In this article, Sruthi Raju (Curriculum Designer at ELMS Sports Foundation) offers a sneak peak into the launch of the physical literacy training program in Tamil Nadu during the pandemic.
Introduction
The ELMS Sports Foundation, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Education Department, conducted a physical literacy training program in the state of Tamil Nadu (TN). This six-module training program was conducted online from August 2020-October 2020, across 37 districts, under the leadership of Pullela Gopichand, India’s chief national badminton coach and organized with the support of the District Inspectors of Physical Education in TN.
About the Program
The physical literacy training program was inaugurated on 3rd August 2020 by Thiru Sengottaiyan K.A, Minister of School Education, Youth Welfare and Sports Development; Dheeraj Kumar, IAS (Principal Secretary to Government); and Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Badminton Coach and Advisor, ELMS Sports Foundation. The six-module training program included sessions on the following topics: Understanding Key Terms in Physical Education, Understanding Physical Literacy, Curriculum Guidelines, Minor Games to Engage all Children, Human Values in Physical Education, and Assessment and Yearly Planning. A district-level weekly plan was drafted and delivered with the support of TN’s District Inspectors of Physical Education (DIPE's).
The DIPE's played a commendable role in organizing the training program, as a result of which teachers from 37 districts from all across the state of TN could participate in the program. The DIPE’s were supportive and in sync with the objective of the program. They believed that children should be allowed to play, explore, be engaged, and be motivated to be active for life. The efforts of the DIPE’s with team ELMS Foundation made the training program a success. On 31st October 2020, the last day of the training program, a valedictory function was held in the presence of Dhreeja Kumar - Principal Secretary to Govt, TN and T Venkatesh - IAS, Commissioner School Education, S Annapan, Director and Suganya - Joint Director, TN.
Session Delivery
Starting on 3rd August 2020, the PL training program was held in 13 phases and covered 37 districts across TN. Under this program, ELMS Foundation trained over 5000+ physical education (PE) teachers during the pandemic.
The training sessions were delivered by ELMS Sports Foundation’s both in-house and external experts. The trainers executed the sessions with great enthusiasm and energy, and ensured the sessions remained lively and interactive. A unique aspect of the sessions was that the participants could ask their questions and get their doubts cleared via a live chat with the trainers. This ensured that the trainers and participants were on the same page during the session. The training modules also included interesting quizzes and activities to keep a balance between work and play.
Feedback on the training program by the DIPE’s
“The Human Values session gave an idea on the ways to nurture values in students, ways to guide and care for students on a PE ground. The session shed light on the different roles PE teachers play for the students when required. It also enlightened the participants on the best way to develop students' attitude towards gratitude and reverence and being on a path of excellence.” P. Amali Daisy, DIPE - Karur District, TN
“The sessions were well planned. Minor Games session connected well with the PE teachers and helped them get acquainted with new activities that can be planned for children as per their age. The session also familiarized the PE teachers with alternative equipment ideas to conduct these activities.” Thiruvalar Selavan, DIPE, Chennai District, TN
“The sessions were lively and interactive. The Physical Literacy session was well-received by all the PE teachers. The inclusive and holistic approach will be a new way of teaching PE.” Sengathir, DIPE Madurai District, TN
“The videos and quizzes in the sessions made the sessions interesting.
All the DIPE’s were very satisfied and happy with the PL training program. We are waiting for the pandemic to end and the schools to reopen so that the PE teachers can implement the learnings from the sessions. However, the DIPE’s wished the sessions will have more practical sessions in their future intervention with ELMS Foundation.” S Jebaraj, DIPE - Kanyakumari District, TN
Other feedback
The DIPE’s also shared that in Tamil Nadu, all the government-run high schools have two mandatory PE classes per week. Approximately 50% of these schools have a full-time PE teacher. However, schools that have upgraded from primary school to middle school, middle school to high school, or high school to higher secondary school have part-time PE teachers. These part-time teachers come to school for three hours a day for conducting physical education classes.
After attending the training program, the DIPE’s expressed that physical literacy could be the new way of teaching physical education with inclusion, as it adds an element of fun and enjoyment for the students. They believe that with the help of the knowledge PE teachers gain on physical literacy, the PE classes in schools could have more students taking ownership, with the PE teachers playing the role of facilitators. This will help students develop critical life skills such as leadership skills and ensure their holistic development.
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