For ages, teaching has been considered a noble profession in India. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping young minds. Today, with the rapid transformation of the teaching-learning landscape, there is an urgent need to revisit the foundational skills and qualities of successful teachers. This is also imperative as we’re moving towards work-integrated education options in India, post-NEP 2020.
Especially, in higher education, teachers will have many opportunities to explore the world of work in different industry sectors before they revisit curriculum and pedagogy for job-oriented courses. To get started with the journey in the realm of work-integrated education, it may be a good idea to revisit these 5 foundational pillars.
5 Key pillars of successful teachers in work-integrated education system
Adapt and make the change: This is the top attribute and it’s a proven fact that embracing change is the first step towards professional growth. And, through applied learning a small change can be initiated to propel skill-based courses.
Curious and inquisitive: By being curious teachers unlock the huge potential of inquiry and continuous learning to design and deliver work-integrated courses.
Connect and collaborate: Together we can accomplish much more! With this motto, being harbingers of change can mean teachers taking up new assignments in collaboration with industry. They can contribute by working closely with industry experts and this in turn adds a lot of value to work-integrated courses.
Love technology, even if it sounds futuristic: Jobs of the future are all about being tech-savvy. When teachers start using technology and the latest tools in their daily activities it becomes easier to navigate the future of work and its demands.
Developing a big picture perspective: Work-integrated education is the need of the hour in India and it’s essential to learn why. By going deeper into the context through research, teachers can appreciate various issues about the importance of connecting education with employment and entrepreneurship.
Teachers never retire from their profession; it’s like a lifelong commitment to improve the lives of many who need guidance, mentoring and support. This commitment has the power to transform the way we learn, what we learn and how we make use of it. So, isn’t it the most exciting times to be a teacher or a trainer?
