2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Progress during the Financial Year 2013-14During the year, following the various physical infrastructure requirements such as broadband internet connection and residential facilities were secured. The classrooms were arranged according to the Core Group structures and the available computer systems were installed in the classrooms.

Simultaneously, a 6-month Computer Information Technology (CIT) programme, affiliated with the Indira Gandhi National Open University, was launched. 38 students have enrolled in this programme while more than 50 students have been admitted to the integrated B.Ed. programme so far. Humana People to People India (HPPI) teacher-trainers are involved in building a digital library of Doctrine of Modern Methods (DMM) for the Bachelor of Education students. The DMM teacher training methodology comprises of relevant tasks – Courses, Study, and Experiences.

At the time of this report, the faculty at PRARAMBH school for teacher education comprises of 4 Assistant Professors, 9 Lecturers and 4 HPPI teacher-trainers, including 1 Programme Leader and 3 Core Group teachers.

Key proceedings during the year• Asset counting The realization of a dream starts with baby steps. PRARAMBH witnessed this with the asset counting exercise during Oct. and Nov. 2013. Learning and instructional material for physics, chemistry, biology and the computer lab have been enumerated and stock registers have been maintained. Similar exercise has been under taken for hostel resources like utensils, mattresses, pillows, blankets and other accessories.

• Commencement of the ProgrammeOn 11th Dec. 2013 the first batch of PRARAMBH started its academic journey with a Havan ceremony in which faculty members along with parents of the students invoked divine spirit for successful commencement of the programme. Mrs. Surina Rajan finance Commissioner of department of School Education Haryana conveyed her good wishes through Add. Director SCERT Mrs. Senhlata. District level Education Officers, Director of Model School Jhajjar, CEO Humana People to People Mr. Snorre Westguard and his team members were also present on this occasion Mrs. Manju Bala Principal PRARAMBH voiced her views and appreciated the role of the above mentioned persons in making the dream come true.

9

• Broadband Internet ConnectionIn order to fully realise the potential of the education programme, it is imperative to secure a broadband internet connection at the institute. Following discussions on the issue with the Principal and the Director, PRARAMBH, BSNL broadband internet connection has been installed at the institute. This goal was achieved during the months of Oct., Nov. and Dec. 2013. Right now the school has internet connection in one room with plans afoot to make whole campus Wi-Fi friendly.

• Organizing rooms according to Core Group structure Core Groups (CGs) form the basic structure for imparting lessons under the PRARAMBH programme. A CG comprises of 12-15 students supervised by a dedicated CG teacher. In this method, students learn through discussions and debates. A classroom structure according to Core Groups is the primary need to create such kind of teaching and learning environment. In this context, three rooms have been equipped for three CGs, with each room dedicated to 10 students and with each student having access to a computer. This activity was completed in Dec. 2013.

• Installation of computers in classroomsIn its initial phase, PRARAMBH School for Teacher Education has been assigned 130 computers. During installation in Dec. and Jan. 2014 all the computers were unpacked and marked following the Principal’s approval. At present all the computers are in working conditions and all the six classrooms are equipped with computers to which all students have complete access.

• Organisation of Campus Talent ShowOne of the major objectives of education is to explore and enhance an individual’s hidden talent. Pursuing this line of thought, PRARAMBH teacher training institute organized a talent show in the campus on 16th January 2014. The institute’s teaching faculty and ancillary staff actively participated in organizing this event. During the show, the students of the institute showcased their interests in the fields of Mono acting, mimicry hasaya kavita, poetry recitation, folk songs, dance, oratory skills and jokes. In the category of jokes vicky enthralled every one with his superb control on comic content in haryanavi. In poetry recitation 7 candidates participated. In speech 3 participants namely Alka, Akshay and Versha impressed everyone with their oratory skills. Versha was declared the winner while Akshay got consolation prize. Sonu a brilliant Ragini singer one the hearts of the audience with his high pitched voice and vernacular control. Shilpa, Sarita, Jayakant and Nehakant captivated all with their group song. Shilpa’s Punjabi dance had everyone tapping their feet while Manisha yadav’s mono acting was highly appreciated. Over all Versha got first position,

10

Shilpa, Sarita, Nehakant and Jayakant got second position. The third position was secured by Sonu in the talent hunt competition. The talent show was judged by Dr. Suresh, Mrs. Vaishali and Miss Monika Choudhry. The talent show proved to be an invigorating experience for the students. The show culminated with the judges declaring the winners of the event and the institute’s Principal thanking the students and the faculty for their contribution and participation.

