Shopian, August 13
A three-day Capacity-Building Programme on Art-Integrated Learning, which commenced on 10 August 2026, concluded successfully on 12 August 2026 at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Shopian, with enthusiastic participation from teaching staff representing various schools across District Shopian.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Neetu Gandotra, Principal, DIET Shopian. In her inaugural address, she emphasized the need to move towards creative, activity-based and experiential approaches to teaching and learning. She highlighted the importance of incorporating artistic methods into classroom instruction to make the learning process more engaging, meaningful and effective for students.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Mohd Yousuf Bhat, Senior Lecturer, DIET Shopian, who conducted practical sessions demonstrating innovative approaches for the seamless integration of art into the teaching and learning of Science. The training programme focused on key aspects of Art-Integrated Learning, including the project-based approach to experiential learning, vocationalization of elementary and secondary education, integration of art with Social Studies and Mathematics, and development of experiential learning projects.
These sessions were facilitated by resource persons who shared practical strategies and classroom-oriented methodologies with the participating teachers. As a supplementary component, a special session was also conducted by Dr. Mohd Hussain, Soil Chemist, Department of Horticulture, who sensitized participants about innovative and sustainable practices, particularly the use of organic manure in school kitchen gardens. The session highlighted the potential of school kitchen gardens as experiential learning spaces that can promote environmental awareness and practical learning among students.
The three-day programme provided teachers with practical knowledge, innovative pedagogical strategies and hands-on approaches for integrating art with different curricular areas. The programme concluded with a renewed emphasis on making classroom learning creative, experiential, interdisciplinary and learner centred.