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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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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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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What do we have on offer in 2011-12?

Are you looking for a school development or teacher training programme that will dramatically improve the quality of teaching and learning in your school? Well, we are here to help you choose. TTF has several tested programmes that are so well-grounded in the reality of the “Indian” classroom, that they receive extremely good feedback from teachers and schools who go through them. TTF's services and support systems for teachers are the products of dedicated and focused research by school education specialists, who work very closely with Indian Schools. Following is a map of what TTF can offer your school in 2011- 12:

Which of the above would you like to choose for your school? If you would like to know more about any of the above mentioned programmes/courses, contact us online or call any of our centres in Bangalore, Mangalore, Hyderabad, Haveri, Hubli, Yadgiri or Mysore. 

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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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