Bringing educators in Yadgiri closer to technology!

The government schools in Karnataka are provided with the computers so that teachers will use them in the process of teaching-learning. But most computers remain unused for the simple reason that teachers or heads do not know of how to operate them. With the objective of helping teachers learn basics of computer, TTF Centre at Yadgiri took an initiative and organized a five -day free computer training course from 11October to 15 October 2011. 14 teachers and 5 officials from the region have utilized this opportunity.

 

 

This course involved the basics of computers like knowing parts of computer, creating files & folders and modifying-maintaining them, use of word and excel sheets, Internet browsing, creating & using e-mails etc. Teachers learned to use a computer for making slides, worksheets, handouts, flash cards and other materials for teaching. Some important educational websites were introduced which enhance their professional skills & interests. All the participants experienced these things practically, combined with theoretical information.

 

 

Most participants, though they touched the computers for the first time, were able to develop interest by shedding their fears to operate it. “I didn't have courage to learn computer though our school has computers. TTF helped & motivated me by encouraging...... I learnt some skills, now I would like to buy a computer and make use of it for the teaching -learning,” said Smt. Shashikala,H.M,GHPS-Ramasamudra.

 

Shri Sharanabasavappa Nasi,Cluster Resource Person-Surapura,said, “ I have learnt how to store the information and how to retrieve it whenever we need it.” Another participant Shri Nagappa Pujari, expressed, “I did not know how to switch on the computer ...now I can use it with confidence. This was a Dasara holiday fruitfully spent..!!

 

Posted by Guruswamy, Coordinator – Teacher Training & Support, TTF Bangalore Centre

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“Merugu polishes their [teachers’] innate potentials with its innovative ideas.”

The Teacher Foundation organized graduation ceremony for the participants of Merugu and HeadLAMP on 16 Sept, 2011 at the Deshpande Foundation Auditorium, at Hubli. Merugu- a sustained teacher development programme and HeadLAMP- Heads Leadership & Management Programme were conducted in the region with support of Deshpande Foundation during 2010-11. The first batch of 153 teachers and 44 heads from Government primary schools graduated.

 

The event commenced with the prayer by Smt. S. M. Arkasali, teacher,HPS Gokul.  Sharing her experiences from the workshops, Smt.Vijayalakshmi, Teacher, HPS, Mantur recited a poem written by her which described TTF's programme and indicated that Merugu was a sea of highly meaningful and new teaching-learning experiences. Shri H.L.Tuppad, teacher,HPS-1, Ghantikeri said, ''All Merugu trained teachers must become mentors for the fellow teachers to bring in quality in the teaching-learning process.''

 

Shri B.S.Mayachar, BEO-Hubli Rural opined that professional trainings are must for teachers as they help them maintain quality in teaching process. Shri V.F.Chulaki,Teachers' Union President recalled teachers saying, “....as the Merugu commenced, our teachers were not willing to attend the training,but gradually after attending a few workshops, same teachers expressed that Merugu polishes their innate potentials with its innovative ideas.”

 

Shri Prakash Kamath, Program Officer, Deshpande Foundation, in his presidential address congratulated the participants for receiving certificates and underlined that, “ Workshop learnings must reflect in students' learning and their performance.” Prakash Nedungadi, Director-Development,TTF addressed the gathering and stressed the need for continuous professional development for teachers and heads to uplift the quality of education.

 

Posted by Guruswamy, Coordinator – Teacher Training & Support, TTF Bangalore Centre

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Reaching more teachers in Mangalore!

"During TTF trainings we were given sufficient opportunities to open up and express our feelings. It was very democratic where everyone's voice was heard. I can improve my school using some of the strategies given by TTF''. Gangadhar Poojary, Headmaster of GHPS Baikampady said, as he was sharing his views about the professional development interventions by The Teacher Foundation in Government Schools in Mangalore.  Gangadhar Poojari participated in HeadLAMP, a leadership and school management programme designed by The Teacher Foundation, along with 6 school heads from Mangalore Taluk.

 

 

The Teacher Foundation with the support of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mangalore and Sir Ratan Tata Trust had organized a graduation ceremony for the teachers who have completed 'Merugu', 9 days of sustained teacher development programme and for the heads who have been successful in completing HeadLAMP, 10 days of leadership and management programme. The event was well organized on 2 July 2011 at CODP hall,Mangalore. 38 teachers and 7 heads from Mangalore Taluk were present. Hameed, Headmaster, GHPS Kudroli welcomed the gathering.

