A four days capacity building training programme on integrated science learning for the teachers of Dima-Hasao district of Assam started at Haflong on Feb 21, 2015. This was organized by Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and the Society for Socio-Economic Awareness and Environment Protection (SSEAEP), in association with Hill Area Protection and Preservation Society (HAPPS), Haflong. It is the second phase of the programme after first phase of sensitization and awareness programme held in 2014, under Science and Technology popularization programme for tribal area of Vigyan Prasar.
The programme started with a brief inauguration programme, where, Prof. Jayanta Kr. Sarma, the coordinator of the programme, said that, “this four days programme will continue till Feb. 24, 2015. Prof. Sarma further said that the focus of integrated science is to link learners’ own observation and experiences in the process of learning of curricular transaction, developing problem solving attitude based on understanding of Science. The entire programme comprises one technical session each on ‘Application of Physics in our daily life’, ‘Biological sciences- know the life around and with us’, ‘Chemistry – in our life and in the surrounding’ and ‘Mathematics- the language for analysis and decision making’ , followed by hands-on activity sessions and on-field quest session. The whole approach is based on the principle of participatory learning encompassing from activity based learning to inquiry based learning”.
Kulendu Daolagupu, Executive Member (Education), Dima-Hasao Autonomous District Council inaugurated the programme by lighting lamp. In his inaugural speech, Mr Dalagapho emphasised on the importance of science education and the role of science teachers towards imbibing scientific attitude and temperament in young minds and community in general. He said that the motivated teachers and their activities can give deeper impact on children as many children follow their teachers as their role model. He appeals all the participating teachers for playing the role of messenger of positive change in the society for greater development of the area. Father Emanuel Maunger, Principal of Don Bosco HS School Haflong, participating the programme as the guest of honour, appreciated the initiatives.
Dr. Bhim Prasad Sarmah of Tezpur University, Prof. Utpal Rajguru and Prof. Chitta Ranjan Sarkar of Jagiroad College, participated in the programme as the resource persons. Mr. Kishor Kr Dev and Pankaj Bhuyan of SSEAEP participated as the facilitators in the activity and field sessions of the programme. In technical session of Feb. 21, 2015, Dr. Bhim Prasad Sarmah introduced the concept of mass, volume, force, centre of gravity, equilibrium, inertia, vectors etc. and their applications in different walks of life right from carrying head load to riding a bicycle, playing music using a pipe; followed by different hands-on activities. Prof. Utpal Rajguru introdcuced the concept of life, its constituents, requirements to sustain a life along with the concept of food, nutrition and testing of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals through hands-on activities. Prof. Chita Ranjan Sarkar talked about chemistry within household, chemistry of life along with demonstrations and hands-on activities like testing for acid and base, carbon etc., along with experimentation on endothermic and exothermic processes.
Along with technical learning and hands-on activities, the participating teachers from 22 schools of the district are expected to develop skills to design specific modules and activities of inquiry based learning appropriate to their local context through group level brainstorming with an action plan to transact the idea in their respective schools.
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