A Ripple Effect in the Classroom

On a crisp morning in West Garo Hills, Master Trainer Pintu Mitra walked into a block-level teacher training session. Trained by Reach to Teach Foundation (RTTF), Pintu was there to facilitate a shift toward Learning Outcomes (LOs)-based teaching, moving beyond rote learning to focus on deeper understanding aligned with NCERT standards.

Standing before a group of eager educators, he introduced the LO-based syllabus, supported by visual aids and hands-on activities. “The participants were highly attentive and cooperative, which made the facilitation process smooth and rewarding,” he shared. As the sessions progressed, Pintu noticed growth not only among the teachers but within himself, his communication, adaptability, and time management all improved.

A particularly memorable moment was teaching one of his own former Lower Primary School teachers. “A humbling and fulfilling experience that I will always cherish,” he reflected.

This transformation wasn’t limited to Pintu. Fellow trainers Nellie Eudora Laloo and Defender S. Lamare witnessed similar shifts. “It was particularly rewarding to see them grasp the importance of understanding over rote learning,” said Nellie. Defender added, “It boosted my self-confidence and strengthened my skills for future training programmes.”

To ensure last-mile reach, the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT) formed State and District Resource Groups (SRG/DRGs) across all 12 Districts. In May 2024, 48 Master Trainers (MTs) were trained through a 3-day in-person and 1-day online refresher course.

By September 2024, these MTs had trained teachers from 500 schools across 30 Blocks in five Districts. These sessions became spaces of transformation, where teachers didn’t just learn; they reimagined education.

This cascade model is creating a sustainable, peer-led shift in classrooms across Meghalaya.

August 01, 2024