Charting New Territories in Education_ Tech Mahindra’s Approach to the Teachers Training Program

1. Charting New Territories in Education: Tech Mahindra’s Approach to the Teachers Training Program In a rapidly evolving world where technology and innovative practices redefine every sector, education stands as one of the most crucial fields to benefit from such advancements. Central to this evolution is the role of teachers, whose capacity to adapt and implement new teaching methodologies determines the quality of education delivered to students. Recognizing this, Tech Mahindra Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Tech Mahindra Ltd., has set out on a mission to revolutionize education in India through its comprehensive Teachers Training Program. This initiative, primarily spearheaded by the Foundation’s Shikshaantar program, is reshaping how teachers approach their profession, aiming to foster more innovative, inclusive, and effective learning environments. Let’s explore how Tech Mahindra’s approach to teacher training is making a significant impact on the educational landscape. Understanding the Need for Teacher Empowerment Teachers are known to be the back bone of the education system. However, many educators, especially in government schools, often face a lack of resources, inadequate training, and outdated teaching methods. This is particularly true in rural and underprivileged areas, where

2. teachers must work with limited instructional materials, infrastructural deficits, and challenging classroom environments. Tech Mahindra Foundation’s Teachers Training Program addresses these gaps by providing teachers with the necessary tools, resources, and training to enhance their skills. The program helps teachers evolve from traditional methods to more engaging and effective techniques, aligning their instruction with modern educational goals. The Shikshaantar Initiative: Laying the Foundation Launched in 2006, the Shikshaantar initiative underpins Tech Mahindra’s teacher training endeavors. By building the capacity of teachers across various educational settings, the program aims to create "happier classrooms." It focuses on empowering educators with pedagogical skills, innovative teaching methodologies, and the ability to foster inclusive, child-centered learning environments. Shikshaantar operates through several key components: 1. In-Service Teacher Education Institutes (ITEI), located in Delhi, provide comprehensive training to teachers in municipal government schools. The ITEIs provide workshops and continuous professional development courses for teachers across primary education subjects like mathematics, science, English, and environmental studies. 2. Collaborations with State Governments: The Tech Mahindra Foundation works closely with government bodies, such as in Telangana and Delhi, to translate national educational policies like NEP 2020 into actionable training modules. 3. Innovative Learning Tools: The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through initiatives like the Mobile Science Lab, which brings STEM education to students in government schools and trains educators to conduct science experiments that make learning more interactive. Transformative Outcomes: Case Studies of Impact The stories of the teachers who have directly benefited from the Teachers Training Program perhaps best illustrate its effectiveness. Take, for instance, Shabina Sheikh, a Balwadi teacher from Kurla, Mumbai. Faced with insufficient resources and infrastructure, Shabina chose to participate in a six-month teacher training program by Tech Mahindra, in collaboration with Save the Children India. Post-training, she found herself better equipped with activity-based learning techniques and teaching aids. The transformation was evident in her classroom, where toddlers began engaging with their lessons through toys and interactive games. For Shabina, the training marked a turning point, enabling her to provide her students with a far richer and more meaningful educational experience.

3. Similarly, Neha Verma, a primary school teacher in East Delhi, credits the training she received at the ITEI for transforming her teaching approach. She learned to implement constructivist teaching methods during the program, helping her students transition from concrete learning to more abstract concepts. Neha’s experience is a testament to the program’s ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing both teacher competence and student performance. A holistic approach to teacher capacity building One of the key strengths of Tech Mahindra’s Teachers Training Program is its holistic approach, which addresses not only the pedagogical skills of teachers but also their emotional and psychological well-being. Recognizing that teaching is a profession that involves high levels of emotional investment, the program provides teachers with the skills to manage their stress and maintain their passion for teaching. Teachers can enhance their ability to connect with all students, including those with special needs, by participating in workshops on inclusive education, early childhood care, and technology integration. For example, specialized training in Indian Sign Language (ISL) ensures

4. that special educators can effectively support children with disabilities, fostering an environment of inclusivity. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted by offering online modules, ensuring that teachers could continue to upskill even amidst the challenges of remote learning. This shift to digital training formats expanded the program’s reach, bringing high-quality training to teachers in some of the most remote parts of India. Bridging the Research-Practice Gap Another innovative aspect of Tech Mahindra’s approach is its emphasis on bridging the gap between educational research and classroom practice. The Foundation equips teachers with evidence-based strategies to improve learning outcomes by integrating the latest research findings into the training curriculum. The program also fosters a culture of reflection and peer learning, encouraging teachers to continuously assess and improve their teaching methods. Peer community groups provide a platform for teachers to share best practices, learn from each other’s experiences, and collaboratively solve classroom challenges. Addressing Challenges and Expanding Reach Despite its success, the Teachers Training Program has faced challenges, particularly during the shift to online learning brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these challenges have also provided opportunities for growth. The program quickly adapted to the digital medium, offering a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online courses. This flexibility allowed teachers to continue their professional development at their own pace, from the safety of their homes. Tech Mahindra’s commitment to scaleability has also seen the program expand its reach across multiple states in India, including Delhi, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Haryana. By working in close collaboration with local governments and educational institutions, the Foundation is ensuring that the benefits of the Teachers Training Program extend to educators and students in even the most underserved regions (Tech Mahindra Foundation). The Future of Teacher Training at Tech Mahindra Foundation Tech Mahindra’s Teachers Training Program represents a significant leap forward in education reform, positioning teachers as the cornerstone of educational transformation. The program’s

5. success lies in its ability to empower teachers not just with new skills but with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for their profession. As the program continues to evolve, it is likely to play an even more pivotal role in shaping the future of education in India. By focusing on creating safer, happier, and more inclusive classrooms, Tech Mahindra Foundation is ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to high-quality education delivered by well-trained, motivated teachers.