DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGY, THE MAHARAJA SAYAJIRAO UNIVERSITY OF BARODA’S COLLABORATION WITH EDUREFORM PROJECT FOR INNOVATING TEACHER EDUCATION.

EDUREFORM

Mitigate the Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Indian Society: Education Reform for Future and In-service School Teachers

INTRODUCTION

The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a fusion of advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, and more. As a result of this technological storm, the 4 IR is paving the way for transformative changes in the way we live, work and are governed. In 2016, a City and Oxford University joint report estimated that 57% of jobs are at risk due to automation. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, artificial intelligence could replace 800 million jobs by 2030.

As the economists Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee have pointed out, the revolution could yield greater inequality, particularly in its potential to disrupt labour markets. With the growth of automation, artificial intelligence will replace workers across a vast spectrum of industries and sectors. Martin Ford - in the Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future – states that the jobs most at risk are those which are on some level routine, repetitive and predictable", as these tasks are possible to be replicated through Machine Learning algorithms.

To mitigate the impacts of the fourth industrial revolution on Indian society, there is a need for educational reforms that will help the Indian youth to develop skill sets relevant to the changing market demands. Employers will require human resources capable to analyse problems rather than to solve them. Problem-solution tasks will be more and more codified within algorithms and assigned to artificial intelligence.

Machines cannot be as creative, as analytical and as critical as us humans are. In this light, EDUREFORM sees the need to nurture these skills because the tasks requiring a high degree of imagination, creative analysis and strategic thinking are harder to automate. In an effort to foster these required skills and to mitigate the negative impacts of the fourth industrial revolution on Indian society, the EDUREFORM project aims to empower secondary school in-service and pre-service teachers so that they can foster critical, creative and analytical thinking skills among secondary school children.

EDUREFORM

Coordinated by Chitkara University, EDUREFORM is a project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, comprising four Indian universities, four European universities as well as two Secondary schools and one SME, having expertise in the field of education. The final aim of EDUREFORM is to promote consciousness and to empower Indian future and in-service secondary school teachers to mitigate the expected societal impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

OUR MAIN OBJECTIVES

Short term objectives

  • Empower future and in-service teachers. Create the precondition to mitigate the negative impact of the 4IR on the Indian Labour force.
  • Pilot activities in Indian secondary schools designed to increase analytical, critical and creative skills among students.
  • Gradually and sustainably enlarge the EDUREFORM network as an open platform.
  • Invest in the development of parallel capacity building activities.

Mid to long term objectives

  • Mitigate the impact of 4IR on the Indian labour market by favouring critical, analytical and creative thinking skills among secondary school Indian students.
  • Include and mainstream teaching practices aimed to favour critical, creative and analytical thinking among Indian secondary school students
  • Recognise EDUREFORM as national best practice as well as recognise the role of educators in mitigating societal challenges related to 4IR increasing the awareness in academia and society at large.
  • Build new Indian-European Joint initiatives and follow-up of EDUREFORM parallel capacity building actions. Establish the Indian-European Alliance for Teacher Education.

CONSORTIUM PARTNERS

    Four Indian Universities
  • Chitkara University | The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda | Savitribai Phule Pune University | Shivaji University
  • Four European Universities
  • University of Latvia | University of Hamburg | JAMK University of Applied Sciences | Italian University Line
  • Two Secondary Schools
  • Chitkara International School | Liceo artistico, coreutico e musicale Candiani-Bausch
  • One SME
  • CXS Solutions

ERASMUS+

Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe and in Partner Countries. Its budget of 14.7 billion provides opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, and gain experience abroad. The Capacity Building in Higher Education action aims to support the modernization, accessibility and internationalization of higher education in Partner Countries - including India. The Capacity Building Action contributes to the development of sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth in Partner Countries and should ensure development and EU external actions objectives and principles, including national ownership, social cohesion, equity, proper geographical balance and diversity.

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EDUREFORM INNOVATIVE CURRICULA AT THE MAHARAJA SAYAJIRAO UNIVERSITY OF BARODA

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UQFdA2nIOFxfpVqvmVjriMZigoQYycEW/view

EDUREFORM BOOK

https://www.edureform.eu/book/

EDUREFORM MOOC

https://www.edureform.eu/mooc/

PROJECT DIRECTOR OF EDUREFORM

Professor Ashutosh Biswal

Head, Department of Education

Dean, Faculty of Education and Psychology

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

dean-edu@msubaroda.ac.in

EDUREFORM ACTIVITIES

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Our EDUREFORM second vocational training for teachers took place at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda from the 17 to the 19 of January 2023. The purpose was to give teachers first-hand exposure to the cutting-edge pedagogical tools of our EDUREFORM curricula. From a list of 22 pedagogies, 10 educational tools were chosen with the target audience in mind in order to provide a detailed explanation of each tool. Master specialists from Indian Partner Universities attended as the experts for this session. All pedagogical tools were taught in a practical manner, by making the teachers interact and participate in a myriad of insightful activities.

