In a significant move to enhance mathematics education in government schools, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Chandigarh organized a comprehensive capacity building programme for mathematics teachers. The two-day event, held on August 26-27, 2024, brought together more than 100 educators from across the union territory.
Strengthening Mathematics Education Through Teacher Development
The intensive training programme took place at the Government Model Senior Secondary School in Sector 33, Chandigarh, marking a crucial step in improving the quality of mathematics instruction. Rubinderjit Singh Brar, Director of School Education and SCERT Chandigarh, inaugurated the session, emphasizing the critical role of mathematics in developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
During his inaugural address, Brar highlighted that mathematics forms the foundation for scientific and technological advancement and stressed the importance of making the subject more engaging and accessible to students. His insights set the tone for the two-day programme focused on innovative teaching methodologies.
Expert-Led Sessions and Practical Training Approaches
The capacity building programme featured experienced resource persons who guided participants through various aspects of modern mathematics education. Dr. Piush, a lecturer from the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), along with Vandana Sharma, a lecturer from GMSSS-21, conducted the training sessions, bringing their extensive classroom experience to the programme.
Educators explored innovative teaching strategies designed to make mathematics more interactive and enjoyable for students. The training emphasized moving beyond traditional rote learning methods toward approaches that foster genuine understanding and application of mathematical concepts. Participants engaged in hands-on activities and discussed practical classroom implementation techniques.
Aligning with National Education Policy 2020 Objectives
A significant focus of the programme was the alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework. Teachers received guidance on implementing NEP-mandated changes in mathematics curriculum and assessment patterns. The training addressed how to adapt teaching methods to meet the policy's vision of creating a more holistic and skill-oriented education system.
The programme also covered effective assessment techniques and competency-based evaluation methods that measure true understanding rather than mere memorization. This aspect proved particularly valuable as educators prepare for the changing landscape of educational evaluation under NEP 2020.
Throughout the two days, participants actively engaged in discussions, shared best practices, and collaborated on developing strategies to overcome common challenges in mathematics instruction. The collaborative environment allowed for meaningful exchange of ideas among educators from different schools across Chandigarh.
The successful conclusion of this capacity building programme represents Chandigarh's ongoing commitment to enhancing educational quality and supporting teachers in their professional development. Such initiatives are expected to have a direct positive impact on student learning outcomes in mathematics throughout government schools in the region.
