Article Details
  • Published Online:
    December  2024
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of English Studies
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJES181224
  • Author Name:
    Padma Lamo, Raju Dhuli and Rajakumar Guduru
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Arts and Humanities
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    220- 231
Exploring Teaching-Learning Techniques for Improving Literacy in Migrant Labor Children: A Case Study
Abstract

This study explores innovative teaching-learning techniques to improve literacy among rural migrant labor children, a highly disadvantaged group facing substantial educational challenges, in Bhubaneswar, India. Through a case study involving five children aged between 9 and 13, the researchers assessed the children’s baseline literacy levels and implemented a comprehensive intervention program utilizing diverse teaching tools like picture dictionaries, flashcards, educational videos/songs, and interactive activities. Both quantitative (pre/post literacy tests) and qualitative (observations and interviews) methods were employed to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. The results revealed significant improvements in children’s reading and writing skills with mean literacy scores increasing from 5.4 to 7.4 and 4.8 to 7.0, respectively. Speaking skills also improved (4.6 to 5.4), but to a lesser extent. The study highlights the potential of tailored, interactive literacy programs in empowering underprivileged migrant children and addressing educational disparities. However, the small sample size limits the generalizability.

Introduction

In India, people migrate seasonally from rural to urban areas for temporary jobs. Such a kind of migration is driven by poverty and a lack of local livelihood. It is a strategy for survival for these poor people and a phenomenon common across many Indian states.