Engaging all students in the classroom and making learning more interactive while ensuring the thorough impartation of knowledge can indeed seem like a herculean task. This is where the Pre-Texts methodology proves invaluable. This is where Pre-Texts comes in.
When the teachers implement Pre-Texts here at The Heritage School, Vasant Kunj (THSVK), we see how it impacts not only the students but the teachers as well. It moves away from the conventional lecture method and gives the learners autonomy. The space is collaborative and engaging.
For teachers, Pre-Texts seamlessly integrates a broader range of topics into the daily curriculum. The Indian education system places a strong emphasis on syllabus completion, back exercises, question-answer writing, and examinations. Understandably, these concerns were echoed by schools when they were first introduced to this innovative pedagogy.
On July 30th, we conducted our inaugural training session for New Bal Bhavan Model School (NBBMS), Fatehpur Bari, inviting educators to explore the Pre-Texts methodology, its steps, and the structure of the training. During this session, we discussed the positive impact and implementation process observed in THSVK classrooms, while the participating teachers voiced potential challenges they might encounter at NBBMS. The one-hour training concluded with testimonials from Shweta D (Hindi Faculty), Udayan S (Social Studies Faculty), and Devyani Sing, who shared their experiences with Pre-Texts in our classrooms.
Subsequently, four teachers were invited to attend an in-person observation of Pre-Texts being applied in Science, English, and two Numeracy classes. Trainees were grouped according to their respective subjects. This one-hour observation was pivotal in illustrating the practical application of the pedagogy, demonstrating its adaptability for various classrooms, and showcasing how the arts can effectively teach any subject. The teachers provided positive feedback, noting that the session clarified the implementation process and offered valuable insights into icebreaker activities, questioning techniques, and creative activities. They identified key aspects of the methodology that they found particularly beneficial.
The third training session took place on August 7th. During this session, teachers were instructed to bring a text from their subject area and teach it using the Pre-Texts method. Following an icebreaker facilitated by Ms. Nancy from NBBMS, Ms. Shweta volunteered to read an English text provided by Ms. Nancy. Participants then engaged in a Q&A to assess their understanding of the text. The session concluded with a reflective discussion on the question, “What did we learn?”
Future online sessions will involve teachers volunteering to facilitate learning through Pre-Texts. These training sessions will span August and September, with teachers encouraged to implement Pre-Texts in their classrooms starting in September. Additionally, THSVK educators will visit participating schools for classroom observations.
The second training session for the next cohort of teachers is scheduled for the third week of August, with participants from Bethesda Christian Academy and Smt Bhagwan Devi Public School.