PEDAGOGICAL IMPROVEMENT

One of the main objectives of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is to ensure quality education at elementary level.  The quality of education depends on the quality of teaching which in turn depends on the quality of teachers.  Performance of teachers will be improved through better content and facilities for training programmes and community participation in supervision.  An effective teacher is not only the master of his subject, but also the master of his class room situations. The effectiveness of classroom management can be judged by the effectiveness of the teaching learning process. The effectiveness of this process depends on the efficiency and competency with which it has been organized and the quantity and quality of learning that has taken place in the learner.

            The policy maker define the term quality mainly in terms of “achievement level of students’ which again depends on

·         Teacher Empowerment

·         Quality Teaching

·         Community participation

·         Continuous and comprehensive evaluation

·         Remedial Teaching

·         Effective Supervision and Monitoring

To meet these emerging challenges, it is necessary to prepare vital strategies at District level in order to achieve our goal within the stipulated time period.

Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation

            Continuous and comprehensive evaluation integrates teaching and learning.  At the elementary school, students are young and sensitive and so, no rigid systems of evaluation should be imposed.  In Dhenkanal district, the performance of students is evaluated quarterly, six monthly and on annual basis. A comparative report on overall achievement level of Students in common annual examination (2006-07) & (2007-08) is mentioned below.

Comparative Report on overall Achievement level of Students in CAE 2006-7 & 2007-08 in Dhenkanal District.

Subject Language

Grade – A- 80% Above. Grade B 65%-79

Grade – C- 50-64%, Grade- D 35%-49%

Grade – E- Below 35%

Graphical presentation on Performance of Students in Language (Class I to VII)

Language:-

Ø      Students of class III, IV have shown better result in the year 2007-08 in comparison  to the year 2006-07

Ø      Achievement of Students of Class VII is comparatively less than the student of class I to VI. 

Subject Mathematics

Grade – A- 80% Above. Grade B 65%-79

Grade – C- 50 - 64%, Grade- D 35%-49%

Grade – E- Below 35%

Mathematics :-

Ø      Student of Class IV have achieved better result in the year 2007-08 in comparison to the previous year. 

Ø      Students securing more than 50% in class IV is 57% in the year 2006-07 and 67% in the year 2007-08.

Subject  EVS/ Science.

Grade – A- 80% Above. Grade B 65%-79

Grade – C- 50-64%, Grade- D 35%-49%

Grade – E- Below 35%

EVS/ Science:-

Ø      Students of Class I and IV in the year 2007-08 shows better result than the previous year.

Ø      72% Students of Class I secured more than 50 marks in the year 2007-08 and only 28%  of Students of same Class have secure less than 50%.

Ø      % of students securing E grade increased in class II, III, V.

Subject – English

Grade – A- 80% Above. Grade B 65%-79

Grade – C- 50-64%, Grade- D 35%-49%

Grade – E- Below 35%

English :-

Ø      Students class IV and V have performed better result in the year 2007-08 in comparison to the previous year.

Ø      46% Students of Class VII secured more than 50% & 54% Students of the same Class secured less than 50%.

Ø      % of students having E grade is found to be more in Class IV, V and VII in the year 2007-08 than the previous year.

Identification of learning gap :

            While scoring the answer scripts of the students a teacher can easily notice a set of Questions based on a particular competency that is correctly responded by a large number of students.  This finding indicates learning gaps on that particular concept.  A discussion with other teachers and observations of the students performance also help in identifying learning gaps.

            In the next step, the teacher has to find out the factors responsible for the learning gaps.  Factors may be home related, teacher related, TLM related, Pedagogy related, assessment related.  All these factors should be analyzed by the CRCC of the Cluster for enhancement of achievement level of students.  For this, it is  proposed to organize workshop on learning gap identification/item analysis under LEP.  Students of primary level face difficulties is mastering the basic competencies in literacy including reading, numeracy. Hence, supplementary reading materials are proposed to be provided.  In order to develop scientific and mathematical abilities of the students of Upper Primary level, science and mathematics kits will be provided.  Scheme of evaluation will be developed and supplied to the teachers for correct evaluation of answer scripts

