Research Options in Teacher Education

The 1992 Programme of Action emphasized that a teacher's performance is the most crucial factor in education, noting that all educational policies are ultimately implemented by teachers. The implication is clear: if we desire excellent teachers in our schools, we must invest in a high-quality teacher education system. However, in modern times, this system must not only cater to traditional school education but also address national, socioeconomic, and human empowerment issues, especially given the rapid pace of knowledge expansion and globalization. Recognizing the potential of teacher education, it becomes evident that innovations and reforms are essential for national development.

Research in Teacher Education

To facilitate these innovations, there is a need for comprehensive research into the teacher education system to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Research should not just be about understanding existing systems but should aim to foster improvement through the analytical examination of facts and the exploration of new knowledge.

Current Research Trends

There has been extensive research in teacher education across various subfields such as teaching competency, job satisfaction, training needs, and curriculum evaluation. Studies have also explored psychological, personal, and social aspects of teachers and teacher educators. However, while Indian universities produce a large number of research degrees, there is a lack of systematic, continuous efforts to address the gaps in teacher education. More rigorous, experimental, and qualitative studies are needed to ensure the practical application of research findings.

Suggested Areas for Further Research

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• Effectiveness of teaching strategies:

Understanding which methods yield the best results in different contexts.

• Societal expectations:

Exploring what communities expect from teacher education at different stages.

• Ethnographic studies

Focusing on how teacher education impacts different ethnic groups.

• Qualitative studies on program effectiveness:

Deep dives into the success and shortcomings of various teacher education programs.

• Perception of stakeholders:

Understanding how different parties (teachers, students, policymakers) view current teacher education programs.

• Development of multimedia and educational tools

Creating and assessing new teaching aids, like instructional packages or e-learning tools.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the volume of research conducted, a significant challenge is the poor utilization of research outcomes within teacher education institutions. Research findings need to be properly documented and disseminated to various stakeholders, such as curriculum developers and policymakers. The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) also echoed this concern, calling for a system to document research and share innovative practices in education. This would ensure that research findings are not merely stored in reports but actively shape pre-service and in-service teacher training programs.

By addressing these gaps, teacher education programs can be updated and reformed to better meet the needs of modern schools, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary tools to help students navigate a more complex and demanding educational landscape.

Prof (Dr) Madhavi Sharma

Dean
Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education
SGT University, Gurugram