Jharkhand | Phase 2 | 10-Day Teacher Development Workshop @IISER Pune

A 10-day Teachers’ Development Workshop started under the iRISE programme from June 9 to June 19, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune) in collaboration with the Jharkhand Education Project Council, Ranchi. This residential workshop aims at building the capacity of teachers from classes VI to X and creating Innovation Champions across different districts of Jharkhand state. During the training, teachers are being introduced to activity-based learning, experiential pedagogy, strategies to foster scientific thinking, and practical skills to simplify and effectively teach complex concepts in mathematics and science. Each participating teacher will also receive an iRISE STEM Kit, which will support them in conducting innovative activities in their schools. After completing the training, these teachers will serve as Innovation Champions (ICs) and conduct cascade workshops in their respective districts, thereby ensuring that a larger number of teachers at the district and block levels also benefit from the training.

The Phase II batch was inaugurated by Prof. Sunil Bhagwat, Director, IISER Pune, on June 9th, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Professor Arnab Mukherjee, Dean (International Relations and Outreach); Professor Devapriya Chattopadhyay, Associate Dean (International Relations and Outreach); and Dr. Chandrasheel Bhagwat, Associate Professor of Mathematics, were also present at the event.

Ms Shivani Pulse introduced and formally welcomed the guests. Dr Chandrasheel Bhagwat (Coordinator, iRISE programme) gave an overview of the iRISE programme. Prof. Devpriya talked about the importance of developing a scientific temperament and skills to ask questions. Professor Arnab Mukherjee has emphasised that, rather than theoretical, students should learn and understand the practical aspects of science and mathematics. 

In his remarks, Prof. Sunil Bhagwat, Director, IISER Pune, said, “Good teaching does not have any substitute, and students should be encouraged to think on their own and have an innovative temperament. He shared that rural students have more decision-making power, and a teacher should encourage them to make those decisions for career advancement. Also, he expressed his happiness that programmes like these will build the next generation talent pools who would be joining the IITs and IISERs in the future.”  

Sri Shashi Ranjan, IAS, State Project Director (SPD), and Sri Avinav Kumar, State Programme Officer from Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC), have expressed best wishes to the training workshop participants and the iRISE team.

The event came to a close with a vote of thanks by Dr Neeraja Dashaputre, Principal Technical Officer (Education), IISER Pune. During the event, Dr Asim Auti, Principal Technical Officer, NPTED, IISER Pune; Mr Nitin Tiwane (Project Manager, iRISE); and the entire iRISE Team were present.