• Central University Vice-Chancellor VisitIn January, the Central University Haryana Vice-Chancellor, Major General Dr. Ranjeet Singh visited the PRARAMBH School for Teacher Education. During his visit, Dr. Singh explained the work being done by the Central University in different fields of education such as teaching children of economically weak families, raising community awareness about female foeticide, innovative use of modern technology in education etc. Humana People to People Program Leader explained the significance of the programme being implemented at the institute while also presenting the programme book to the Vice-Chancellor. Dr. Singh held lively interaction with the student and staff of the institute and shared his army experiences while encouraging the students to concentrate on their studies and to become the role model for the society as a qualified teacher. The event culminated with Dr. Singh inviting the faculty members and the students to visit the premises of the Central University in order to share their experiences and learn from each other.

• Commencement of the Computer Information Technology ProgramPRARAMBH School for Teacher Education has received recognition from the National Council of Teacher Education for the commencement of the programme from the academic year 2014-15. With the student enrolment already in place, it was decided that a 6-months Computer (Jan. to July 2014) Information Technology (CIT) programme, affiliated with the Indira Gandhi National Open University, will be conducted for the enrolled students. The CIT program consisted of three sections of theory papers and one practical section. The theory section is divided into different blocks which are further divided into units. Each unit has broad fundamental information about the computer system and its utility. Each Core Group makes its weekly theory as well as practical study plan and follows it step by step under the observation of the Core Group Teacher. Total of 38 students participated in the CIT Programme.

• Karnal IGNOU Study Centre VisitIn February 2014, students went on an educational excursion to the IGNOU Study Centre at Karnal in order to participate in the orientation programme of Certificate in Information Technology course. The opening session comprised of introductory lectures by the course

11

coordinators and the Director of Kalpana Chawla Compu. Tech.Pvt Ltd. The orientation session informed the students about the functions and purpose of IGNOU and the CIT program.

After the orientation program, the students visited the National Dairy Research Institute premises in the vicinity of the study center. Here student were able to gain knowledge about new and hybrid seeds, agricultural equipment and cattle feed etc. The students also interacted with the farmers, shopkeepers, agriculture scientists and zoologists present at the institute.

• Group Discussion on NCF 2005, NCFTE 2009 and RTE 2009In February and March 2014, during the morning assembly, all the core groups at the institute participated in group discussions on several topics including NCF-2005, NCFTE-2009 and RTE-2009. Other topics of pertinent educational, social and economic issues, including problem of brain drain, were also debated at length during these sessions. Several students participated in these discussions while the faculty members also contributed with their views and sometimes summarized the debates. Some students presented poems on the ills of the dowry system while others explained the detrimental effects of female foeticide on the society. Other topics included debate on corporal punishment in the Indian education system and benefits of using medicinal plants. Through group discussion, students enhanced their confidence level, got knowledge of their surroundings, and acquired crucial leadership skills.

• Student Assignments and CIT ExaminationsIn March 2014, all the students prepared their assignments in which they were assisted by the faculty members and teacher-trainers at the institute. In the last week of March 2014, students also filled the CIT exam forms while the Core Group teachers helped them in the same. All the 38 students filled the exam forms and received their CIT study material which was distributed to them so that they could complete the assignments in time. All the students were able to complete their assignments in time and submitted it to IGNOU Course coordinator on March 28. The course coordinator also observed the study pattern in each of the Core Group and was pleased to see the classroom structure.

