STEM+ Activity books for underserved kids in India

ActiLearn 1.0 Report

Introduction

ActiLearn 1.0 is a bilingual interactive learning system available in both physical and digital forms, catering to students in Grades 6 through 8. With versions in several vernacular languages, ActiLearn 1.0 serves as an accessible, inclusive, and child-centric mentor. It includes over 20 hours of hands-on learning activities that range from simple to challenging, each designed with clear learning objectives. Over 94% of these activities can be easily repeated by other children or siblings, promoting collaborative learning.

Challenge

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted severe inequalities in access to education, disproportionately affecting millions of children without technology. The resulting learning loss was devastating, especially for those in remote and under-resourced areas. ActiLearn 1.0 is crafted to address these disparities, aligning with the NCERT curriculum and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages experiential, joyful learning and removes the traditional divide between arts and sciences.

Solution

Why ActiLearn?
1. Accessibility: ActiLearn offers avenues for hands-on learning that can be done independently, without the need for specialized technology or constant supervision, making it especially valuable in rural areas or settings with limited resources.

2. Engagement: The book includes 45+ activities designed to engage students for 20+ hours. Each activity fosters curiosity and critical thinking.

3. Self-Learning Approach: ActiLearn methodology encourages students to **Do | Observe | Experiment | Explore | Question | Discover** — an experiential learning process that promotes active participation and independent thinking.

4. Interactive Format: QR codes are embedded in the book for students who wish to dive deeper into topics, extending learning beyond the book.

5. Templates: Learner-friendly templates support students in constructing models and understanding concepts practically, aligning with the experiential learning goals of NEP 2020.

Long-Term Impact

ActiLearn books promise a transformative, long-term impact on education, particularly in rural and underserved communities. By promoting experiential learning, ActiLearn helps students develop practical problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of core subjects. This approach not only improves knowledge retention but also fosters self-reliance, resilience, and confidence among learners. For educators, ActiLearn serves as a structured, high-quality teaching resource that is particularly valuable in resource-limited environments.

Resources

For further information and to explore ActiLearn programs, visit:
- Agastya International Foundation- (http://www.agastya.org
- ActiLearn Courses- https://www.myagastya.education/course/562

Acti-Learn 1.0 is a pioneering educational initiative designed to revolutionize the student learning journey within the dynamic realm of education. This initiative has been strategically crafted to align with the ever-evolving educational landscape, aiming to enhance and redefine the conventional learning experience. This report provides a comprehensive overview of Acti-Learn 1.0, exploring its distinctive features, implementation strategies, and the invaluable insights from educators. As the educational paradigm continues to shift, Acti-Learn 1.0 stands as a testament to innovation, promising to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for students and fostering collaboration between educators and the evolving educational landscape.

Why Acti-Learn 1.O:

Acti-Learn 1.O is a revolutionary educational resource for several compelling reasons:

• Alignment with evolving educational landscape: Acti-Learn 1.O incorporates making and observational activities, aligning seamlessly with the new approaches towards educating the next generation.
• Accessibility in Pandemic: During the pandemic, Acti-Learn 1.O proved to be an invaluable resource, providing students with opportunities for self-learning in challenging times.
• Engagement: With over 45 engaging activities designed to span more than 50 hours, Acti-Learn 1.O keeps students motivated and curious.
• NCERT Curriculum: The activities in Acti-Learn 1.O have been thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with the NCERT curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.
• Promoting Self-Learning: Acti-Learn 1.O encourages students to Do, Observe, Experiment, Explore, Question, and Discover, fostering a sense of independence in their learning journey.
• Interactive Format: Each workbook includes QR codes for further exploration and in-depth understanding of topics, promoting interactive learning.
• Templates: Acti-Learn 1.O provides user-friendly templates for constructing models, enhancing hands-on learning experiences.
• Shift in Attitude: Students who engage with Acti-Learn 1.O develop newfound confidence in their skills, paving the way for a brighter educational future.

Implementation :

• Distribution of 188 Acti-Learn books across 2 Schools in Malad East and Mankurd, Mumbai were carried out. These workbooks are specifically intended for students in grades 6 to 8 in Marathi medium schools. Our initiative began with detailed orientations for both school teachers and students, ensuring the correct usage and understanding of the benefits of Acti-Learn 1.O.
• A pre-test assessment was conducted, which will be followed by a post test assessment after a period of 2 months.
• Acti-Learn fairs are planned to be conducted in all schools to encourage and determine learning outcomes from the workbooks.

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