            Role of Community: It has been rightly observed that universalization of primary education can be possible if the community is mobilized and motivated to participate in the processes.  The top-down approach needs to be replaced by the botton-up approach.  A healthy and active interaction between the teachers and the community is essential for better school effectiveness.  Community participation in planning, management, school improvement, construction of school building and their maintenance, monitoring and evaluation must be ensured.  The services of different specialist of the community must be welcomed by the school personnel.  A discussion forum in very alternative month may be organized to get a cross section of ideas and suggestions for school monitoring programme.  Effective utilization of grants like SIG, RMG, TLM, TLE etc. must be ensured by VEC members for better pedagogical improvement in the school.  The role of the community for enhancement of teachers’ attendance, students’ attendance rate, scholastic achievement of students, rationalization of teachers etc. can be ensured by developing home school partnership, through participatory approach.  For this, a one day training of VEC members is proposed for the session 2009-10.

            Role of Teachers: The district has favorable pupil teacher ratio.  But rationalization of teachers on the basis of educational back ground, teaching experiences etc. will be taken care of in the year 2009-10.

            Data on gradation of schools for the year 2008-09 reveals that, there are 223 number of ‘A’ grade schools, 667 numbers of ‘B’ grade schools, 462 number of ‘C’ grade schools, 56 number of ‘D’ grade schools in the district.  Efforts are to be made to convert 60% of ‘D’ and ‘C’ grade schools to ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade schools by providing adequate physical and academic infrastructure in the District.  For this purpose, the targets has been fixed to provide SIG grant to 1306 Schools of Primary sections and 573 no of Schools of Upper Primary section. RMG grant will be provided to 1818 nos. of Government schools.  3499 number of teachers at primary level will be given TLM grant and 1708 teachers will be given TLM grant at Upper Primary level.

School Readiness : Grants like SIG, RMG and TLM etc. will be released during the 1^st quarter i.e. April to June to all eligible schools.

Active Pedagogy :

·         The role of the teacher as a facilitator will be ensured.

·         The training skill of the teacher is to be reflected in the classroom process.

·         Activity based training will be implemented.

·         Regular correction of home assignment is to be ensured.

·         Efforts are to be made to reduce teacher instruction time and to improve students instruction time.

·         Capacity building of DRG / BRG members will be ensured for successful implementation of Reading Pedagogy for development of Reading skill of the students.

·         Reading day will be observed on each school during the month of February and November 14 in the name of “Asa Padhiba and Age Badhiba”.

In order to archive the above goals, different activities will be conducted during the year 2009-10.

Teachers Training:  In service training of teachers is essential for capacity building of the teachers. The training skill of the teachers will be reflected in the class room .Training module would be out come oriented and addressed to learning difficulties

Primary level :

Ø      10 days block level training  will be organized in three phases i.e

Induction stage: 6 days

Hands on stage: 1 days

Consolidation stage: 3 days

Ø      10 monthly sharing meeting at cluster level. Discussion on enhancement of reading, writing, numaracy skill of children, equity issues, QMT, ADEPTS, source book, SSHE, School cabinet will be ensured  

Upper Primary level 

Ø      3 days Block level training on English

Ø      7 days Block Level training will be conducted based on both process and content areas

Ø      10 days monthly teacher development programme. Discussion on science, Mathematics, equity  issues, QMT, ADEPTS, source book, SSHE school cabinet will be ensured  

Training of DRG/BRG/CRG :

• DRG/BRG/CRG of the District will be oriented on different modules from time to time.
• BRCCs/CRCCs/BRPs of the district will be oriented / trained on pedagogical issues.

Training of Class VIII teachers:

              Class VIII teachers will be imparted 20 days training.  The duration of training is mentioned below.

• Induction training of 5 days on SSA and active learning methodology.
• 3 days training on Science teaching
• 2 days training on Mathematics for teachers of Class VIII.
• 10 days training on monthly sharing meeting. Discussion on science, Mathematics, equity  issues, QMT, ADEPTS, source book, SSHE school cabinet will be ensured  

Induction Training :

• It is decided to give 30 days induction training to 40 number of Gana Sikshaks.  Those Gana Sikshak/SS who have passed +2 and having CT/B.Ed qualification will be eligible for the purpose.

60 days training of Un-trained teachers:

              400 number of untrained Gana Sikhyaks/teachers will be imparted training on the distance mode.

