Chandigarh, 23 April (H.S.): A partnership between the Punjab Government, led by Bhagwant Singh Mann, and the University of Turku is beginning to bring visible changes in classrooms, with early signs of improved student engagement and more interactive teaching practices across the state.

The initiative, part of Punjab’s broader education reforms, is shifting teaching methods away from rote learning toward more joyful and participatory approaches. Designed as a long-term effort, the programme focuses on strengthening foundational learning by equipping teachers with modern, research-based techniques while adapting global best practices to local classroom needs.

During his official visit to Finland, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann visited early childhood education centres and interacted with education experts. He highlighted that the collaboration is already showing promising results by aligning global teaching methods with Punjab’s classroom realities. The programme is being implemented through the State Council of Educational Research and Training under the Department of School Education.

A key component of the initiative is teacher development. Nearly 300 teachers are being trained through a structured model that includes workshops, mentoring, and school visits in both Chandigarh and Finnish cities such as Turku and Rauma. The training aims to help teachers create more engaging and inclusive learning environments, particularly for young learners.

Officials stated that teachers are being encouraged to adopt child-centered and play-based learning methods. They are also supported in designing classroom projects tailored to local contexts. Feedback from schools indicates that students are showing higher participation levels, improved motivation, and better classroom interaction.

The programme also emphasizes continuous support, with Finnish experts providing mentoring to ensure effective adaptation of teaching methods. Teachers have reported increased confidence in experimenting with new strategies and addressing diverse learning needs.

Looking ahead, the Punjab Government plans to expand the initiative through a “train-the-trainers” model. This approach will create a group of master trainers who can further train educators across the state. Additionally, digital platforms and blended learning systems are being developed to ensure ongoing professional development.

The Chief Minister stated that this collaboration will play a crucial role in strengthening public education in Punjab. With a clear roadmap for expansion, the initiative is expected to become a cornerstone of the state’s long-term education transformation efforts.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH