Monthly training programme for Delhi govt teachers soon

NEW DELHI: In a bid to improve the environment in its school classrooms, the Education department of Delhi government is considering starting a monthly training programme for its teachers.

Earlier, the teachers had been sent for training to Singapore and IIM-Ahmedabad.

"We think that teacher training on a regular basis is needed. For this, we will give responsibility to some senior and well-trained teacher in every school, who will then train teachers of their schools every month," said a senior Delhi government official.

He added that the government is looking for subject experts as well, who can train the teachers regarding the latest developments in that particular subject.

Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said that in its first year, the Delhi government had concentrated on improving infrastructure, training of teachers training in the second year, and in the third year their focus would be on creative learning methods.

In its 2017-18 budget, the Delhi government had allocated Rs 11,300 crore, almost a quarter of its budget, to the education sector alone, to build 10,000 new classrooms and 400 new libraries among other things.

Educationists lauded the newfound emphasis on education, especially public education.

However, some also expressed concerns over a few of the government programs.

Recently, six teachers from Delhi government schools were awarded the Fulbright Teaching Fellowship, to travel to the United States and attend special programmes at various universities. They are the only Indian teachers selected for the programme.

Sisodia, who also serves as the Delhi Education minister, had said, "It is a proud moment for Delhi, since this is the first time that all teachers chosen from India are from Delhi government schools.

"I have always believed that Delhi's teachers are very talented. It is heartening to see them receive international recognition for their service to Delhi's children."

Recently, the minister had also met with teachers, as well as students of Delhi government schools, where he found that classes are becoming more interactive than earlier expected.

"We want the classrooms to be more interactive and this will require training of teachers. The classes can become interactive only through new teaching techniques, which we want to implement in the classes," said an official of the Directorate of Education.