Date: Jul 2–4, 2015 Place: Sri Aurobindo School of Integral Education, Sector 27, Chandigarh
Monica Kochar, an educationist and trainer of India Council for Integral Education (an initiative of Sri Aurobindo Society, based on the teachings of the Mother), recently conducted three workshops for the teachers of Sri Aurobindo School of Integral Education, Chandigarh, from July 2 to 4, 2015. Ms Kochar has spent many years in schools as a Math teacher, and has given numbers a heart and abstract concepts strong practical legs to stand upon. She holds workshops, conducts training sessions and writes books for both teachers and students to offer a holistic, integral approach to learning in general, and math in particular, so that the education becomes a way to deeper and wider growth, where fears are removed and fun in classes becomes official.
Her first day was earmarked for the primary teachers. The focus was on a renewal of ‘Jodogyan’ material that the school has invested in for the teachers, coupled with worksheets at the end of each activity with material. In addition, the concept of ELPS (Experience Language Pictures Symbols) was introduced and teachers were taken through it with many examples. The teachers were eager to learn and full of questions. They were also exposed to games in Math and the power of connecting with children.
The second day was to be spent with the middle and high school teachers. The chief focus was on activities and projects that can be practised with various grades. The teachers went through the projects like students, first totally confused, clarifying their doubts, and then taking it up with enthusiasm and completing them with a lot of fun. The projects ranged from in-class to nature-based. They were also exposed to the idea of using social issues with middle-school students when designing a project on survey. The group participated very enthusiastically.
Both groups chose various aspects of the workshops they would like to try soon in their classrooms and have set goals for themselves with clear deadlines for the same. This is in order to check the efficacy of the ideas introduced, which will help decide the future course of action.
The group created a beautiful atmosphere. The fact that these exercises were being consducted right next to the Relics Hall gave everyone present the support of the presence of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Especially during the visualizing exercise, a warm energy seemed to embrace all the participants and the facilitator.