IIT Guwahati Drives Educational Innovation in Meghalaya with Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan

IIT Guwahati, in partnership with Samagra Shiksha Meghalaya and under Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan Projects, is leading state-level initiatives to improve STEM education and foster innovation. Know details here

As the only IIT in Northeast India, IIT Guwahati has launched several innovative projects to enhance education in Meghalaya, emphasising advanced STEM learning and teacher development. These initiatives aim to create a hands-on, experiential learning environment for both students and teachers.

With support from the Ministry of Education’s Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan Projects, IIT Guwahati and Samagra Shiksha Meghalaya are collaborating on state-level initiatives to boost STEM education, promote innovation, and strengthen skills among students and teachers in Meghalaya. These initiatives include:

Setting Up Tinkering Labs in Secondary Schools

IIT Guwahati established 50 tinkering labs, trained more than 70 teachers, and influenced over 2,500 students with state-of-the-art equipment aligned with a specialized curriculum. A residential training program spanning five days was conducted for teachers, complemented by 30-40 hands-on sessions per school covering coding, robotics, AI, IoT, and soft skills.

Science Kits

IIT Guwahati developed kits featuring more than 40 curriculum-aligned experiments. Training sessions were held for over 2,000 teachers on how to utilize these kits, which included live demonstrations of experiments and comprehensive instructional materials.

Robotics Kit for 750 Schools in Meghalaya

The Robotics Kit project aimed to distribute kits to 750 primary and secondary schools. IIT Guwahati experts curated modular, plug-and-play materials tailored to different age groups and developed content across five themes: gardening, battery-operated cars and robots, machines and automation, sound exploration, and light experiments.

School Mentoring

The School Mentoring project improved pedagogical skills for more than 2,000 teachers through a two-day program focused on science and mathematics. Faculty and researchers offered guidance on curriculum implementation and teaching methods, alongside workshops on advanced pedagogical techniques.

Excursion Trip – MEGHQUEST

MEGHQUEST introduced advanced scientific research and technology to over 4,000 students from 2,000 schools through a three-day visit to IIT Guwahati organized in seven batches. Each participant received a kit containing a t-shirt, stationery, certificate, and activity calendar. The event featured more than 10 activities, including technical workshops, soft skills development sessions, and sports activities. Participants engaged in hands-on lab experiments and workshops, along with soft skills sessions covering communication, stress management, and leadership.

Formation of Science & Maths Club

IIT Guwahati initiated dedicated science and mathematics clubs in schools to promote hands-on learning experiences. Comprehensive guidelines for club formation were developed, accompanied by a training program for teachers on effective club management and student engagement. Each school received activity lists and science kits for club activities, supplemented by expert webinars featuring national-level STEM professionals for ongoing support throughout the year.

Science & Maths Olympiad

The Science & Maths Olympiad fostered a competitive mindset and evaluated knowledge in 390 schools, engaging over 11,000 students. District and state toppers were awarded, with logistical support ensuring the smooth conduct of the competition.

Quiz Competition

The Quiz Competition aimed to boost general knowledge and cultivate a spirit of competition among students. IIT Guwahati faculty crafted comprehensive question papers spanning science, mathematics, and general trivia to assess knowledge and problem-solving abilities. The event was meticulously organized, managing logistics such as travel, registration, and venue setup, and ensuring strict oversight to maintain fair competition standards. A robust evaluation process was implemented to ensure fairness and accuracy in scoring.

Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, "We are dedicated to using our resources and expertise to enhance the educational experience in Meghalaya, ensuring that both students and teachers have access to the best tools and methodologies. By providing cutting-edge equipment, comprehensive training, and continuous support, we aim to create an environment where learning is interactive, engaging, and effective. We believe that through these initiatives, we can significantly impact the quality of education in Meghalaya and set a precedent for educational excellence in the entire Northeast region."

Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean PRBR, said, “IIT Guwahati remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the entire Northeast region through continuous innovation and educational development. The Institute’s future endeavors are focused on expanding these education initiatives to reach more educational institutes, integrating emerging technologies into the curriculum, and fostering an environment where students and teachers can prosper.”

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