National Curriculum Framework On Teacher Education
The National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) has prepared the National Curriculum Framework of Teacher Education, which was circulated in March 2009. This Framework has been prepared in the background of the NCF, 2005 and the principles laid down in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 which necessitated an altered framework on Teacher Education which would be consistent with the changed philosophy of school curriculum recommended in the NCF, 2005. While articulating the vision of teacher education, the Framework has some important dimensions of the new approach to teacher education, as under:
Reflective practice to be the central aim of teacher education;
Student-teachers should be provided opportunities for self-learning, reflection, assimilation and articulation of new ideas;
Developing capacities for self-directed learning and ability to think, be critical and to work in groups.
Providing opportunities to student-teachers to observe and engage with children, communicate with and relate to children. The Framework has highlighted the focus, specific objectives, broad areas of study in terms of theoretical and practical learnings, and curricular transaction and assessment strategies for the various initial teacher education programmes. The draft also outlines the basic issues that should guide formulation of all programmes of these courses. The Framework has made several recommendations on the approach and methodology of in-service teacher training programmes and has also outlined a strategy for implementation of the Framework. As a natural corollary to the NCFTE, the NCTE has also developed ‘model’ syllabi for various teacher education courses.