 

 

Heads and teachers who received certificates were happy to share their feelings and opinion about our training on the occasion. Annapurna, Headmistress of GHPS Kulai said, " School Improvement Frame work designed by TTF is very useful in bringing about a change in student environment,teaching and learning community involvement. I have implemented them in my school and also could sense some changes in the school environment and learning ''. She also said that these trainings gave her new thoughts and insights and re-freshed her like a gold being polished.

 

 

Mrs.Rohini,a Merugu trainee,who has taken up the post of cluster resource person recently sharing her feedback on the programme said "I was a nali-kali teacher. I implemented the techniques such as group work,fishbowl, peer self assessment given by TTF in my classroom. It works magically. I recommend other teachers to use these techniques to ensure better learning.''

 

 

Mr.Abbubekkar,SDMC President,Sooribailu GHPS,Bantwal Taluk in his presidential address said, "The training provided by The Teacher Foundation is unique and very beneficial one. It has to reach all teachers and heads of the District. "

 

Posted by Indrani Anchan, Coordinator – Government Projects, TTF Mangalore Centre

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Celebrating Whole School Turnaround at GHPS Yelheri.

'Whole School Turnaround' is a two year project, in which we make very intensive effort aimed at improving schools under four domains namely leadership and management,teaching and learning, student environment and community involvement. Our intervention in schools ends with putting systems in place and ensuring sustainability of the impact of the project. Whole school Turnaround at Government higher primary school, Yelheri in Yadgir district of Karnataka has been successfully completed.To celebrate success and to recognize  teachers for their contribution, a graduation ceremony was organized by The Teacher Foundation in the school for the headmaster and  assistant teachers  on 23 June 2011, at    GHPS ,Yelheri.  The school was certified and each individual in the school was acknowledged for his/her effort in brining about a change in the school. This was an occasion for the teachers and TTF to share their happiness, thoughts and exchange gratitude.

Over 25 people took part in the programme, out of which 6 were heads and 6 were teachers from other WST schools. Block Resource Co-ordinator, Cluster Resource Person, SDMC members and one member from Grama panchayat graced the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Devji Rathod, teacher of the Yelheri school said "TTF used school improvement framework as a tool to grade  our school under  four domains. This was carried out  in a  democratic way. It  helped us to understand  where we stand and what needs to be done to improve our teaching,school environment etc. We were able to implement the plan of action successfully because of the hand holding support given by TTF facilitators. They helped us develop professionally "

Mr.Nagayya one of the teachers said ''I am very grateful to TTF for the support given to me on how to teach actively in the class and ensure involvement of students''. Mrs.Jayanthi Geetha, Asst. teacher who is promoted to high school commented ''The feedback sessions and the demos helped me to gain confidence. Because of the TTF I have learnt many new teaching techniques.I have become more active and I am happy about my job''. Mr.Mahalingayya ,TTF Co-ordinator for the school narrated the story of success with the support of the relevant data. He said the school has moved up in overall grade from 1.8 to 2.6. Mr.Sharanappa, ECO who spoke on the occasion appreciated the effort by The Teacher Foundation and asked TTF to work with more schools in the region.

Posted by Nana Madarkall , Centre Co-ordinator, TTF Yadgiri Centre

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Merugu in Hubli!

“Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars,” is an appropriate thought to guide teachers as they devise new and more effective methods to assess student learning. As part of Merugu, the sustained teacher training programme, over 40 government school teachers from Hubli rural blocks participated in the Measuring Learning module at the Hubli Centre on June 24th.

Guruswamy C. And Rajaratna facilitated the workshop. Throughout the day, the facilitators guided the teachers about the different ways of authentically assessing student learning. Uncovering the details of rubrics, the importance of formative assessment and the difference between lower and higher order thinking, the teachers were kept busy all day!

For the teachers, highlights included preparing rubrics and devising different activities related to formative assessment. These included report cards, but also using memory games and matching activities in new and different ways. The teachers also came up with their own examples which correspond to the subjects they teach.


Participants commented on the unique nature of the workshops and how active and engaging they are. They also shared their new, and more detailed understanding about formative assessment, assessment that occurs in the midst of the learning process, and how it can be used to shape future lessons and better address student needs. Bloom's Revised Taxonomy was another component of the module which received high praise and how it helped them better understand different aspects of student learning.

