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Priyanka tells that she got the idea of making TLM from clay from the children of her own class. ‘I teach class one children, and seeing the children’s interest, I thought why not make clay a medium of learning. The children kept learning while playing and they did not even realize that they were studying.
Sitamarhi: Priyanka Priyadarshini (Priyanka Kumari), teacher of Malhatol middle school, Sitamarhi, Bihar, has today become an example of innovation not only at the state but also at the national level. In the digital age, where technology-based teaching is considered modern, Priyanka chose the opposite path and proved that the real power of learning lies in the local resources and creativity of children. He prepared unique TLMs (Teaching Aids) using ordinary soil, pebbles and natural things available around him, which are now being telecast on TV channels under the PM e-Vidya programme. This achievement not only brings glory to Sitamarhi, but also shows that big changes do not come through any expensive means, but through big ideas.
The idea of making TLM came from children
Priyanka tells that she got the idea of making TLM from clay from the children of her own class. ‘I teach class one children, and seeing the children’s interest, I thought why not make clay a medium of learning. The children kept learning while playing and they did not even realize that they were studying. She says that the popularity of her TLM increased so much that other teachers in the district also adopted it and then this innovation reached other states. Due to this popularity, 10 episodes of these TLMs have been telecast on TV, which is a big achievement for any rural school teacher.
Priyanka is giving training as a resource person.
The workshop going on in Sitamarhi DIET from December 3 is also based on Priyanka’s innovations, in which FLN grade teachers and D.El.Ed final year students are participating. In this workshop, Priyanka is giving training as a resource person and is teaching everyone how useful, attractive and curriculum related TLMs can be prepared from clay and stone. He says that ‘no matter how simple the resources are, if the thinking is big then they can become high quality educational resources.’ The new education policy also talks about promoting local resources, and this innovation of Priyanka is completely in line with it.
TLM included in PM e-Vidya program
These TLMs of Priyanka, who received the Government Teacher Award, have been selected by the State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT) and included in the PM e-Vidya program. E-content is being prepared for classes 1 to 12 on five DTH channels BR-63 to 67 of Bihar. In this sequence, Priyanka was specially called and video recording of her TLM was done. The ICT Lab team together prepared this content. Priyanka says, it is a matter of pride for me that the TLM created by me will now simplify the learning process of children across the country. I am grateful to the team of SCERT and NCERT.
This story of Priyanka Priyadarshini tells that even in the digital age, the basis of innovation is not technology, but sensitivity, understanding and experimental efforts done in the interest of children. His TLMs made of clay are today becoming an inspiration across the country and are a matter of pride for Sitamarhi. His thinking will continue to make teaching even simpler, local and child-centric in the times to come.
