Standardising India’s Educators: For The First Time, A Four Years Integrated B Ed Course For School Teachers

On the lines of similar courses abroad, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), a statutory body setup to formally oversee standards, procedures and processes in the Indian education system, has introduced a four-year professional Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) course, as reported by Deccan Chronicle.

According to the report, a four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) would be offered to candidates of arts and science streams after the plus two stage. The course would consist of eight semesters and would include field-based experiences, teaching practice and internship.

The new programme would integrate general studies (consisting of mathematics and science, social sciences and humanities) and professional studies comprising of core education courses, curriculum and pedagogy of school subjects and practicals related to the tasks and functions of a school teacher.

Two courses will be offered, one for pre-primary to primary teachers and another one for upper primary to secondary teachers. The curriculum is also believed to incorporate the world’s best practices in the field of teacher education sector.

“Over a period, we have observed that no one is happy with the school education. Since 1992, it was realised that a teacher plays a vital role in achieving the quality of school education and there is a need to empower school teachers and attract quality people into the teaching profession. Before that, we extended the B.Ed programme to two years, and now the government of India is going for the integrated program as advanced countries are providing integrated courses," Prof Ghanta Ramesh, former member of the NCTE was quoted as saying.

The course is expected to equip the aspirant school teacher with the all the required attitude, skills and knowledge to address the challenges in becoming an effective school teacher.