Current State of Rural Education

Education in the Jalihal region is predominantly focused on obtaining certificates rather than gaining in-depth knowledge. High school graduates often lack comprehensive subject understanding and are merely trained to pass exams. Non-government educational institutions, which run most high schools, are financially weak and cannot afford high salaries, leading them to hire teachers who accept lower pay.

Current Teachers and Teaching Methods: Teachers typically follow traditional methods, teaching large classes without receiving feedback on student comprehension. They rush to complete the syllabus, believing their job is done if students can answer the end-of-lesson questions. This method leads to several issues:

• Poor pronunciation and limited knowledge among teachers.
• Students depend solely on teachers, who often discourage questions and fail to use innovative teaching techniques.
• Lack of visual aids and repetitive teaching methods result in partial student understanding.
• Teachers do not enrich their knowledge, and there is no exposure to the outside world for both students and teachers.

Implementation of SCOPE:

YPS implemented the “Edu-key” education improvement program in these villages. After four years, YPS and the local community started a high school as an “Educational Laboratory” to demonstrate progressive teaching techniques. With support from Dutch donors, the school equipped classrooms with the latest computers, televisions, and audio systems, and installed educational software.

The School of Progressive Education (SCOPE) piloted this digital education method with one 8th-grade class, extending it to the 9th and 10th grades in subsequent years. The digital system, developed by Chaitanya Software, includes modules for reading lessons, visual explanations, interactive Q&A, and exams. This approach has transformed teachers into facilitators, significantly improving student comprehension and engagement.

Results: The use of digital technology in education has yielded remarkable results, overcoming many traditional shortcomings. The teacher facilitates learning, ensuring clear pronunciation and comprehension. Visual aids and interactive sessions make learning more engaging and effective. Classrooms are also connected to a satellite, providing access to national and international news and educational programs from channels like Discovery and Animal Planet.

Junior College of Science: In June 2014, YPS started a Junior College of Science to support 11th and 12th standard studies. This initiative has been particularly beneficial for girls, providing local access to higher secondary education. The college is equipped with a well-stocked science lab, computers, and a competent faculty, offering science and arts faculties to enhance the educational level of rural students.

Conclusion

YPS’s innovative approach to education through digital technology has transformed the learning experience for students in the Jalihal region. By addressing financial and educational barriers, YPS is creating a brighter future for rural students, ensuring they receive high-quality education and have opportunities for further studies.