Nishtha and Diksha
Rayees Ahmad Kumar
During the turbulent times of Covid-19 when the students are missing out on studies, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in association with National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) have launched an initiative in the domain of digital learning, named, DIKSHA. The aim of this initiative is to help teachers and the students to continue their studies as usual, however, through different mode.
DIKSHA portal is an advanced platform that is available on Google play store. You can download DIKSHA app from Google Play Store. The mobile app is available for not just teachers but also for the students and parents.
The app is loaded with engaging learning material that fits the needs of prescribed school curriculum. It is loaded with lesson plans, worksheets and activities, to create enjoyable classroom experiences. Students having access to DIKSHA app will be able to understand concepts in easy and interactive manner. There are features through which lessons can be revised. The app also facilitates the students to test his/her learning through self-assessment practice exercises.
With the outbreak of pandemic, school education department of J&K without wasting a day issued frequent orders directing teaching officials of all cadres to download the app and gear up for online teaching through it.
Resource persons were first trained about the features and settings of the app who later on held the zoom meetings to teach the fellow teachers about the app. There are tones of information loaded in the app besides books, notes, audio/video teaching aids and what not. Recently the J&K government has initiated the NISHTHA training through this app.
All the teaching officials were directed to register for the training on the DIKSHA app . This NISHTHA (National Initiative For School Heads And Teachers Holistic Advancement) training comprises of chain of training modules. It commenced from 10th of November for first three modules which are required to be completed by 25th of this month. Most of the teachers have completed a couple of modules and some have completed even all the three. Upto 14th of November 68000 teachers had successfully completed all the three modules.
1st module “Curriculum, Learner-centered Pedagogy, Learning Outcome and Inclusive Education” deals with the themes and content focussing on motivating and empowering teachers to address the issues of learning of children, how teachers can enhance students learning. Role of curriculum, textbooks, syllabus and other teaching aids for students learning is also an important component of this first module.
2nd module “Developing Personal-Social Qualities for creating a Safe and Healthy School Environment ” helps in acquiring personal-Social qualities for the holistic development of students. In classrooms and through inclusive environments how teachers can help in developing these qualities among students. After the acquisition of these qualities a safe and healthy school environment can be synthesized. Most teachers have successfully completed these two modules.
3rd module “Art Integrated Learning ” helps in teaching learners through different arts. It also shows how art can be used as a pedagogy for teaching all the subject areas. For holistic development of student’s art integrated learning can be much helpful.
4th module “School Based Assessment “throws light on concept and methodology of SBA. Through school based assessments every aspect of student’s personality can be developed.
5th module “Health and Well-being in Schools” is an important area for the over all development of students and it elaborates the importance of health in one’s life. Various aspects of health for students wellbeing are taught in this module through audio/ vedio lessons and written scripts. Some teachers have successfully completed even this module which is the third of the first three modules to be completed by 25h of November in whole JK.
6th module “Integration of ICT in teaching ” summarizes the importance of ICT in schools. It also shows how ICT can be integrated in students learning and assessment.
7th module “Initiatives in School Education ” aims at making teachers and school heads aware about many central government schemes like SAMAGRA SHIKSHA , UDISE etc. It also throws light on the provisions of SAMAGRA Shiksha in Library, Supports, Self defence, School Safety etc.
8th module “Pedagogy of Environmental Studies “deals with the nature of Environmental Studies at different stages of students academic carrier. It also aims to develop deeper insights on environmental themes among students through varied activities.
9th module “Pedagogy of Mathematics “. In present times mathematics phobia is prevalent among majority of the learners. This module tries in its most comprehensive manner to make maths teaching and learning joyful. Besides it aims to acquaint the learners about different components of Mathematics.
10th module “Pedagogy of Languages “. The major difference between humans and animals is of the language. Through languages we can express our state. This module teaches us how to teach first, second, third and then a foreign language to the students. It also deals with the objectives of language teaching.
11th module “Pedagogy of Science “. Present age is the age of Science. Science and technological advancements in almost every field has encouraged even a layman to know different sciences. From our waking up in the morning to our bed during night, we can’t escape from different blessings of Science. This module teaches us how to develop scientific temper among students and the love for science learning. Learning science by doing is also a component of this important module.
12th module “Pedagogy of Social Sciences”. Social Science comprises of History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, sociology etc. This module aims at teaching all these different branches of Social Sciences in an integrated manner. History, Geography and Political Science are discussed on daily basis both by stakeholders as well as non stakeholders. So one must be acquainted about these sciences for holistic advancement. This module tries to fulfill this aim of both students and teachers. All the modules contain e-resources which are much helpful for teachers as well as students.
(The author is a columnist and teaches at Govt Secondary School Anderwan Ganderbal)
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