Raja Javed Ali Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Teachers’ Professional Development Program (TPDP) was planned for the teachers in Islamabad Cluster as PEN has adopted 12 schools in Islamabad, Bhara Khou. It was a two day session and the modules developed for the training were “Development of Learning Corners (Taleemi Goshay) & Classroom Management”. The module Development of Learning Corners (Taleemi Goshay) explained that learning corners are new advancement in teaching methodology which focuses on creativity and independent learning of each child on him/her own natural pace. Modern Teaching Philosophy requires well-designed classrooms with low shelves, basic learning areas, and places for children to work and learn independently. The module enlightened the fact that Learning Corners in classrooms are specified ideal spaces that encourage children to learn in ways that are natural to them; they allow children to work independently, in small groups or one-on-one with the teacher. Learning Corners provide a wide range of options that help in development of the abilities and interests where children can evolve at their own rate and repeat an activity for pleasure or reinforcement. Learning corners form exceptional learning environment, as they encourage children to be independent, make decisions and solve problems.
The module Classroom Management defined that Effective classroom management refers to the wide variety of skills and techniques that teachers use to keep students organized, orderly, focused, attentive, on task and academically productive during the class. A more encompassing or updated view of classroom management extends to everything that teachers may do to facilitate or improve student learning, which could include such factors as behavior, environment, expectations, material or activities. Effective classroom management paves the way for the teacher to engage the students in effective learning. The module also referred to classroom management strategies, i,e, classroom layout strategies, classroom record keeping strategies, classroom discipline & behavior control strategies, classroom communication strategies.
The objectives of the training were to: enlist key features of an ECE classroom corners (Goshay) in setting up an ECE classroom. create learning corners using available resources (low cost and no cost materials). design a classroom supportive for learning. develop the physical, social and motor skills of the children. develop interest in school subjects such as English, Mathematics, Arts and Science. encourage the children to explore the world around them. Establish and sustain an orderly environment in the classroom. Deal with current discipline problem more efficiently .The trainer, Ms. Noor e Ain focused on interactive and activity based learning. Both the modules were delivered by the trainer in detail and adequate time was provided to trainees to ask their queries. The Govt. higher officials of Islamabad cluster assisted a great deal in the execution of training. They helped in identifying the trainer and ensured the attendance in Phase I, in which 30 teachers from grade KG to 2 participated in TPDP.Alhamdulillah! The training proved to be a success. The positive feedback showed that the Modules developed were relevant the subject matter, comprehendible and easily applicable for the teachers in field. The trainees were thankful and showed their interest that they would want to attend the similar trainings in future as well. Refreshment was served during the break to the trainees.
