India’s Steps to Boost Teacher Effectiveness

Recognising the need for effective teaching in inclusive classrooms, India has taken several steps to improve the education sector. As students of diverse backgrounds come together in one classroom, the onus on teachers has greatly increased. 

While the importance of inclusive education cannot be denied in benefitting all students equally, the success of the same cannot be achieved without strengthening the teachers. Here are some of the steps in India’s education sector to boost teacher effectiveness.

Revision in teacher qualifications

In order to ensure that all classrooms are only being taught by teachers that are qualified, the RTE Act necessitates minimum qualification for all teachers. As per this Act, all in-service teachers are required to possess the minimum qualification as specified by the academic authority before they can teach students. This helps offer teacher training to any untrained employee currently engaged in schools. 

B.Ed inclusive education degree 

The government has also introduced a four year B.Ed integrated course to boost teacher effectiveness. This course offers teachers a holistic and comprehensive learning on various topics such as inclusive education, health, yoga and others. A standardised course like this cannot only help teachers in the classrooms but also support consistency in education across the country. 

E-learning content for teachers 

Along with training and development courses, MHRD also created an online platform to boost teacher knowledge and skills. The online platform known as DIKSHA, (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing), supports teachers by providing them with quality content to upgrade their skill set and boost their learning thus enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom. In addition, as this platform is free, it can be used by teachers of all backgrounds to further their understanding. 

The education sector in India is undergoing a massive transformation. With the RTE Act ensuring inclusive education in all classrooms, teachers require more help than ever to meet rising demands. High-quality workshops, teacher training and development courses and an inclusive education forum can massively boost teacher effectiveness and enhance student learning.