Exploring non-traditional methods of teaching

Studies show that the early formative years of a child’s life play an enormous role on their success - in school, work and life. This being the case, Apple Kindergarten and Preschool, an affiliate of Apple Educational Trust, organized a three-week long training programme for preschool teachers, training them on innovative and non-traditional methods of teaching along with an age-appropriate curriculum.

Participating teachers were trained to plan lessons systematically and to impart lessons by using thematic approach. The teachers were also encouraged to use visual aids while teaching and at the same time, trained on cost effective ways of teaching by recycling junks. Further, participants were trained on Integrated Interactive Learning Approach, or, IILA - a teaching technique, where different subjects are combined under a single topic.

The training is unique because, unlike in a Montessori where a child is encouraged to learn independent of an adult, this teaching technique encourages an adult to guide a child.
Earlier, the training got underway on January 7, with resource persons from Early Childhood Education Centre Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu, Nepal. The training culminated with a graduating ceremony on Saturday, where certificates were awarded to the 15 participating teachers.

Athono Nuvocho, Administrator, Apple Kindergaten and Preschool, informed that the training programme is an initiative of an educational society based in Norway. Nuvocho further informed that the training course was launched last year to commemorate Apple Kindergarten and Pre-School’s 10th anniversary. She added that the school would make this training programme a yearly event.

Participating schools in the training programme included Little Angel Preschool (Phek), CWWS Creche (Pfutsero), Tabitha Enabling Academy and Mt. Sinai Higher Secondary School (Kohima), Stepping Stones and Apple Kindergarten and Preschool (Dimapur).