Tamil Nadu Teachers Explore Innovative Teaching Methods in Paris | Chennai News
Chennai: As the airplane touched down in Paris on Wednesday, 54 govt school teachers from Tamil Nadu deboarded, all set to explore innovative teaching methods during their week-long ‘Kanavu Asiriyar‘ (Dream Teacher) programme from Oct 23 to 28.
The group includes 32 primary and 22 high school and higher secondary teachers, selected through a rigorous process involving tests, classroom demonstrations, and evaluations of their teaching methods. “This initiative recognises the best of our teachers and equips them with tools to grow. We will visit some historical places, industries, and meet experts,” said director of elementary education P A Naresh.
For many of the teachers, this trip offers more than an opportunity to learn, it’s also a chance to reflect on the challenges they face back home, particularly engaging students for a longer time. “I’m eager to see how French educators bring creativity into their classrooms. I’m particularly interested in how they use puzzles and games to build problem-solving skills. I hope to bring those ideas to inspire my students,” said Divya Srinivasan, a primary school teacher.
The programme aims to recognise and support teachers dedicated to transforming students into human resources and expand teachers’ skills. Ravi Kumar, a high school mathematics teacher from Salem, views the trip as a chance to deepen his expertise. “I’m excited to explore project-based learning and hands-on methods to make subjects more tangible. French classrooms are known for fostering critical thinking and creativity, and I want to see how they integrate different subjects in innovative ways.”
In the digital age, experts stress the importance of embracing technology in education. Senthil Kumaran, co-founder of Learners Confluence, wants teachers to view artificial intelligence (AI) as a helpful tool. “AI won’t replace teachers but can assist with tasks like creating question papers and enhancing the learning experience,” he said.
With student engagement becoming increasingly challenging, Alexander Jesudasan, former principal of Madras Christian College, calls for innovative approaches. “Attention spans have dropped significantly. We must focus on what students are truly learning, and experiential methods are essential. Schools can adopt gamified lessons that capture students’ attention and spark curiosity,” he advised.
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