Kishorkumar M.S. is a lower primary teacher at the very school he studied in – Government Vocational Higher Secondary School at Kallara in Thiruvananthapuram district. After moving to the school in 2023, his distinct pursuits with pedagogy found recognition when the State Teachers’ Award came to him. His held his head even higher when he received the National Teachers’ Award from President Droupadi Murmu recently.
Mr. Kishorkumar says he follows a joyful, inclusive, activity-based approach to foster creativity and critical thinking among the young students. He also tries to introduce fresh and impactful ideas each year. One such is the ‘Growing classroom’ that has students, teachers, and parents working together to create a classroom that is natural and dynamic and where learning happens effortlessly.
“I asked each student what their dream of an ideal classroom was. The school supported the vision but lacked funds. I created an action plan and shared it with parents, who responded positively.”
First, Mr. Kishorkumar painted the classroom after school hours using colours chosen by the students. Then began the transformation, each change shaped by the students’ feedback. They brought potted plants into the classroom. A mic and speaker were installed with parents’ support, an aquarium was set up, music was played during breaks, craft and art engaged students, and short debates provided students an outlet on various topics. Today, the classroom is a vibrant and evolving model of collaboration and child-centric learning, he says.
