Practical meets theory, answers real problems
Pre-recorded lessons in biology and growing of mushrooms that the management plans to serve as part of the mid-day meal. With such practical training, schools and students at government schools in south Malwa districts are on the day to greater smartness. An openair park to teach mathematics adds to the innovation quotient.
Shaheed Jasgir Singh Govt Senior Secondary School at Boha is one of only two government schools in Mansa district offering science, commerce and humanities. Class-12 medical student Prabhjit Kaur says the 11 digital classrooms help her stay keyed-in. She is fond of a touchscreen-board secured under MPLAD.
“Last year, two of our students got into MBBS at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot. A community leader from the town Surinder Mangla is instrumental in motivating people,” principal Parmal Singh says, adding students from 20 villages attend this school.
Biology teacher Parminder Tangri says, “We are growing mushrooms; after the first lot is harvested next week, classroom-grown vegetable will be served in the midday meal.”
PIONEERING SMART EDUCATION
Government Senior Secondary School at Bathinda’s Kot Shamir village shows how community participation can lead to the facelift of a rural school. Balwinder Kaur Sidhu, who recently retired as a social science teacher from the same school, contributed ₹66,000 for a math lab. Her husband principal Surjit Singh Sidhu adds that over the last decade philanthropists from the district, Uttar Pradesh, NRIs and the school staff have contributed ₹30 lakh. “It was Bathinda’s first school to be tagged smart. We have 749 students, a jump of 149 (25%) from the last academic session,” he says.. “Wastewater from the RO plant is used to irrigate kitchen lawns,” says another teacher.
Philanthropists like Noida-based Rohit Jindal, who has no association with Bathinda, have been contributing for notebooks, dress material and identity cards to students. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd that has an oil refinery plant in the district, has sponsored digital teaching aids etc.
OUTREACH NEEDED: PRINCIPAL
Manpreet Singh of Government Senior Secondary School at Bathinda’s Gobindgarh village solves academic exercises on a touch-board. “Studying is fun now. I have asked my parents to admit my younger brother here as well,” he adds. Maths teacher Glory says with internet is used as a teaching resource. Principal Sikandar Singh rues lack of support from the local community. “We have started a public outreach programme to sensitise villagers that we have qualified staff and all modern teaching aids,” he adds.