Learning Camp

About

Learning Camps are brief yet intensive interventions where children are taught multiple subjects like Math, Science, Language and English in a focused manner through CAMaL (Combined Activities for Maximum Learning) method. CAMaL is a teaching/learning methodology developed indigenously by Pratham. It combines various human learning faculties like listening, speaking, reading, writing and doing through a variety of activity and games based modules to impart basic arithmetic and reading skills to children.

These camps are conducted in schools during or after school hours or in communities and community spaces where children within age group of 6-14 years, converge to learn the aforementioned subjects.

Pedagogy

In the beginning, a pre test is conducted which provides quantifiable results on learning levels of children. Based on the results of the pre test, children are selected for conducting learning camps. Here, the children are then divided into groups (word level group, paragraph level group, story level group in language and in arithmetic – number recognition group, addition level group and so on) based on their learning levels ascertained by the test. Essentially, children of different grades are being grouped according to their learning levels

Each group is then taught basic reading and arithmetic skills through activity based modules. For example, numbers are taught by physically counting straws and each stack of 10 straws is grouped as a bundle. This activity not only teaches numbers counting but also assists in orienting children towards place value of digits.

There are definite learning goals to be achieved and parents of children are encouraged to attend the camps to experience the teaching-learning process for themselves. Children are tested on the final day of the camp) to gauge the impact of the exercise.

Community involvement exercises, especially involvement of parents is given due importance. Learning camps predominantly focus on children of Std. III-VII. Those falling at zero level i.e. non-readers category/little or no number recognition are grouped together, whereas those at paragraph /subtraction category fall in other group. The concept is to target such lagging behind children and bring them to at least 2 to 3 level higher than their baseline levels.

Objectives :

● To impart intensive and focused learning inputs.

● To inculcate learning in a fearless, child friendly atmosphere and learning through play mode.

● To improve learning levels of children by at least 2 to 3 level above their baseline level.

Reach :

Pratham reached 3050 children in 2015-16 through 134 learning camps.