Training The Trainers: Essence Of Teacher Training Programs

There is no denying the fact that the field of education is always under the phase of transition and adjustments. With the coming up of new pedagogies and the discarding of old ones, education is witnessing a remarkable revolution. Education is leaning towards an understanding that connections and relationships are central to learning. With such a shift in the vision of education, it is likely that we are to witness improvement in the academic achievement of students. However, we have a long way to go with everything in motion.

To convert this vision into reality, the government needs to develop many more reforms, initiatives, and policies. In my opinion, the most essential thing that needs to change is the ‘training and capacity building of the teachers.’  Teacher training can take many shapes and forms. Some of them are listed below:

ICT Assisted Teaching-Learning Processes

It is the need of the hour that teachers are trained in the ICT-assisted teaching-learning processes. Such pieces of training are supposed to be part of the induction process to develop their knowledge about the skills and practices involved in ICT-based education.

Development of Emotional Intelligence

Apart from being tech-savvy, teachers must become passionate and empathetic listeners and facilitators to create a congenial and home-like atmosphere in the classroom for students. Emotional intelligence has gained utmost importance in recent times. To develop a teacher as a beacon of leadership, various institutes are designing teacher training programs keeping emotional intelligence as the central feature. Highly emotionally intelligent teachers motivate their students better and understand their students’ behavioural and psychological well-being.

Classroom Management

Classroom management is not as easy as it sounds as it aims to build a culture in a classroom. It requires expertise and experience. It is just like swimming in a pool of diversity. Teachers need guidance on managing a class while being sensitive towards pupils and their needs.

Implementation of Crystal-Clear Instructions

Teachers need training in designing and implementing simple, broken-down instructions that are easy to follow so that students are able to complete the tasks in a time-effective manner.

Experiential Learning

Learning through experiences is the best format for learning. Therefore, teachers should be trained in facilitating experiential learning in classrooms to engage students intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, or physically.

Conclusion

Professional teacher training should be the priority of educational institutes. New reforms, initiatives, or policies will change nothing if teachers are not prepared to implement them. Teacher training would help the teachers teach effectively and efficiently and help the learners grasp the knowledge imparted quickly and conveniently.