Why Every School Teacher Must Read Divyaswapna by Gijubhai Badheka.

Imagine a classroom where learning is filled with joy and curiosity, where students are free to explore knowledge beyond rigid textbooks. This is the vision Gijubhai Badheka painted in Divyaswapna—a vision that remains as relevant today as it was a century ago.

Divyaswapna was decades ahead of its time, envisioning an education system that is joyful, flexible, skill-based, and focused on holistic development. His thoughts were not just idealistic dreams but practical reforms that educators today can implement in their classrooms. His work offers timeless wisdom that educators can draw from, helping them transform the teaching-learning process into something meaningful. Here are some cardinal principles from the book, each illustrated with an example to help teachers apply them.

• Joyful Learning Over Rote Memorization
• Gijubhai believed that learning should be enjoyable rather than a forced burden.
• Example: Instead of making students memorize multiplication tables mechanically, Gijubhai introduced fun games and real-life applications to make math engaging.

• Freedom in Learning – Student-Centric Approach
• He advocated child-centered education, where students learn at their own pace, ensuring children explore their interests. Children learn best when given autonomy to explore topics at their own pace.
• Example: In his classrooms, Gijubhai allowed students to pursue their curiosity, letting them read books of their choice and express their understanding creatively.

• Play-Based and Experiential Learning
• Learning through play and hands-on activities helps children understand concepts better.
• Example: Gijubhai used real-world objects and interactive activities rather than rigid textbooks to explain complex ideas.

• Storytelling as a Pedagogical Tool
• Stories captivate children’s attention and make abstract concepts more relatable.
• Example: Gijubhai narrated engaging stories with embedded lessons, ensuring children learned values and concepts through imagination.

• Removing Fear from Classrooms – Safe Learning Environment
• A fear-free environment encourages creativity and participation.
• Example: He never scolded or punished students harshly but encouraged them to learn from their mistakes with kindness.

• Strong Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
• A solid foundation in reading and arithmetic is crucial for all future learning.
• Example: Gijubhai developed creative phonics-based reading techniques, making literacy accessible to all children.

• Learning Beyond Textbooks
• Education should extend beyond prescribed books and encourage real-world connections.
• Example: His students explored nature, villages, and communities to understand concepts beyond classroom walls.

• Encouraging Critical Thinking and Curiosity
• Teachers should encourage children to ask questions and explore answers.
• Example: Instead of merely answering questions, Gijubhai would respond with another question, prompting students to think critically.

• Multilingual Education – Learning in the Mother Tongue
• Children understand and retain concepts better when introduced to them in their first language.
• Example: He advocated for primary education in the child’s mother tongue to ensure deeper understanding and confidence.

• Holistic Development Over Exam-Centric Learning
• Education should nurture creativity, emotional intelligence, and life skills.
• Example: Gijubhai encouraged art, drama, and music in classrooms rather than just preparing students for tests.

• Learning by Doing – Hands-On Approach
• Students understand concepts better through practical experiences.
• Example: He encouraged children to engage in real-world activities like farming, cooking, and crafting to learn through experience.

• Developing Emotional and Social Intelligence
• Children need to be taught social-emotional skills alongside academics.
• Example: Gijubhai created a culture of cooperation and kindness, ensuring children learn empathy and teamwork.

• Encouraging Self-Learning and Independence
• Students should be given opportunities to learn independently.
• Example: His students took ownership of their learning, selecting books, organizing projects, and setting their study routines.

• Peer Learning and Collaborative Learning
• Students learn better when they collaborate with their peers.
• Example: Gijubhai formed learning groups where older students helped younger ones, fostering a cooperative learning culture.

• Integration of Vocational Education
• Practical life skills should be part of the curriculum.
• Example: He introduced gardening, carpentry, and weaving into the school day to teach practical knowledge alongside academics.

• Education That Prepares for Life, Not Just Jobs
• Learning should equip students with life skills, not just academic knowledge.
• Example: A teacher can organize sessions on communication skills, problem-solving, or self-awareness to prepare students for real-world challenges.

• Teachers as Facilitators, Not Just Instructors
• Teachers are to be guides and mentors for students rather than just filling them with knowledge and information
• Example: A teacher can ask, “What do you think will happen next?” during a lesson instead of providing direct answers, encouraging students to think critically.

• Inclusive and Equitable Education for All
• Education should be accessible to every child, regardless of background.
• Example: A teacher can adapt lessons to include visual aids for students with learning disabilities or provide additional support to those who need it.

• Allowing Students to Make Mistakes and Learn from Them
• For him, mistakes should be seen as part of the learning process.
• Example: Instead of marking incorrect answers harshly, a teacher can say, “Great effort! Let’s see how we can improve this.”

Conclusion

Divyaswapna is not just a book; it’s a guiding light for every educator. It reminds us that teaching is not about transferring information but nurturing curiosity, fostering creativity, and making learning a joyful journey. Divyaswapna presents an education model that resonates deeply with the principles of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

This book is a valued read if you’re an educator looking to transform your classroom. Let’s move beyond outdated methods and embrace a child-centered, experiential, and meaningful approach to education!