ORIENTATION OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND HEADMASTERS ON FOUNDATIONAL LITERACY AND NUMERACY (FLN) 

In April 2023, a two-day orientation programme for school principals on FLN was conducted at the state level, jointly organized by SMF and the Goa Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), aimed to empower government and aided school principals towards attainment of foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN). The primary objective of orientation was to equip school principals with a clear vision, actionable plans, and the motivation to effectively lead their schools in the implementation of FLN, aligning with the NCF for the Foundational Stage. 

Trained Master Trainer Conducting Block Level FLN Orientation for Primary Teachers 

The orientation content was tailored to address specific needs and challenges faced by schools represented by the principals. The session commenced with introductory activities to set a positive tone, creating a comfortable and collaborative atmosphere. Interactive sessions were designed to encourage active participation, discussions, and the sharing of experiences among the principals. Localized case studies and success stories related to FLN implementation were presented, demonstrating practical applications and showcasing positive outcomes within the Goa school context. 

Orientation Highlights 

• Understanding FLN: The orientation prioritized comprehending FLN and its primary objective, emphasizing the foundational skills of reading, writing, and basic numerical operations as essential prerequisites for lifelong learning. 

• FLN Prioritization: A recommendation was made to prioritize proficient primary teachers in grades 1 to 3, with a strong academic background and adequate experience in languages and mathematics to optimally contribute to the Mission goals. 

• Capacity Building Workshops: Participants were informed about the Directorate of Education (DoE), SCERT, and SSA’s series of capacity-building workshops for teachers. These workshops aimed to enhance classroom teaching, including communication skills, smart classroom functioning, and the effective use of digital resources to facilitate joyful learning. 

• Innovative Pedagogies: School Principals were encouraged to evolve pedagogy, making education more experiential, holistic, integrated, inquiry-driven, learner-centered, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable. The integration of arts, crafts, games, sports, and values was emphasized to create a well-rounded, useful, and fulfilling learning experience. 

• Teaching Learning Materials: The Directorate of Education had prepared and shared adequate competency-based TLMs for teachers and students in both physical and digital forms. These materials specified learning outcomes (Lakshyas) to enhance effectiveness of the teaching-learning process. 

• Supportive Supervision: Principals and headmasters were reminded of the importance of regularly supervising primary classes and maintaining proper records of supervision to ensure the quality of education delivery. 

• Resource Utilization: The orientation reiterated the need for judicious utilization of school resources to manage facilities and run services, particularly for tasks assigned under NEP 2020, emphasizing FLN attainment. 

Trained Master Trainer Conducting Block Level FLN Orientation Workshop for Primary Teachers 

The orientation for school principals in April 2023 served as a crucial initiative to align educational leadership with the objectives of NEP 2020, specifically in the context of FLN. The emphasis on teacher prioritization, evolving pedagogy, and provision of TLMs underscored a holistic approach to fostering effective and enjoyable learning experiences in Goa’s schools. The orientation equipped school leaders with necessary insights and strategies to lead their institutions towards successful implementation of FLN, contributing to the broader educational goals outlined in NEP 2020.