Jharkhand Education Project Council Enhances STEM Education with iRISE Training for Teachers

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, concluded the third phase of training for mathematics and science teachers under the Inspiring India in Research, Innovation in STEM Education ( iRISE ) programme. The training, held from September 8 to 10, was conducted across four districts Ranchi, Ramgarh, West Singhbhum, and Palamu.The iRISE programme focuses on enhancing STEM education by equipping teachers with modern pedagogical tools and techniques to develop scientific curiosity and mathematical aptitude among students. The programme is structured around four strands, including Teacher Development Strand (TDS), under which the training is being implemented.State project director at JEPC, Shashi Ranjan, said, "The training highlighted experiential learning, inquiry-based approaches, and the integration of local context into science and mathematics education. Teachers were encouraged to use models, activities, and STEM labs established in schools to foster innovation and creativity. The initiative also seeks to increase student participation in the Inspire Awards–MANAK, a Government of India scheme to promote innovation among school children."During the three-day workshop, state education officials including JEPC director and SCERT director Shashi Ranjan, and state quality education officer Dr Abhinav Kumar, provided guidance. District officials Pankaj Kumar (Ranchi), Nalini Ranjan (Ramgarh), Ambuja Pandey (Palamu), and Shiv Malik (West Singhbhum) emphasized implementing these practices in classrooms to make learning more engaging.