• Debate and Painting SessionsDuring April 2014, debates on various topics continued as a part of the morning assembly session at the institute. Students decided the topics as a part of their Core Group and dedicated one week to prepare for the debate. Topics of the debate varied from Fundamental Rights and Equality to Development Models and Ideal Economic Policies. During this period, some students namely Vicky, Anuj, Himshikha, Rachana also participated in making paintings on the issue of Global Warming. The Students made paintings on the themes of Climate Change and Trees are My Best Friends.

12

• Sports ProgramAfter regular classes, all the Students and their respective Core Group teachers gather on the sports ground to play different games like badminton, volleyball and cricket. Participating in sport activities is an excellent exercise and makes the students both physically and mentally fit, active and stress-free. These sports activities further increase cooperation, confidence, positive attitude and helping nature among the students.

• Evening ProgramsEvery week, after dinner, all the students organize common activities like a movie session, discussions on any personal or common problems, discussions on their study plans, maintenance of hostel cleanliness, greenery and upkeep, hygiene levels of food at the mess, etc. The students also conduct English speaking activities during these sessions. During these sessions it was felt that the institute needs a television or a projector so that students can watch informative audio-visual materials and use it as teaching aid. This is also a crucial part of the students’ four-year teacher training programme at the institute.

• Student EnrolmentsIn April 2014, 12 new students were enrolled in the BA/BSc + Bed 4-year integrated programme at the PRARAMBH School for Teacher Education. The entrance exam for the course was held on February 9, 2014 and the result was declared on April 2, 2014. These students will be the part of the ongoing session at the institute. The enrolment and counseling process was extended till August 2014 owing to a number of holidays and impending elections in Haryana. At the time of this report, 61 students have been enrolled in course at the institute.

• Cleaning ActionAll the students and their Core Group teachers participated in a Cleaning exercise held at the institute in May 2014. During the course of this action, the participants spent a planned amount of time in the upkeep of the physical infrastructure of the institute. The students were very excited with this action and agreed that it helps in creating a healthy and hygienic environment at the school. They also concurred that such actions should be carried out every week or every month as it helps in promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the institute.

• Computers Up-gradationIn May 2014, the computers at the institute were upgraded with added 2GB RAMs. Initially the computers were fitted with 2GB RAMs whereas the sanctioned limit for each computer at the institute was 4GB. In May, the pending 2GB RAM was installed in all the computers at the institute.

13

Impact of the Project Mentally stimulating activities like debates, core group discussions, and student-initiated activities like cleaning the environment, participating in creative exercises like painting, drawing has instilled confidence, a sense of belonging and above all a democratic spirit among the learners at PRARAMBH. This programme has exposed them to their inner hidden talents and reposed their faith in self-learning. Enrolment in CIT programme has equipped students with elementary knowledge of computer skills. PRARAMBH has emerged as a unique institute which in a short period of time has attracted curiosity, interest and willingness on part of other teacher training resource centers of Haryana. This fact gains currency with the SCERT Gurgaon itself initiating an induction training programme for PGTs within the premises of PRARAMBH and staff (Teaching as well as nonteaching) undertaking all training as well as evaluation exercise. PGTs not only presented their lesson in their respective subjects in front of teaching faculty of PRARAMBH but also got valuable inputs regarding learner oriented teaching approach. Hopefully more such programs will take place thereby strengthening the foundation of PRARAMBH.

14

Pictures from the Project

Students participate in an Art Competition at PRARAMBH School for Teacher Education

15

Pictures from the Project

(Above) Students discuss various tasks in their respective Core Groups; (Below) A teacher-trainer installs DMM on computers

16

Pictures from the Project

Students make presentations and participate in debates during the course of the regular lectures at the institute

17

Pictures from the Project

Computer classes in progress at PRARAMBH school for teacher education with each student receiving individual attention

18

Pictures from the Project

19

(Above) Central University members during the visit to PRARAMBH; (Below) Students during the orientation session