Upskilling Educators: Importance of Teachers in Shaping India's Future

The Education Commission (1964-66) professed that "The destiny of India is now being shaped in her classrooms". This explicitly brings out the importance of the teacher in the classroom.

In line with this, NEP 2020 clearly articulates that teacher education needs urgent and comprehensive reform. Hence, an important outcome of the NEP 2020 is the NCFTE - National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education.

Gaps Highlighted in the NCFTE

- The training of teachers is a major area of concern as both pre-service and in-service training of school teachers are extremely inadequate and poorly managed in most states.
- The training of teachers happens in insular, intellectually impoverished environments that are severed from ground realities as well as the aims of education they espouse.
- Both at the elementary and secondary levels, the initial teacher preparation is fraught with several problems; some of them are common while others are specific to a stage of education.

Upskilling Teachers for 21st Century Learners

Undoubtedly, the teacher in the classroom needs to be competent and skilled to ensure effective teaching-learning processes. We must take measures keeping in mind the urgency to upskill teachers. We are currently facilitating the learning of 21st-century learners, who have access to all the information at the click of a button. Therefore, the teacher will need to be trained to incorporate Student-led Learning Strategies that enable students to process the information and build meaningful connections.

Promoting Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills are of paramount importance for young learners. It is said that it is like a muscle that can be exercised and built over time. If our teachers have to mold students to be critical thinkers, then they ought to be trained in pedagogical practices that promote critical thinking rather than rote learning. It would be crucial to incorporate design-thinking principles to create impactful learning experiences.

Developing Reflective Practices and Communication Skills

Getting students to develop reflective practices, collaborate with peers, and enhance their verbal and non-verbal communication are areas in which teachers need to upskill themselves. Rather, teachers too will need to develop these skills for themselves.

Addressing Diversity and Promoting Equity

Our classrooms are diverse in a multitude of ways, and equity and inclusivity will need to be looked into. Teachers need to be trained to be culturally aware and sensitive, cater to the needs of diverse sets of learners, and ensure equity at all times in the classrooms.

Integrating Socio-Emotional Learning

Keeping in mind the present scenario, NEP 2020 emphasizes the significance of integrating Socio learning. Teachers will need to understand what SEL is and what they can do to help students develop SEL skills.

Effective Integration of Technology in Classrooms

Unlike most teachers, young learners are digital natives. So the question today is not whether to use technology in classrooms or not, but it is about optimum and effective use of technology to impact learning. An understanding of how to integrate technology, which educational applications to use, and to what extent is of paramount importance for teachers.

It is quite apparent that there is an urgent and compelling need to upskill teachers who can continue to innovate and inspire young 21st-century learners and contribute towards nation-building.

About Author: Ms. Nidhi Thapar is Vice President - Academics Ryan Edunation Services Pvt. Ltd