Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar’s Center for Creative Learning (CCL) recently organised a four-day workshop titled “Come Fall in Love with Math”, where all participants ranging from students to faculty members and professionals joined to experience mathematics and science in an innovative manner.
During this workshop, emphasis was not laid on the traditional method of education but on encouraging curiosity, asking questions, and applying science-based thinking.
Instead of beginning with textbook definitions, sessions were designed around simple but thought-provoking questions related to daily observations and scientific phenomena. Participants actively engaged in discussions and collaborative activities throughout the workshop.
One of the major highlights of the program was that of experiential learning. Learners commented that the workshop made them learn things in a new light and allowed them to develop their critical thinking skills.
An interaction session was also conducted with Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, wherein he discussed the significance of being curious and thinking scientifically. He also advised all the participants to have a better insight into the role played by science, mathematics, and engineering in our lives and its significance in future years.
The training program also allowed for a lot of idea sharing among participants outside the classroom setting. Some of the teachers present at the workshop talked about how such a program could be incorporated into their schools and made more interactive.
Sharing his experience, a participant from Karnataka said, “The workshop completely changed the way I look at mathematics and science. The activities, discussions, and interactions made learning enjoyable and meaningful.”
“What made the workshop special was that every question was encouraged. It created an environment where learning felt exciting rather than stressful.”, shared another participant.
According to organisers, the workshop aimed to make mathematics and science more accessible, enjoyable, and connected to real-life experiences.
As per the organisers of the event, the objective of the workshop was to make mathematics and science fun, interesting, and relevant to life.
After four days of the program, participants reflected on the importance of inquiry-based learning and interaction for rekindling the spirit of questioning in them.