The article, “ >A template for teacher education ” (Dec.27), raises the fundamental need to educate the masses on the true essence of education. As the writer has pointed out, there is hardly any place for true creativity and innovative skills. One can cite numerous examples where the application of theory in real-life situations is non-existent, pointing to the fact that a student has not had well-rounded and wholesome education.
Anuj Verma,
Lakhimpur Kheri, U.P.
It is very disappointing that even after six decades of Independence, we are having a discourse on teacher education rather than children’s education. It shows that with our colonial-era education system, we lack the vision to keep ourselves abreast of latest developments. There is an urgent need to introduce vocational subjects as well in order to help both teacher and student.
Shrinivas Paraddi,
Bagalkot, Karnataka
Education has become completely money-oriented and the intention of inducing knowledge in the minds of the citizens of tomorrow is declining. Education is not only about the issue of heavy bags and infrastructure in schools, but also about the subject and the quality of the teacher. Teacher training must be accorded extra emphasis.
T. Sai Sindhu,
Hyderabad
The article has shown the urgent need for reform in pedagogical methods. Apart from a TE curriculum, there is also a need to incentivise the teaching profession so that it attracts the best talent in order to herald a change in the system. A teacher’s visibly low status in society, as pointed out by the writer, is what leads to the branding of this profession as the last refuge for any educated youth seeking a job. There is also a need to invoke the ancient guru-shishya relationship so as to restore the soul of the education system.
Vijaya Chikara,
New Delhi
We as a society need to stop underestimating the teacher community so that more brilliant youth enter the profession. The government should take proactive initiatives to attract talented people to the education system by providing good facilities and infrastructure.
Lahu Babusing Jadhao,
Pune
Teacher education today has no answers to problems that students face. Students appear to be miles ahead as far as the use of technology is concerned; teachers are still far behind. Curricula in many cases are outdated. These ideas should also be thought of in a new TE programme: the use of modern technology, application of Internet technologies; use of LCD projectors while handling classes; videoconferencing classes; developing skills to keep track of cyber crime; periodic counselling; including psychology as a special paper; the use of case studies in all subjects, and inculcating moral values.
R. Velmurugan,
Thanjavur
