STEM Learning’s CSR Program Implementation details from Assam region
6
Schools Empowered
2400
Students
Benefited
24
Teachers
Benefited
2
Corporate Supported
3
Presence In Districts
Literacy rate in Assam has seen upward Trend and is 79.31% with a population of 3.12 crores (source: www.census2011.co.in). Assam government believes an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. STEM Learning stands with Assam government in its endeavour to promote & improve the quality of education in the state. And thus, STEM Learning has been committed to enhance the basis of learning by multiple efforts, including by being the implementing partner for the installation of Mini Science Centres (MSCs). This modern way of teaching not only helps students comprehend the concepts and their applications easily, but also helps in implementing them for the progress of the society as the students will be equipped with the required knowledge and skills for life.
ONGC and Assam Gas have been instrumental in installing MSCs in Jorhat, Guwahati and Dibrugarh with an objective to increase the scientific temper & inquisitiveness among students, so they can be ready for the future. Integrating STEM Learning in the education sector develops curiosity, inquisitiveness, critical-thinking, problem-solving, imagining, innovating, questioning and exploring, designing and building, testing and modifying their solutions to complex problems among learners.
The schools where the MSCs have been installed have experienced the impact of the revolutionary STEM education. They’ve reported an increase in the attention span of the students. The engagement levels among students have been amplified. The teachers do not need to intervene like before, as the interactive models spike the curiosity of students. MSCs encourage students to become independent thinkers. Students collaborate to explore and learn various topics. And while they interact with each other, interdependence is seen among students. With the help of these exhibits, students are confident in their abilities and as a result peer-to-peer learning is seen among students which denote that MSC models empower students to become independent learners.
The plug and play models cover 80 concepts from 5th to 10th standards. Not only do the students learn through a hands-on approach but since they are aligned to the syllabus they can grasp the concept easily. The teaching time has been reduced by 50-60 %. The teachers do not have to spend time on getting the attention of students as they did before. Due to the ‘Teacher Training Program’ 24 teachers have been up skilled, giving them an all round understanding of the learning aids they have at their disposal.
This education reformation has benefitted 2400 students. Through the Employee Volunteering Program the Corporates encourage employees to actively get involved with the school children. Various quiz competitions relating to their curriculum and informative career guidance sessions are conducted by the employees who are also trained for this program. This sensitizes the employees to the current reality of society and as they actively engage in making a difference they are transformed in the process.
The knowledge and skill gained with the interactive MSC exhibits was showcased during the National STEM Awards 2020 where 4 schools from Assam participated to display their STEM Skills. This competition was held at the district/city level, zonal level and national level over a period of 2 months. Quiz competition, Model Making competition and Tinkering were the three competitions in which the students participated. The students of Sankardev Vidya Niketan won the Science & Math Model Competition during the Cluster Round. Access to opportunity plays a key role in uplifting the underserved schools. These students proved that when given a chance, they will shine to become STEM Champs of tomorrow.
