative event between the two organisations were made by Learning Space founder Mr. Nitin Orayan and Pdt Bhaskar Ji Maharaj of Shanti Mandir.

First, however, a brief description of the program. The model primarily aims at age-appropriate developmental goals in learning. It draws upon learning content from the Maharashtra Board Balbharati textbooks and delivers it to children in pre/primary schools in compelling and interactive ways, using creative handcrafted eco-friendly learning material.

A series of three short lessons adjacent to one another were presented, with a short break in between. Each teacher ensured to avail the allocated time in the best possible manner whilst ensuring the learning outcomes were met. For instance, in one particular lesson, where students were being introduced to several primary types of colours, real-world objects such as student attire, nearby furniture items and everyday articles were used alongside cut-outs of student-friendly items to create a playful atmosphere successfully inducing student participation. One by one, students were able to reinforce the correlation between the colours and the examples presented with sturdy guidance from the teacher.

Similarly, in another lesson, an assortment of animals was put on display and students were given a chance to create visual, verbal and literal identifications for each. These associations were made in accordance with student disposition to the animals so that the necessary learning outcomes could be corroborated within each student. Here, they were given picture cut-outs of the animals with their names displayed behind the model. Though the topics varied, one parallel which permeated all three lessons was the presentation of each lesson which adhered to the SarvaPrathamik model such that students remained attentive throughout the entirety of the lesson.

The pedagogy implemented by the teachers at the event follows a method coined by Dr. Coomi Vevaina, Technopoiesis, which aims to relate, stimulate, collaborate, advocate and unify the teaching subject matter. This carefully structured methodology brings the child experiential and joyful learning. Additionally, both the teacher and the student have the freedom to use his/her creative and critical thinking skills. The learning resources sought out are predominantly from the local environment. In this way, we seek to produce lifelong learners in both the teacher and the student.

The event proved to be an excellent prelim into teaching pedagogy which will be exercised once the schooling calendar begins over the upcoming few weeks. It was keenly observed that students found the sessions to be thoroughly appealing as seen through their co-operative behaviour.