The article, “ >A template for teacher education ” (Dec.27), has shed new light on the crucial role of a teacher in shaping a child’s future and the capabilities a teacher should have in order to change the face of our education system. According to ancient Indian scriptures, a teacher is viewed as a centre for growth and the spread of knowledge. As Swami Vivekananda said, “The father and mother give me this body; but the guru gives me rebirth in the soul.” So, a teacher can have deep influence on a student’s attitude. In today’s world, educational institutions are highly commercialised while at least some teachers view their profession purely as a source of income, ignoring their great responsibility in shaping society. Under these circumstances, teacher education plays a vital role in ensuring quality education and in making a teacher realise his or her true potential. They should make a student dream his dreams and strive for his excellence.
Balaji Akiri,
Hyderabad
Most teachers desire a lucrative job and a non-stressed life. Yet, the fact is that many of them have an uncertain future. Their salaries are relatively meagre. The recruitment of teachers is flawed, especially in government institutions, and has become a political tool to get votes. In such a situation, there is no talk of the quality of education. In many parts of India, we need a sound and transparent recruitment policy in order to attract talent.
Sandeep Saharan,
Hisar, Haryana
The intellectual autonomy of a teacher must be the predominant factor in any discussion on teacher education. As a teacher’s role affects entire generations, it is a very sensitive issue to be pondered over. The mass-production of “narrowly skilled” people will only result in the staunching of broad national interests. The wide-ranging capabilities of a teacher should be tailored so as to increasingly accommodate a smart epistemology and content of the curriculum. The present-day teacher must also learn to be a lifelong learner.
S. Saseendra Das,
Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Let us hope the present dispensation in Delhi will take cognisance of the issues raised. Let me quote a paragraph from my book, Banking, Reforms & Corruption: Development Issues in 21st Century India . In the chapter “Higher Education” it says: “While there is a spurt of institutions to cater to the ‘fast food’ approach of preparing students for job-oriented qualifications, there is a real dearth of efforts to support research and development of teaching skills in base subjects coming under science and humanities. The emergence of technology and science as preferred subjects for entering the job market with confidence has resulted in mostly ‘unskilled’ candidates pursuing subjects coming under the broad head of humanities.”
M.G. Warrier,
Thiruvananthapuram