Those were three intense days, full of learning and interaction where not only the teachers showed a continuous engagement and enthusiasm they also interacted with the master trainers to continue perfecting our set of innovative tools. The cohort of teachers trained showed their appreciation towards EDUREFORM and The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and called for more such opportunities to be extended to them. Teachers want to equip themselves and feel ready to prepare their students in times of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

AGENDA OF THE TRAINING

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_5LUa7LqJ6tLIKbNRNEKQb141-w7dVTE/view

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Our first international event organised by The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU Baroda) was a successful academic international conference that gathered researchers and academics from across the globe in an online and offline manner. The topic selected for the call for papers and the title of the conference was ‘Navigating Industrial Revolution 4.0: Unleashing strategies and manoeuvring challenges’. The topic clearly aligned with the aim and goals of the EDUREFORM project. Besides, gathering scholars, researchers and experts on the issue increased the collective knowledge the project has on education, 4th Industrial Revolution, innovative pedagogies, 21st century skills, teacher training…

More than 40 research papers were presented and discussed in the two parallel sessions hosted on the premises of the MSU Baroda, Department of Education. Thanks to our partners, to the presenters and to the high number of attendees in the international conference, the EDUREFORM project was able to enrich itself with expertise, academic knowledge and scientific accuracy to continue implementing our goal in the best possible manner.

Research is a scientific and systematic investigation or inquiry through the search for facts in any branch of knowledge. On the other hand, education is regarded as the aggregate of all the processes by which a person develops abilities, attitudes and other forms of behaviour of practical values in the society in which she or he lives. At EDUREFORM we are aware that education and research ought to go hand in hand in order to provide benefits to individuals and to local, regional, national and international communities involved in the education system.

EDUREFORM STUDENT MOBILITIES

Italian University of Line, Italy

(Round I – 21 February – 11 March 2023)

(Round II – 21 September – 12 October 2023)

“The greatest education in the world is experiencing the world itself” – Maxime Lagac

The second group of the students' mobility was hosted by our partner Dr. Letizia Cinganotto at the IUL, Italy.

Mariyam Kapasi and Harshita Saraf, students from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, were selected and gained a life time experience along with a substantial knowledge regarding the intra-cultural activities.

The students gave a presentation on their parent universities and were delivered a session on the ‘Call for Papers’.

They also taught the Italian students at San Benedetto Institute of Higher Education, Latina and also learned about the innovative ways the Italian schools teach their students.

The mobility has been an eye-opening experience and the students will definitely inculcate them in the Indian education system.


Liceo Artistico Coretico E Musicale Candiani- Bausch, Italy

(Round I – 17 April – 8 May 2023)

(Round II – 7 May – 28 May 2023)

The third student mobility was held at the Liceo Artistico school in Busto Arsizio, Italy. Dhrusha Jani and Shruti Sathe students from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda were selected and gained a lot of knowledge in terms of understanding cultural differences, teaching methodologies, and different perspectives.

The team organized various events and activities to keep the students involved.

From dancing on Italian songs to dancing on the bollywood songs, the students have had a lot of fun with the faculty.


Chitkara International School, Chandigarh and Panchkula

(24 April – 14 May 2023)


The fourth mobility was conducted by Chitkara International School. Komal Chandarana, Chintan Chauhan and Anurita Talpatra, students from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, were selected.

The experience has been pleasurable with a lot of learning. The students visited both the campuses and met the children.

Various activities were performed by the students.

Not just classroom teaching but even different curriculum activities were performed and taught to the students of class 5, 6 and 7. Undoubtedly, the programme continues to be a worthwhile endeavor for all involved, providing an equitable prospect for B.Ed students to explore different dimensions of teaching and immerse themselves in practical classroom experiences!

Chitkara University, Punjab

(24 April – 14 May 2023)


The fifth student mobility was held at the coordinating institution that is the Chitkara University, Punjab. Zainab Vohra, student from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, was selected.

The students were given an elaborative tour of the campus and were informed regarding the departments they visited.

The students prepared lesson plan and presentations about their home institutions and their teaching subjects.

A talent show was organized which provided the students a chance to showcase their ingenious talents.

The enthusiastic participants left no stone unturned to display their talent through performances in various categories like dance, music, art, poetry etc.

The students met the EDUREFORM team and helped in the accountancy and documentation.

They also volunteered in the Chitkara Vocational training and the International Workshop. The 21 days training has been an exciting learning experience for the students.


University of Latvia, Latvia

(1 May – 21 May 2023)


Our partners at the University of Latvia hosted the sixth student mobility and what a pleasant experience it has been. Jalak Patel and Joy Panchal, students from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, were selected.

