Maharashtra schools embrace experiential learning, record high participation in co-curricular activities
Schools across
Maharashtra
are emerging as strong performers in delivering experiential learning opportunities, according to recent data from the national PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) report 2024.
The findings reveal widespread adoption of co-curricular and hands-on activities that support all-round development in students.
As per the report, 99 percent of schools in the state conduct cultural activities, while 98 percent offer structured sports programs. Literary activities, such as school magazines and reading clubs, are present in 95 percent of schools. Science exhibitions and art activities are offered by 89 percent and 88 percent of schools respectively.
Even school fairs, often considered resource-intensive, are being conducted by 82 percent of schools.
Diverse opportunities for student growth
The PARAKH report data reveals widespread access to multiple experiential learning paths for students:
Experiential Learning Activity
Percentage of Schools
Cultural Activities
99%
Sports Activities
98%
Literary/Reading Activities
95%
Science Exhibitions
89%
Art Club/Art Activities
88%
School Fair Activities
82%
While cultural and sports activities lead the chart, literary initiatives such as school magazines and reading clubs also enjoy high participation. A majority of schools also host science exhibitions and art-based activities.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Here's The Average Price of a 6-Hour Gutter Upgrade in Akron
Homebuddy.com
Read More
Undo
Even school fairs, which require greater planning and resources, are being conducted by more than four in five schools.
Holistic education
gaining ground
The integration of experiential learning signals a growing emphasis on developing critical life skills and competencies among students. Activities such as cultural events, sports, reading initiatives, and science exhibitions help promote creativity, communication, teamwork, and innovation: all essential for success in the 21st-century learning environment.
The high participation rates also suggest that schools are aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), which encourages multi-dimensional learning and competency-based education.
Gaps and next steps
Despite the overall positive performance, there is still scope to improve the depth and consistency of these initiatives. While access is high, ensuring regularity, inclusivity, and measurable learning outcomes remains a key challenge.
In particular, schools in remote and under-resourced areas may require targeted support to match the experiential learning standards observed in more developed regions.
The absence of a district-wise breakdown in the report limits the ability to track regional disparities. Future rounds of data collection will be critical to identify implementation gaps and ensure equitable access across the state.
Laying the foundation for all-round learning
Maharashtra's performance places it among the states leading the shift toward all-round education.
With over 90 percent of schools providing access to co-curricular and hands-on learning experiences, the state is laying a strong foundation for student development beyond academics.
The next step, according to educators and policymakers, is to focus on quality, regularity, and inclusivity to ensure that experiential learning becomes a transformative part of every student's school journey.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us
here
.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Collectorate Twin Towers Project Reshaped To Save 147-Year-Old Trees
Nagpur: In an encouraging move toward environmental sustainability, the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) redesigned parts of the District Collectorate twin towers project to preserve century-old heritage trees, some over 147-years-old, on the construction site. MSIDC managing director Brijesh Dixit said that 42 trees originally stood within the project's footprint, including trees aged 147, 115, and 112 years. Rather than cutting them down, engineers changed the building design and applied advanced techniques to safeguard these natural assets. A 'tree peat' method was used, allowing the roots to be protected without disturbance. Additionally, geo-textile materials were laid up to 20 feet deep around the roots to ensure their safety during excavation and construction activities. These combined efforts successfully saved six mature trees, which were initially at risk. While authorities already granted permission to fell 36 trees, MSIDC took additional steps to protect as many as possible. "These trees are not merely part of the landscape but represent the living heritage of the city. Our team worked diligently to incorporate environmental care into this massive infrastructure project," Dixit said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo In parallel, MSIDC planted 1,735 new trees at various locations across Nagpur as part of compensatory afforestation. Dixit added that clear guidelines have been issued to project teams to prioritise tree conservation throughout the construction period. The twin towers project is envisioned as a green building initiative, featuring extensive use of solar energy, energy-efficient design, and sustainable construction materials. Set to rise on a 30,471-square-metre plot, the 12-floor building will house two auditoriums with capacities of 500 and 300 seats, respectively, along with parking for 450 four-wheelers and 1,200 two-wheelers. As reported by TOI earlier, the project received a funding boost of Rs50 crore and Rs27 crore in two phases and is set to receive more as and when required. The total budget is Rs271 crore. The demolition of older structures, including the tehsildar building, was completed recently to clear space for the new towers. The heritage collectorate building will remain untouched and repurposed. Completion is expected by December 2027. Officials confirmed that demolition work is now fully finished, digging and foundation activities are almost complete, and construction has commenced. They also assured that sufficient funds are available to maintain steady progress and avoid delays. By successfully blending heritage tree preservation with modern infrastructure development, the MSIDC is setting an example for environmentally conscious urban projects.
