Thank you for your ongoing support.
We have actually lost the counts of days and months of fighting the battle against the Coronavirus all across the globe. Also the incessant cover of news, information related to this is no longer a surprise to us. The imposed prohibitory orders in Kathmandu was lifted from September 10. Almost all the business and offices are open now besides mass gathering events, educational institutions etc. are still closed to minimize the risk of virus spread. As for the transportation they will have to follow the implied odd even rules until further notice.
<Khotang School>
The Teaching and Learning facilitation through alternative means
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has finally agreed to give a formal education status to education conveyed through online, broadcasting mediums along with other reliable and feasible methods of teaching and learning available in the immediate place. A set of guidelines has been introduced on how these methods will be evaluated, monitored and integrated. The schools have to work in close coordination with the local government.
So, with this decision our YouMe School, Khotang has also come into the action by working out on the challenges that come along with this new teaching and learning facility. Our teachers have already started working on the curriculum planning, activities, evaluation criteria and the objective to be met within these upcoming seven months to make this academic year successful. The possibility of teaching our students via television, FM radios and online classes are less likely to be practical in Khotang. We have numbers of students who have no access to internet, radios and televisions likewise the electricity problem is another major barrier. We are also in talks with the Municipality and the guardians regarding this matter. It seems like in the context of Khotang the most suitable means as we see now is assigning students via telecommunications. Meanwhile we are hoping to operate a class once a week in school or run in-person classes meeting by following all the safety requirements. We are pondering each and every aspect meticulously and leaving no stone unturned to make sure that our students get access to the education they deserve.
YouMe Farm
When our school started YouMe Farm we wanted our students to have their own space where they could learn and experiment, fail, try and succeed. We wanted them to empower their knowledge in agriculture and its ecosystem. Our students may have been away for time being due to the pandemic but our teachers at YouMe House is all heart when it comes to their farm. Recently, our teachers harvested the maize they had planted several months ago. Nothing can beat the excitement and joy of seeing your hard work being paid off.
Teacher’s Training – Technology Enabled Classroom Management
Teaching is probably one of few jobs which have a direct and massive impact on different lives at the same time. As teaching methodology has evolved with time and this modern time demands high quality teaching and learning skills from teachers. In this competitive world the teachers need to possess a certain set of skills and knowledge to meet the demands of standard quality education.
YouMe has always encouraged the teachers to promote their teaching skills, master and develop new ability and learn technology friendly skills which ultimately helps in improving our student’s learning.
In the process, our teachers took a week long training of Technology Enabled Classroom Management virtually. Considering the present context of Covid 19 crisis most of the schools have shifted their classes to online and remote learning practices and our school is also trying to adapt this new teaching and learning system and challenges.
With the upskilling and this training has helped our teachers to be familiar with advanced technology techniques and tools with potential outcomes in terms of improved knowledge and skill in a field of classroom management practice.
Student Introduction
This time our dear student Meeyoma Rai is sharing her daily life and what is keeping her busy and how she is spending her days at home with us.
Namaste everyone, my name is Meeyoma Rai.I am seven years old. This year I should be in grade III.
How are you spending your days during Covid-19 pandemic and do you know anything about Coronavirus?
Yes, my mommy told me about the Corona virus which is an infectious disease and it makes you really sick. And to avoid getting sick we need to wear masks, wash our hands with soap properly and take care of our everyday hygiene. At this time, my school is closed due to Coronavirus, so my teachers give me assignments through the phone and most of the time I am busy doing my assignments and studies. Also, in my free time I read story books.
Do you miss being at school and your friends?
Yes, of course, I miss all my friends and teachers. I miss studying in my classrooms and playing with my friends. But I know when the Corona virus is over I will be able to meet my friends and go to the places I love freely.
What do you like about yourself?
I like singing and dancing a lot and for that I am always happy and energetic. So, I think what I like the most about myself is my passion for dancing and singing.
<Biratnagar School>
Strategic Teaching Preparation in progress
With the Government’s decision to formalize the education imparted through online, broadcasting medium and other viable means our YouMe School Morang has also started working on the plans. We are ensuring a proper plan so that we reach out to all our students and not deprive them from this opportunity. For this preparations and planning are in full swing.
Teacher’s Corner
Every student rightfully deserves a teacher who is dedicated and motivated who knows their field of subject that makes their learning fun and memorable for students. And we want to celebrate our teachers for being the source of inspiration, powerhouse of knowledge and a pinnacle of strength for our students in every step of their life. As this month our teacher from YouMe School, Morang is sharing his story and experience of his teaching journey so far.
