PERIODIC TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS BY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
Periodic training programs for teachers are regular training programs conducted by the school for the overall development of teachers and to improve the quality of education. They are often conducted inside educational institutes on behalf of a reputed training agency.
Such training programs are systematic approaches to the professional development of a teacher, and they involve regularly scheduled training sessions or workshops aimed at enhancing a teacher’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Periodic training has great importance in the educational sector. It helps the instructors to grow professionally, and personally, along with getting updated with the system. So, it is essential to conduct such training programs regularly and effectively for increasing the efficiency and productivity of tutors.
What are the training programs for teachers?
In India, periodic teacher training programs have gained a considerable reputation in recent years, with school management recognizing the importance of investing in such professional development programs.
Here is a list of some popular periodic training programs launched by the Indian government to improve the quality of education and to focus on continuous learning & improvement:
NISHTHA
NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement) is a teacher training program launched by the ‘Department of School Education and Literacy’ (working under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, under the Indian government), in 2019. The program aims to improve the quality of education in India through Integrated Teacher Training.
The training program focuses on improving the competencies of school teachers and principals. This massive training program motivates teachers to foster critical thinking in students.
The results envisioned by NISHTHA include:
» Enhancing the quality of classroom training in schools
» Providing opportunities for teachers to develop new skills and knowledge
» Improving the overall learning outcomes of students
» Empowering teachers to become mentors and facilitators of learning
» Creation of a safe school environment
DIKSHA
DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) is a digital platform launched by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (Ministry of Education, Govt of India to provide teachers with access to high-quality educational resources. The platform offers a wide range of resources, including textbooks, videos, and interactive learning modules to teachers, students, and parents.
The core building blocks of DIKSHA majorly comprise online courses, interactive quizzes, question banks, chatbots, analytics, and a dashboard. In recent years, the platform has experienced an unprecedented rise in access by learners and teachers across the country.
Samagra Shiksha
Samagra Shiksha is an integrated program launched by the Indian government in 2018 to improve the quality of education in India. The program aims to provide an equitable education to all children, regardless of their social or economic background. It includes three Schemes; Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE).
The main outcome expectations of this program include promoting vocationalisation of Education and strengthening Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs).
Major features:
» Treat school education holistically
» Encouraging teachers to provide high-quality education to the students
» Administrative reforms
» Focus on digital education
Essential factors for the teacher training program
There are numerous factors that contribute to the success of these programs, the most relevant ones are listed below:
Develop the basics
The programs should focus on developing the basic and fundamental skills and knowledge to help the tutors effectively teach their subject areas. This basic framework can include training in classroom management, student behavior analysis, lesson planning, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques.
Offer pertinent courses
The teachers shall be trained with relevant training programs that align with the needs of today’s education system, technological integrations, and teacher & student needs. This could include courses in specialized subjects, Ed-tech integration, or working with students with special needs.
Spread out how you deliver
The training program should be delivered in a variety of formats to accommodate different learning styles and schedules. Seminars, webinars, in-person workshops, video conferences, online courses, and on-the-job training are a few examples.
Encourage cooperation
Training programs shall foster a collaborative and encouraging learning environment for teachers to work together, share ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate on lesson plans and instructional strategies.
Provide ongoing assistance
Effective teacher training programs should provide ongoing support to teachers beyond the initial training. This could include follow-up workshops, coaching and mentoring sessions, and access to online resources and support systems & networks.
Why is the periodic teacher’s training program important?
Periodic training programs are essential because they can have a significant impact on the quality of education delivered to the students, as well as the overall growth and development of the teachers. Teachers who participate in such training programs can facilitate active learning, create engaging and inclusive learning environments, and support the diverse and personalized needs of their students.
The programs offer Innovative and beneficial teaching, effective class management skills, and a continuous and never-ending learning process. Additionally, they also help in promoting teacher morale and job satisfaction.
Main features of periodic training for teachers
Creative and effective instruction
The training helps teachers to develop creative and effective instructional strategies that can engage students and motivate them to learn.
Education’s widespread and significant implications
With the training, teachers can understand the broader implications of education and their role in shaping the future of students.
The ongoing and unending process
Periodic training is a continuous and comprehensive unending process that involves constant learning and improvement. It helps teachers stay up-to-date with the latest trends in their field and adapt to new teaching methodologies.
Efficient classroom management abilities
Regular, industry-oriented training programs equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to manage their classrooms efficiently and address student behavior. It also helps to maintain discipline in the classroom and promotes a positive learning environment.
