IIT Guwahati working to transform education landscape of Assam

IIT Guwahati working to transform education: Under the auspices of the Samagra Shiksha Assam (SSA) programme of the Ministry of Education, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati is working to transform the education landscape of Assam by assisting government bodies and startups in identifying and addressing the challenges facing the education sector.

The Institute organised the Transforming Education in School Meet on September 8 as a recent step towards achieving this common objective.

As the Chief Guest, Dr Ranoj Pegu, Minister of Education for the Government of Assam, was joined by Dr Om Prakash, Mission Director of SSA, and Prof Parameshwar K Iyer, Officiating Director of IIT Guwahati.

Pegu virtually inaugurated the 69 Tinkering Labs sanctioned last year and stated, “I thank the Director and faculty of IIT Guwahati for their support and execution of various educational initiatives that have transformed the Assam education system. As the big brother, IIT Guwahati is assisting other educational institutions in the region with the implementation of numerous RAA activities and the Arohan programme. Teachers and parents should encourage students to ask more questions and partake actively in the process of tinkering.

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IIT Guwahati working to transform education landscape of Assam

The purpose of the event was to showcase the innovative products created by pupils of state-run schools as part of the Tinkering Lab programme, a Samagra Shiksha Assam initiative.

This event was attended by 230 students from 10 government institutions and 15 private schools in Assam.

In addition to recognising the accomplishments of the Education Department in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education in the state and shedding light on the significance of 21st Century Skills programmes in schools, the event featured a STEM Workshop where 230+ students from various schools created their very own robots.

Professors of IIT Guwahati and other STEM experts engaged in a panel discussion with school principals and teachers to discuss the necessity and challenges of implementing STEM education in schools.

Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Officiating Director of IIT Guwahati, stated regarding the institute’s contribution to the education sector in Assam, “Our mission has always been to enhance the quality of education and make hands-on education accessible to all. We are excited to collaborate with the Assam government and innovative companies to make this a reality. We are committed to continuing our efforts in this area and developing an education system that is more inclusive and equitable for the people of Assam.”

Activities

Under this collaboration, IIT Guwahati has conducted a number of activities, including: –

• Residential teacher training programmes for more than 500 school teachers: The institute’s faculty designed and conducted residential teacher training programmes for more than 500 school teachers in Assam in order to modernise teaching pedagogy and improve school-level education. During the programme, teachers were trained in Electronics, Coding, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and 3D Printing, as well as how to teach students and operate tinkering laboratories in the state.
• Olympiads in Math and Science and Quiz Competitions for 10,000+ Students: To instill a competitive spirit in over 10,000 pupils from throughout Assam. IIT Guwahati organised Math and Science Olympiads, as well as Quiz Competitions. In accordance with the NEP 2020 policy, the institute has established STEM clubs and conducted seminars in 330 government schools in order to promote innovative thought and enhance technical and scientific abilities.
• In 33 districts of Assam, 60+ Research Scholars and MTech students from IIT Guwahati hosted a Science Meet. Research Scholars and MTech students have physically visited and conducted science fairs and exhibitions in all 33 districts of Assam. These theme-specific gatherings encourage students to ask questions, work on their creations, construct experimental designs, solve problems using science and technology, and receive feedback on their innovations.
• IIT Guwahati will host meritorious students (Mentees) and their Guide teachers/ Officers from 10 districts of Assam, namely Nagaon, Hojai, Udalguri, Darrang, Biswanath, Sonitpur, Jorhat, Dima Hasao, Baksa, and W.K. Anglong, as part of the AROHAN scheme, a flagship programme of the Government of Assam. In the first phase of 2023, approximately 1,200 pupils will be enrolled at IIT Guwahati.
• In addition to visiting higher education institutions in Guwahati, these students will also interact with IIT Guwahati’s faculty while touring the institution’s facilities. IIT Guwahati’s Office of Outreach Education Programme (OEP) is coordinating these events.

Conclusion

Prof. A. S. Achalkumar, Dean, Outreach Education Programme, IIT Guwahati, highlighted the initiative by stating, “This is a well-planned programme by the Assam State Government to encourage students to pursue STEM education after Class X. IIT Guwahati is doing its utmost to support the programme, which is also in accordance with the NEP 2020, which states that “higher education institutions must assist schools and colleges in their pursuit of excellence.”

Through its partnerships with government bodies and entrepreneurs, IIT Guwahati has demonstrated its dedication to making quality education accessible to all, regardless of location or socioeconomic standing. With its innovative initiatives and strategic alliances, the institute is poised to continue reshaping the educational landscape in Assam and, indeed, the entire nation.