Namaste, I’m Darshan and I am 28 years old. I was born and raised in Biratnagar. I am a Maths teacher with 7 years of experience in the teaching field. Bestowing students with arithmetic and problem solving skills is one of the many duties of mine. Currently I am assistant principal in school. My long term goal is to achieve a good position in an educational institution or work as a PSC section officer. I am very particular about my schedule and always manage my time efficiently. I have guided more than 3800 students in and out of the classroom in my subjects till date.
Given the covid-19 pandemic, what has been the experience about adapting virtual learning classes in your school and what has been the biggest challenge and why?
I think the Covid-19 crisis has provided an opportunity to redefine the education system. I am generally good with multimedia skills, so it was very helpful for me to receive clear instructions on what to do. Experiencing virtual classes was much better than I expected. First day or two I was kind of confused as for me it was also the first time I had to teach through online. After a couple of days passed I became more comfortable and was able to structure my courses in interesting ways. Similarly, I believe my productivity has improved a lot more with the switch to e-learning.
I followed a strict rule on my time table, I didn’t miss a single class from the day we started our online class although sometimes there were power outage problems and internet issues but I used to reschedule and made sure my students never missed the class. I believe communicating without the help of body language results in student alienation. Hence to improve everyone’s participation I use stories and scenarios to make their online class come alive for them.
How do you think the students have adjusted to this new learning? How do you manage to engage students during the class?
I feel during the early weeks of online class students and parents seem confused. The parents had a feeling of dilemma as to how long their child had to study in this way; in a similar manner our students were confused too. As a responsible teacher I explained that whatever we are doing right now is for everyone’s safety and protection issue. Nevertheless, students and parents started to understand and cooperate with us. Meanwhile students also felt comfortable after some days.
First of alI, when I start my class I welcome all the students and open platforms for the discussion among classmates for two minutes of previous days homework and how was their day. After that I provide classwork, timely and effective feedback. Once a week, we conduct a test for review of exercises. Sometimes I share my enthusiasm for learning.
What do you miss about teaching in person?
Online learning cannot offer human interaction. In my class I was used to turning board games into math games or math bingo. But online class is limited to certain disciplines and class cutting is also being tolerated in the name of no electricity or no network. So, I try to incorporate the practical learning in certain topics for my students’ full participation where they can learn with fun.
In your opinion, what is the best part of teaching? What kind of impact and changes do you think our school can bring to society?
Teacher is a storehouse of knowledge and creativity. Teaching fraternity plays a participatory role in the development of a nation. When ex-students see and come near you, their care for teachers seems conspicuous. Schools are an important part of human lives. Our school is mainly focused on IT. Students and teachers can use laptops. Our school is located a little far away from a city area; most of our students are especially from farmers’ roots. Our many parents are illiterate. We are maintaining English zone in our school. Beside basic subjects, art and craft, music and dance are also an important part for development of our student’s quality and in this case our school management team seems to be focused. We think that all of us are human who share many similarities. Our school goes beyond the idea of just grades and marks; we also develop leadership and interpersonal skills in students.
Training sessions for teachers are provided according to the modality of the parent’s background to help teachers learn or create new strategies which will bring back the interest of their students in classrooms and encourage learning. I hope our school can bring admiring change in society.
Vishwakarma Puja
According to Hindu mythology, the Lord Vishwakarma is known to be a creator of magnificent weapons and the chariots of the Gods and Goddesses. In Nepali calendar every year on the 1st of Ashwin (September Month) Vishwakarma puja is celebrated. This day devotees worship all the machinery items, electronic devices and vehicles, generally this is organized at factories, workshops and industrial areas. On this day people seek blessings of Lord Vishwakarma for the safety and excellence in the field of their businesses.
Every year we celebrate Vishwakarma Puja with full exuberance and happiness. This year with the given pandemic situation we kept it low key and we didn’t hold any special programs. We did a small puja of Lord Vishwakarma and our school vehicles, machinery equipment with our staff.
Students Home Activities
Our students are spending their free time indulging in some life skills activities. We encourage our kids to learn some essential abilities that can be helpful for them to deal with the challenges and demands of life. It can prepare them for future endeavors.
She is Ayuna Rai from grade I. She is hand sewing a small money bag. She has practiced a lot and we can see how comfortable she is with the needle.
Our other student Arusha Thapa from grade III, nowadays she’s been spending her quality time with plants. She waters her plants almost every day and is taking care of it very nicely.
Thank you for reading. See you next time.