National Commission on Teachers (1983)
National Commission on Teachers (1983) under the leadership of Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyay suggested the following measures to strengthen teacher education:
- The duration of teacher education should be extended to two years. The number of working days will be 220 days in each year.
- After secondary school, a four year/five year (preferred) teacher education certificate will be introduced.
- For XII qualified candidates, the course will be of two year duration in elementary teacher education programme and the possibility of four year integrated teacher education course for class X qualified may be explored.
- Selection test should be conducted to select students for teacher education programmes. The test will be combination of rating scale, objective questions, group discussion and personal interview. In addition, the physique, general awareness, attitude towards life of the candidate would also be considered during the selection process.
- Training is a joint responsibility of teacher education institutes and teaching practice schools will make sure to improve the quality of training. ∙ Duration of practice teaching will be four weeks in the third year and three weeks in the fourth year. Students were also expected to take part in all activities conducted by the schools.
- Curriculum of teacher education programmes for elementary and secondary teachers will consist of theory components like professional preparation, general education and practical component like practice teaching.
- To measure teacher student qualities like attitude towards work, affection for students and involvement in activities, proper evaluation criteria should be developed by the teacher education institutions.
- Teacher educators who are expert in the use of educational technology may be identified and posted in each education colleges.
- Opportunities may be provided for self-assessment, discussion of lessons, and self-evaluation.