Mumbai: From using QR codes in state textbooks and a 10-point formula to boost enrolment to training modules for teachers and student-led geo-surveys of neighbourhoods, teachers across Maharashtra are experimenting with new ways to improve learning—ideas that came to the fore at a recent research paper competition organised by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), where 43 research papers highlighting grassroots innovations in education were selected.Among them was educationist Ajay Kale, part of the textbook writing team at Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research (Balbharati), who proposed embedding QR codes in state textbooks. The codes would allow students to scan and watch short videos of their own teachers explaining the basics of a chapter, enabling revision at home through familiar voices rather than long generic online lectures. Kale said such short, teacher-led videos could help students revise concepts independently and strengthen their connection with the classroom.Vijay Bagul, who works with the panchayat at Sinnar in Nashik district, presented a 10-point strategy aimed at improving school enrolment and classroom engagement. His model stresses on direct interaction between officials and students during school visits, identifying reasons for absenteeism, and using locally relatable examples in teaching. Bagul also advocates reinforcing spelling and writing skills, holding remedial classes, encouraging students with small rewards, addressing teachers’ concerns through dialogue, and building a positive philosophy that views schools as a “temple of learning”.From Kolhapur, teacher Ravinder Chavan developed a module to help teachers strengthen their grasp of science concepts before teaching them in class. He noted that teachers often handle subjects outside their academic specialisation, which can result in conceptual gaps being passed on to students. His module focuses on clarifying the core scientific principles behind specific chapters so teachers can explain them more effectively.Another educator, Sachin Chavan from Yavatmal, proposed a new format for the Class 12 geography practical examination through a geo-survey model. Under this approach, students collect socio-economic data from about 15 households in their locality and create custom maps based on the information. The idea is rooted in metacognition—encouraging students to participate directly in data collection and produce tangible outputs from their learning.Narayan Bharti, a teacher from Latur, highlighted how digital tools are reshaping the way children learn. In his research, Bharti argued that students today no longer rely solely on teachers for answers, as they can instantly search and explore information on their own. He suggested that teaching methods must adapt to this shift, replacing long monologues with interactive and visual learning. For instance, instead of only reading a poem in class, teachers could present it through a video, or use digital and AI tools to visually recreate concepts such as the rainwater cycle, making lessons more engaging for students accustomed to multimedia learning.
