The Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC) launched a pilot project “Science and Mathematics Facilitators in the Schools of Assam” in the year 2009-2010 with the guidance and support of Science and Technology Department, Govt. of Assam, as per suggestions of the then Minister of Science and Technology. The Science and Mathematics Facilitators are young people with good academic background. They have been appointed as ‘Science Facilitators’ and ‘Mathematics Facilitators’ in 130 selected High/Higher Secondary schools of Assam in 126 LAC and every LAC of Assam will have one each mathematics and science facilitator. The facilitators have been attached to the selected schools to improve the methods of science and mathematics teaching in schools by acting as an expert pool of innovative minds, which will make science & mathematics learning a fun and dispel fears of these subjects from the minds of the students.
(i) To improve and inculcate the method of science and mathematics teaching in schools of the state.
(ii) To build up a pool of innovative mathematics and science teachers to act as facilitators and create interest in mathematics and science teaching in schools.
Every year refresher training programmes are arranged for the facilitators to review the performance of the facilitators. In such training programmes, the facilitators are exposed to the information regarding latest technology development by arranging various interactive sessions with different resource persons. Teaching aids/kits, models developed by the facilitators for school students are also displayed at the review meetings.
The facilitators successfully observed International Year of Light with the focal theme “Light and Light based Technologies”at school level all over the State.
The process of documentation of the innovative method of teaching, experiments, kits and other activities with novelty adopted by the facilitators has been initiated.
A hands-on programme was conducted at Sipajhar B.J. Girls’ High School, Darrang, Assam from 17-19 August, 2016 as per 100 days programme of the Science and Technology Department, Govt of Assam by a group of facilitators to motivate students to explore science and mathematics with fun and voluntary zeal. The program was organized to observe, explore, experiment and hypothesize science and break the rigid framework of textbooks. The programme also highlighted career opportunities in the field of science, technology and innovation to the young minds. Mr. Mrittunjoy Guha Majumdar, PhD research scholar, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge was also interacted with the students in the inaugural function.
Facilitators have already published a science based magazine styled as “PRATIFALAN”, two times. The publication showcases the untiring efforts of the facilitators in the improvisation of the method of science and mathematics teaching in schools of the state. The 3rd edition of the publication is also expected to be released by 2017.
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, Assam (RMSA) has even sought support from the science and mathematics facilitators for implementing their new initiative of Remedial Teaching for the students of class IX in 2017. The remedial session will cover the subject matter of General Science, Mathematics and General English.
Facilitators have successfully observed National Science Day-2017 with the focal theme “Science and Technology for Specially Abled Persons” at their respective schools all over the State.
The activities of the facilitators are assessed by an inspection team comprised of officials of S&T Division, ASTEC by visiting schools on random basis throughout the year. The inspection team visited Jengraimukh High School of Majuli, Chandrapur High School of Kamrup(M), Nagaon Govt. Boys’ HS School of Nagaon, Sarupeta Girls’ High School and Gopinath Bordoloi Memorial High School of Barpeta , Lal Singh Academy High School of Kamrup(M) etc. accordingly.
Besides these, efforts are being made to associate the activities of Science & Mathematics Facilitators with the Aryabhatta Science Centres of the state.