Classroom process:

• Monitoring to be done with reference to QMT 2008-09.
• School categorization to be done by CRCC twice a year.
• ADEPTS standard to be maintained in the classroom.
• Accountability of teachers to improve 5% improvement in learning score of student.

Strengthening of Resource Centre:

• Engagement of BRPs as per requirements of the District will be done, i.e. 20 resource person per block
• Performance appraisal of BRCCs and CRCCs to be done by District Project Coordinator and D.I. of Schools,

• Training package for BRC’s, CRC’s and BRP’s will be developed at DIET, Dhenkanal.
• Mobility support will be provided to CIs, DIs, DIET, Pedagogy Coordinator of the District.
• The FTA of BRCC/ Addl. BRCCs/BRP/CRCC will be provided to ensure school visits by filed functionaries.
• Contingency grant and TLM grant will be provided to all BRCCs/CRCCs.
• For effective use of TLM/TLM corner, capacity building of BRCC/CRCC will be organized.

Learning Assessment:

            Status of achievement of student’s class wise and subject wise through quality monitoring format of NCERT will be done.  Continuous and comprehensive evaluation will continue with four unit test, one half yearly tests and the common annual examination. New evaluation practices in line with NCF to be introduced on the basis of field training experience.  Workshop on scheme of evaluation and preparation of the same will be done at the district level in order to facilitate teachers for correct evaluation of students from Class I to VI.

Source book Evaluation system.

            The present system of evaluation is stereotyped and is not fulfilling the expectation of society. Hence, certain changes in the exiting pattern of examination and evaluation needs to be changed in the light of NCF-2005 and subsequent changes made through source book.

            Remedial teaching will be provided for two schools in each block in subject like Language, Mathematics in class II and III at Primary level. Students securing D & E grade in the CAE-09 in the above mentioned subject will be benefited.

 In order to achieve these objectives, activity plan has been developed at the District level.

Teacher preparation

• Learning difficulties of the teachers will be addressed and capacity building of the teachers will be undertaken accordingly.
• Subject like Mathematics and Science will be focused for training of the Upper Primary level .
• Use of subject specific TLM by the teacher will be ensured.
• Monthly sharing meeting will be organized on the basis of learning difficulties identified by teachers’.
• Reading corner shall be established in all the School for cultivating reading habit among the children and teachers. Hence, mini library in each School will be established. The budget for mini library will be incurred from the SIG head @ 1000/- per Schools. 

Free Text books

       Free text books will be provided for the students for Class I to V at primary level and students of Class VI to VIII at Upper Primary level.  Worksheet will be provided to the students at Primary Level.. The transport cost will be provided for distribution of text book at school point.

        Similarly, worksheet and supplementary reading metrical like pencil, rubber, crayon color box, hand writing Khata (English/oriya) etc. will be supplied for the student of class I to V.

Effectiveness of CAL

                   CAL Programme has already been introduced in 45 nos of Schools across the district. This will help

1. To make learning effective & Interesting
2. To generate supplementary materials in digitized form with the help of graphic animation, voice etc.
3. To improve retention & quality of education.
4. To bridge the digital gap between children of public schools & govt. Schools, rural School & urban Schools.

Sishu Utsav

     In order to encourage inner quality of students, the programme like District Sishu Utsav will be organized at the District level with active co-operation of D.I. of Schools.

Teleconferencing

     It is proposed to orient the stake holders at the district level through distance education mode.  Accordingly the following teleconferencing programmes have been proposed i.e. training manual for LEP, Teaching of Mathematics and Science, QMT, ADEPTS, training package for BRCC / CRCC etc.

Leaning Enhancement Programme (LEP):

• Analysis of QMT

                Quality monitoring tool formats will be analyzed at cluster, Block, District level for tracking of children attendance and achievement level of students so that measures will be taken for improvement in attendance rate and scholastic achievement of students. Accordingly, the budget provision has been made for correct analysis of data and computerization of the same.

• Identification of learning Gap:

                 For identification of learning gap at cluster level it proposed to hire teachers to consolidate the data collected through QMT. Accordingly 21 teachers are required i.e. 03 for each class for 05 days each time. It is proposed to consolidate the data 03 times in 2009-10.  Subject like Language, Mathematics and EVS at Primary level and subject like Mathematics, Science, English, Geography at Upper primary level will be covered for identification of learning difficulties. Accordingly budget provision has been made.

