The Kajoli Early Childhood education model

The Kajoli Early Childhood education model

Context: Swati Narayan travelled across four countries, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, and found that even poorer neighbours were doing better than some States in India on a range of social indicators like health, education, nutrition and sanitation.

Background:
• In her book, Unequal: Why India Lags Behind Its Neighbours, the author mentions about The Kajoli Early Childhood Education Model and how it has improved education outcomes in primary children and she suggests similar model can be applied in some states of India lagging behind education parameters.

What is Kajoli Early Childhood Education Model?
• The Kajoli Early Childhood Education (ECE) Model is a pre-school model that was developed through action research. It was designed to support the educational needs of economically underprivileged communities.
• The Kajoli model, based on play and peer learning, was exemplified by a dynamic teacher named Shaheen. Despite challenging conditions, such as an asbestos-roofed classroom, limited ventilation, and little sunlight, Shaheen’s students outperformed their counterparts in nearby schools. The school operated for three hours a day, and mothers collectively financed it, taking turns providing meals.

How does Kajoli ECE model differ from other pre-school models?
• Community Participation: The Kajoli model emphasizes the involvement and ownership of the community in the education process. This is a unique aspect of the Kajoli model that may not be as prominent in other pre-school models.
• Focus on Economically Underprivileged Communities: The Kajoli model was specifically designed to support the educational needs of economically underprivileged communities. While other models can be adapted to different contexts, the Kajoli model’s primary focus is on these communities.
• Learning Materials: The Kajoli model includes unique learning materials such as a pocket board, pocket cards, and the innovative use of blackboards. These materials may differ from those used in other preschool models.
• Objective: The main objective of the Kajoli model is to support children aged four to five years in learning to read, write in Bangla and English, and do simple arithmetic within its one-year course. This specific focus may differ from the broader or different educational goals of other pre-school models.

Other education models
• Waldorf Strategy: Emphasizes teaching a child how to think, not what to think. Lessons are experimental and designed to build trust with the educator.
• Reggio Emilia Philosophy: Places as much focus on developing a child’s emotional intelligence as it does their intellectual intelligence