Innovation is always welcomed and this time its education
where innovation is taking place. Who would think that a classroom window and
the humble ceiling fan have to do with a child's development? However, they can
be innovative and effective tools of learning.
Preschoolers can develop gross motor skills by specially designed window security grills and older students can learn fractions. Basic geometry can be decoded by angles marked on the door or the classroom floor. Children can enjoy color formations with painted ceiling fans. They can also understand rotational symmetry through it.
These all ideas belong to architect Kabir Vajpeyi's Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) concept. In this, building play a major part in engaging children in subjects like mathematics and science. He said that his main aim is to design schools in such a way that they help in a child's development.
According to Kabir, he is using a common element in rural schools to improve quality of education as he is using in infrastructure. He had an inclination towards science since childhood. He, through his simple designs represent theories of child development which can be implemented by principals, teachers and engineers in new and existing schools to enhance student-friendly education.
A few government schools have adopted Kabir's model through Dream a Dream, a non-profit organization that empowers underprivileged youngsters by teaching them creative life skills. These schools are- Horammavu Government School at Agara and Government School at Chennasandra.
According to Rudramani AS, teacher and block resource person of Bhadravati School in Shivamogga district that has recently switched to the methodology said that method used by Kabir uses building as equipment for teaching, maximizing the educational value, making education more interactive. Abstract concepts are explained through concrete structures of different dimensions, textures and shapes, making the teachers' job easier and boosting students' enthusiasm. They noticed that after this concept, children are involving more in learning.
Vishal Talreja, co-founder and CEO, Dream a Dream commented that traditional methods used in education do not provide young minds an opportunity to explore. While kabir's concept uses creative as well as experiential educational concepts, which can tap the hidden capabilities of children unleashing their imaginative powers.