                 Similar provision has been made for BRCs and DPOs/DIETs to identify the learning gap at block district level.

• Science and Mathematics Kit Box:

              To create a successful learning environment in science and Mathematics it is proposed to develop Science and Mathematics Lab. For the said purpose Rs. 20.000/ has been proposed for 21 school i.e Rs. 10000/- for science and Rs. 10000/ for Mathematics kits box. The total budget on this head is proposed to be 4.20 lakhs

• Science Exhibition:

               Block level & District level Science exhibition will be organized at respective block as wall as District level. Identified talent will be given recognition for encouraging their academic and practical spirit.   

• TLM workshop:

                       Three day workshop on subject wise preparation of TLM and effective use of it in the class room process will be organized at district level. District level TLM workshop will be organized where children get opportunity to explain use of TLM in the class room to their parents.

• Supplementary Materials:

             To enhance the learning ability of Students it is proposed to provide supplementary materials like pencil, crayon box, Hand writing book in oriya and English, work sheet etc. to all children reading in class: I to V. For the purpose Rs. 20/- has been proposed for each child. Sishu lekha for each quarter for each School will be provided. The expenditure will be incurred from SIG head. 

• Musical Instrument;

             It is purposed to provide musical instruments to each school @ Rs. 1500/- per school to enhance the learning ability of students. This can be used during prayer classes. The expenditure will be incurred from SIG head. 

• Sports Materials:

             It is proposed to provide sports material to school @ Rs. 500/- per school for use students. The expenditure will be incurred from SIG head.

• Reading Pedagogy 

            For enhancement of reading skill of children the activity like reading pedagogy will be implemented. DRG & BRG of the Block will be oriented on ‘Reading Pedagogy’. Roll out of Reading Pedagogy will be ensured in monthly sharing meeting.

• News Bulletin:

             It is proposed to publish the writing of children twice in year at cluster level. It will help in enhancing the achievement level of students. For expression of creativity of children in each of School, it is proposed to publish School magazine. Accordingly budget provision has been made.

• Workshop on Science and Mathematics:

              For the capacity building of Resource persons it is proposed for organization of 04 workshops in science & 04 workshops in Mathematics at each Block.

• Workshop on Module Development:

              For the development of district specific module after identification of learning gap it is proposed for the organization of 10 days workshop with 40 DRG members. For the said purpose Rs. 0.80 lakhs have has been proposed.

• Training of VEC members :

 It is proposed to organize one day training of VEC members for active involvement of the members on pedagogical improvement.

            The programme will be organized in two phases.

1.      DRG orientation on implementation of SLF II and other components of pedagogy.

2.      One day orientation of one VEC member per School in each Block.

·         Incentives for good performing Students of Class III, V,VII.

              Incentives will be given for student of class III, V, VII. for encouraging their academic talent.

·         5 NRTS students from each block will be given cash award of 2000/- per student.

·         5 meritious students from each block will be given cash award for their success in Class V scholarship examination @ 1000/-  per student.

·         5 meritious student of class III will given cash award of Rs. 500/- for their success in class III scholarship examination.

·         Strengthening of DRG. (District Pedagogical Cell)

For strengthening of pedagogical activities, district pedagogical cell is proposed to be constituted. Accordingly, for activation of the same the budget provision has been made. 

Vision for the year 2009-10

      Efforts will made for enhancement of students active learning and reduction of teacher instruction time.

      Strategy will be implemented for development of reading and writing skill of the students.

      Fearless and child friendly environment will be ensured at each school

      Learning achievement of students securing less than 50% in subject like Language, Mathematics and EVs will be improved by 5% at Primary level.

      In upper primary level, 5% of student’s performance in D & E category will improve in subject like science and mathematics.

      Efforts will made to convert 60% of ‘D’ & ‘C’ grade schools to ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade schools by strengthening physical and academic infrastructure of the district in the year 2009-10.

      Effective utilization of grants by VEC members will be ensured by orientation of VEC members and involvement District level officers of other Department of the District.