Advancing Spatial Thinking in Classrooms: BVIEER Hosts Geospatial Capacity Building Workshop
Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research, Pune successfully conducted a two-day workshop on geospatial thinking and education , as part of the Geospatial Capacity Building Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. This workshop marked the 6th in a national series conducted in collaboration with SCERTs across the country, bringing together educators from across Maharashtra.
The programme focused on integrating spatial thinking into classroom pedagogy to help localise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Teachers explored how geospatial technologies—from understanding satellite-based location systems to hands-on training in mapping tools—can be used to analyse real-world problems and design context-specific learning experiences.
Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants reimagined their teaching approaches, moving towards more inquiry-based, data-driven, and place-based education. The workshop enabled educators to connect classroom concepts with local environmental and developmental challenges, strengthening their ability to foster critical thinking and problem-solving among students.
The event was enriched by insightful addresses from Dr. Sanjay Patil, Head, Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre; Dr. Manisha Yadav, HOD Mathematics, SCERT Maharashtra; Dr. Shamita Kumar, Principal, BVIEER; and Ankur Mehta, Scientist B, National Geospatial Programme, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.