REPORT ON THE ONLINE WEBINAR ON TOWARDS TRANSFORMATION OF TEACHER EDUCATION IN INDIA- KERALA CONTEXT: ITEP AWARENESS AND BRAINSTORMING
DATE: 10-08-2024
PLATFORM: GOOGLE MEET
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
• Prayer
• Welcome address
• Introductory Remarks
• Chairman’s address
• Inaugural address: Towards transformation of teacher education
• Key Presentation on ITEP Awareness and Implementation of ITEP in Kerala context
• Discussion by the participants
• Feedback and Sharing ideas
• Points of Consolidation
• Vote of Thanks
REPORT
On 10th August 2024, Council for Teacher Education Foundation- Kerala in collaboration with Mar Theophilus Training College (MTTC), Nalanchira organised an Online Webinar on Towards Transformation of Teacher Education in India- Kerala Context: ITEP Awareness and Brainstorming was held, beginning at 3:00 PM and concluding at 6:30 PM. The meeting commenced with Abhirami G S serving as the anchor and a prayer led by Sr. Ann Mary Jacob.
Welcome Address: Prof. Dr. Nimmi Maria Oomen, General Secretary, CTEF, Kerala
• Prof. Dr. Nimmi Maria Oomen delivered the welcome address, where she emphasized the significance of ITEP.
Introductory Speech: Prof. Dr. Joju John, Principal, MTTC, Nalanchira
• Discussed the importance of ITEP in shaping education and identifying implementation challenges.
• Expressed gratitude to all participants.
Chairman's Address: Dr. M.S. Geetha, Chairperson, CTEF, Kerala
• Emphasized the need to sensitize teacher educators about the emerging ITEP. She mentioned that the ITEP pilot study had begun and that the Kerala Government was actively working to spread awareness about the program. A commission, chaired by Prof. Mohan B Menon along with Dr. T Mohammed Salim, Prof Asha J V, Prof. Anilkumar, Dr Sajan K S, Prof. T C Thankachan has been established to submit a report on the feasibility of introducing ITEP in the Kerala context.
• She also suggested that strategic tweaks can be made to our current institutional frame work (Standalone institutions) to integrate a multi-disciplinary setting/environment by introducing minor but effective modifications to our current infrastructure and by making them the prime nodal agency.
• The institutions with rich legacy and optimal resources should be repurposed as nodal centers of multi-disciplinary excellence. By doing so we will not only honour their legacy but also propel them in to future where they become dynamic epicentres of innovation fostering a holistic approach to teacher education.
• For empowering standalone institutions to embrace multidisciplinary settings/environment , a State level committee or Advisory board may be setup comprising stake holders from diverse tiers – Colleges of teacher education, Departments of Education, DIETS and TTIs. This collaborative ensemble will harmonize efforts to facilitate an integration of multi-disciplinary environment necessitating minimal transformations within institutions.
Inaugural Address: Prof. Mohan B Menon, Chairman, KSHEC-ITEP Curriculum Committee
The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Mohan B Menon. He spoke on the significance of ITEP and its implementation, noting the changes in teacher education since independence. He clarified that ITEP is not a replacement for the existing B.Ed course but a new program introduced in the country. He acknowledged the challenges in transition from the existing system and emphasized the need for an open-minded approach to ITEP, which embraces constructive criticism. He also suggested the necessity of establishing a separate institution for elementary education.
Key Talk on ITEP: Dr. T. Mohammed Salim, Principal, Farook Training College
The key talk on ITEP awareness was delivered by Dr. T. Mohammed Salim, who acknowledged that total transformation is never an easy process. He discussed the challenges faced by teacher education and the potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of having a backup plan (Plan B) while implementing ITEP in Kerala. He provided a comprehensive overview of ITEP, including details on its structure, units, criteria, qualifications, number of teacher educators, and infrastructure requirements. He also explained the criteria for each College of Teacher Education in Kerala to apply for the ITEP Course.
Discussion Points:
Prof. Dr. V Reghu:
• Raised concerns about the quality of teacher education during ITEP implementation, particularly for self-financing colleges.
• Suggested forming a committee to address these concerns and report to the Prime Minister.
• Stressed the importance of M.Ed. qualification for Teacher Educators.
Prof. Dr. Rajeswari K
• Suggested converting stand-alone colleges into nodal agencies and raised concerns about special education.
• Questioned the practicality of integrating B.Com with teacher education and the relevance of Commerce at all levels.
• Asked about the future of the existing M.Ed. course.
Mr. Gireesh Babu:
• Inquired about the qualifications of faculties in Central Universities.
Dr. Malini:
• Asked about the qualifications required for Teacher Educators in ITEP.
Sunila Thomas, Titus II Training College:
• Pointed out the lack of separation between pedagogy and subject knowledge among teacher educators.
Dr. Naisal, Government TTI, Alapuzha:
• Suggested enhancing ties between General Education and Higher Education for ITEP implementation.
Faculty from DIET, Kozhikode:
• Emphasized the importance of Elementary Education and suggested grassroots-level meetings to discuss implementation challenges.
Dr. Sheeja, DIET:
• Proposed upgrading TTI and DIET to UGC standards.
Ms. Mini K S:
• Inquired about the qualifications required for secondary teachers under ITEP.
Ms. Suprabha:
• Mentioned that the Kadar committee's recommendations on school education are approved by the state government but differ from NEP 2020.
Ms. Sindhu, DIET Ernakulam:
• Expressed concerns about ensuring the quality of primary teachers under ITEP.
Ms. Anju Antony:
• Asked whether teachers completing ITEP can teach at the primary level.
Dr. Renuka Sonny:
• Inquired about the integration of Art Education in ITEP.
Dr. K.S. Sajan, NSS Training College, Ottapalam
• Highlighted both the concerns and significance of ITEP for quality initiative for producing competent teachers.
The meeting concluded with Prof. Dr. Maya S, MTTC, Nalanchira consolidating the key points discussed, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Premachandran P, Treasurer, CTEF, Kerala. The meeting ended at 6:30 PM.