KIWAMI is a global brand tuition centre which applies the creative study method called 'TAMAI Method' developed in Japan. This method has been successfully introduced into many schools, kindergartens and major tuition centres in Japan. The first Kiwami centre in India was opened in Punjab. The TAMAI Method is a special program which aids children to develop the ability to visualise, foster imagination and improve judgment.

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Siddharth Marwah, Director and Co Founder at Tamai Onettom India Pvt Ltd talks to DNA about the need to integrate modern techniques and technologies into the educational system.

What are the TAMAI methods?

It invovles a unique method of teaching through 3D animation. Kids as young as two years old can learn this using touch and feel techniques. The Kiwami Geometry program exclusively focuses on geometry, a unit which you least expect drastic improvement even if children start making efforts to improve the scores of geometry-related questions once they enter upper primary school or secondary school. Seven units are covered in this program, namely, plane figures, solid figures, nets, angles, perpendicular and parallel lines, ratios and rotated figures. Children learn these seven units by watching movies, which helps them develop a 'shape brain' and the ability to solve geometry questions without relying on formulae. It also enhances their spatial reasoning capacity, which is required to excel in various fields such as IT, architecture and design.

The Ee Soroban (Abacus) method helps to perform basic and complicated calculations. The Kiwami Soroban employs level-progression curriculum, which allows children to proceed depending on their level of understanding and abilities. By the time they proceed to the upper level, they will find themselves being able to perform mental calculations without using abacus. The Gakken Science Experiment program aims to develop future scientists. Children are made to learn the wonder of science through experiments and our own educational materials, which aids them to learn principles of science and scientific phenomenon. In the Maths CBSE Course — mathematics is a subject, which involves logical and analytical thinking to solve problems. If a child knows concepts then s/he can use them in real life as well. For example if a child knows the concept of perimeter and area then he can find the cost of whitewashing of his home and no one can cheat him on this.

How would this apply to India where funds for education are low with a vast population to cover?

It will have to start at some point or our educational knowledge may start lagging in the decades to come. We have made the right headway in that direction by associating with government schools in Ranchi. We are also trying to educate the decision makers about the benefits, and have successfully run many pilot programs across India. With the right kind of push from the government these methods, which need some initial investments, can be utilised and reach out to the remotest corner of India. A uniform digital learning course can be developed to aid learning skills across India.

Are you collaborating with different schools in India?

We are collaborating with various schools across India. In Ranchi, we have tied up with 10 Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and are already providing our services to leading names in the private sector.

Is it feasible to provide these methods in rural areas where literacy is low?

Yes, in the digital age we can provide these methods to far-flung regions, a laptop loaded with digital content, projector and screen can start a digital classroom, which may roughly cost Rs 30,000 per school.

What is your plan to make this accessible and viable to schools all over India?

We are already providing our content at a very nominal price, all we need is infrastructure from the government.