Professional Preparation of Teachers and Teacher Educators – Lessons from International Policy and Practice
21-22 Oct. 2016
REPORT
Partap College of Education, Ludhiana, in collaboration with International Professional Development Association (IPDA), U.K. organized a two day International Conference on the theme ‘Professional Preparation of Teachers and Teacher Educators – Lessons from International Policy and Practice’.
The conference was formally inaugurated by Dr. Coleen R. Jackson, Chair, IPDA, UK as the Chief Guest. Dr. Vijay Obed (Deputy Director, CMC&H) presided over the inaugural session. Dr. Manpreet Kaur, conference co-ordinator and Vice-Principal of the college, welcomed the gathering of esteemed guests from various institutions from all over the country and abroad.
Prof. Ken Jones graced the occasion as Guest of Honour in the inaugural session Educational Consultant and Managing Editor, PDiE journal, in his keynote address put special emphasis on the need to not only focus on Professional Development but also the enhancement in quality of teacher educators and the ‘would be teachers’. He put across a strong message in saying that we all need to make a start, to bring about a change that would assist in taking the education system to the new heights, where we would love to see it. He very aptly remarked, “Quality of system cannot exceed the quality of teaching”. This puts a question mark on our attitude of blaming the system always for our shortcomings. Dr. Coleen R. Jackson, in her keynote address in the second session expressed her keen desire when she remarked, “I am on a mission to make school teaching interesting”. This is what we should all adopt as our motto. Dr. Balwant Singh, Convener of the conference and Chairperson IPDA India put across to the august gathering, the vision and mission behind this conference.
Technical sessions on the sub-themes of the conference were held in the second part of the conference on day one. Research scholars presented their views as to how to improve the system. Ms. Amritbir Kaur, Assistant Professor, presented a vote of thanks to the esteemed guests.
A cultural programme was also presented by the students as a mark of respect for the visiting delegates and guests. It gave them a glimpse of the rich heritage of Punjabi culture. The folk dances and the Military band mesmerized the audience.
The second day of the conference started with a workshop for teacher educators, conducted by Dr. Coleen R. Jackson, Chair IPDA (U.K.). She focused on ‘Transforming Learning Experiences through Metacognition.’ The workshop was attended by teachers and principals from various schools and education colleges. The key focus areas of the workshop were discovering the learning preferences and importance of metacognition, when working with others, students and designing learning experiences.
Prof. R.S. Yadav, Department of Education, Kurukshetra University gave his presidential remarks after the workshop session. Dr. Saroj Yadav, Dean (Academic), National Institute of Education, National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi as resource person talked about how such themes of the conference can help ignite the change we are all looking for to revamp the existing system of education.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. S. K. Yadav (Academic Consultant, National Council for Teacher Education, New Delhi). He forayed in depth into the area of ‘Licensing and Certification of Teachers.” Prof. Yadav talked at length about the efforts being made to improve quality of education. Comparing the national and international perspectives, he said that licensing system for professional practice is an area that is in its infancy stage here in India.
The technical sessions for paper presenters on the various sub-themes of the conference were held. Experts in their respective subjects and research scholars made their mark by putting forward their views through their research papers.
Dr. Coleen and Prof. Ken endorsed the resolution proposed by the delegates in the valedictory session. Research papers of Ms. Harneet Kaur and Reetu Vij Research scholars from Partap College of Education, Ludhiana, Punjab and Ms. Renu Nagpal, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab were adjudged as best papers of the conference. Dr. Coleen announced free membership of IPDA to them for the year 2017.
In her concluding remarks Dr. Coleen Jackson expressed her views about the role of IPDA India and Partap Ludhiana in the Professional Learning and Professional Development of teachers. She appreciated the participation and role of students (Teacher trainees of various streams). She also recommended the involvement of pre-service teachers in such conferences.
Dr. Balwant Singh honoured the esteemed guests. Dr. Manpreet Kaur, Vice-Principal presented the vote of thanks.
