Local technologies are the use of locally available materials to solve the problems raised in daily activities. Those technologies which can be used in the absence of electricity are referred to as simple technology. Local technology refers to the technology which has been invented and operated on the basis of indigenous knowledge of the people of a particular locality. For example Pani Ghatta, Dhiki, Janto, Plough, etc. In other words, local technologies are also called traditional technologies. Local technology uses simple tools which are locally available.
During conducting teaching-learning activities of science and technology in grade 6 at my school, the Technology topic includes all common local technologies in the society of Nepal available both in the village as well as in town.
Pani Ghatta Janto
These are the local technologies frequently used tools in the village area. Most of the students are familiar with how they work and for what purpose these local technologies are applied.
Dhiki is a traditional village mill or tool used for husking the grains of cereals such as rice millet, etc. The classroom explanation of working can enhance the importance of Dhiki in daily life. Similarly, Janto is used to grind grains for flour.
Some local technologies and tools which are applicable for teaching-learning activities inside the classroom are discussed below:
To teach Measurement lessons local materials are desks, benches, and books which can be measured by using scales. It can enhance the actively participate of the students to teach measurement topics.
In the Chemistry topic, local materials Lemon, Vinegar for Acid teaching, and Common salt for Salt teaching are possible.
A funnel preparation is possible by cutting plastic bottles. This activity helps in teaching waste management that includes Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R's method),
In Astronomy and Earth science, local materials such as views of the moon, day and night conditions, ball and torch lights, and discussions about rocks, rivers, animals, and plants at their locality are used.
To illustrate Pascal's law, a Balloon filled with water can be used.
To teach electricity, an electric bulb, and switch can be used.
Advantages of using local materials in classroom teaching
1. They are of low cost or free of cost
2. Local materials help to apply the knowledge
3. Local materials are always available and easy to obtain
4. Development of knowledge from their home equipment
5. Development of good materials from local waste material is possible like a plastic bottle
6. Students become familiar with the application of study in their daily life
7. Use of local material makes teaching-learning activities easier
8. Skilled learning is possible from the use of local teaching materials in the classroom.
9. Students actively participate in the learning process.
10. Once the student gets familiar with them, they can make such tools at home by themselves.
11. Learning by observation and participation is possible
12. Helps to preserve our cultural practice
Challenges to using Local materials in Classroom
1. Problem of training to use local teaching materials inside the classroom
2. Availability of new local teaching materials
3. Administration support to use of such materials
4. Management of time for use of local materials for each individual learner
5. Some students may not be familiar with the local technology under study
In this way, the use of local materials in classroom teaching is essential to work to be done in school to build skilled manpower in the future. The local materials help to build an application-based study method and increase the activity of students. Besides, many challenges are still there in the use of local materials
inside the classroom. There should be a proper plan from institutions to promote the
use of locally available low-cost free materials in the learning process.
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