Mumbai: The Google classroom training for 133 teachers of Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools will begin soon, to prepare teachers for the new international curriculum. The 13 ZP schools are following the new Maharashtra International Education Board (MIEB) started by the state education ministry since June.
To make this board interactive, teachers are being trained about Google application and teaching methods. Creative lessons focussing on local approach with advancement of technology are being imparted to teachers. Teachers are also being educated about the various uses of Google apps to enhance classroom learning. Prachi Sathe, officer on special duty (OSD) of state education department, said, “Lessons are circulated among teachers in PDF format through Google apps.
We have tied up with Google to help the teachers learn an advanced method of teaching, which is a good experience. The focus is going glocal and catering to students who wish to study a different state curriculum.” The syllabus and curriculum is being formulated to focus on creativity, art and new methods of teaching. Sathe revealed, “We want to make this board different from international and also current state board. The curriculum will focus on overall development of students in terms of personality growth and communication skills.”
In all, 133 teachers are being trained, of these, 53 are from pre-primary section and 80 are from Class 1 to 3. Asmitha Das, a teacher added, “This curriculum will cater to students from Class 3 right now, but it will be expanded to other classes in consecutive years.” The state has started this project on a pilot basis in 13 schools, which will have this board for Class 4 from next academic year.
In addition, only Marathi medium schools can register and apply to start this board in their school. 100 schools have been selected which can register online to adopt this board for next academic year. “We will not initiate this board in English medium schools. Our aim is to encourage regional and local languages. We might start it for Urdu medium schools in the future,” Sathe added. These schools are selected on the basis of four categories lie Zilla Parishad (ZP), Nagar Palika or Municipal Corporation, aided and self financed schools,” Sathe said.
