To compensate this deficiency a worskhop was conducted at Deena Bandhu.
Prof. D.R. Baluragi, Ex-Director, Science Centre, Belgaum and Dr.
Gurumurthy M.Sc., M.Ed., of Ramakrishna Institute of Moral and Spiritual
Education (B.Ed College) were involved as resource persons.
Workshop was held on 14th Oct. 2001, Sunday. About 100 science
teachers from 50 schools assembled at 10-00 A.M., at Deena Bandhu, lunch and
tea was arranged at Deena Bandhu. Mr. Dunddu Madappa B.Sc., B.Ed.,
Inspector of schools was also with us. A lot of piror preparation was
made by social workers for the workshop. They collected 2,3 box full of
science equipments given to schools. Fresh chemicals were purchased to
demonstrate chemistry experiments. Added to this Prof. G.S. Jayadev
borrowed number of laboratory equipments from J.s.s. College to
demonstrate experiments in physics and chemistry. All the equipments were
displayed at the workshop. Prof. D.R. Baluragi also brought some of his own
equipments. One of the equipment was to demonstrate light experiments.
It was frabricated by his and for this instrument he won National award
in science teaching. Dr. Gurumurthy brought few instruments
frabricated by trainees at his college, they were also very useful to demonstrate
some experiments on light.
Basic concepts of science regarding measurements, light etc., were
explained to the teachers. Prof. D.R. Baluragi also demonstrated as how a
concave mirror is used by magicians to create illusion.
Chemitry experiments with litmus paper were demonstrated by Prof. G.S.
Jayadev. The concept of acid and base ws explained to them. Magnesium
wire was brunt and oxides of metals and their properities explained to
them.
Dr. Gurumurthy demonstrated the use of slide caliperse and screw gage.
The physical balance was also demonstrated. The microscope and its
magnification power was demonstrated. All teachers activiely bedated and
clarified their doubts. At the same time they all requested that this
workshop may be repeated for smaller number of teachers with more
instense participation of teachers themselves. Dr. Gurumurthy specifically
invited questions from the teachers related to their difficulty in
teaching. The teachers asked number of questions which was answered and
related experiments were also demonstrated.
After the workshop Prof. D.R. Baluragi had a meeting with social
workers and discussed about continuation of the programme of science teaching
training for primary school teachers; since he retired recently he has
volunteered himself to join us for a more elabrated and meaningful
programme. He will join us during the last week of Nov. 2001 and will
spend about a month. During his stay we propose to develop several models
and kits about science teaching with his help. After the workshop he
also demonstrated to social workers as how different models of
geometrical shapes can be prepared with match sticks and rubber tubes.
In association with Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore we have planned value
education programme for all the teachers of adopted schools. Swamiji
Atmavidanandaji, President, Ramakrishna Institue of Moral and Spiritual
Education has offered to give two days of orientation course at the
RIMSE premises. They have developed a CD on personality development and
definite package for the course. The teachers will also get some course
materials and Monks and professors in the field will handle sessions.
Report on Science Workshop, Viveka Asha Yojane
REPORT ABOUT THE SCIENCE WORKSHOP HELD IN DEENA BANDHU FOR 100 PRIMARY
SCHOOL TEACHERS:
During the field visits our social workers had a open talk with
teachers. Most of science teachers expressed their inability to handle
science and mathematics classes and there has been a change in the syllabus
recently including few difficult chapters. Moreover science teaching
was totally devoid of experimnts. Each school was given a box full of
science equipments which is not used even once; probabally teacers have
not understood the basic scientific principle behing the experiments.
Some teacher complained that they were never exposed to newer subjects
recently included in 7th standard text books.
FUTURE PROGRAMME:
Value Education
Children's Festival:
On a trial basis we have planned for a ‘ CHENNARAMELA’ meaning festival
of children in one of the area of our operation. The purpose of this
mela is to bring children together under a cultural event. The mela
will also have science exhibition, progressive social messages with regard
to drinking water, toilets, p[lastic etc. We also propose to have
sports competition and fancy dress drama etc. As for as possible we try to
focus on children and parent participation. We hope to boost the
self-image of the children by providing them an opportunity to express their
creative ability. Teachers will also be involved at large.
Environmental Workshop:
An environmental workshop by Prof. G.S. Jayadev is completed in all
areas of operation. The next series of workshop by Prof. G.S. Jayadev
will be on child psychology and importance of self-image.