With experiential learning and sustainability becoming more prevalent in the realm of education, the classic models of teaching are simply not capturing the attention of students as effectively as they could. To overcome it, Ms Sufeena Bano , an esteemed and dedicated teacher from zone Sopore, started an innovative TLM (Teaching learning material) making project “From Waste to Wonder”. At the heart of this project is a simple, transformational philosophy believed by Ms Bano “Learning is most effective when students are co-creators, and teaching becomes magical when it turns waste into wonder.”
Ms Bano's innovative initiatives towards TLM making has been appreciated by the department from time to time. She being Resource person has been disseminating her TLM ideology at different platforms where thousands of teacher trainees got inspired and motivated towards growth of educational goals by enriching TLMs. Ms Sufeena has been honored with "TLM Maker Award" at Zonal and District Level and " Zero Investment Innovations for Education Innitiatives" ( ZIIEI Award from Sri Aurobindo Society Rupenter) for her exemplary passion towards making of effective TLMs from non-hazardous waste materials and her art of innovative innitiatives for effective pedagogy. According to her, "Nature is an unparalleled resource for educating and nurturing children. To maximize its benefits, students should be gradually introduced to nature in manageable, incremental experiences rather than being immersed in its entirety at once."
As an influential educator, she has been leading a campaign to develop effective Teaching-Learning Materials (TLMs), significantly enhancing students' learning experiences and enriching their educational journey. As a result of this campaign, the students did not play the role of passive learners who accepted edtech content; rather, they were active in not only participating in, but also creating, the service design—using waste materials that would have been thrown away anyway as educational tools. The project was in keeping with the main focus of NEP, 2020 on experiential, inclusive and participatory learning.
During an interview highlighting the remarkable facets of her inspiring journey, Ms. Bano shared thought-provoking insights regarding 'Waste to Wonder' project growing and going all along through decade.

What are Objectives of the Project " From Waste to Wonder"?

"We create innovative and effective spaces/technologies that not only treat but also heal
to encourage environmental awareness through the recycling and reuse of waste products in TLM production. As a teacher i am very much cautious in picking up the harmless waste, Low cost No cost things or natural easy available things
To help reinforce concepts with up-close, hands-on, and visual learning tools.
To encourage creativity and innovation in students through the engagement in TLM design and development.
Learning as fun and inclusive, where all learning abilities can contribute.
To develop 21st-century skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and resourcefulness."
Why do you use Waste for TLMs?
"Most contemporary classrooms are brimming with expensive and pre-determined TLMs, leaving no space for freedom. And the volume of reusable material that is thrown away or given to the curb side every day in schools and homes is staggering. From lolly sticks and old CDs to cardboard boxes, bottle tops, wires and broken toys - these are all objects full of potential when it comes to providing children with learning resources which are budget friendly and help in conservation too.
We also got all of this FOR FREE using trash :
No costly kits to purchase.
Advocated the “3 R’s” – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
I believe my students understood the potential of the beautiful and functional value in “waste” materials. Creating something out of nothing – my students felt a sense of pride that they were making something without a lot of tools, materials or help.
Madam, you have been recognized and celebrated for your outstanding contributions in developing the "Casket of TLMs" and for pioneering the creation of the "Magic Box of TLMs for the Foundational Stage."
For an extended period, you have strengthened this initiative, transforming it into a robust project. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 now emphasizes its significance.
Could you share how you approach presenting your project planning and execution strategies to your class?
" To me , where there is passion of teaching, there would be passion of creating effective tools for learning. I have been trying to justify my role as a teacher in making joyful and effective TLMs. And years ago, i used to have "Caskit of TLMs" which has been metamorphosed now into "Jadaui Pitara" to boost FLN. And i owe great thanks to Allah swt that my efforts have been appreciated and encouraged by my higher-ups time to time that inspired me to discover new horrizons of my innitiatives.
I may make you understand my project plan and its execution in just three simple steps keeping in mind the latest TLM project(s) like " Students' Globe __ ReDesigned Model" and " ZigZag Map__ Easy to Get" , done by my class VI students at BMS Arampora School.
Step 1: Orientation
I introduced the project with an activity session focusing on:The role of Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM) in simplifying learning; the creative process of transforming trash into useful objects; and the environmental impact of unrecycled plastic waste.
Step 2: Collection Drive
For one week, I encouraged students to bring safe, cleaned household waste items. In groups, they collected items such as:Paper rolls, boxes, wires, and straws.Plastic bottles, bangles, and matchboxes.Caps, foil, thread reels, and buttons.
Step 3: Design and Ideation
I guided groups of four students to choose topics with their group leader and brainstorm model ideas for subjects like math, social sciences, or language, which I was assigned to teach. Some student ideas included:A solar system model using CDs and string.A water cycle diorama made with a plastic tray and cotton.Plant parts crafted from paper, sticks, and fabric scraps.A clock model with bottle caps as numbers.Polyhedra built with toothpicks and clay.Numeracy concepts represented using sticks, pebbles, or used paper sheets.

