Modernise B.Ed programme

Srinivasan Sriram, Principal, The Mann School in Delhi

by admin

The current teacher training system is outdated and ill-equipped to address these needs, leaving schools struggling to find teachers who can meet modern educational demands. He explores the disconnect between the aspirations of today’s teachers and the evolving needs of students, and offers practical suggestions for improving teacher recruitment, training, and retention.

Q. How does the lack of enough teachers impact students’ learning every day?

Teachers have a very big role to play in educating children. Today, we are not just talking about the academic growth of the child, but the holistic growth as well. In private institutions, parents typically choose schools that offer additional aspects beyond what government schools provide, which are normally academic in nature. Private schools, therefore, offer academic, co-scholastic, co-curricular activities, sporting skills, social skills, life skills, and more.

Teacher shortages in schools can highly impact the children in terms of reduced individual attention creating stress among students, widening gaps in subject expertise, decline in Co-curricular opportunities, weakened bond between Student & Teacher and all this can compromise on the quality of overall education.

Finding a teacher who can fulfil all these expectations is difficult because our teacher training modules are not designed to address the modern-day needs. We prepare teachers through B.Ed. training, but this does not prepare a teacher for the holistic development of children. I am sorry to say, but the system has not evolved to meet today’s requirements. As a result, there is a gap in the supply of quality teachers, especially in private schools. Even in residential schools, where teachers act as foster parents, we struggle to find qualified individuals. Despite offering competitive pay as per the 7th Pay Commission, I still cannot find teachers who meet my criteria.

Q. Why is it hard for schools to maintain the right balance of teachers to students?

The aspirations of today’s teachers are very different from those of previous generations. When I became a teacher 30 years ago, I was focused on establishing myself in this profession. There is a distinction between teachers by choice, who are passionate about teaching, and teachers by chance, who turn to teaching due to a lack of other employment options. The latter group is often dispassionate. Teaching is not merely a profession; it is a passion.

If teaching is approached as just a 9-to-5 job, the outcomes will not meet expectations. Teachers face emotional, social, and learning challenges in their students, and they need to be equipped to address them. However, today’s teachers often lack the willingness to be trained or moulded, which leads to a lack of stability. Teachers today are more focused on better pay and self-esteem rather than on staying in one place for long periods.  Low productivity, lack of required skills and unwillingness to adapt are the major reasons for schools to retain teachers over long periods.

Q. What steps can help schools ensure every class has enough teachers?

The recruitment process needs to be more robust and attractive. The B.Ed. system should be modified to ensure that only those who perform well in their training are allowed to become teachers. The system needs to place greater emphasis on the well-being of the child, including their emotional and social needs, and empathy. Teacher training programmes should also address how to handle children in distress, those being bullied, or those with special learning needs.

Once the teachers are recruited, the schools should offer attractive compensation, offer good growth to teachers that excel, reduce unwanted administrative tasks, focus on teacher well-being and offer training programmes that can help them better at work.

Q. How are students in under-resourced schools managing to learn with few teachers?

In well-established private schools, the situation is not that alarming. These schools typically operate with around 90-95% capacity. However, there are schools, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, that face teacher shortages and have to rely on outside tuition centers for students to make up for the lack of resources. Schools should not push parents to seek additional tuition; they should provide a comprehensive education on their own.  Technology and community support can also help in bridging the gap.

Q. What changes could improve students’ learning if more teachers were available?

I feel that the focus should be also on the quality of teachers along with the required numbers. A capable teacher can handle a class of 40 students effectively if they are passionate and willing to learn. Schools should focus on hiring quality teachers who can implement reflective practices and adapt to students’ needs, rather than merely increasing the teacher headcount.

Fulfilling the desired strength of teachers will give the school an edge in terms of overall holistic development of the child.

Q. How can schools support under qualified teachers to become better educators?

Schools can support under qualified teachers with the right attitude through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes. These programmes help teachers improve throughout their careers, ensuring they keep pace with changes in the education system. Also, peer collaboration and mentorship programmes can help teachers to become a better version of themselves. 

Q. How can we make teaching a more respected and appealing career choice?

Teachers today are financially well-compensated, thanks to the 7th Pay Commission. Schools can offer a comprehensive model where teachers receive good salaries, career growth opportunities, Professional recognitions, job security, and a supportive work environment to make teaching a more respected and appealing career.

Q. What do teachers value the most in the profession?

Respect is the most valued aspect of teaching. Teachers appreciate being seen as facilitators who make the difference in helping students not only perform well academically but also in developing life skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership qualities.

Q. What kind of best international practices can be implemented in the Indian education system?

While India has a rich history in education, technology has become a key enabler in modern education. We should focus on adopting the best technological practices in education and adapt them to the Indian context rather than simply copying Western models.  A holistic, student-centered education that embraces inclusivity, provides teachers with reasonable autonomy, and incorporates a global perspective offers the ideal combination for achieving optimal outcomes.

Q. How far is technology helpful in replacing teachers and overcoming teacher shortages?

Technology can never replace teachers but can assist them in delivering quality lessons. It can serve as an enabler to enhance the teaching process.  Teachers that do not use technology for betterment of their teaching practices will be left behind. 

Q. What immediate steps are needed to modernise the B.Ed. programmes in accordance with modern curricula?

The B.Ed. system must be updated to reflect the changes brought by the NEP and the NCF. It can be achieved in 3 phases:

Phase 1-Conduct a nationwide audit of existing B.Ed. programmes to identify gaps.

Phase 2-Pilot revamped programmes in selected institutions before scaling them nationwide.

Phase 3-Leverage feedback from schools, teacher educators, and policymakers to refine changes.

There is often a significant delay between when policies are introduced and when they are implemented. This gap must be reduced, and reforms should be implemented promptly and transparently.  The programme should be redesigned to empower teachers and students to cultivate a research-driven environment in schools, supported by effective assessment systems that promote 21st-century skills and nurture an innovative mindset.

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