SCERT Kashmir holds workshop to  develop next-gen learning materials

Srinagar: In a new stride towards modernising foundational education in Kashmir, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT-KD) concluded a comprehensive seven-day workshop focused on developing innovative learning-teaching materials for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) stages. The workshop, spearheaded by the Education in Languages (EIL) branch, brought together master resource persons from Kashmiri and Urdu language backgrounds across ten districts of Kashmir division.

Under the leadership of Joint Director SCERT Kashmir Division, Roshan Lal, the workshop marked a pivotal moment in educational reform, producing over 300 specialized learning materials in Urdu and Kashmiri languages. These materials, ranging from flash cards to concept cards, were squarely designed to align with developmental domains, learning outcomes, and curricular goals for the foundational stage, a press statement issued today to Ziraat Times said.

The initiative introduced seven specialized learning areas, including Dramatic Play, Library and Literacy, Discovery, Block Building, Manipulative, Music and Movement, and Art areas, each designed to foster comprehensive development in young learners.

The Divisional Nodal Officer of NIPUN BHARAT Mission/FLN delivered a comprehensive framework for developing FLN stage learning materials, while Syed Asheq Hussain, faculty member EIL, highlighted the importance of assessment strategies. Mr. Masood Ali Mir, Head of Inclusive and Special Education, contributed significantly by emphasizing the importance of equity and equality in material development, ensuring the breaking of stereotypes related to gender, color, creed, vocation, and region.

The workshop’s proceedings were skillfully moderated by Ms. Anjali Om Raina, script writer and faculty member of the Education in Languages branch.The seven-day program followed a structured approach, with the first day dedicated to inauguration and presentations by the Faculty of Education in Languages.

The subsequent six days saw master resource persons working diligently on a blueprint provided by the EIL branch. Their efforts culminated in the creation of diverse learning materials including theme cards, sequence cards, number cards, vocabulary cards, and various activity-based resources mapped with developmental domains and competencies.

During the valedictory session, group heads from both Kashmiri and Urdu languages demonstrated their developed materials in PDF format before Joint Director Shri Roshan Lal. The Joint Director praised the Education in Languages faculty for their professional mentoring and commended the participating master resource persons for their resilience during the challenging winter weather conditions.

Looking ahead, the Joint Director announced plans for a comprehensive review of the developed materials, followed by large-scale printing and distribution among stakeholders. This initiative aims to support FLN teachers across the Kashmir division in achieving learning outcomes and meeting FLN initiative targets by 2026-27.

Shabir Hussain Shabir, Head Education in Languages and workshop coordinator, expressed gratitude to all participants and contributors, including the Nodal Officer FLN mission Kashmir Division, faculty members, and senior academic officers of SCERT-Kashmir who were present in the valedictory. The workshop’s success was further highlighted through a brief documentary showcasing the collaborative working environment and participant contributions. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step forward in Kashmir’s educational landscape, demonstrating SCERT’s commitment to implementing mother tongue-based approach of teaching learning, innovative teaching methodologies and carefully designed learning materials. The workshop’s outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on foundational education in the region, setting new standards for early childhood education and development.