Under the aegis of Ministry of Education’s Samagra Shiksha Assam (SSA) program, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) concluded the 6-day Residential Teachers’ Training program for the government and government provincialized schools of Assam. As many as 1000 teachers took part in the STEM training program from 30th November to 5th December 2023.
Education Minister of Assam, Dr. Ranoj Pegu graced the valedictory ceremony with his esteemed presence today, 5th December 2023. Other dignitaries included Shri Sanjoy Dutta, ACS, Executive Director, SSA, Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean, PRBR, and Prof. A. S. Achalkumar, Dean, OEP, IIT Guwahati, among others.
Speaking about SSA’s Teachers’ Training Program at IIT Guwahati, Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Education Minister of Assam, said, “The purpose of this training program is to encourage and motivate our school students to pursue Science and Mathematics in higher education. I am confident that this 6-day residential training conducted and hosted by IIT Guwahati will empower our teachers to make these subjects more accessible to our young students of Assam.”
He further added, “The Education Department of Assam Government is thankful for the enormous support extended by IIT Guwahati on multiple projects related to teacher’s education training and tinkering labs. The academic initiatives of IIT Guwahati are fostering the education landscape of the state and benefiting the society at large.”
The event also witnessed the launch of Mind in Training for Right Awareness (MITRA) Project of Government of Assam. Education Minister emphasized on the importance of meditation and mindfulness among the students and teachers and reminded them to actively contribute to fulfill Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, and National Education Policy implementation in Assam.
Speaking about IIT Guwahati’s participation, Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean PRBR, IIT Guwahati, said, ”IIT Guwahati is collaborating closely with the Education Department of Assam to enhance the quality of STEM education. This initiative involves training teachers from schools and colleges, enhancing conceptual learning by developing laboratory experimental tools and kits, classroom teaching methodologies, and offering exposure opportunities to thousands of students through lab visits and hands-on learning. The overarching goal of this collaboration is to revolutionise the overall quality of STEM education in the state.”
The purpose of this residential program was to revamp teaching pedagogy and bring in quality STEM education at the school level of Assam. During the program, the teachers were trained in Physics, Electronics, Coding, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Biology and biotechnology, chemistry and materials science, mental wellness and mindfulness, and 3D Printing as well as on how to teach the students and further operate the tinkering labs in the state.
Speaking during the event, Shri Sanjoy Dutta, ACS, Executive Director, SSA, Govt. of Assam, said, “Let us transform our classroom into hubs of curiosity, exploration and innovation. With this comprehensive and interactive training conducted by IIT Guwahati I urge the teachers to be the catalyst that ignites the flame for passion of science and mathematics in the heart of our students.”
Teachers from as many as 13 districts of the state participated in this residential training program at IIT Guwahati including Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Dhubri, Goalpara, Kamrup(M), Kamrup, Kokrajhar, Nalbari, South Salamara, West Karbi Anglong, and Karbi Anglong.
IIT Guwahati through its collaborations with the state government is committed to make quality education accessible to all. With its innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, the institute is set to continue transforming the education landscape in Assam, and indeed, across the country.
Such trainings are likely to be extended to science and engineering colleges, polytechnics, higher secondary students talent nurturing program, Hon’ble Chief Minister’s flagship programs such as Arohan and Vigyan Pratibha Sandhan and state level science and maths quiz competition.