Supported by the Deshpande Foundation, the Measuring Learning workshop is only one of a series of modules that comprise the Merugu Programme. Future modules will cover topics such as designing lesson plans, composing precise and accurate objectives and reflecting on classroom events.

Posted by Julia Bach, TTF Hubli Centre

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Summer Buzz at Yadgiri!

We say the benefit of modern technology should reach the rural students. In this direction, Government has provided  computers to schools. TTF has observed that the teachers are not using these facilities fully due to lack of knowledge and exposure. To motivate and help teachers to use  computers in their  routine work ,The Teacher Foundation conducted a free computer training  for teachers and Heads of schools from 3 May 2011 to 7 May 2011 at TTF's Teacher Resource Centre in Yadgiri. The programme was initiated by  Nana Madarakall,Centre Co-ordinator TTF, Yadgiri & supported by Mahalingayya, Mounesh , Mallikarjun and Devreddy.  16 teachers and heads took part  in the training. Though the number was less than we expected, the participation was good.  5 days of training was designed in such a way to cater to the needs of the participants.

It began with the introduction of  parts of a  computer and moved on slowly to uses of computer, how to use excel sheet, creating slides, making worksheets, how to browse in Internet, creating E-mail Id etc. Collaborative technique was used during training sessions. Participants  had an opportunity to discuss in their pairs or  groups and come up with their ideas and thoughts. Each group had a  facilitator to monitor and guide the activities. These facilitators gave demos and  cleared the doubts raised by the participants. To evaluate the learnings of the participants   'Soft Quiz' was conducted. Oral  recap of the major concepts was done at the end. They also had an opportunity to  evaluate themselves using a questionnaire developed by TTF.

This workshop was a unique  experience as some participants  were very excited to know new things and  some hadn't touched the computer earlier. Banashankar, Headmaster, GHPS, Ganpur said " I never had an opportunity to work on a computer and my confidence  level was low because of lack of experience. Now I feel that computer is quite friendly and  can be used for better teaching and learning."

Nagaraj B N , teacher,GLPS, G.B Tanda, commented "Every person has to know how to use computer because we can easily  update ourselves on the  changes  happening in the world."  Jayashree, a teacher trainee  said ''Earlier, my thought was that learning computer would be an  additional burden for me. But after this training, I feel every one  must have a good knowledge of computer and also how to use it."

This summer at TTF,Yadgiri, the workshop was an opportunity for teachers and Heads  to understand computers better and gave insights on its usage in  teaching-learning process. The bond between teachers  and TTF was further strengthened by this event.

 Posted by Nana Madarakall, Centre Co-ordinator, TTF Yadgiri Centre.

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Bringing teachers in Yadgiri together!

The Teacher Foundation in collaboration with SSA,Yadgiri and with the support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumbai organised TNet Mela and Graduation Ceremony for Government school teachers and heads on 19 March 2011 at Basaveshwara Kalyana Mantap,Yadagiri. Narasappa, CRP presided over the programme. 125 teachers, including SSA Officials and Government School Heads, participated in the event.

Mr.Hussain,Taluka BEO inaugurated the programme.Mr.Hussain said that "We as teachers have to implement the strategies of the trainings into the classroom to make a difference in the development of education and also to bring growth in it. Otherwise the trainings conducted by the organization and Govt. would be a waste.  TTF trains the teachers, which would help us to make a difference in the kind of education we are imparting. I am glad to thank TTF for this " Another educational officer also said that "I could find a difference in the way TTF trains teachers, which would help the teachers to grow professionally."

Mr. Pradeep Kumar led the discussion that followed, which focused on key issues in education. Based on their discussion, the participants framed golden rules to be followed by them in the school and also took an oath with the other participants.

Two teachers participating  Merugu shared their experiences with others. The first teacher said "The whole Merugu programme was based on activities. I never realised the time spent during the time of training. The trainers also were co-operative and friendly".The second teacher said "We had a thorough knowledge of the subject and clarity of the module which helped in good learning"

Mr.Nagappa, APC, said in his concluding remarks that as quoted by Dr.Radhakrishna"We are supposed to be a lifelong learners to become a teacher professionally"  Mr.Prakash Neduangadi, Director Development,TTF,Bangalore said "The role of the teacher is an important one unless we accept it seriously"

Posted by Nana Madarakall, Centre Coordinator, TTF Yadgiri Centre

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Helping teachers network with peers to learn!

