By Veena Raizada, Director Academics, Next Education India Pvt Ltd
Because of the fact that the teachers hold the key to brighter future, the teaching profession is poised for a big leap
The paradigm shift in education over last few decades, calls for a change from the traditional methods of schooling to one that will enrich the learning process and empower the learners for the most critical exam called life.
School education in the techno-savvy world of today has become a complex subject. School architectural designs need to focus on provision of learning spaces, platforms for experimental, exploring and experiential learning, and classroom technologies that create innovative and interactive learning environments. Curriculum designs are increasingly becoming customised to enhance individual learning. The success of this continuum will continue to be a huge challenge unless we are supported by the core force of ‘Quality Teachers.’
Almost a decade back, in the international PISA assessments in 2000, Finland emerged on the top with a high level of academic achievement. Educationists and policy makers in education all across the globe were surprised to witness the “Finnish Miracle,” as it came to be called. And it led to many researchers devoting themselves to .
“In examining the sources of Finland’s dramatic rise to the top, researchers discovered that one key element that has impacted Finland’s success above all others is the availability of excellent teachers. Teachers are the main reason Finland now leads the international pack in literacy, science, and math.”(Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education ~ Research Brief-Sep2010)
Teachers are the backbone of an education system. The way the teachers do their teaching has a seminal influence on what the students learn. The role of the teachers and their competency in transactional processes of educational curriculum remain crucial to an effective outcome of learning.
Emphasising the need for quality teachers, UNESCO report-2009 (on projecting the demand for teachers to meet the goals of Universal Primary Education by 2015) clearly states that “Without adequate numbers of professionally qualified teachers, including female teachers, who are deployed in the right places, well-remunerated and motivated, adequately supported and proficient in local languages, we cannot offer the world’s children quality education.”
Since time immemorial, teachers’ role in effective learning has been recognised. Several decades ago, the Education Commission of India (1964-66) accepted the influence of teachers, with this set of powerful words: “No system can rise above the status of its teachers…” Preparing the students of today for tomorrow is a huge responsibility of the educators. With technology growing exponentially and changing the world around us, the future remains unpredictable.
There have been numerous efforts for improving teacher education, yet a lot needs to be done. The emerging complexity of global economic, social and environmental challenges is creating demands for an education framework that would will the children of today to be innovative, creative and skilled citizens of tomorrow.Hence, the paramount need of the present times is indeed “quality teachers.”
