Govt to provide coaching for science teachers

The first phase of the training programme would be conducted at 10 districts of Tamil Nadu. Education Department sources said that the government would also conduct training programme for higher secondary school science teachers under the ‘Dissemination of Innovative Technology’ scheme that aims to spread technologies that are useful in improving the standards of teaching.

A senior official from the department said that experts would visit school and selected teachers would be given training. “We have found that most of the science teachers, especially in rural schools, impart only textbook knowledge to students,” he said.

The official said the programme would help teachers in conceptualisation of science by utilising local environmental resources. “Training will be conducted during the weekends. A special science kit and handbook will be given to them during their training programme,” he added.

The official said once the training programme was over, the teacher’s performance would be monitored so that the scheme could be modified as per the feedback. With regard to dissemination of innovative technology training scheme, he said the programme would be started shortly. Under this, the teachers would be trained on the content of new textbooks developed based on revised curriculum, pedagogy, integration of technology and usage of science. “This programme will be implemented in all the districts,” he added. The official said that the government would soon appoint experts for the training programme, which is expected to commence next month.