46 AICTE Training and Learning Academy Faculty Development Programmes inaugurated

On November 23, 2020, the Union Education Minister, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated 46 online AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) Academy Faculty Development Programmes (FDP). It was launched to train the teachers in higher education institutions association with AICTE (All India Council of Technical Education).

ATAL Academy

The main objective of the academy is to provide quality technical education all over India. It promotes research and entrepreneurship. The ATAL-FDPs are to be organised by premier institutes of India such as IITs, IIITs, NITs and research labs. Currently there are eleven ATAL academies in India. They have trained more than 1 lakh people and has thus been included in the Book of World Records, London.

Other Programmes implemented by AICTE

The AICTE is implementing Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. It was launched in 2015. It is a flagship programme of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The programme aims to mobilize youth to adopt skill training. So far around 19 lakh students have been trained.

Concerns of Teacher Education in India

According to the National Council of Education Research and Training Study, there is no systematic incorporation of feedback system on the training of teachers in the country. The current training system is unable to cover tough spots.

The following are the major problems associated with teacher education in the country

• There are no systems to monitor teachers in the country. The National Council of Teacher Education is a regulatory body. It only controls the functioning of institutes training the teachers. It prevents them from becoming commercial institutions. They do not focus on quality of education provided by the teachers or the teaching practices used by them.
• There are no proper methodologies in selecting teachers.
• Lack of proper facilities and infrastructure. Around 20% of teacher education is run in rented buildings.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2020