Teachers from Government-run schools in Karnataka come together once every month under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Karnataka to share their practices with each other and network with peers. Schools are grouped together as clusters and these cluster-level monthly meetings help government teachers share and learn. The Teacher Foundation in Mangalore took these Cluster-level Monthly Meetings to a new level this time, organizing "Afternoons with TTF" in two School Clusters in Mangalore, in association with SSA, Mangalore on 27 November 2010.

Shades of our Schools @ Badagekaar Cluster
Shades of our Schools is a docu-film, commissioned by The Teacher Foundation with the support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumabi, which explores the teacher-student interactions in our classrooms. 29 teachers from Badagekaar Cluster participated in the screening of the film, followed by a discussion on 27 November 2010. Vishnu Naik, Facilitator, TTF led the discussion and the screening of the film. "Teachers need to be patient with children. I want to focus on the work of each child and to be soft spoken towards children after watching this film!" said Bhagyamma, a teacher from the Badagekaar Cluster. "I had an opportunity to see children with different attitudes. After watching the film, I am thinking of ways in which I can actively involve children in my classroom!" said Padma, another teacher.

Misconceptions in Learning @ Babbukatte Cluster
Misconceptions in Learning is an interactive session built around a set of videos developed by Wipro, Educational Initiative and India Today, exploring how and why children develop wrong mental models. 20 teachers from Babbukatte Cluster participated in the session. Sojo Varughese, Sr. Centre Coordinator, TTF Mangalore led the session. "As a teacher I need to focus more on understanding how learning happens! That is what I realized today, during the session on Misconceptions in Learning! " said Rustin D'souza, a teacher from Babbukatte Cluster.

Posted by Indrani Anchan, Coordinator, Government Projects, Mangalore

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Making classrooms buzz with excitement!

Teachers are expected to play a greater role in maintaining the equation of making learning fun and meaningful. But the question is, how do they do it? How do we motivate children to learn? How can we convert our classroom into a place where there is a lot of excitement and buzz happening in connection with learning?

29 teachers from Government Schools in Bantwal Taluk, Mangalore discovered how to make their classrooms buzz with excitement and meaningful learning when they attended the one-day workshop, Buzzing Classrooms, organized by The Teacher Foundation on 20 November 2010. Buzzing Classrooms is one of the workshops from TTF's Livewire Classrooms Series, a collection of workshops for teacher training, which can be chosen based on the needs and requirement of the school.

Buzzing Classrooms, organized as a part of Contemporary Classroom Workshop Series initiative by the TTF Government Team, was held at GHPS Salethur in Bantwal Taluk. Pradeep Kumar S P, Teacher Trainer and Coordinator - Government Project, TTF Bangalore led the workshop.

"After this workshop I realized how to make my class excited. I learnt the use of  different activities to make my students enthusiastic to learn, at the same time how to bring a lot of clarity in my subject.", a teacher wrote in her feedback about the workshop. "I learned about making the classroom more attractive for the children by implementing these activities or strategies. Through patience and hardwork, I want to strive to implement these strategies in my classroom.," another teacher said.

Posted by Indrani Anchan, Coordinator, Government Projects, Mangalore

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Visit our Facebook Page for more photographs on Buzzing Classrooms and other events!

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For more information on organizing a Livewire Classrooms workshop in your school, please feel free to contact us. Click here to contact us online! [Please mention "Livewire Classrooms" in the subject line]

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Teachers are the key to meaningful learning!

"Some teachers behave like police! Some students behave like police! Meaningful learning cannot happen when either of them are behaving like police!!" said Mr. Melvin Braggs, Head Master of St. Thomas Higher Primary School, Mangalore, during the discussion after the screening of Shades of Our Schools,  a docu-film commissioned by The Teacher Foundation.  Shades of our Schools, a docu-film on how teachers and students interact and how teaching and learning happen in our schools, was screened during the Principals' Seminar organized by TTF Mangalore Centre for the Heads and principals of Government-aided Schools in Mangalore, on 11 November 2010, at 2.30 pm. 35 heads and principals participated in the Seminar led by Mr. Vijay Kumar, Sr. Coordinator (Training and Support), TTF, Bangalore.

Shades of our Schools screened, during the Principals' Seminar  in Mangalore

"If you want to create a classroom environment, where children enjoy learning and teachers enjoy teaching, what kind of teaching do we need?" - The Seminar started with a discussion based on this question. The participants came up with their ideas on how teaching and learning must happen in classrooms to make learning meaningful. The whole group was unanimous about "the idea of an ideal classroom" - they wanted a classroom where teachers are friendly with children and where all the children get an equal opportunity to participate fearlessly in learning.

