Home Insights Prerana Program (2024) : An Experiential Learning Program

Prerana Program (2024) : An Experiential Learning Program

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Policy Update
Ankita

“The more you read, the more things you’ll know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

– Dr. Seuss

The Indian education system is changing at a fast pace which was never observed before. The reason behind these changes is the National Educational Policy NEP 2020. This guiding document has suggested in it many reforms in the teaching learning processes.  The changes mostly include introduction of new teaching learning practices which reflects the interest of the government and the policy makers. Not all decisions taken so far under NEP 2020 guidelines can be welcomed with open arms however some changes are vital and need to be appreciated. One such change making program is the Prerana Program. 

The Prerana Program was launched in January 2024 under the implementing agency Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. The word Prerana in Hindi means inspiration or to inspire. The main aim of Prerana Scheme is to inspire the young students by engaging them into experiential learning. It is a one week long residential program for the selected students of class IX to XII from selected districts of the country. A batch of 20 students (10 girls & 10 boys) is selected to attend this program every week from different parts of the country. The program is implemented in a few states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Objective

“ The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.” – Herbert Spencer. 

The main objective of this program is to introduce the learners to new ways of learning. Ways where learning happens through interaction with new people, places, concrete material, buildings, stories and dialogues etc. It familiarizes the students with our country’s rich heritage – geography, history, architecture and mathematics, diverse linguistic resources, climate conditions, art & culture and many more. Taking students out of their geographical areas and exposing them to new geographical and social experiences not only caters to the learning of knowledge but also other essential 21st century skills. 

Curriculum of Prerana Program

As NEP 2020 says- “In all stages, experiential learning will be adopted, including hands-on learning, arts-integrated, and sports-integrated education, story-telling based pedagogy, among others, as standard pedagogy within each subject, and with explorations of relations among different subjects.” The aim of the curriculum designed as per NEP 2020 is to support real learning that not necessarily can be found inside the four walls of the classroom. The curriculum familiarizes the students with our country’s rich heritage – geography, history, diverse linguistic resources, climate conditions, art & culture. 

“Education is not preparation for life; Education is life itself.” – John Dewey. Getting exposed to a newer lifestyle provides a better learning experience than reading the same from a textbook. This understanding of education can be translated to students through activities and programs like these. 

The curriculum of this program is designed by IIT Gandhinagar and is based on the philosophy of value-based education. With the help of technology and hands-on experience concrete experiences are provided to learners that facilitates internalization of their learning experience. Momentarily this program shifts the focus of students from text based learning or information collection to innovative curriculum that ignites wisdom in them. 

The Indian knowledge system is said to be one of the oldest and richest systems of knowledge and the evidence is scattered everywhere in our history and whatever knowledge we could preserve till today. Ayurveda is one such field where we have unmatched knowledge in the world. NEP 2020 emphasizes the need to rely and benefit on our indigenous knowledge base combined with the contemporary needs and technological advancements. Based on this Indian value system the curriculum of Prerana is categorized into 9 distinct themes –

  1. Swabhiman & Vinay  (Self respect & Modesty)
  2. Shaurya & Sahas (Gallantry and Courage)
  3. Parishram & Samarpan (Hard work & Dedication)
  4. Karuna & Seva (Compassion & Service)
  5. Vividhta & Ekta (Diversity & Unity)
  6. Satyanishtha & Shuchita (Integrity and Purity of the soul)
  7. Navachar & Jigyasa (Innovation and Curiosity)
  8. Shraddha & Vishwas (Sincerity and Faith)
  9. Swatantrata & Kartavya (Freedom and Duty)

“Curriculum content will be reduced in each subject to its core essentials, to make space for critical thinking and more holistic, inquiry-based, discovery-based, discussion-based, and analysis-based learning.” – NEP 2020

Functioning 

The Prerana program takes place in a historic school (founded in 1888) located in Vadnagar, a small town nestled in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. Vadnagar is a very old city that’s survived challenges and boasts ancient sites.  The school itself reflects the idea that great things can start from simple beginnings.

This program, inspired by India’s rich heritage, is similar to the vision of the program’s famous graduate, the Prime Minister of India. The choice of the school is a noticeable point. This program not only connects the learner to experiential learning but also gives them a lived experience of a place where the PM of the country has once read. In this way it also connects the PM with the children who are future adults. 

Students not only will be taken on an excursion to archeological sites in Gujarat but through various forms of learning under experts of different fields they will be engaged as per pre planned learning objectives. Since students will be selected from different parts of the country there will be a rich cultural exchange amongst them. The Prerana program goes beyond traditional learning with a focus on fun and hands-on activities. Students will get to :

  • Watch movies and hear stories
  • Play and learn regional games
  • Build working radios
  • Learn computer design
  • Analyze water samples
  • Explore 3D printing and drones
  • Take field trips
  • Work together on projects using advanced technology
Prerana Program (2024) : An Experiential Learnign Program

Source: Ministry of Education

There will also be opportunities to interact with the local community, making learning relevant to the real world. Students will be able to showcase their understanding in creative ways, like paintings, podcasts, blogs, and even 3D printed models. Through these activities, the program aims to instill a sense of patriotism, entrepreneurial spirit, and appreciation for India’s rich diversity and unity. This reflects the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one family.

Performance 

This program is slowly being recognised by the various state governments as a unique program. States like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have participated in this program. Since it is still a new initiative, it is at present difficult to assess the outcomes of this program. 

Access

This program can be accessed in two ways-

  1. Online registration 
  1. Participating in the PRERANA Utsav

Way Forward 

The history of the Indian knowledge system dates back to the time when there were Gurukuls and students used to travel to far away places to get education, live in an authentic, open environment. Based on the philosophy of our Gurukuls there are forest schools in Germany. We need to acknowledge and trust in the indigenous knowledge system and parallelly cater to our contemporary needs and technological advancement is a part of it. 

The quest to understand 3 basic questions at Prerana school through a week-long immersive learning program with a team of experts and advanced technology is a great opportunity for all the young citizens of our country. The questions are – 

  1. Who am I?
  2. What is our History and cultural heritage?
  3. What can I do for my country ?

This program is at present limited to 20 students from selected districts. Attempts should be made to increase this number and introduce more such programs that inspire students to initiate their own journey towards learning. The program can be  expanded and more students can be given the chance to be a part of this learning experience if, like Vadnagar, we identify more such potential places with rich history and inspirational stories. 

References –

Ankita is a research intern at IMPRI and is currently pursuing her MA in Education and Development from NIEPA.

Acknowledgement- The author would like to thank Christeena Sabu, Reetwika Mallick, and Srinitya Kuchimanchi for sharing their valuable suggestions and detailed observations to enhance the article. 

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This article was posted by Ankita, a research intern at IMPRI.

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