The students explored the historical and cultural dimensions of the town of the old city Riga. They attended several lectures including robotics, English and cross-cultural group discussions.

Lectures were delivered to the students of grade 10, 11 and 12 by Indian students on some of the topics like 17 Sustainable Development goals, Ecology, Air Pollution and Waste water treatment. Throughout the mobility, emphasis were given on exchanging culture values and morals.

It was a great oppurtunity for students to brief with the cultural beliefs and traditions of both the nations.

Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune

(10 May – 30 May 2023)


Savitribai Phule Pune University, aka, Oxford of the east, hosted the seventh student mobility batch. Manisha Patil and Dharita Soni, students from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, were selected.

The internship commenced with the group of mobility students participating in a teaching tool workshop facilitated by the Agastya Foundation. Embracing the Latin principle “Docendo discimus” – “the best way to learn is to teach” the mobility students at Savitribai Phule Pune University got the chance of learning by teaching their peers.

Throughout their 21-day traineeship in the Department of Education and Extension, they delved into the 22 EDUREFORM pedagogical tools, expanding their knowledge and honing their teaching skills.

Besides this, the students got a chance to sharpen their subject knowledge by teaching their specialized subjects to the B.Sc. B.Ed. students. As part of their experience, the students were taken on a heritage walk, where they had the privilege of exploring the historical symbolism and significance of Savitribai Phule Pune University.


Shivaji University, Kolhapur

(5 June – 24 June 2023)


The Department of Education, Shivaji University, Kolhapur organized the mobility programme from 5th June to 24th June 2023. Aditi Rathore, student from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, was selected.

The programme started with the Inaugural ceremony at the Auditorium of the Department. The Instructional aides Workshop was planned through which students learnt how to prepare various teaching aids.

The students presented EDUREFORM Pedagogical Tools in the classroom. The faculty members also taught various EDUREFORM Pedagogical Tools and guided students.

On 23 June 2023 the Closing Ceremony of this Mobility programme was organized. The completion Certificates were distributed by the chief Guest of the programme Prof.Dr.M.S. Padmini, former Head of the Department of Education.

A cultural programme was organized by the students of the Department and Feedback on the whole programme was given by the Guest students

CXS Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Kochi

(5 June – 24 June 2023)


The EDUREFORM student mobility internship was held for 21 days in Kerala from 5th June to 24th June 2023. Vimal Siju,student from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, was selected.

The students presented the best practices of their respective universities. They learned about CXS and the activities performed there. In an innovative approach to education, students were introduced to the transformative “Xelfer” application, designed to facilitate holistic profile skill development.

This pioneering tool went beyond traditional methods by integrating various dimensions of learning, empowering students to cultivate a well-rounded skill set.

They also explored the campus of St. Dominic’s College, Kanjirapalli. In conclusion, a successful student mobility program is a gateway to cross-cultural enrichment and academic excellence.


University of Hamburg, Germany

(28 August - 17 September 2023)

The EDUREFORM mobility program, hosted by the University of Hamburg from August 28th to September 17th, facilitated an enriching educational experience for participating students. Sulochna Paudyal and Parth Bhatt,students from The Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, were selected. The students who took part in this mobility initiative included Parth and Sulochana from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Diksha and Poonam from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Rakhi and Tanvi from Shivaji University, and Namita from Chitkara University.

During this program, the University of Hamburg organized placements for students in two Gymnasiums, namely Gymnasium Rissen and Gymnasium Hochrad. This opportunity allowed students to gain a profound understanding of the German education system, engage in discussions about the Indian education system, and actively participate in cultural exchanges.

The EDUREFORM Mobility program helped students embark on a transformative journey of learning and personal growth. Immersed in a vibrant academic environment, they had the privilege of collaborating with experts in your field, absorbing invaluable insights. The picturesque campuses and rich cultural experiences further deepened their appreciation for both German education and life itself. This internship not only expanded their knowledge, leaving an indelible mark on your educational path.

HOME INSTITUTION

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

(10 July – 31 July 2023)


The students from Chitkara University, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Shivaji University were welcomed by the The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, team members for the EDUREFORM student mobility program from 10-31 July 2023.

As an icebreaker activity, they presented a PPT about their University, its history, the best and unique practices adopted by their University, changes taking place in their University according to NEP 2020 Policy, and their understanding of the EDUREFORM Project. The students planned and discussed the EDUREFORM tools that they taught in different schools during the 21-days internship program.

The students prepared and organized a webinar on ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahostav’. The students visited Laxmi Vilas Palace, Chanderbala Modi Academy, Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, Zoo, Bird Gallery, and Statue of Unity.

This immersive experience not only created lasting memories but also broaden the perspectives of the students, fostering a deeper appreciation for the community.