“The IISER training was so engrossing that I did not even feel like getting up once, even for sanitation break, during the 9.30-12.30 session. I have taken the lessons back home and will try to initiate a chalval (movement) of science teaching back in my college and district” – Hemant Kumar Chandak, Science teacher, Khamgaon, Buldhana “I want to start a ‘creative science center’ in my college, to promote rational and scientific thinking” – Arti Golhar, Science teacher, Nagpur

“I learned that not just the questions we ask students after an activity, but also the sequence of asking them is important, if we are to facilitate inquiry-based learning” – Ashok Datir, Science teacher, Akole, Ahmednagar “Since four of us from different science disciplines attended the training, we continue to now discuss pedagogies back in college without subject barrier” – Vrushali Krade, Aurangabad

These are some of the comments of teachers who recently attended a three-day online training in ‘Enquiry-based learning in science and mathematics conducted by the Maharashtra State Faculty Development Academy ( MSFDA) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. MSFDA is a Section 8 company initiated by the Higher & Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra to train the faculty and other stakeholders of higher education.

There are around 4000 arts/science/commerce colleges, and 1500 technical colleges in Maharashtra, with a faculty strength of around 70000, catering to more than 20 lakh students. MSFDA is a unique initiative of the Maharashtra government to build capacities of faculty in a phased and structured manner. The focus of the training of MSFDA is to empower educators for the holistic development of students. MSFDA focuses on multidisciplinarity, experiential learning, inclusion & diversity, leadership, innovation, and cutting-edge technology. IISER, Pune is a premier institute dedicated to research and teaching in basic sciences.

The institute has well-equipped labs and places emphasis on interdisciplinarity, and cutting-edge methods and tools for science teaching.
MSFDA has collaborated with IISER-Pune to impart training to science and math teachers. Two such trainings have been held so far, benefitting more than 300 teachers from across Maharashtra. The objectives of the the training was to develop skills of teachers in effective and modern pedagogies; to train teachers in inquiry-based teaching; introduce teachers to blending research-based laboratory courses; make teachers able to use online/blended teaching modes; up-skill teachers in using modern formative and summative assessment methods; acquaint teachers to subject/field experts and their experiences, and revisit core philosophies of Science and Mathematics Education.


The teachers were selected from all the six regions of Maharashtra, and each district from the point of view of equitability. The colleges were requested to nominate four teachers – one each from the disciplines of physics, chemistry, life sciences, and mathematics, in tune with the multidisciplinary ethos of the training. The language was not a barrier in this training, with the resource persons’ encouraging questions and engagement in Marathi. The trainees mentioned that the whole approach was participative, despite the training is being online. It was structured well, with individual and group activities, and simulations, evoking much interest from participants. The trainers were extremely patient, with sound knowledge, and responded appropriately to all queries, making the trainees feel comfortable. Experienced and younger teachers underwent the training together, sharing their learnings.
The participants made certain other key points. One, the training focused on outcome-based teaching. Ashok Datir mentioned that back in the classroom, one of his (girl) students asked about how irrigation systems could be automatized. When they discussed some solutions, happiness spread wide on her face. Two, the focus of the training was on pedagogy and inquiry-based approach. The participants learned about theoretical and practical examples of the same and appreciated its value in learning. Three, the training also focussed on how best to teach and learn with limited resources. Many colleges face infrastructural/funding constraints and trainees appreciated this important dimension.

Teachers like the above go back enriched and thinking. Many of them have plans back home. New relationships have been built. Eight more such training will be held till March 2022, exposing more than 1500 more teachers to this process. Those teachers who show further interest will be given three weeks of intensive in-person master-trainer training at the IISER Pune campus. Around 600 teachers will benefit from this. During the initial three-year collaboration between MSFDA and IISER, Pune, forty online courses (10 per year) and 12 intensive in-person courses (4 per year) are chalked out. A cascading model of further training is also being planned.

MSFDA will endeavor to build similar collaborations with premier institutions/organizations/practitioners to create an eco-system of excellence and shared value. We sail or sink together.