How can we empower teachers through teacher training
Empowering teachers through training programs helps to improve the quality of education. Here are some ways that empower teachers through teacher training.
Elimination of excess work:
Providing training on workload prioritization and time management can be much helpful for teachers. It helps them eliminate unnecessary tasks and focus on their core responsibilities.
Keeping failure and prosperity in check:
Teachers can be trained on managing their successes and failures, as well as student success and failure effectively. This includes supporting struggling students, collecting feedback, and celebrating student achievements.
Imagination and collaboration:
Encouraging imagination and collaboration in teaching practices is a great way to encourage teachers. Incorporating creativity and innovation into lesson plans is a great way to achieve this. Training can be also provided on how to collaborate with their colleagues and share resources.
Effective instruction:
Providing training on effective instructional practices like how to deliver engaging and impactful lessons that cater to student needs and their diverse learning styles.
Extending the basics:
Providing training on technology integration and social-emotional learning. This can help teachers to meet diverse needs and provide a well-rounded education.
Opportunities in periodic teacher training program
Periodic teacher training programs offer several opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge. Some interesting opportunities are provided here:
Possibility to test the new strategies in a learning scenario
Teacher training programs provide opportunities for teachers to experiment with new approaches to teaching. They can assess their effectiveness before implementing them in classrooms.
Exploration of student or child-centered
The student-centered approaches to teaching and learning prioritize the needs and interests of individual students and put emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Scope to understand, evaluate and analyze student performance and growth
Through teacher training programs, teachers can learn how to evaluate and analyze student performance by understanding how to use data to identify areas where students may need additional support. According to this, they can develop individualized learning plans.
There is an opportunity to explore new research techniques in education with high-quality assurance
Teachers receive opportunities to explore new research techniques like evidence-based practices, research studies evaluation, and applying research findings to teaching practices.
Drawbacks in current teacher education
Flawed selection procedures as a result of political, social, and private sources
Illegal, unprofessional, and corrupt selection procedures in various fields of education, including government jobs and private educational institutions, are unfortunately prevalent in many parts of our country. The quality of teachers who are well-trained is often not good enough to be accepted with many lacking in teaching skills, subject knowledge, communication skills, and pedagogical understanding. Such flawed selections are often influenced by political, social, and private sources, which can have negative consequences on the quality of education, as well as on the fairness and merit-based selection of candidates.
Inadequacy of the one-year B.Ed program Biased curriculum
B.Ed programs are usually two years in duration. However, some universities and educational institutes in India still offer a one-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) program, which according to many experts is inadequate for preparing teachers for the challenges of tutoring.
The teachers require sufficient time to develop practical skills, classroom management techniques, and subject-specific knowledge.
Another significant issue is the presence of a biased curriculum. Bias in curriculum refers to real or perceived bias in the textbooks. The curriculum taught in teacher education programs is often influenced by social, cultural factors and political factors which can result in a narrow view of education.
This can lead to teachers being trained with a narrow perspective, which limits their ability to provide a diverse learning environment for the students.
Outdated and pointless educational methodology
The curriculum prepared and taught in teacher education programs is often outdated and not in line with the changing requirements of the education system. There is a lack of emphasis on the latest technology, modern teaching methods, innovative technology integration, and skill-based practical training.
Disregard for the discipline of education studies
Education studies is a field concerned with the pedagogy of teaching and learning. It is a vital field of study that provides insight into how education can be used to promote social, economic, and cultural development.
It examines the theory, practice, and policies of education, and their impact on individuals and society.
Education studies are often disregarded or undervalued, leading to a lack of attention and resources being dedicated to them. It can have several negative consequences for the education system and society as a whole.
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Insufficient instruction in practical skills
Conventional teacher training and education programs in our country often lack practical training, which is very essential for preparing today’s teachers to deal with real-life challenges of classroom situations and other aspects of tutoring. The focus seems to be provided more on theoretical knowledge than practical training.
Conclusion
Periodic teacher training programs can have a significant impact on the quality of education provided to students. These programs provide opportunities for teachers to upgrade their skills, learn new teaching methodologies, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the field of education. They can also receive feedback on their performance and identify areas for improvement.
Overall, training programs can play a crucial role in improving the quality of education in schools, enhancing the professional development of teachers, and promoting the overall growth and development of students.
The school management must provide adequate resources and support to ensure the success of these training programs. By investing in these programs, educational institutes can open new areas of continuous learning and improvement that can benefit teachers and students, and institutions alike.
