From October 24 to 26, 2018, a three-day Teacher Education Camp on “Innovative Pedagogical Interventions & Creative Teaching Aptitude” was held in Puducherry for In-service Teachers working with the Directorate of School Education (DSE). The concept behind the camp was developed by Theatre Arts in Education practitioner Ravi Shankar and was facilitated, along with Arts & Craft in Education enthusiasts Kiran and Hrishikesh, as an additional part of Sri Aurobindo Society’ transformative initiatives started as Rupantar. Altogether 30 teachers underwent a transcendental journey via this programme on creative learning approach to Integral Education. 

Held at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) at Lawspet in Puducherry, the programme gave all the participants a wider perspective on the aspects of Education and its role in today’s world. Participants enjoyed experiencing the process of creative teaching through project works based on theatre and visual arts. The entire process sensitized them towards their role as compassionate and creative teachers and elevated them to the summit of their consciousness. Exploring the contextual and creative approach to integrated learning processes connected them to their inner realm of unitive qualities. Finally the programme was culminated with deeper reflection which resulted in chalking out their plan of action in regard to using all the innovative practices explored during theses three days, to foster the integral development of their children. With the vibrations of renewed enthusiasm, joy and perspectives, they celebrated their valediction.

Excerpts from Feedback

Overall, the session is very impressive and activities given to us are very useful. This approach can resolve most of the problems faced in classroom situations. These innovative pedagogical interventions will make a dramatic change within the minds of our children. This will help achieve all the expected learning outcomes. – S. Buvaneswari, G P S, Kariamanickam

I have learnt how to make classroom teaching creative and joyful. This approach will reduce stress and tension in classrooms. Students’ participation will increase and their inner feelings can be tapped & their emotions can be channelised harmoniously. Learning hard parts of the subjects can be made easier. – P. Maran, GPS, Saram

This three days’ training was really a reflective one. I learnt to manage time and use discarded & natural things as teaching aids and make the classroom more lively besides interlinking various subject together. – P. Vidhya, G PS, Odaively

I really feel very happy after attending this three days’ programme. Learning how to create a joyful situation in classroom teaching involving the individual participation of students. Students will come out with their own ideas and learn how to get involved in teamwork. It was an enthusiastic camp. – L. Ceciely Sharmila Ragane, GPS, Kalapet

When we will use this type of activity-based teaching then all kinds of students would like to participate and give their full attention. And the learning outcomes can also be improved. – S. Sarannya, GPS, Nettapakkam

Through this method students will experience knowledge by engaging in action. Students will participate willingly and the learning outcomes will get better. – T. Bavithra, GPS, Pethuchettipet

The offered Interventions are joyful. The programme involves the syllabus. This learning by doing and play way method will bring forth the inner potentials of our students and our learning outcomes can easily be reached. – M. Sarulatha, GPS, Kalapet

This training is totally different from other trainings. We enjoyed a lot like children. – G. Jaiya, GPS, Kalapet

I feel very happy about it. I forgot I was a teacher . . .felt like a child . . .learnt a lot of things here. This approach will increase students’ involvement and they will actively participate throughout the day. It will also support the learning outcomes. Yoga class must be added in our education system. – V. Ramya, GPS, Kurusukuppam

This training was very different from the trainings I have attended so far. This training brought out our inner potentials. The programme kept my body and mind relaxed and focused . . . (e.g., silent-games made miracles in us . . . it let my mind to think creatively.. . . This programme does a wonderful job in meeting the expected learning outcomes.  – E. Hema - G. P. S, Karikalampakkam

Joyful experience is very much important for students in this current situation and this program attended (emphasized) more on that. Activities were overloaded (this may be my opinion) . . . Enjoyed a lot in doing activities; expecting the same experience in the classroom.

I plan to make our children sensitive towards the environment and create positive energy . . . bringing out the best from them. To a great extent it will be help me in meeting the learning outcomes.  – R. Shanthi, GPS, Kalapet

I enjoyed this training very much. It is very useful to introduce a new way of teaching. – K. Padmini, GPS, Thattanchavady (SN)

I enjoyed all the activities . . . each and every minute was engaging . . . This approach will make it easy to teach all the subjects to all kinds of children. They will participate creatively without fear.  – R. Sharing Shyamalan Devi, GPS, Savarayalu

We can make every child learn through this way . . . Even children who get labelled as slow-learners will also participate and learn . . . – S. Gayathri, GPS, Thattanchavady (SN)

In these three days, learning is made very easy by various activities. We can encourage each and every student in the class to take part in every teaching learning activity. Both mind and body takes part in every activity. Moreover the Students will become creative. This Programme helps us in meeting the expected learning outcomes in various ways:

• Physical involvement of each and every student through joyful learning.
• Teaching is made easier.
• Group activities take place.
• Discussions, planning and group work are done.
• Using one topic we can relate and teach all the other subjects.

– P. Marie Bernadette - G.P.S, Ecole Anglaise Zone 2