Chennai: Beginning Monday, primary school teachers will step into the role of students as they undergo training on the newly launched state board textbooks for Classes I to III. This three-day special training program, announced last month, will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., aiming to sensitize teachers on planning activities and delivering lessons through storytelling.
Training Structure and Trainers
Officials from the school education department stated that the trainers would be block resource teachers employed under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). These trainers themselves received instruction last month from faculty members of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET).
“We have 53 block resource teachers, most of whom will be deployed across 10 blocks in Chennai on Monday. One school in each block has been selected for the training,” said Kamaraj, Assistant Project Officer of SSA.
Orientation Rather Than Intensive Program
SCERT officials clarified that the training would serve more as an orientation session than an intense program. “Ultimately, every teacher has his or her own way of conveying concepts to students. What we intend to do is guide them through a template. For instance, there are lessons in the language book that begin with a song. We will encourage teachers to try these methods in the classroom,” a faculty member explained.
Teacher Optimism and Workbook Integration
Teachers have expressed optimism about the new approach. “This year, the workbook has been integrated with the textbooks. There are several ‘do-it-yourself’ activities for students, and we need clarity on how much teachers can intervene and guide them,” said Stella Rosaline, Headmistress of Chennai Primary School in Thiruvanmiyur.
Schools will reopen for all classes on June 4.