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Over 1,000 women apply for monthly dole at Ungaludan Stalin camp in Coimbatore
Coimbatore: District collector Pavankumar G Griyappanavar inaugurated the 'Ungaludan Stalin' camp at Vadavalli in the city on Tuesday. More than 1,000 women applied for the monthly Rs 1,000 dole under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam at the camp. Petitions were also submitted by the public. Addressing the media, the collector said that 336 camps would be conducted in Coimbatore district. In the first phase, 25 camps were held in the corporation area, 35 in municipalities, 20 in town panchayats, 36 in village panchayats, and four in remote areas on Tuesday. The camps will continue until August 14. Women eligible for the monthly dole scheme can apply at the camps. Applications will be processed within 45 days, the collector said. Priya, 25, from Sathya Colony on Thondamuthur Road at Vadavalli, waited in line with her baby to apply for the scheme. She said her name was not included in the scheme when she applied a few months ago. She expressed hope that this time her application would be accepted. Karthik, 35, from New Thillari Nagar at PN Pudur, was also standing in the queue to apply for his 70-year-old mother Vaijayanthi, who is undergoing treatment for a spinal cord injury. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo R Lakshmi, 63, from Sundapalayam, who visited the camp, said that she has been receiving old age pension (OAP) for many years. Having lived in a rental house for more than four decades, she came to the camp to apply for a free patta. Interestingly, KV Muruganantham, 79, a retired bank manager from Vadavalli, came to the camp seeking help at the police desk. He reported losing 52.25 sovereigns of gold ornaments while traveling on a bus from Dindigul to Karur in 2003. Though he filed a complaint with Karur police and received an acknowledgment, he has been approaching the police for the last 22 years without eliciting any proper response.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Punjab unveils next-level education reforms: Question papers to be co-created by teachers, students
1 2 3 Mohali: In a landmark move aimed at reshaping the examination system, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) announced that it will contribute high-quality, competency-based questions to a national question bank in collaboration with PARAKH — the National Assessment Centre under NCERT. The initiative is set to benefit lakhs of students preparing for competitive exams like NEET, CUET, and JEE. The announcement was made during the national conference on "Rethinking Education Framework for Next Generation Learning," where PSEB chairman Dr Amarpal Singh outlined a new vision for student assessment, shifting the focus from rote learning to conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and innovation. "We are preparing our students not just to pass exams, but to stand tall on national platforms," said Dr Singh. "Every question paper in Punjab will now test real understanding, not just memory." Punjab will now contribute its best question papers to a centralised national databank, allowing local students to gain familiarity with the pattern and difficulty level of national-level assessments. Teachers across the state are being trained to frame questions in core subjects that test deeper learning and problem-solving abilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Exams Reimagined: Students as Question Creators One of the most forward-looking elements of this reform is the inclusion of students in the assessment process. Students — especially at the junior level — will be encouraged to frame their own questions. Selected entries will not only be recognised but also have the potential to feature in national-level assessments. "It's a proud moment. Punjab's teachers and students will now help shape the way India's children are tested and trained for the future," said a PSEB official. Dr Indrani Bhaduri, CEO of PARAKH, commended Punjab's leadership: "When students start asking questions, not just answering them, real learning begins. Punjab is setting a national example." Technology-Driven, Transparent Exams The reform initiative also includes a strong push for secure and transparent assessments. Future board exams will be monitored via live CCTV feeds, with district-level control rooms — a model inspired by Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, OMR-based evaluation and standardised rubrics will be introduced to ensure fairness and consistency. Monica Chawla, a CBSE resource person, conducted a workshop for teachers on reforming classroom-level assessments. She urged educators to move beyond outdated formats and embrace methods that reward creativity and higher-order thinking. To incentivise innovation, PSEB will launch a state-level competition to honour teachers who design the most effective and student-friendly question papers. These efforts aim to make assessments a tool for learning rather than a source of stress. Dr Singh concluded the session with a powerful message for Punjab's schoolchildren, saying, "You are not here just to answer questions. You are here to ask better ones, create new ones, and change how we learn forever." With Punjab now actively contributing to the national question bank, a question created by a teacher in Sangrur or a student in Gurdaspur may soon appear in exams across India — marking a new chapter in educational equity and excellence.