Heads of Government-aided Schools in Mangalore during the discussion

"In whichever language it is, in whatever corners of the world it is, irrespective of what kind of schools they are running, if teachers can build confidence in children, they will learn! How does a teacher plan lessons? How does a teacher deliver her lessons? Learning depends on these two factors! There is no difference between a city school or a village school - meaningful learning depends on teachers" said Ms. Celin D'souza, Principal of Holy Family English Medium School, Surathkal during the discussion after the screening of Shades of our Schools. All the participants were of the opinion that teachers are the key to meaningful learning and to make that happen schools need to focus on further equipping its teachers through training and support.

Posted by Sojo Varughese, Sr. Centre Coordinator, TTF Mangalore

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Train the Trainer for Kannada Team

Kannada TTT for four days was organized at TTF, Vidyanagar,Hubli. Three modules were covered in three days. The modules were Tools for Teaching 1 & 2 and  Measuring Learning. 23 trainers from different regions i.e Yadgiri, Haveri, Mangalore, Mysore, Bangalore, Hubli participated in the TTT which included full timers and freelancers. The trainers actively participated in the workshop. There were mock sessions by the trainers to make the trainings effective.

Posted by Indrani Anchan, Coordinator, Government Projects, Mangalore

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Enabling and Inspiring Teachers at Yadgiri

TNet Mela 2010
As a part of TNet, with the support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumbai, The Teacher Foundation organized TNet Mela 2010 for the government school teachers of Yadgiri on February 22, 2010 at KNH Church Hall, Yadgiri. TNet is an initiative of TTF to help teachers network and interact with their peers from other schools. This year, TTF organized a discussion on Right to Education Bill 2009 and a Mural Art Activity for the teachers during TNet Mela 2010. 85 teachers, 2 headmasters, 2 Educational Coordinators, 1 Cluster Resource Person and 2 representatives from Sir Ratan Tata Trust participated in the event.

The teachers discussed the implications of the Right to Education Bill 2009, how it affects teachers and students and how the government could go about implementing the bill. Teachers also discussed how the bill affects both private and government schools in general. The discussion was followed by a Mural Art Activity. Most of the teachers expressed that TTF should organize such networking events, if possible at cluster level, more often. Teachers saw TNet Mela as a platform to their share ideas and concerns about education.

Teacher Resource Center inaugurated
Adding more colour to the day, TTF launched its second Teacher Resource Center, with the support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust ,at Yadgiri on 22 February 2010. Cluster Resource Person, Mr. Ramalu and Head of Government Projects at TTF, Ms. Sheela Menon inaugurated the Teacher Resource Center at Government Higher Primary School, Yalheri and opened it for teachers of the school. The Teacher Resource Center at Yalheri school is a part of the Whole School Transformation Project, launched by TTF in Yadgiri, with the support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumbai.

Posted by Nana Madarakall, Center Coordinator, TTF, Yadgiri

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Karnataka State Education Department Officials completed HeadLAMP

Ten days spread across a year in three phases - this is how TTF delivered HeadLAMP, the Head's Leadership and Management Programme, to 20 officials from the Karnataka State Education Department. HeadLAMP is a course designed, developed and delivered by TTF, with the support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Bombay. BRCs, CRPs and CAEOs from Mangalore and Mysore Region participated in the course. The course was completed on 13 June 2009.

Government Officials from Mangalore and Mysore during the Course

Mr. Madhava, BRC, Mangalore, said in his closing remarks after the course: "We just knew that TTF is an organization that trains teachers. After watching them train our teachers, we were keen to have a professional development programme for us too. This is when HeadLAMP happened. So we involved ourselves in the training and it was a great experience to be here."

During a general discussion on the quality of teaching in Mangalore, one of the Officials stated: "We have been watching TTF giving one on one support and feedback to our teachers, unlike other training facilities. We feel they should continue to do so. they should visit our schools, observe the classes and give feedback to our teachers as they used to do. I think it will improve performance."

Government Officials from Mangalore and Mysore during the Course

The Future School: This is a sample of the work done by the participants of HeadLAMP, by the end of the programme.

Posted by Sojo Varughese, Coordinator, TTF Mangalore

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