Anubhav: Experiential STEM Learning Sessions in Kerala

Have you ever wondered how we make science and math more accessible and fun for children with visual impairments? Anubhav Sessions is an experiential learning method that aims to do just that! We recently conducted Anubhav Experiential Stem Learning sessions in five schools of Kerala between 28th February and 9th March, with 114 children and 41 teachers from the Calicut HSS For The Handicapped, Rahmaniya School for the Handicapped, Aluva School for the Blind, Helen Keller Centenary Memorial Model School for the Blind, and Kerala School for the Blind.

The Anubhav Sessions aim to support teachers and students in learning concepts by demonstrating accessible, experiential math and science activities. The sessions were conducted in two modules, each of science and math from 10.00 am to 4 pm, where children across grades 1-7 in respective schools actively participated.

Throughout the sessions, children explored nature, trees, flowering plants, and herbal and vegetable gardens within the school campus with the help of teachers. They engaged in hands-on experiences and showed immense interest in learning about new plants and trees. The kids also enjoyed playing Simon says and then delved into various activities as part of learning the Number system in math. They sorted, ordered, found missing numbers, bundled, worked with place value and addition, and played with cards to form three-digit numbers and call out their place value.

At the end of the sessions, children and teachers gave feedback, with children recalling what they learned during the workshop and sharing new learning experiences gained through activities. They took part in all the activities enthusiastically. Overall, the Anubhav Sessions proved to be an engaging and effective way of teaching STEM concepts, creating a holistic learning environment for children.