NEWSTEP: Pioneering Innovative Pedagogy at Sindhuli Academy
NEWSTEP project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming traditional pedagogy through the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Sindhuli Academy is proud to be a partner in this ambitious endeavor, working alongside other esteemed institutions to reshape the educational experience for students and teachers alike.
VISION
The primary objective of NEWSTEP is to digitize traditional teaching methods, fostering an environment where innovative pedagogy can thrive. This involves the seamless integration of technology into the classroom, creating a hybrid model that accommodates both physical and online learning. By leveraging digital tools, NEWSTEP aims to enhance the quality of education, making it more engaging, accessible, and effective for all learners.
Digital Class Implementation Initiative: WP2
As part of Work Package 2 of the NEWSTEP initiative, Sindhuli Academy set out on an exciting journey to introduce digital courses in math, physics, computer science, Nepali, and social studies. With the help of digital advances and conventional teaching techniques, this Programme seeks to improve student education in general.
Peer Teacher Groups
To develop effective digital course content, peer teacher groups were established for each subject area. These groups are responsible for:
Creation of peer teacher groups
To start with the digital course implementation initiative, Peer teacher group were created in Sindhuli academy. It included two teachers for each subject. Here is the list of peer teachers:
| Subjects | Peer teachers |
| Computer | Manoj Devkota + Janamat Mani Devkota |
| Social Studies | Sushil Koirala |
| Mathematics | Ganesh Adhikari + Asmita Thapa |
| Science | Kishor Pokharel + Akriti Baral |
| Nepali | Vidhya Koirala + Sunita Tamang |
The responsibility of each peer teacher is to create a digital course, develop an implementation plan and integrate the developed curriculum through hybrid classes.
Developing Digital Course Content:
Creating engaging, interactive materials tailored to each subject, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
Formulating Implementation Plans:
Designing strategic plans for the delivery of these courses in a hybrid learning environment, considering both in-person and online formats.
Testing Hybrid Classes at Sindhuli Academy with NEWSTEP
As part of the NEWSTEP project, Sindhuli Academy recently conducted an exciting trial of hybrid learning, blending traditional and digital education. In this test, six students attended class online using Google Workspace for Education, while the rest were physically present in the classroom. This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing our educational approach.
The Hybrid Class Experience
The hybrid class allowed us to explore new teaching methods by integrating technology seamlessly into the classroom. With students participating both in person and online, we aimed to create an interactive and inclusive learning environment.
Using Google Workspace for Education
To facilitate the online component, we utilized Google Workspace for Education. This suite of tools enabled real-time collaboration, allowing online students to engage in discussions, participate in activities, and access learning materials just like their in-person peers. Teachers found it easy to manage the hybrid setup, ensuring all students were involved and connected.
Next Step
So far, a pilot run of the digital course has been successfully conducted for the computer science curriculum using Google Workspace for Education. This trial involved testing the course in a hybrid mode, allowing students to participate both online and in person. The experience provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of digital tools in enhancing student engagement and understanding.
The remaining subjects math, science, Nepali, and social studies are set to undergo similar pilot runs. These tests will further assess the viability of hybrid learning and the effectiveness of the digital courses.
The success of this hybrid class trial at Sindhuli Academy is a promising glimpse into the future of education. As we continue to implement innovative teaching methods through the NEWSTEP project, we are excited to offer students a more versatile and enriching learning experience.
Sindhuli Academy remains committed to embracing technology in education, ensuring that all students benefit from a modern, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. Stay tuned for more updates as we advance on this transformative journey!