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ABOUT VIKALP
VIKALP in Hindi means the alternative. It is an idea, a vision shared by like-minded educationists, management professionals and designers. People from diverse background has come together to bridge the gap between different ways of learning and a standard style of teaching. We believe that the learning process of each child is different and alternative ways and materials should be devised to suit the diverse requirement of school-going children.
METHODOLOGY
Our methodology is inspired by works of founders of experiential learning approach like John Dewey, Kurt Lewin and Jean Piaget. However, our methodology is very similar to David Kolb’s four-stage model of experiential learning. It is argued that our methodology is practical application of this approach in teaching school curriculum.
First stage – Learning begins with concrete experience. Concepts are introduced using learning toys. Children play and discover concept on their own. Step-by-step guidance on activities. is provided by video lessons. In case of any confusion student/parent can always refer to video lesson anytime.
Second Stage – This learning continues in mobile games where children reflect on what they have understood. They think about the concept from different angles while playing games on mobile.
Third stage – Once they start grasping the concept, pen and paper is introduced. Conceptualising begins and children start thinking in abstract and starts doing exercises on workbook. This is a gradual movement from concrete to abstract.
Fourth stage – Now children start experimenting and applying their understanding. At this stage children’s activities and pen and paper work is assessed and diagnostic report is generated. Remedial is planned and learning continues.
LOGO
Our focus is on developing alternative methods and materials which help children learn concepts and make connections with what they already know and experience in their real life. Our logo, a common paper toy is used symbolically to represent our learning apparatus. This toy is usually made of ordinary paper but if it is used in a particular way, it can explain the scientific principles behind windmills and turbines.
Similar to a paper toy, the material, and design of our learning apparatus is very close to the real-life of children. They can think and feel with them. The inherent properties of familiar materials are used. Appropriate activities have been developed so that while using them a learner discovers knowledge, and several new ideas are triggered. Thus, enhancing the quality of instruments through which children look at, interpret and make different concepts intelligible.
Following two educators of Indian origin has contributed significantly in the conception of this idea:
Late. P.K. Srinivasan
A Fulbright exchange teacher in the United States, Mr. Srinivasan taught Mathematics in Nigeria and India. He was also a lecturer at the NCERT in India. In vikalp he was instumental in developing teaching aids as improvisational tools to illustrate concepts. He led a crusade of sorts against the debilitating idea of rote learning techniques and drill.
Sr. M. Hyacintha A.C
Sister Hyacintha was Director of Carmel Teacher Center, Northern Province. Her innovative way of designing learning apparatus has been recognized by the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. She has devoted her last forty-five years in training teachers on how to develop lesson plans and conduct activities in the classroom. In Vikalp she is instrumental in taking classes, developing content and training the teachers.
EVOLUTION OF VIKALP METHODOLOGY
OUR TEACHING FACULTY
NEHA CHOUDHARY
At Vikalp, she creates products, mechanism and methodology to make learning as part of life for learners, experiential and fun. Prior to Vikalp she was advising the Prime Minister’s Office as an editor in National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO). Education: Master’s degree from JNU and a diploma from ISB (Indian School of Business), Hyderabad.
ANIL MEENA
Before joining Vikalp, he worked as Associate Vice President SuperProfs.com and Mphasis Bengaluru, India. He joined the Vikalp team to take care of operations and strengthening the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Learning. Education: PGDM from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and B. Tech from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
DINESH GUPTA
Started his career as a journalist in Tehelka. Later ventured into the education industry as a cofounder in a publishing house. His decade of experience and passion for change helps Vikalp in delivering unprecedented child-centric learning where each classroom becomes a community of inquiries. Education: Masters from Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi) and Asian College of Journalism (Chennai).
DR. UMESH
He is a trained dentist and retains his title of a doctor. He was in the medical profession for a few years. But education being his calling he quit and joined Azim Premji University. Later he joined academic team of Vikalp India where he was able to turn his passion into a successful carrer. Education: MA Education from Azim Premji University
BIKASH CHETTRY
He is a Teacher- Educator @ Vikalp. Before joining Vikalp, he was Master Trainer and later became Program Associate in Pratham Education Foundation. Education: Master’s in Education from Azim Premji University.
PRACHI GAUR
After decades of experience in developing curriculum and teaching at TeacherSITY and Azim Premji University she joined Vikalp as the head of the academic team. Education: Master's in Education from Banasthali Vidyapith
HINESH SHANKAR
Learned basic of alternative methods of teaching in Chrysalis. Later he joined Chinmaya Mission Educational & Cultural Trust where he honed his skills. His skills as teacher educator reached to new heights while working in Vikalp. Education: Chinmaya Mission College
MANOJ PRASAD
After years of experience in working in various pedagogical practises in Pratham Education Foundation and Nandi Education Support and Training Private Limited (NANDI). He joined the academic team of Vikalp where be started implementing the best practises.
GAURAV MEHTA
Developed passion for education while working in Mexus Education for 4 years. Joined Vikalp to take the take the outreach and implementation of Vikalp pedagogy to new heights. Education: Studied at RIMT University
AYUSHI MATHUR
Developed the passion for teaching in Teach for India and Seva Mandir. Later joined the academic team of Vikalp India. Her passion for teaching helps in the implementation of new technologies. Education: Masters from Azim Premji University
NEHA QAZI
Theatre Professionals at Young People’s Theatre Programme with strong foundation of research while developing content for Multilingual Education Project, Eklavya, Bhopal. Joined Vikalp team to add new dimension to activity-based curriculum of Vikalp. Education: Maters from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai and Asian college of Journalism, Chennai.
PRATYUSH CHAKRAVARTHY
After working for a decade in corporates like Wipro and Tech Mahindra, he joined Vikalp. His passion in teaching Science and Mathematics made him shift from Engineering to Teaching. It was in Vikalp where his passion develops into a successful and satisfying career. Education: Graduate from BIT Mesra, Ranchi