What are the Effects on Students and Classroom Instruction?

" Through teacher-led instruction, students are able to design useable visually attractive TLMs. They later shared their models with their classmates and explained the concept and how they were made.
The products of this work are rich results. It enhances engagement, develops something real taught students to be curious and become more interested in learning. Symmetry and climate change, grammar rules and number operations all became fun and easy to understand. I suppose , the involvement of students in such projects boosts confidence in them.Even the shy or academically underachieving students get their time in the spotlight. After giving the models, the students standing in the front of the room developed communication and confidence in front of their peers.And we never know, where their creativity would take off."
Sufeena Ma'am, you are multi- award winning teacher , particularly refering to The Best Teacher Award of UTJ&K -2023 . You have already proved your mettle in multi-dimensional levels as content creator, researcher, resource person .You have been a proactive participant in social awareness programs, community mobilisation, channalizing respurces for students, national integration and global education campaigns. What is you Deep Conceptual Understanding of TLMs in teaching process?
" Making a TLM is not an exercise in rote learning, TLM making is dependent on one's understanding of a topic. For example, students constructing a model of a working volcano (with paper mache and soda-vinegar reaction) needed to know some basic chemistry and be able to articulate that.
Moreover, it is a practical process of teamwork and empathy. It is a shared, collaborative effort of empathy, responsibility, patience and team work.

My project " Waste to Wonder" also promotes Environmental Awareness

This project organically becomes a conversation about sustainability, climate change, waste segregation and responsible consumption— no need for a preachy lesson. It is pertinant to mention here that teachers or school must be facilitator, Not Just Instructor.
As an instructor, I transformed myself from a purveyor of content to a coach and advisor."
Kindly share with us any challenges facing in your TLM making project?
"As with any creative project, this one also has a couple of challenges like
avoiding hazards with specific materials; balancing group dynamics; persuading parents to let children use "waste-formers"(.But they proved easy enough to overcome with open communication, and planning and setting boundaries); Vision of the Future and Sequel and specifically hinting to unspacious infrastructure of the school where i am currently posted , we don't have room to display or document such projects for longer time. Still we manage to exhibit and safeguard for requisite learning period at the mini sites of learning corners in tight class- rooms of BMS Arampora Sopore ( which is a rented building). Many a times the concept of BALA ( Building As Learning Aid) adds impact to our aim."
Ms Sufeena Bano's “Waste to Wonder” project is more than just a process of creating TLMs but a metamorphosis of learning, innovation, sustainability and partnership. It teaches that education doesn’t require costly tools — it requires inspiration and participation.
While interacting with some of her students about this TLM creation initiative, the students felt to be blessed being under mentoship of Ms Sufeena and expressed themselves highlighting the project that Ms Bano tries to help her students to select practical ideas; leads how they are built; asks them questions that prompt greater depth of thought; makes them to celebrate their failure as a Learning Opportunity by providing friendly and frank environment. "Rather than one-way instruction, we were co-creating knowledge in an atmosphere of dynamism and creativity.", affirmed one of the students.
"We also seek to incorporate elements of local culture in TLMs in that it utilizes regional arts and storytelling to ground learning in its cultural context making learning relevant," affirmed Ms Sufeena with a confidence and determination nurturing within her soul.
In turning trash into treasure, Ms Sufeena has been teaching her students not just school subjects but life lessons: to innovate, to care for the world they live in, and to believe in themselves and the power of possibility. This is what real education is all about — hands-on, hearts-in and minds-alive.

Email;-------------adnannazir365@gmail.com