Kozhikode DIET launches ‘IntelliTrait’ to mentor schoolchildren

The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Kozhikode, has launched a training programme to develop and promote entrepreneurial skills and job orientation among schoolchildren.

Titled ‘IntelliTrait’, the project is being implemented in 17 higher secondary schools and as many high schools in the district in the first phase. U.K. Abdunnasar, Principal, DIET, said that quite often children choose their areas of higher studies without identifying their own inherent skills or tastes. This later leads to a disconnect in their studies and jobs. The project aims to suggest a scientific solution to the challenges faced by the students in this regard, he said.

“It was conceived under the principle ‘The right person in the right place’. An AI-assisted platform has been created based on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, Steven Rudolph’s theory of multiple natures, and Daniel Goleman’s theory of emotional intelligence. Through this, the thought process of students, their learning methods, problem-solving skills and abilities, and emotional maturity can be scientifically evaluated,” Mr. Abdunnasar said.

Official sources said that the project will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, the teachers proposed by DIET will be trained by Kozhikode-based TSEEP Academy to make them certified master teachers. In the second phase, these master teachers will train the other teachers. Thereafter, online camps in Malayalam and English with a duration of 90 to 120 minutes will be conducted in schools for students.

Both the students and their parents will then be provided career guidance by the teachers and counsellors. Existing computer labs in schools will be fully utilised for implementing the project, the DIET sources said. Mr. Abdunnasar said that higher educational institutions and start-ups will be linked to the project at a later stage to expand the entrepreneurial ideas among schoolchildren and to mentor them.

The official launch of the project was recently held at Farook Training College, Kozhikode. T. Mohammed Saleem, College Principal, opened the event. Aslam Bukhari, founder director, TSEEP Academy, spoke about the project. It was followed by technical sessions on the themes ‘Understanding multiple intelligences and holistic student assessment’ and ‘Experiencing IntelliTrait: live demonstration and hands-on exploration’.