Bandipora, Sep 7: In a significant step towards strengthening scientific temper and innovative learning in the region, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib today inaugurated the Psychology-Driven STEM (Psy-STEM) Training Programme under the Jammu Kashmir Science Technology & Innovation Council – Sponsored Research and Extension Programme.
The initiative, titled “Psychology-Driven STEM Learning to Build Scientific Temper in Border Villages of Kashmir,” is being implemented by Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar in collaboration with NIT Srinagar. The project is led by Dr. Eshrat Ara, Principal Investigator (PI), GCW M.A. Road, Srinagar, with Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), NIT Srinagar.
The programme aims to integrate psychological principles with STEM education to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and scientific aptitude among both teachers and students.
Addressing the gathering, the DC Bandipora emphasized the need to cultivate scientific temper among teachers and highlighted the effective functioning and optimal utilization of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) for all interested students.
She further emphasized the enthusiasm and keen interest by the participating teachers, noting that such engagement is essential for the success and sustainability of innovative educational initiatives.
This programme builds upon the successful first phase conducted in Srinagar, where a 3-Day Master Training Programme equipped 35 teachers as Master Trainers, followed by three student training batches engaging over 150 students and multiple schools.
The training covered key psychological concepts such as examination anxiety, metacognition, growth mindset, and problem-solving approaches, alongside hands-on STEM modules including robotics, drone technology, sensors, Arduino, and 3D printing.
In the Bandipora phase, the programme will train 30 government school teachers as Master Trainers, followed by capacity-building sessions for approximately 150 students.
The programme is being conducted in parallel at two Higher Secondary Schools—Nadim Memorial Boys Higher Secondary School, Kaloosa, Government Higher Secondary School, Shagund, and Govt. Higher Secondary School Shadipora —to ensure wider outreach and accessibility.
The initiative is designed to create a multiplier effect, enabling trained teachers to further disseminate knowledge and skills to a larger student population.
The inaugural session was attended by the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora, Rafeeq Ahmad Mir and Principal NMBHSS Kaloosa, Reyaz Ahmad Lone along with other distinguished guests, resource persons, educators, and participating teachers.
The organizers reiterated their commitment to promoting experiential, activity-based learning and empowering educators and learners alike. The programme is expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation among the youth of the district.
The training sessions will continue over the coming days at the designated venues, marking another milestone in advancing inclusive and future-ready education in Jammu & Kashmir.
