What makes any subject easy to learn is concept-based learning or experiential learning and that is what NumberNagar has been doing. It is a start-up founded in 2016 by a team of people who felt that students lack understanding of some of the fundamental concepts in their formative years of education. With their unique teaching methodologies, like the 5C methodology, NumberNagar helps children take an interest in all subjects and connect them with each other.
Dr Soumya Sreehari who is one of the co-founders of NumberNagar, tells us about the need for experiential learning and how it can make kids smarter. Excerpts:
Tell us the story behind NumberNagar.
Our initial years of research involved interactions with students at the higher secondary and college level. The findings indicated that students lacked in-depth conceptual clarity in their chosen subjects even though they had advanced in their academic degrees. We realised that the problem lies in the formative years of primary and lower secondary school education where all the fundamental concepts are introduced for the first time. To address this problem, we spent almost a decade interacting with teachers and students which induced diverse combinations of classroom teaching, hands-on workshops, skills training for students and teachers on subject competence and student psychology. Armed with the findings and learnings of this extensive ground research, the team developed the 5C methodology. The team also focused on including various perspectives to conceptual learning by triggering an interest in one subject through another and looking at a single concept through various lenses. Our learning solutions are of a wide range – learning centres (in school and after school), concept learning kits and customised consulting solutions.
While we know that there are many platforms that provide experiential learning for children, how is NumberNagar different from them?
NumberNagar’s objective is to make learning contextual, engaging and enjoyable. We research, design, develop and deliver learning solutions to achieve this objective. Our learning solutions are fueled by our proprietary 5C methodology (Curiosity, Clarity, Connectivity, Communication, Competence). Based on our experience, numeracy and literacy are the fundamental drivers of learning. Hence, our focus is on Maths and English. Since our 5C methodology focuses on the learning cycle of the student, it is more about how to learn rather than what to learn. Once our students get accustomed to using the methodology to be actively involved in their own learning process, they extend these learning ideas to other subjects as well.
How does the programme work?
We focus on the needs of students and tailor our programmes accordingly. Our learning programmes combine a host of activities and exercises to cater to the child’s learning needs. The learning space and kits are active resources that can be used in multiple ways. Our training modules and materials provide concept-based activities using our learning materials so that the teacher has a database to create personalised programmes. In addition to available materials, both the facilitator and the student have the freedom and flexibility to create their own activities based on their experiences. Our content is concept-based. Therefore, it can be mapped to any syllabus followed by a school.
How is this programme being taken to children or schools during the lockdown?
In the face of this unprecedented crisis, we have adapted to the new normal. We conduct online sessions with students above grade VII. With younger children, we conduct online sessions only where parent time is available during the session. With our school customers, our focus is on teacher training. We are playing the role of a counsellor and providing training and coaching to the school teams as per the need.
What's the story behind the name NumberNagar?
‘Number’ indicates concepts that students learn in their school – regardless of subject. We chose the word ‘Number’ because of its ubiquitous relevance. The concept of ‘Number’ appears in all subjects. ‘Nagar’ indicates the environment the student lives in. It can be a city, a town, a village, a residential community. It is where the student’s everyday experiences lie.
