HP FUTURES Initiative Brings Skill-Based Education to Classrooms

Shimla, Sept. 25: The Himachal Pradesh Government, in collaboration with UNESCO, is implementing the HP FUTURES (Foundation for Upskilling, Teacher Excellence, Understanding, Readiness, Equity and Sustainability) programme to strengthen skill-based education in schools. Samagra Shiksha is working towards its implementation at the grassroots level.

As part of the initiative, a three-day workshop was organised in Shimla to train teachers in effectively integrating Competency-Based Education (CBE) into classroom teaching. Eighteen teachers from Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Bilaspur and Hamirpur participated in the workshop. Prof. Esther Care from the University of Melbourne and Ms. Helen from the US participated as resource persons.

The workshop focused on integrating skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and problem-solving into everyday classroom activities. Teachers also worked on modifying lesson plans and classroom activities to provide students with greater opportunities to discuss ideas, solve problems, express themselves, collaborate and apply what they learn.

Prof. Esther Care said teachers were increasingly giving students more opportunities to participate actively in classrooms and were paying greater attention to how students learn and how teaching can be adapted accordingly.

Teachers who attended the workshop said the training had helped them plan lessons with a clearer focus on the skills to be developed among students, while also increasing their confidence in adopting new classroom practices.

An earlier workshop was held in August, while a third workshop is scheduled for November. From December, similar workshops will be organised for teachers from selected schools in the remaining six districts of the state. The pilot experience will help in refining the model for wider implementation across Himachal Pradesh.

Under HP FUTURES, the state is also promoting Competency-Based Education, Greening Education and value education. The programme aims to strengthen students’ critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills, while promoting environmental responsibility, sustainable development and values through sports.