Sergent Report, 1944
As a post-war expansion of education after World War II, a new educational scheme called Sergent Scheme was submitted to the Government of India under the leadership of Sir John Sargent. This report is also known as Post-War Development Plan and was accepted by the CABE (Central Advisory Board of Education) in its meeting held in 1943. The report mentioned the education developmental structure and practices starting from pre-primary to university education. The scheme also made significant contribution to the field of teacher education by contributing the following ideals:
- There will be two types of teacher training institutions. One for those who have completed Secondary School Leaving Certificate, for a duration of two years and other for degree holders, the duration of which will be two years.
- Besides training in professional skills, teacher trainees would receive training in extra-curricular activities.
- Teacher training colleges should organize refresher courses, practical classes, training workshops and other professional conferences in addition to regular activities of the college
- Experimental and practicing schools should be set up to conduct research on various topics related to pedagogy.
- Teacher training should be free from fees, and stipend should be provided to trainee teachers. Teacher training colleges should also provide residential facilities to teacher candidates.
- Teacher training should be seen as residential programmes since residential programme help students to empower teaching skills fully.
- The eligibility criteria for M.Ed. degree programme would be trained graduate with three years of teaching experience.
- The professor, school headmasters and inspecting officers, could be transferred from one place to other.
- Special teacher training programmes should be arranged for training of women to overcome the shortage of women teachers.
Sergent Report also recommended that boys and girls after high school can be inducted into the teaching profession. Training programmes should include practical training, refresher courses and research facilities. It suggested a two-year course for pre-primary and junior basic schools (after high school) and a three-year course for these near basic schools. The graduates were then to go for one year training. The report suggested that the first year should be devoted to general and professional subjects along with school visits, discussions and other experiences to create interest in the trainees. It also proposed to revise the pay scale to attract better candidates.